Unlocking Potential in High-Stakes Industries: A Chat with Leigh Schiffmacher
On our latest episode of the Hiring For Good Podcast, Suzanne Hanifin and I had the pleasure of speaking with Leigh Schiffmacher, Director of Operations at CAI. I’ve admired Leigh’s leadership for a while, and this conversation only deepened my respect for the way she approaches people, process, and performance.
CAI is a professional services firm operating in high-stakes industries such as pharma, biotech, and life sciences, where systems must function precisely and the people behind them matter more than ever. Leigh gave us an inside look at what it takes to lead operations in such a demanding environment and how CAI’s culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement guides every decision.
When we discussed building teams, Leigh spoke candidly about a hire that completely transformed her team. The candidate didn’t check every technical box on paper and was quiet, and maybe easy to overlook. But they had drive, curiosity, and resilience. Leigh gave them a shot, and over time, that person became one of the most valuable contributors on an incredibly complex MES (manufacturing execution system) project. Today, they’re one of only three experts in that system across the entire 700-person company. It was such a powerful reminder that great hiring isn’t just about experience—it’s about recognizing potential and giving it room to grow.
Leigh also spoke about the way CAI weaves together leadership development, talent cultivation, and smart tech implementation. It’s not about chasing tools for the sake of innovation—it’s about using technology to elevate people and remove roadblocks. She talked about how building strong teams means investing in your people early, giving them autonomy, and designing systems that bring out their best work.
Throughout our conversation, I found myself nodding at so many of Leigh’s insights. At Acumen, we believe deeply in hiring for mindset and mission-fit, not just a resume. Leigh’s perspective reinforces the idea that when you hire people with grit, curiosity, and values that align with your culture, you’re not just filling a role—you’re building the future of your organization.
I walked away from this episode feeling energized and hopeful. Leigh is proof that leadership done right is quiet, steady, and deeply human. I’m so grateful to have had the chance to learn from her and to share her story on Hiring For Good.
You can listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. I promise—it’s one of our best yet.
Leigh’s Bio
Leigh Schiffmacher is the Director of Operations at CAI, a global professional services firm specializing in engineering and quality solutions for life sciences and other mission-critical industries. With over 15 years of experience in operational leadership, Leigh is known for her ability to align strategy, talent, and technology to drive scalable, sustainable results. At CAI, she oversees complex, high-impact projects where precision, compliance, and people-first leadership are essential.
Leigh’s approach is rooted in continuous improvement and a deep belief in the power of investing in people. She is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders, building high-performing teams, and creating a culture where individuals are empowered to grow into their full potential. Her leadership style combines data-driven decision-making with empathy, adaptability, and integrity.
Throughout her career, Leigh has been recognized for turning challenges into opportunities, especially in fast-paced environments where operational excellence is non-negotiable. She brings a calm, thoughtful presence to every initiative and consistently champions the idea that great outcomes come from hiring smart, values-aligned people—and giving them room to thrive.
Leigh holds a strong reputation as a trusted leader, strategic thinker, and advocate for inclusive and impactful team development.