Ethical Leadership, Real Impact.
Developing leaders beyond ideology through evidence-based education and community.
The Institute for Secular Leadership was created to support leaders working in secular organizations who want ethical, effective leadership without religious or ideological frameworks. We focus on evidence-based education, leadership psychology, and real-world practice—helping leaders navigate complexity, build healthy teams, and lead with clarity and integrity.
Our work is grounded in shared human values, rigorous thinking, and respect for diverse perspectives. The Institute brings together experienced practitioners, researchers, and educators committed to leadership that is ethical, inclusive, and human-centered.
Who is Dr. Darrel Ray
Hi, I’m Darrel Ray, founder of Recovering from Religion and the Secular Therapy Project, and a psychologist. As a longtime organizational consultant and leader, I’ve faced many of the same challenges and obstacles you encounter in your work every day.
Through this course, I share the knowledge, experience, and passion I’ve gained over decades of leadership and consulting. My goal is simple: to equip you with practical tools and insight so you can navigate challenges, foster growth, and move your organization forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Who is Dr. Sharon McKean
Sharon McKean, Psy.D. is the Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Institute for Secular Leadership and an Industrial–Organizational Psychologist specializing in ethical, evidence-based leadership beyond ideology.
She holds a doctorate in Human and Organizational Psychology with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. Her work focuses on organizational support, supervisor effectiveness, work–life balance, and employee engagement, translating research into practical leadership education that promotes trust, accountability, and sustainable performance.
Sharon brings a human-centered, data-informed approach to leadership development, designing programs that are inclusive, accessible, and grounded in real-world application. Across all her work, she is guided by a simple principle: leadership should be ethical, evidence-based, and centered on human dignity.
Contact us
Get in touch to explore how our educators and leadership experts can support your organization, team, or community. We’re here to answer questions, discuss your goals, and help you identify evidence-based approaches to ethical leadership beyond ideology.