“I have known and booked Elisa as a speaker for a number of years and can state without equivocation that all of her presentations have resulted in standing ovations and rave reviews from attendees.” – Kelly Ross, Association Executive
“Thank you for saving my bacon and making it look like filet mignon!” – Sirena Clark, Program Manager, Green River College
Hi, I’m Elisa Hays.
I had a 30-year career as an actor, director, dancer, choreographer, teacher, inventor, and CEO of an innovative entertainment company that has impacted the lives of millions. I was unquestionably the ‘Boss Lady’ . . .
. . . but I wasn’t sure I was a leader.
Are you?
On an icy road near Blackwell, Oklahoma, a semi-truck collided with me and two of my employees…then I got my answer.
In 2014 half my rear end was removed in an ICU as surgeons raced to save my life. I’m a half-assed survivor. Keeping me alive took more than 20 major surgeries—including a high-risk kidney transplant with my brother as the donor—and 7 hospitals in 4 states spanning the North American continent.
I was on a cross-country business trip in the middle of an ice storm when the Ford F250 I was driving slid on the highway. Two young women staff members looked to me for leadership. After rapidly evacuating them first, an 18-wheeler truck going 65mph hit my body. I wasn’t in a vehicle when it hit me. The impact launched me 90 feet through the air and left me impaled, on a guardrail.
My 30-year career in the entertainment industry was over.
On that day, I discovered that leadership isn’t about what you do. Job titles don’t make leaders. Leadership is about who you are on a daily basis that shows up when you confront adversity.
Today I teach 4 specific actions that, when taken consistently in all things big and small, will catapult you from surviving to service, and toughing it out to triumph.
I show how these 4 actions will enable you to leverage adversity and transform you from someone simply in a position of authority to a genuine leader who makes an Extraordinary IMPACT.
Past President, NSA Northwest
Certified ADA Coordinator
Almost all clients start with my Signature Keynote.
Customization, deeper dive breakouts and follow-up programs are all available.
Let’s talk, like regular humans, to craft the best solution for you.
I left my home in Puyallup, Washington headed to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. My company put on shows at state and county fairs around the country. Just as I crossed into Oklahoma, three vehicles collided with my truck. First an 18-wheeler, then a Toyota Sequoia SUV, and finally another 18-wheeler traveling 65 miles per hour hit my body as I attempted to run to safety.
Here’s what I learned.
I am passionate about energizing and mobilizing leaders for equity and integrity because flourishing as a people and a planet depends on it. While my body is now literally half-assed, my life’s mission is not.
Want to partner with me? Through speeches, training, and coaching, I share my expertise in leadership, resilience, inclusion, and communication.
Everyone wants to start by asking fees, but that assumes I sell a one-size-fits-all widget. Instead, let’s start relationally. I craft solutions to fit almost every budget, so let’s talk. I’ll ask a few questions, listen to your needs, talk like a real person, then send you a proposal.
Schedule a phone call. It’s easy; choose a time convenient for you. I look forward to getting to know you!
Elisa
(pronounced eh-lee-suh)
Prefer to send a note? Use the form below, and I will personally respond as quickly as possible.
A global pandemic inspired Elisa to go back to Graduate School (online of course) for a Masters of Divinity degree. She is an ordained minister and soon-to-be hospital chaplain. She also holds degrees in Philosophy and Theatre.
Long before disease prevention was the world’s favorite topic, Elisa invented Sudsy’s Barn™, an interactive play-based handwashing system. She was granted patents in both the U.S. and Canada because clean hands are cool.