Lisa Gambrell

Lisa Gambrell attributes her success first and foremost to God, her Creator, who endowed her with the talents, gifts, drive, tenacity, and energy that have fueled her journey. But she also credits the mentors and leaders who saw potential in her before she saw it herself—those who offered opportunities, entrusted her with challenging projects, and pushed her beyond her comfort zone.

“It wasn’t just about giving me work,” she reflects. “It was about believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. And when I stumbled, there was no chastising—just guidance, coaching, and thoughtful questions: What could you do differently next time? How can this experience help you grow?”

For Lisa, growth has always been the goal. Every challenge, every stretch assignment, and every setback became a chance to learn, adapt, and emerge stronger lessons she now carries forward in her leadership, mentoring, and daily work with people and teams.

The best career advice Lisa Gambrell has ever received wasn’t a single piece of guidance—it was the example set through mentorship and leadership. She learned the power of coaching with empathy, role-modeling positive leadership behaviors, and leading with authenticity. She discovered that admitting mistakes, staying humble, and adjusting course are not signs of weakness—they are the hallmarks of effective leadership.

Lisa also learned the profound value of forgiveness. “Forgiveness isn’t for the other person—it’s for yourself,” she reflects. “The universe doesn’t hold grudges; only humans do. Letting go allows you to move forward with clarity, purpose, and energy.” These lessons have shaped her approach to leadership, guiding her to cultivate workplaces where trust, growth, and resilience thrive

Lisa Gambrell’s advice to young women entering the workforce is rooted in self-awareness and integrity: know your own values and beliefs. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the values and culture of the organizations you join—and recognizing where your principles intersect with theirs.

“Be prepared to be challenged on your values every single day,” she says. “Stand firm, and do not waver—ever. Your integrity is your compass, and staying true to it will guide your decisions, earn respect, and shape the impact you can have as a leader.”

Lisa Gambrell notes that the field of Human Resources is constantly evolving, shaped by forces both internal and external. “Believe it or not, our political climate has a real impact on the business environment and what HR professionals focus on every day,” she says. Beyond that, technological advancements like AI are poised to create both challenges and opportunities, transforming how organizations manage talent and operations.

Employment laws are always changing at the federal, state, and local levels, requiring HR to stay vigilant and continuously adjust policies and systems. Meanwhile, traditional HR priorities remain critical: retention, succession planning, change management, and upskilling. “These aren’t just challenges—they’re opportunities,” Lisa emphasizes. “Every organization is continuously working to create a positive, productive environment where employees can grow and thrive, and that’s where HR has the greatest impact.”

Lisa Gambrell’s values are grounded in integrity, empathy, and growth—both for herself and for the people she leads. Professionally, she prioritizes authenticity, fairness, and accountability, believing that strong leadership is built on coaching, mentoring, and creating environments where employees can thrive. She values continuous learning, strategic thinking, and bridging human insight with organizational goals to drive meaningful results.

Personally, Lisa lives by the principle that you cannot change others—you can only change how you respond. This philosophy guides her interactions, helping her lead with patience, humility, and grace, while maintaining clarity and conviction in her own values. She approaches challenges with a mindset of resilience and adaptability, knowing that growth and progress come from focusing on what she can influence, supporting others along the way, and fostering a culture of trust, empathy, and respect.