The LeadLab Team
Behind every LeadLab experience is a community of people devoted to one purpose: helping leaders grow so the mission of the church thrives.
The People behind the Process
LeadLab was created by the Global Leadership Institute (GLI) at Andrews University, an innovation hub dedicated to cultivating Christlike leadership worldwide.
At its core are two co-directors, Dr. Randy Siebold and Dr. Erich Baumgartner, who together designed LeadLab as a leadership laboratory—a place where learning becomes transformation and leadership becomes legacy.
Visionary Leadership and Foundational Support
Built on trust, vision, and innovation.
The Global Leadership Institute (GLI) and LeadLab were born through the faith and foresight of key leaders who believed deeply in developing leaders for mission.
Dr. Juan Prestol, as Treasurer of the General Conference, was part of the group of leaders who envisioned GLI. His conviction that leadership growth strengthens the mission of the church supported the launch of LeadLab in 2018.
Dr. Alayne Thorpe, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, College of Education, and International Partnerships at Andrews University, is an experienced champion of institutional innovation and new initiatives to support leaders worldwide.
Ramiro Quero, an early member of the GLI team, played a key role in building the operational systems and team structure that sustains LeadLab. His vision and technological skill helped turn the concept of a “leadership laboratory” into a global learning reality. Ramiro now serves as Learning Initiatives Officer at Hope Channel International, which has participated in the LeadLab Growth Series as part of its commitment to ongoing leadership development.
GLI Co-Directors
Building Pathways for Leader Growth and Mission Impact
At the heart of the Global Leadership Institute are two colleagues who have spent their careers helping leaders grow in both competence and character.
Dr. Randy Siebold and Dr. Erich Baumgartner co-direct GLI and co-created LeadLab—a leadership laboratory designed to translate learning into transformation and leadership into mission.
Together, they design experiences that help leaders connect insight with action, reflection with community, and personal growth with the larger purpose of advancing the Gospel.
Dr. Randy Siebold
Co-Director, Global Leadership Institute
Randy brings years of experience in leadership development and organizational innovation.
He is passionate about aligning purpose, people, and process so that leaders and their teams can fulfill the church’s mission with clarity and faith.
Dr. Erich Baumgartner
Co-Director, Global Leadership Institute
Erich focuses on leader transformation, learning design, and cross-cultural leadership.
His work helps leaders recognize God’s fingerprints in the events, people, and experiences that have shaped their calling—and equips them to multiply that growth in others.
The Administrative Team
Turning vision into action every day.
At the operational heart of GLI is Anna (Anna Piskozub), who coordinates the daily activities of both LeadLab and the broader GLI initiatives. She ensures smooth communication, logistics, and participant care, supported by a dedicated team of Graduate Assistants. Their behind-the-scenes work enables LeadLab to run seamlessly across time zones, languages, and divisions—making transformation possible at a global scale.
A Global Coaching Network
A Global Network of Learning Partners
Over 40 Learning Coaches from around the world form the backbone of every LeadLab Growth Series. They walk alongside participants throughout the six-month journey—guiding small learning groups, connecting insight to action, and creating a trusted space for reflection and growth. Their mentoring turns every group into a genuine learning community where leaders speak truth in love and grow together in grace, courage, and competence.
United for Mission Growth
LeadLab is more than a program—it’s a growing movement of leaders, coaches, and facilitators who share one conviction: when leaders grow, mission thrives. Together, the GLI team embodies the spirit of the laboratory—learning, experimenting, and growing in Christ for the sake of the Gospel worldwide.
Meet the Team
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Erich Baumgartner
Founding Director of the Global Leadership Institute
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Randy Siebold
Associate Director of the Global Leadership Institute
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Ramiro Quero
Associate for Digital Learning Technologies
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Alayne Thorpe
AU Center for Leadership
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Juan Prestol-Puesán
GC Liaison