About Synergy Leadership Excellence
Where Leadership Meets Purpose. Where Strategy Meets People.
At Synergy Leadership Excellence, leadership is not a position—it’s a practice of integrity, courage, and connection.
Founded by Colonel (Ret.) Rich Fornili, the company exists to help leaders and organizations unlock clarity, strengthen culture, and achieve lasting results through leadership development, executive coaching, and strategic consulting.
With more than 30 years of leadership and organizational experience, Rich has guided and trained over 10,000 professionals across industries including the U.S. Army, Department of Defense, healthcare, and private enterprise.
His approach blends the discipline of military precision with the empathy and adaptability required for today’s dynamic environments—helping leaders perform at their best, inspire their teams, and lead with both structure and heart.
Our Founder: Rich Fornili, Colonel (Ret.), MS,
Rich’s journey began in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of O6/Colonel, serving in multiple combat tours and holding senior executive-level leadership positions.
Those experiences taught him that effective leadership transcends rank—it’s about clarity of purpose, accountability, and care for your people.
After retiring from active duty, Rich founded Synergy Leadership Excellence to share those lessons with leaders in both military and civilian sectors.
His extensive background in education, adult learning, and leadership development allows him to translate complex organizational challenges into practical, actionable strategies.
Rich holds a Master of Science in Adult Education and remains a lifelong student of leadership and human performance.
As a 2nd-degree black belt in Taekwondo, he brings a philosophy of discipline, respect, and self-mastery into every coaching and consulting engagement
Our Leadership Mission
To build leaders who balance strength with empathy, clarity with creativity, and results with respect.
We help organizations move from good to exceptional—developing systems, strategies, and leaders who inspire confidence and create impact that endures.
Our Leadership Approach
Leadership development is not one-size-fits-all.
That’s why we design customized programs and consulting solutions tailored to your team’s needs and your organization’s mission. Whether it’s developing emerging leaders, refining executive strategy, or building cohesive teams, every engagement is built on three core principles:
Clarity
Aligning people and purpose around a shared mission.
Confidence
Building the competence, courage, and conviction to lead through change.
Connection
Fostering cultures of trust, communication, and accountability.
Who We Serve
We partner with healthcare organizations, government agencies, small businesses, and corporate teams across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
From HR directors and executive leaders to frontline managers and athletic coaches, we help every leader perform with purpose and precision.
Why Clients Choose Synergy Leadership Excellence
- Combat-tested leadership experience with real-world insight
- Expertise across defense, healthcare, and corporate sectors
- Over 10,000 professionals trained and mentored
- Custom solutions grounded in behavioral science and strategic execution
- A philosophy built on discipline, dignity, and respect
Lead with Clarity. Build with Confidence. Inspire with Purpose.
At Synergy Leadership Excellence, we don’t just develop leaders—we help them define their legacy.
Ready to elevate your leadership and transform your organization?
Start your journey toward Leadership Excellence.