Picture of Lisa Conners with a summary of her background.

“Growth happens when you embrace change and challenge old beliefs.”

-Lisa Conners, MBA, ACC, CPC

Keynote Speaker | Executive Coach | Workshop Leader | Generative Power™ Coach

I have always been driven by growth—seeking new challenges, redefining success, and finding deeper purpose in everything that I do.

I grew up in Rochester, N.Y., attended Colgate University (where I majored in English and played soccer and rugby), and earned my MBA from the University of Rochester.

My career began in Washington, D.C., where I quickly rose through the ranks, leading projects in the finance, consulting, and federal sectors. I worked with major organizations, including the Nasdaq stock market and NASD, and even commuted between D.C. and Toronto to consult for a banking client.

Black and white photo of Lisa Conners, keynote speaker, executive and leadership coach, and generative power creator, in a rugby jersey on a grassy field at Colgate University, 1986.

When my son was young, I landed what I thought was my dream job—a leadership role in a telecom company, managing multi-million-dollar budgets and eCommerce system development. I hired and developed leaders, navigated corporate politics, and thrived in a fast-paced environment.

That was my dream job!

...until it wasn’t.

Lisa Conners, keynote speaker, executive and leadership coach, and generative power creator, standing outdoors with Eiffel Tower in Paris in the background.

I started asking myself:

“What would I do differently if I knew I had limited time?”

Though I wasn’t facing a life-threatening illness, my career was draining my energy. I was working 60+ hours a week and commuting 10+ hours.

I wanted to spend more time with my son. And I wanted to make a more positive contribution to the world, develop a real social life, and get involved with our community.

I knew I needed to make a change. But to do what?!

A person on a golf course at sunrise, wearing a white cap, sleeveless top, red skirt, and white shoes, tossing a golf ball in the air. The sky is filled with clouds and the sun is low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the scene.

Success isn’t just about building something great—it’s about adapting when everything changes.

I spent two years researching business opportunities, taking daily action to create a new path. Eventually, I purchased a 24,000-square-foot children’s play and learning facility, complete with a full-sized fire engine, ambulance, giant sandbox, and educational toy store.

The business thrived!

...Until the economy crashed. Suddenly, everything changed.

Lisa Conners, keynote speaker, executive and leadership coach, and generative power creator, in front of Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool at sunset.

Once again, I needed a new direction. I reflected on my values, skills, and experiences, realizing that I felt most fulfilled when my work had a greater purpose.

That’s when I transitioned to the nonprofit sector, joining SOS Children’s Villages, an organization providing stable homes for orphaned and abandoned children. I led marketing and PR, expanded fundraising efforts, and managed partnerships, including collaborations with the

Jolie-Pitt Foundation—which even led to me directly working with Angelina Jolie!

After several years, I accepted a role at a national insurance company, just three miles from home—a rare opportunity in Washington, D.C.! There, I enhanced my expertise in marketing, PR, and leadership, learning a new industry while balancing my personal and professional goals.

Pink  breast cancer awareness ribbon on white background

Facing my biggest challenge yet…

Throughout my career, I embraced change, built resilience, and took bold action. But nothing prepared me for my biggest personal challenge—a breast cancer diagnosis that started with a routine mammogram.

What followed was a whirlwind of biopsies, MRIs, and consultations that led to my decision to undergo a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

Thanks to the support of my family, an incredible surgical team, and my personal mindset work, I emerged stronger. Today, I am grateful, healthy, and thriving with a 1% chance of recurrence.

Group of six people posing on a dock with water and trees in the background, featuring two older individuals seated on a white wicker bench and four adults standing behind them, all dressed in casual attire.
Lisa Conners, keynote speaker, executive and leadership coach, and generative power creator, smiling at a hockey game, wearing red Washington Capitals merchandise. The stadium is crowded with fans, and a game is in progress on the ice.

I discovered that sharing stories—my own and others’—has the power to inspire growth, resilience, and transformation.

Silhouette of a person sitting on a rock overlooking a city at sunset, with the text 'Ever Better: Five Sources for Personal Growth, Happiness and Confidence' above them.

After surgery, I published my eBook, Ever Better: Five Sources for Personal Growth, Happiness, and Confidence, which later inspired the launch of the Ever Better Podcast—where I interviewed over 200 thought leaders, executives, and change-makers on topics of leadership, resilience, and personal growth.

Becoming a Keynote Speaker and Leadership Coach

A recurring theme emerged from my podcast interviews—guests repeatedly told me that I asked powerful, thought-provoking questions. Many encouraged me to pursue coaching professionally, though I had already been coaching executives and teams informally for years.

I took their advice to heart.

Lisa Conners, keynote speaker, executive and leadership coach, and generative power creator, holding a microphone, speaking to a seated audience in a conference room.

Since 2018, I have been a full-time speaker and executive leadership coach, certified through the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the College of Executive Coaching. I’ve undergone extensive training with world-class mentors, and today, I:

Deliver high-impact keynotes on leadership, mindset, and personal growth

Facilitate transformational leadership workshops for teams and organizations

Provide executive coaching to leaders looking to break barriers and maximize their potential

Train teams using Everything DiSC and Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team assessments

Create and present personalized, interactive workshops at retreats and conferences

And I never stop learning—I continue working with my own coach, because great coaches have great coaches.

Professional Credentials

International Coach Federation

Associate Certified Coach (ACC)

Public Relations Society of America

Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)

National Speakers Association

Active Member

College of Executive Coaching

Certified Professional Coach (CPC) with certificates in:

Executive Coaching

Emotional Intelligence

Appreciative Inquiry

Assessment Analysis and Use

Coaching Feedback

Citrine Angels

Active Member

EDUCATION

Simon School of Business at University of Rochester

Masters in Business Administration (MBA)

Finance and Marketing Concentrations

Colgate University

Bachelor of Arts (BA)