Meet Shiggs

A smiling African American woman with short black hair, wearing a beige blazer and black top, standing with arms crossed in a modern office setting.

I am Shelia Higgs Burkhalter, founder of Shiggs B International. I empower women leaders in higher education to secure their next seat and lead from it with clarity, intention and strength. Grounded in the Edgework Framework™️, my work guides leaders to reflect, release, redefine, and rise at the edge of who they’ve been and who they are becoming. The result? Women transform how they see themselves and how they lead. My belief is simple: leadership isn’t about titles or positions—it’s about energy, clarity, and courage.

For more 30+ years, I’ve served in progressive senior leadership roles across public and private universities, often as the first, only, or different. Along the way, I’ve written bestselling books, received recognition as a Pillar of the Profession, built a thriving coaching practice, and delivered keynotes that challenge leaders to step fully into their power and boldly into their next chapter.

I hold an MBA from the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, a Master of Science in Education in Student Affairs Administration from Indiana University at Bloomington, and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication & Political Science from Southeast Missouri State University. This unique blend of business acumen, educational leadership, and communication expertise fuels my mission:
to empower women to claim their seat, embody their leadership, and fully thrive.

FIND MY BOOKS
EXPLORE COACHING

  • "Shelia affirmed what I know that I am. She helped me to see that second-guessing oneself isn’t helpful in a leadership role. She also demonstrated how focused self-reflection is important for achieving my goals. Key questions such as “What do you want?” and “What values do you have and are they aligned with what you’ve done so far?” focused me and simultaneously broadened my scope. I walked away knowing that I deserve joy and making the decision to consciously choose joy. "

    Heather, non-profit executive.

  • "Shiggs B provides every client with the opportunity to step into their greatness. What I love most is her questions cause the client to reflect and move forward with their decision. I love a coach who asks you something in a way that's not intrusive, misleading, or harmful. I enjoyed having her recap something I've mentioned previously and ask about the progress. The best question she asks is, “How would you like to spend your time today? What would you like to achieve by the end of your time”? It can be easy to ramble or be silent, but these questions keep me on task. Thanks, Shelia, for everything."

    Client, Higher Education Professional turned Entrepreneur

  • "I have been fortunate to have Shelia Higgs Burkhalter as my coach for the past year, as she has been nothing short of amazing! Shelia has become my trusted “go to” coach for any topic - work, relationships, or self-improvement. She has the uncanny ability to hear what I’m not saying and then, ever-so-intuitively, help me uncover what’s holding me back, identify my options, and establish action steps to move forward. She knows when to push me out of my comfort zone, when to sit with me in silence, when to remind me of my “why”, and ultimately partners with me to ensure I work my plan and achieve my goals. She does all this with professionalism, humor and compassion. I am grateful for our relationship and would highly recommend Shelia – she is a game changer!"

    Tracy, HR Professional

  • “Coaching with Shelia positioned me to be reflective and introspective about my future. It has led me to a deeper understanding of my strengths and how they can be leveraged in my future career path. More importantly, it is equipping me to be imaginative in how my professional and personal objectives can coexist and be in balance. My growth and development from the first quarter prompted me to continue the coaching relationship for another quarter. “

    Darrell, Higher Education Executive turned Entrepreneur

Edgework Framework™

The Shiggs B International Signature Edgework Framework™ is a transformational model designed to help individuals navigate moments of identity shift, life transition, and leadership evolution. Inspired by Stephen Lyng’s original “edge work” concept (1990), I reimagined Edgework not as a theory of risk, but as a practice of courage. The intentional act of meeting yourself at the boundary of the familiar and choosing growth over fear. Rooted in Shiggs' lived experiences and leadership philosophy, this framework empowers women to confront the edges of who they've been and intentionally cross into who they're becoming.

The Four Phases

Reflect

Deep introspection and truth-telling about
current identity, patterns, and beliefs.

Key Questions:

What roles, stories, or systems have
defined me until now?

What am I being invited to confront?

Release

Detachment from outdated beliefs, expectations, or relationships.

Key Questions:

What fears are keeping me stuck?

What have I outgrown but still cling to?

Redefine

Reimagine identity, values, and path with intentionality.

Key Questions:

Who am I now—beyond titles or expectations?

What future am I designing on purpose?

Rise

Take aligned, embodied action with
courage and clarity.

Key Questions:

How do I stay rooted while rising?

What practices keep me connected to
my true self?