Today we’d like to introduce you to Tilantine Benjamin.
Hi Tilantine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I describe my journey as one of resilience, service, and purpose. I began in education as a K–12 teacher and instructional technologist, but soon stepped into organizational leadership and workforce development. Over the years, I’ve led in senior roles with the Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and now as Branch Chief of People Programs at the USDA. At MDA, I became the first African American female to earn Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, proving my commitment to building systems that save resources while empowering people.
Driven to create spaces where others can grow, I founded QuintessentialU, my coaching and consulting practice. Through The Quintessential Leader framework—Clarity, Calling, Confidence, and Contribution—I help women leaders and organizations lead from identity and purpose.
My service also extends through faith and sisterhood. From 2015–2022, I served as a deacon and associate minister at The Fellowship of Faith Church in Huntsville, Alabama. Within Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, I’ve served in international, regional, state, and local leadership roles, and today I lead as President of Chi Xi Zeta Chapter in Johnston County, NC. I also previously served as President of the NPHC of North Alabama.
As an author and blogger, I share my journey and lessons to equip others to step into leadership with boldness and authenticity. Through every chapter of my life, I’ve learned that leadership is less about titles and more about influence, stewardship, and legacy—a truth that continues to guide me as I help others become their most aligned and impactful selves.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge has been a growth opportunity. Early in my journey, I wrestled with identity and belonging. As a young professional and woman of color stepping into leadership spaces where I was often “the first” or “the only,” I had to fight through imposter syndrome and the pressure to minimize my voice. Over time, I learned that my name, my story, and my presence were not obstacles to overcome, but gifts to steward.
There were also seasons of personal struggle. My family’s health challenges, the loss of loved ones, and the demands of balancing career, ministry, sorority leadership, and entrepreneurship all tested my resilience. Leading in government systems meant navigating bureaucracy and resistance to change, while in ministry and sorority life, I sometimes had to lead through conflict, discouragement, or lack of support.
But the truth is, the struggles shaped me just as much as the successes. They taught me patience, discipline, and the importance of community. They forced me to lean into prayer, reflection, and strategy instead of perfectionism. They ultimately gave birth to The Quintessential Leader framework, which exists because I know what it feels like to question your clarity, doubt your calling, lose confidence, or wonder if your contributions matter.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth. However, the bumps, detours, trials and setbacks have been the very ground on which my leadership, faith, and vision were built.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
QuintessentialU is my leadership coaching and consulting practice, where I help leaders and organizations align who they are with how they lead. As a certified member of the John Maxwell Leadership Team, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and a leader with over 30 years of executive experience, I bring both proven strategy and authentic coaching to every engagement.
Through my signature model, The Quintessential Leader framework—Clarity, Calling, Confidence, and Contribution—I specialize in guiding women leaders and organizations to lead from identity and purpose.
What sets me apart is the way I merge strategy with soul. I simplify complexity, design actionable plans, and empower leaders to thrive. I’m most proud that QuintessentialU reflects my own journey and continues to inspire others to break through barriers and lead with lasting impact.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Absolutely! I’m a lifelong learner, so I draw from a mix of spiritual, leadership, and practical resources. Spiritually, the Bible is my foundation—I return to it daily for wisdom, grounding, and perspective. John Maxwell’s The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth and other Maxwell Leadership resources have also been transformational for me. I’m honored to be part of the Maxwell Leadership Team.
On the practical side, I lean on my iOS Notes app to jot down my ideas whenever I think of them. I’m an avid podcast listener, too. Shows like Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, Maxwell Leadership Podcast, 15 Minutes In The Word With Joyce Meyer, and Brown Ambition keep me sharpened and remind me that leadership is a continual journey.
And of course, writing for and reading my own blog, The Quintessential Leader, is a resource in itself. It gives me space to reflect on lessons learned and to encourage others, which always refuels me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://QuintessentialU.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/QuintessentialU7
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuintessentialU
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/dr-tilantine-benjamin
- Other: https://QuintessentialU.blogspot.com
Image Credits
Anthony Gibson Photography
