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