We are passionate about your growth.

Meet Our Founder

Shelby Smith-Wilson

Our origin story begins on Fendall Avenue in Richmond, Virginia, where the founder spent most of her childhood.  

If you break down the word “Fendall,” the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines fend as a verb, to defend or support; all is a noun, the whole of one’s possessions, resources, or energy.  A partnership dedicated to creating something new or reimagining what already exists is how we define collaborative. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to work together in building something greater.

Our founder, Shelby Smith-Wilson, is a senior government executive. She has worked and lived in five countries as a diplomat, building cross-cultural relationships and managing crises. Co-host of the Leadership Tea Podcast, she is committed to developing leaders and helping executives keep their toolkits fresh. She is also the author of the Shelby Said What? blog. Connect with her to take your leadership skills to the next level.

Learn more about Shelby

Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast on YouTube and preview episodes below:

The Fendall Collaborative Can Help.

Personalized Strategy

We don’t believe in generalities. Our coaching approach is tailored to clarify your goals, develop a strategy that fits your unique journey, and take actionable steps.

Partnership

You are not alone in this process. We work alongside you as a partner, providing support, accountability, and insight to help you build confidence and control your path.

Progress, Sustained

Success isn’t just about quick wins—it’s about long-term impact. We equip you with the mindset, tools, and strategies to sustain your growth and continue evolving.

Our Services

  • Start with a 30-minute consultation to see if The Fendall Collaborative can meet your needs.

  • Our services include 1:1 coaching programs for 8-12 weeks, or situational coaching after you complete an initial package.

  • This service is ideal for supervisors and their deputies who are trying to synergize their leadership styles to maximize team outputs for a specific project.