Hi,
I'm Lisa Even
Leadership Coach, Author, and Keynote Speaker
When I first stepped into a people leadership role, I dreamed of building a team that thrived on connection, collaboration, and top-notch results. What I didn’t anticipate was everything that comes with people leadership: inherited team dynamics, historical baggage, ongoing projects, and relentless deadlines—all while the train had already left the station.
I started my career as a project manager, where every detail was planned, analyzed, and executed with precision.
BUT PEOPLE LEADERSHIP?
It doesn’t come with neat timelines or clear-cut answers. Plans shift, personalities collide, and history walks into the room with every meeting.
Six months into my first leadership role,
I learned my most important lesson:
...metrics and "good job" pats on the back weren’t enough.
When our employee engagement results landed in the middle of the pack, I realized I had to meet my team where they were. That meant studying the culture—its attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs—taking the time to understand each individual’s actions (or inaction) and motivations and creating an environment where everyone felt seen, heard, and valued. A collaborative environment in which we produced top-notch results.
My goal is to bring relatability, celebration, knowledge, results, and humor to leadership.
My
Values
Connection
We need strong connections to get where we’re going in life—people who cheer us on, collaborate with us, share knowledge, and inspire us! I even have a mission to connect with 1 million people because I am so passionate about human connection!
Work Hard,
Play Hard
Pour energy into meaningful work and also make space for joy. It’s such a core part of my life that I wrote a book about it, Joy is My Job! In my family, we track joy like a bank account, and it’s been a game-changer.
Experiences
Memories are life’s greatest treasures. Each day brings opportunities for unique moments, laughter, and experiences that make life a colorful masterpiece (messy and beautiful).
Creativity
Creativity is where the magic happens. When cookie-cutter solutions just won't do, a little out-of-the-box thinking and innovation can lead to big things.
Experimentation and Growth
“Living in the lab” and trying new things is how we grow—personally and professionally.
1.
I’m originally from small-town Iowa, and I have nearly 60 first cousins!
2.
My career began in high school at a tiny café, where I washed dishes and served breakfast to farmers, truckers, and locals. That job taught me more about life and hard work than I ever could have imagined!
3.
My husband and I once found ourselves burnt out and over-scheduled. We realized joy wasn’t going to find us—we had to go after it. Now, we keep a monthly JOY calendar filled with activities and fun. (You can read more about this in my book Joy is My Job.)
4.
I live by my first leader’s advice: “Lisa, if they ask you to make a cup of coffee, make the best damn cup of coffee they’ve ever had.”
5.
I believe that everything we say and do creates a ripple—happy or crappy. The choice is ours.
6.
I’m on a mission to connect with
1 million people
and help create a ripple effect in the world. (That means I’d like to connect with you!)
Ready to Unlock the Ultimate Leadership