Praxis People Advisory

Dr. Sarah Toutant, PhD · SHRM-SCP

Great Organizations
Are Built on
Great People.

HR consulting, leadership development, executive coaching, and speaking that transforms how organizations and their people perform, where scholarship meets real-world expertise.

PhD · USC Rossier SHRM-SCP 10+ Years People Leadership Keynote Speaker Virtual & In-Person
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Dr. Sarah Toutant
Dr. Sarah Toutant
PhD · USC  |  SHRM-SCP
PhD, Education Policy, USC Rossier
SHRM Senior Certified Professional
Director of People Learning & Culture
Co-Director of Programs, National Human Resources Association
USC Rossier
Keynote Speaker & Facilitator
Dr. Sarah Toutant - PhD hooding ceremony, USC Rossier
Who I Am

Scholar.
Practitioner.
Builder.

I'm Dr. Sarah Toutant. PhD. SHRM-SCP. HR executive. Coach. Creator. Mom. And yes, all of those things exist in the same body at the same time. I built Praxis People Advisory because I believe high-achieving leaders deserve support that meets the full complexity of who they are, not just their job title. I have spent 10+ years in people and HR leadership, and now I use that experience to help individual leaders and organizations alike actually do the work that matters. Not performative. Not generic. Real. I have spent 10+ years transforming how orgtification, and 10+ years building people-centered organizations across nonprofit, higher education, and consulting environments. My career began in higher education, and that foundation shapes everything I do.

I believe the way an organization treats its people is its most honest statement of values. I don't just design programs. I build infrastructure. I'm equally at home in the boardroom, at the strategy table, and on the frontlines of culture change.

Culture Transformation Talent Development Change Management Executive Coaching Higher Education Keynote Speaking AI-Powered HR Strategy HR Compliance & Policy
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How I Can Help

Work With
Dr. Toutant

Whether you are a high-achieving professional ready to stop playing small, or an organization investing in your leaders, I show up fully for both.

01
1:1 Leadership Coaching

For ambitious leaders ready to stop people-pleasing, lead with confidence, and build a career that actually reflects who they are.

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02
Speaking & Hosting

Compelling keynotes, panel facilitation, and event hosting for corporate, nonprofit, and higher education audiences nationwide.

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03
Leadership Training

Group-based development for emerging to senior leaders. Builds the skills, mindsets, and relationships that drive high performance.

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04
Learning & Development

Custom L&D programs that build real capability. Rooted in adult learning theory and aligned to your organizational priorities.

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05
Speaking & AI Strategy

Forward-thinking organizations use AI to transform their people function. I help you do that thoughtfully, ethically, and effectively.

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06
Resume & Career Docs

Expert review or full overhaul of your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn. Standalone or bundled with coaching.

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PPA
Ready to stop playing small? Let's build the career and life you actually want.
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Speaking & Hosting

A Voice That
Moves Rooms
and Organizations

Dr. Toutant is a sought-after speaker for corporate events, nonprofit convenings, and university stages. A Keynote Speaker & Facilitator, she delivers sessions that are not just inspiring, they create real shifts in how people think and lead.

  • Women in Leadership
  • How to Have Hard Conversations
  • Inclusion & Belonging in the Workplace
  • Radical Candor & Leading Strong Teams
  • Resiliency & How to Bet on Yourself
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Speaking at USF
University of San Francisco
Speaking at USC
USC
Panel
Panel Facilitator
Trusted By Organizations That Lead
NBC University of Southern California University of Indiana University of San Francisco Project Optimism Inc. Scott Free Productions Pasadena Tournament of Roses MRK Partners
Dr. Sarah Toutant
“

The way an organization treats its people is its most honest statement of values.

Dr. Sarah Toutant

That belief drives every engagement at Praxis People Advisory, from strategy sessions to keynote stages to one-on-one coaching rooms.

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Free Resource

The High-Achiever's Guide to
Stopping People-Pleasing at Work

A free PDF guide for high-achieving professionals who are done shrinking, over-explaining, and saying yes when they mean no. Get it delivered straight to your inbox.

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Get In Touch

Ready to Stop Playing Small?
Let's Get to Work.

Whether you were referred by a colleague or found me through your own search, the door is open. Coaching inquiries, speaking invitations, and partnership conversations pipeline, or looking for a powerful voice for your next event, we would love to connect.

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