Hi! I'm Lisa Litherland.
I’m a seasoned senior executive with a history of leading impactful teams. I thrive on solving complex problems, assembling and creating visionary leaders, and creating positive change. I am passionate about empowering others and helping people level up.
I am available for advising startups, serving as a
board member, or public speaking.
I am available for advising startups, serving as a
board member, or public speaking.
About Me
In my most recent role as Co-founder and CEO of Social Optics, I took the company from an idea to a software product being used by students and educators in the classroom. As a corporate entrepreneur, I also built an AI Video Surveillance practice to a $30M business in 18 months, which was a part of the Digital Transformation for Education practice I built. I generated another $230M in revenue at CDW in various other sales and leadership roles.
I have worked with several executives through my business relationships and Kellogg’s Executive MBA program. I have mentored founders through my work in venture capital with Alumni Ventures and VDOSH. I created impact through my roles at Motorola, Intel, the FBI, and Zoom. And I have helped companies such as PerkinElmer, BJ’s Wholesale, Constant Contact, Necco Candy Company, Chicago Public Schools, Palo Alto USD, and the University of Maryland.
I have worked with several executives through my business relationships and Kellogg’s Executive MBA program. I have mentored founders through my work in venture capital with Alumni Ventures and VDOSH. I created impact through my roles at Motorola, Intel, the FBI, and Zoom. And I have helped companies such as PerkinElmer, BJ’s Wholesale, Constant Contact, Necco Candy Company, Chicago Public Schools, Palo Alto USD, and the University of Maryland.
How I do it?
I have found that focusing on the fundamentals of business leads to success and a strong foundation to continue to build on. It’s also critical to allow for flexibility to innovate and iterate. The magic comes in being able to balance the two. A strengths-based approach has allowed me to build high-functioning teams and to get the best from each team member.
My success can be seen not only in the businesses I’ve built, but also in over 30 professionals that I’ve developed to get promoted. This includes helping a tech seller move into management and then to a director role running sales for an entire country. It also includes helping a jewelry salesperson move into tech, 4x her income, and now start her own business.
I bring out the best in people, help them level up their game, and help level up the organizations they support. It’s what I do. All with heart.
My success can be seen not only in the businesses I’ve built, but also in over 30 professionals that I’ve developed to get promoted. This includes helping a tech seller move into management and then to a director role running sales for an entire country. It also includes helping a jewelry salesperson move into tech, 4x her income, and now start her own business.
I bring out the best in people, help them level up their game, and help level up the organizations they support. It’s what I do. All with heart.
Speaking Engagements Available
Be Your Best Weird Self
Many people have spent their entire lives figuring out how to best fit in. But everyone has unique strengths and values to bring to the table. This talk is about discovering your strengths and using them to be your best (and happiest) self.
Leading with Fundamentals
Leading doesn't have to be complex. In fact, mastering the fundamentals sets you up for success - in business and in life. This talk takes you back to the basics to propel you forward.
Creating Value with Innovation - It's Not What You Think
We keep hearing that we need to innovate to keep up with the accelerating pace of change. But how do you do it? This talk takes you through the steps of how to innovate and iterate to create value for your customers.
Podcasts
Here are a few podcasts I've been featured on.
- Lisa Litherland: From the Sports Field to the Startup World - A Journey of Passion and Tenacity
- How to Become Unstoppable in Your Career - From Corporate Comfort to Inspirational Impact!
- Lisa Litherland: Embracing Your Awkward Authenticity: The Myth of Perfection
Available for Select Board Roles
As an accomplished professional with a proven track record of strategic leadership and business acumen, I am now open to joining select Board of Directors opportunities.
I'm a Board Governance Fellow with the National Association of Corporate Directors and have been on the Advisory Board for Naber.ai and Dynamics Intelligence.
With a passion for driving growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing corporate governance, I am committed to making a significant impact on organizations seeking to elevate their vision and performance. Let's shape the future together.
I'm a Board Governance Fellow with the National Association of Corporate Directors and have been on the Advisory Board for Naber.ai and Dynamics Intelligence.
With a passion for driving growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing corporate governance, I am committed to making a significant impact on organizations seeking to elevate their vision and performance. Let's shape the future together.
Consulting and Advisory
I have limited spots open for consulting or advisory services in the following areas:
Business Fundamentals
With experience building businesses from the ground up, I can help you organize your ideas and form a plan. We can work together to figure out the best approach and what to prioritize to get your business up and running.
Go-to-Market
Strategy
Strategy
I have built both startups and new corporate lines-of-business from the ground up. I have seen successes and seen companies crash-and-burn. Let's talk about the best approach for your business.
Sales
Tactics
Tactics
If you are a startup founder and don't know how to "do sales", I've got your back. With 16 years of sales experience, I've been in the trenches. I know it can be intimidating, but as a founder, you are the best first salesperson. Let's go!
Check Out My Book!
I captured several of my thoughts and some stories in my book. It's starts by walking you through some ways to really find your passion and how to line that up with your career. Then I take the reader through the basics of becoming a startup founder.
Available on Amazon, check it our here.
Available on Amazon, check it our here.
Contact Me
lisa@lisalitherland.com
