“I believe every leader has untapped potential and capacity not only to perform but to transform the people and systems around them. My passion is walking alongside leaders to help them uncover that potential, grow in clarity and confidence, and lead with purpose that drives measurable impact.”
Basil’s leadership journey began over two decades ago at a Fortune 500 company, Novo Nordisk, Inc., where he started as a Sales Representative and rose through the ranks to become one of the organization’s top-performing Vice Presidents. Along the way, he held roles in account management, institutional leadership, national sales, and specialty division development culminating in leading a commercial team of 1,000 people and generating $2 billion in revenue across North America.
During that time, Basil witnessed what true leadership can do: it can align teams, accelerate results, and elevate an organization’s culture. He also saw the gaps where pressure, complexity, and rapid change often outpace leadership capacity. That’s why he launched Vertical Empowerment: to develop leaders who don’t just manage tasks but lead from a deeper foundation of identity, purpose, and strategic thinking.
Basil’s work centers on coaching and developing leaders at all levels from C-suite executives to rising managers primarily across the healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical technology, and health systems industries. He brings a mix of real-world executive experience, strategic insight, and an unwavering belief in the transformational power of leadership when it’s done well.
Beyond the business, Basil is a proud Detroiter, husband of over 30 years, and father to three amazing daughters. He holds a B.A. in Communication from Wayne State University and an M.B.A. in Marketing from Michigan State. When he’s not coaching, Basil can be found outdoors hiking, fishing, skiing, diving and spending time with his family and faith community in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
“My mission is simple: equip leaders to elevate how they think, lead, and live so they can create lasting impact in the organizations and to the people they influence every day.”
Imposter Syndrome Coach Practitioner
Coaching.com
Certificate of Executive Leadership
Harvard Business School
Certificate of Strategic Execution
Wharton Executive Education
Certificate of Sales Management for Sales Executives
University of Michigan – Stephen M. Ross School of Business
Certificate Strategic Analysis
Michigan State University – Eli Broad College of Business
Jennifer Beattie
Jennifer Beattie is a seasoned HR strategist and facilitator with over a decade of experience helping organizations build stronger leaders, improve communication, and scale talent in dynamic, fast-paced environments. She has designed and delivered training programs for organizations of all sizes translating complex business goals into engaging, real-world learning experiences.
Jennifer specializes in leadership development, emotional intelligence, performance management, and navigating difficult conversations. Her programs are known for being interactive, practical, and tailored to modern learners across remote, hybrid, and in-person settings.
In partnership with Vertical Empowerment, Jennifer co-creates high-impact training sessions and workshops that energize teams, align leadership, and drive measurable business results.
Linda Lawrence MD, CPE, PCC
Dr. Linda Lawrence is a transformational executive coach, retired Air Force Colonel. With more than 25 years of senior leadership experience across military, academic, and healthcare systems, she brings deep expertise in guiding organizations and individuals through change, complexity, and growth.
A certified executive coach and strategic advisor, known for her clear thinking, compassionate candor, and strategic mindset, Linda helps leaders strengthen their confidence, build high-performing teams, and create cultures rooted in trust and engagement. Her background includes extensive experience in governance and board leadership, equipping her with a strong understanding of organizational dynamics and system-wide influence.
In partnership with Vertical Empowerment, Linda works with leaders through 1:1 coaching, mastermind groups, and customized leadership development programs designed to amplify purpose, performance, and long-term impact.
Download Basil Denno’s free e-book for actionable insights and proven strategies to elevate your leadership and drive lasting impact.
The ROI of leadership is real when done right. Our clients report improved communication, stronger team alignment, better decision-making, and measurable business results. When leaders grow, so does the organization. Vertical Empowerment is about real-world application and long-term impact, not feel-good theory.
We understand budget constraints are real especially in today’s environment. That’s why we offer scalable solutions, from 1:1 executive coaching to targeted workshops and CE-eligible webinars. Many organizations find that a focused investment in leadership development actually saves time and money by reducing turnover, improving clarity, and accelerating execution. Let’s explore what’s possible within your current budget.
Leadership development doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Coaching and training sessions are designed to integrate with your schedule and provide value right away. In fact, many clients say these conversations help them move faster, not slower, by improving how they prioritize, lead, and execute.
You’re not alone. Many programs focus on what you know and do. Vertical Empowerment is different, we focus on how leaders think, ensuring transformation that’s sustainable, strategic, and aligned to your organization’s real challenges. Our work is integrated with your goals, not just added on top.
That’s often when coaching is most valuable. Leadership support isn’t about adding to your plate, it’s about helping you refocus, delegate effectively, and lead through complexity with clarity. If you’re navigating growth, restructuring, or increased demand, that’s exactly when strategic leadership development makes the biggest impact.
We customize every engagement. Whether you’re in pharmaceuticals, medtech, healthcare systems, or insurance, we align our coaching and workshops to your context, strategy, and values. This isn’t cookie-cutter content, it’s hands-on partnership grounded in 50+ years of executive healthcare experience.
That’s exactly why we start with a conversation. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Our discovery calls are designed to clarify your goals, surface your leadership or team challenges, and explore what outcomes you want. No pressure, just clarity.
Not at all. While we coach C-suite and VPs, we also work with directors, high-potential managers, and cross-functional teams. The goal is to build a strong leadership bench at every level, because sustainable success requires alignment and leadership capacity throughout the organization.
If you’re looking to move beyond conventional leadership development, building transformational capacity and driving meaningful growth across your organization, we would like to connect with you.
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