Her Story
About Amy Jo
Amy Jo Esser is a transformational leadership keynote speaker and leadership development expert who helps leaders and high-performing teams strengthen execution, sustain excellence, and finish what matters most. Through AJE Speaking Solutions, LLC, she equips leaders to close the gap between potential and performance by building the identity, capabilities, and daily rhythms required for meaningful results.
With more than 30 years of experience spanning IT, Quality and Testing, and organizational leadership, Amy Jo has led high-stakes initiatives, directed enterprise-level testing efforts, and developed cultures grounded in trust, accountability, care, and high standards. Her leadership philosophy was shaped through decades of building teams, developing talent, and guiding people through complex organizational change.
A graduate of Concordia University-Wisconsin, Amy Jo began her career as an IT developer and progressed through roles in systems analysis, project management, software testing, and leadership. During her tenure at ProAssurance, she built the Quality and Testing department from the ground up, ultimately leading a team of 20 professionals across four locations. She oversaw multimillion-dollar enterprise initiatives and implemented strategic processes that strengthened quality, efficiency, and organizational performance.
During her 12 years as Director of Quality and Testing, Amy Jo achieved zero voluntary attrition. Not one employee chose to leave her department during her leadership tenure. This extraordinary record reflects her ability to develop people, create trust, maintain high standards, and build a culture where employees felt valued and empowered to grow.
Today, Amy Jo brings that leadership experience to stages, organizations, and leadership development programs. As the creator of Winning Rhythms: The Finish Line Formula™, she teaches leaders how to strengthen self-leadership, master daily execution, and create sustainable momentum. Her OQ Leadership™ framework, grounded in Observational Intelligence, helps leaders understand their people more deeply and respond with greater empathy, accountability, and effectiveness.
Amy Jo has spoken at international conferences and worked alongside world-renowned voice coach Roger Love, serving as a leader within his organization and becoming a certified Roger Love Method voice coach. Her programs help leaders lead with heart, finish with excellence, and build cultures where both people and performance can thrive.
At the center of Amy Jo’s work is a foundational belief: leadership begins with the ability to lead yourself. When leaders build the rhythms to follow through consistently, they expand their capacity to serve their teams, organizations, and communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amy Jo
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to one guiding principle: love. From the start of my career, I decided to fully embrace my work—the challenges, the people, and the processes. I focused on building a culture where my team supported one another and exceeded their own expectations. I’ve always led with positivity, encouragement, and a desire to help others succeed, and I’ve seen how that energy comes back in meaningful ways. Choosing to love what I do has been transformative, guiding me to opportunities that align with my passion and values.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come alongside incredible mentors who’ve helped shape both my voice and my approach. Roger Love, a top vocal coach, had a profound impact on my career by helping me find my voice—teaching me how to speak with intention, convey emotion, and truly connect with others. I’m also deeply grateful for Jen Gottlieb and her husband Chris Winfield, who have been influential in my growth, and for Anthony Trucks, who continues to inspire and support me as I navigate my career. Working with these individuals has shown me the power of guidance, collaboration, and learning from those who challenge and elevate you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be bold, be brave, and follow your heart. I live by the philosophy: lead with heart, finish with excellence. Always look for ways to support others—whether it’s helping your boss succeed or lifting up your coworkers. The energy you give comes back, often in unexpected ways. Early in my career, I made the conscious decision to love what I do, and it has made all the difference. Being selective about the opportunities I pursue has allowed me to thrive in roles that align with my passion and values.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values in my work and personal life are love, trust, and connection. I believe that approaching life with love allows you to overcome challenges, and trust forms the foundation of every meaningful relationship. Family is central to my life—I treasure time with my daughter and grandchildren—and friendships, especially connecting with other women in my community, are deeply important to me. I’m passionate about personal growth and constantly seek opportunities to learn, whether through reading, networking, or attending personal development events. Finding ways to help others, building relationships, and continuously growing both personally and professionally truly energizes me.
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