Amy Jolene Esser
Amy Jolene Esser is a transformational leadership keynote speaker and corporate performance coach dedicated to empowering leaders and high-performing teams to achieve sustainable excellence. With over 15 years of executive experience in IT, quality assurance, and team leadership, Amy Jo has guided high-stakes projects, directed enterprise-level testing initiatives, and cultivated organizational cultures rooted in trust, accountability, and high standards. She is the founder of AJE Speaking Solutions, LLC, where she helps leaders close the gap between potential and performance by mastering daily execution rhythms that make excellence inevitable.
A graduate of Concordia University-Wisconsin, Amy Jo began her career as an IT developer, steadily rising through leadership roles before moving into quality assurance and testing. Her tenure at ProAssurance included building and directing high-performing QA teams, overseeing multimillion-dollar projects, and implementing strategic processes that enhanced organizational performance and efficiency. Throughout her 12-year role as director of quality and testing, she notably retained nearly every team member, exemplifying her ability to lead with care and develop talent.
Amy Jo’s work as a speaker and coach extends beyond technical leadership; she mentors leaders to cultivate what she calls Winning Rhythms™ through her frameworks, including the Finish Line Formula and OQ Leadership™ (Observational Intelligence). She has spoken at international conferences, collaborated with world-renowned voice coach Roger Love, and designed programs that help leaders lead with heart, finish what matters most, and avoid burnout. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: self-leadership is the foundation for leading others, and when people are empowered, organizations and communities thrive.
• Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)
• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
• ISTQB – Advanced Level - Test Manager (CTAL-AM)
• Tricentis Certified Professional
• Concordia University-Wisconsin - BA
• TESTFLIX Speaker | Are You Playing Your A-Game?
• InsureTech 2021 | Are You the Best Leader You Can Be?
• TESTFLIX Speaker | Habits + Deliberate Practice = Mastery
• ConTEST 2020 | Are You the Best Leader You Can Be?
• STPCon Radio Podcast Interview
• STPCon Webinar Speaker | "Are You the Best Leader You Can Be?"
• STARWEST | "Are You the Best Leader You Can Be?"
• TEST LEADERSHIP CONGRESS | Speaker | "Are You the Best Leader You Can Be?"
• Webinar Panelist | Careers in Test Leadership: Do You Need a Management Role to be a Leader?
• STAREAST | Speaker | "Are You the Best Leader You Can Be?"
• Webinar Panelist | Careers in Test Leadership: Skills for Leadership and Management in Software Testing and QA
• Women Who Test
• Agile Birmingham User Group
What 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.
What’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.
What 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.
What 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.
Locations
AJE Speaking Solutions, LLC
Madison, WI 53719