For Rebecca Blankinship, a 2023 graduate of Antioch University’s MBA with a concentration in Leadership and Teams, the journey from student to founder of her own consulting and coaching firm has been one of growth, service, and purpose. Her path reflects not only the practical skills gained at Antioch but also the deeper values of social and environmental justice woven into Antioch University’s DNA.
After completing a year of service with AmeriCorps VISTA, where she worked to strengthen the capacity of a local nonprofit, Blankinship was inspired to launch her business, Inspired Development. “This experience, combined with the knowledge I gained during my MBA, prepared me to start my firm,” she says. In a full-circle moment, her first major consulting contract came through connections built during her year of service—proof that giving back often returns dividends in unexpected and rewarding ways.
Blankinship’s time at Antioch was transformational, both academically and personally. She recalls her first Human Resources course as an exciting introduction to Antioch’s distinctive approach—one that seamlessly integrated conversations about social and environmental justice into business practices. But the journey wasn’t without its challenges. She nearly walked away during a difficult Financial and Managerial Accounting course, doubting her ability to persevere. A pivotal conversation with her advisor, Bob Lazzarini, turned things around. Through coaching-style questioning, Lazzarini helped Blankinship find her own reasons to continue—modeling the very leadership techniques that would later become central to her own work. As she advanced through her concentration courses, particularly those led by Lazzarini, Blankinship experienced a personal transformation that deepened her commitment to her goals.
Today, Blankinship is deeply passionate about creating workplaces where leaders and teams experience greater ease, grace, and connection. Her unique approach—partnering with purpose-driven businesses and leaders to provide both consulting and coaching for lasting change—offers clients impactful solutions that enhance business health and employee well-being. “I help shape company environments to better nurture well-being, personal growth, professional development, and a healthier world,” she said.
As she continues to grow Inspired Development, Blankinship remains guided by the mission that brought her to Antioch in the first place: to empower leaders to create lasting, meaningful change. By helping organizations optimize their people and culture operations, foster inclusive and thriving workplaces, and align systems with core values, she is making a tangible impact. With each success, she not only advances her clients’ goals but also contributes to a larger vision of a more just, compassionate, and purpose-driven world.
Learn more about Blankinship and her impactful work on her consulting website.
