Lisa Fleming, PMP, LSS

She attributes her success to over 15 years of experience in learning and development, where she has focused on building programs that upskill teams, improve performance, and support career growth. In her role at Cardinal Health, she leads a team of women and is passionate about empowering working mothers to advance professionally and achieve their full potential. She is motivated by her own experience of being given an opportunity by someone who believed in her, and she is committed to paying that forward by helping others grow in their careers. Her strong educational foundation, including graduate studies in educational administration and business and ongoing MBA studies through Harvard Business School Online, has further strengthened her leadership and strategic capabilities.

The best career advice she has ever received is that it is possible to build a successful, fulfilling career while being a mother, and that with hard work, focus, and dedication, it is possible to achieve both personal and professional goals. A defining influence in her journey was a mentor who supported her during her early career as a young single mother of three, helping her think strategically about her long-term goals and map out the next 10 years of her career. That guidance not only provided direction and confidence during a pivotal time in her life but also reinforced the importance of mentorship, planning, and believing in long-term potential even in challenging circumstances.

My advice to young women entering this industry is that it is absolutely possible to be a working mother while building a successful and meaningful career that supports both personal and professional goals. I encourage women to stay focused on their long-term vision, seek out mentors who will support and guide their growth, and remain confident in their ability to balance both family and career. With dedication, resilience, and the right support systems, it is possible to thrive in both areas without compromise.

In my current role, one of the biggest opportunities is that I am still early in my tenure and have the ability to continue building strong relationships, expand my network, and deepen my impact across the organization. I see tremendous opportunity in strengthening learning strategies that support upskilling, career progression, and operational excellence at scale. At the same time, a key focus for me is paying it forward by mentoring and supporting other women in their careers, particularly working mothers, and creating more pathways for growth and development. I am energized by the opportunity to combine strategic program leadership with meaningful people development that drives both business results and individual success.

The values most important to me in my work and personal life are perseverance, empathy, and continuous growth. My journey has not been linear—I began my career as a schoolteacher and worked hard to transition into the corporate learning and development space, which remains one of my most meaningful achievements. That experience reinforced my belief in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying committed to long-term goals even when the path is challenging. In my personal life, I value balance and grounding experiences, which I find through hobbies like paddleboarding and skincare, as well as my involvement with organizations such as Ambition in Motion and Paws for Honor, where I can give back and stay connected to meaningful causes.