Today we’d like to introduce you to Malika Begin
Hi Malika , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been teaming my whole life. As a kid, I dreamed big—working in Hollywood, living out big adventures, and being part of exceptional, world known teams. That dream took shape when I found the opportunity to play college soccer near Los Angeles and intern in the entertainment industry. I juggled classes, practices, and late nights at events, living the Hollywood hustle and loving every moment of it. I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to collaborate on celebrity interviews and stunts that were seen around the world. But what really hooked me wasn’t the glamour—it was the energy of creating something dynamic with a team under pressure.
That same spark later led me to the fast-paced world of startups. I joined a company with just four employees, tasked with building leadership development and company culture from the ground up. In a few short years, that team grew to 120 fully remote employees, long before remote work was the norm. Together, we built an award-winning culture, and I discovered my joy in developing teams with intention and heart.
When the startup was acquired, I took on a bigger role leading programs for the 1,200-person organization. I launched initiatives like the mentorship program, manager training, a women’s leadership program, and a signature program I called COLLAB—a cross-departmental leadership initiative aligning growth with company goals. COLLAB became pivotal in preparing the company for its next chapter: another acquisition. Two years later, we scaled again—this time under AT&T, navigating the leap from a startup to a 200,000-person enterprise.
Through these experiences, I realized how transformational intentional systems for fast growth and team-building can be. These systems don’t just create healthy cultures; they drive results, impact valuation, and shape whether a company thrives or is quickly out of business. With that insight, I took the leap to start Begin Development, channeling my passion for helping businesses align people, processes, and culture with strategic goals.
After earning my Master’s in Organization Development from Pepperdine, I’ve dedicated my work to building adaptive organizations that thrive in dynamic environments. Whether driving acquisition success, scaling startups, or increasing employee engagement, I love creating workplaces where collaboration, innovation, and growth come alive. Because at the heart of every great company is a thriving team.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Begin Development was born out of my passion for building high-performing teams and coaching leaders. I started with the vision of creating a business that reflected my expertise and personal brand—where every client experience felt like a direct extension of me. I poured my heart into the work, deeply involved in every client interaction and leading every project. It felt natural and aligned with how I’d always approached leadership: hands-on, intentional, and personal.
As our growth accelerated, I reached a pivotal crossroads. Our work expanded to include major public companies and their boards, and the challenges became increasingly complex, demanding a deeper level of expertise and innovation. It became clear that Begin Development couldn’t scale like it needed to if it relied solely on me. I found myself facing a tough irony: the very advice I gave to my clients—build strong, empowered teams—was something I needed to take to heart.
I made a pivotal decision to shift my mindset from being the individual expert to empowering a collective force. I brought in talented leaders from my close network with specialized skills and fresh perspectives to expand our capabilities and deliver even greater value to our clients. It wasn’t easy to step back and trust others to lead projects with clients I’d become close with while maintaining the integrity of our brand, but it was necessary.
Begin Development evolved into something far beyond what I had envisioned. What began as a small coaching and training business grew into a catalyst for transformation, shaping the strategies and leadership of influential companies, driving the growth of executive teams, and guiding organizations through complex change management initiatives—impacting far more people and businesses than I had initially imagined. I experienced the true power of collaboration—not just for my clients but within my own company. By practicing what I preach and building an empowered team, we’ve been able to shape impactful change at the highest levels of business. Begin Development has continued to grow, driven by the strength of our collective expertise and the principles of leadership and teamwork we live by every day. It’s a journey that reminds me constantly of the value of trusting others and creating space for a shared vision to thrive.
We’ve been impressed with Begin Development , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Begin Development, our approach of leadership development with heart helps companies tackle the real challenges of building strong, effective teams and creating a workplace culture where people thrive. Since 2019, our woman-led team has focused on what matters most: developing leaders and fostering strong working relationships that drive results. We specialize in practical solutions for businesses of all sizes—from non-profits to publicly traded companies—tailoring our approach to meet your specific needs. Whether navigating change, improving leadership, resolving conflict, or creating a plan for long-term success, we provide the tools and support to help an organization grow. We help companies team well.
Our services include leadership coaching, executive team development, manager training, strategic planning, cultural transformation, and team-building programs that get to the heart of what makes teams work. We use a range of proven assessments, such as The 5 Behaviors, DISC, CliftonStrengths, Hogan, Enneagram, and Leadership Circle, to provide actionable insights that help your team grow stronger together.
Based in Malibu, California, we’ve worked with organizations locally and globally, helping them engage employees, strengthen leadership, and turn their workplace into a foundation for success. At Begin Development, we’re here to help you build a culture that lasts and a team that delivers.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, the people development industry is poised for rapid transformation, with key shifts shaping the future of leadership and company culture. One of the most significant changes will be the growing emphasis on personalized leadership development and fostering strong, intentional cultures—especially as remote and hybrid work environments continue to dominate. In an increasingly global, distributed workforce, leaders must make meaningful connections and be deliberate in creating cohesive cultures despite physical distance.
Companies are already channeling more time and resources into people development, coaching, and leadership programs, with the global executive coaching and leadership development market expected to reach $147 billion by 2029. This surge reflects the recognition that leadership development is not just a tool for growth but a strategic necessity in navigating rapid industry changes, strengthening leadership capabilities, and enhancing organizational performance. For businesses in high-stakes industries, leadership development will be a competitive advantage that sets them apart (The Conference Board, Mordor Intelligence).
Looking ahead, I expect to see a continued rise in leadership programs that are tailored to individual growth trajectories. The days of one-size-fits-all development—or relying solely on automated, or knowledge bank systems—are over. In today’s diverse workforce, personalized approaches that build on emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability will be essential for leaders to thrive in constant change.
Another major trend will be the growing demand for mental health and well-being expertise. In 2024, many companies focus on holistic well-being strategies that incorporate cognitive, and physical health. 73% of organizations already see mental health benefits as essential to attracting and retaining talent (Milliman). As I see it, nothing contributes more to employee well-being than feeling valued and able to do your best work in a supportive environment. When companies foster a culture where people can truly be their best selves, the mental and emotional benefits are immeasurable.
As employee expectations evolve, companies will need to be proactive in supporting their teams holistically. This will likely reshape the role of people development professionals, shifting them beyond traditional training and into areas that support personal and mental wellness.
Finally, I foresee a shift toward more collaborative and inclusive leadership models. As organizations become increasingly diverse, leaders who can lead with empathy and inclusivity will stand out. The ability to harness the power of diverse teams, and create environments where every voice is valued, will be the hallmark of successful leadership in the years ahead. The future of people development will be defined by those who can build cultures of connection, resilience, and growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.begindevelopment.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/begindevelopment/
