Liz Carlson
Liz Carlson (She/Her) is the Founder of Liz Carlson Professional Development (est. 2020), where she partners with organizations to deliver on-site and ongoing leadership and communication programs, keynote presentations, and customized training for leadership teams. A recognized thought leader, Liz has spoken at PMI events and HR professional groups, sharing actionable strategies that strengthen leadership presence, communication, and organizational culture. Her approach emphasizes listening, presence, and building trusting relationships, creating an environment of psychological safety that allows participants to immediately apply new skills—whether in leadership, professional communication, or team collaboration.
With a strong foundation in corporate leadership, Liz spent many years leading teams across the United States, gaining hands-on experience in organizational dynamics and performance management. Transitioning into higher education, she has taught MBA and undergraduate courses, including at the University of Sioux Falls, where she designed and delivered curriculum integrating real-world business applications with evidence-based methodologies. This combination of corporate leadership, teaching, and professional speaking informs her development programs, ensuring they are practical, engaging, and tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse learners and organizations. Liz is an alumna of Augustana University (SD) and Colorado Technical University, where she earned her MBA, reflecting her lifelong commitment to learning and professional growth.
Beyond her professional work, Liz is deeply committed to workforce and community development initiatives. She has contributed to programs such as DisruptHR Sioux Falls, the Boys and Girls Club of the Sioux Empire, and the Win in Workforce Summit, mentoring emerging leaders and supporting organizational excellence. Her work consistently emphasizes empathy, inclusivity, and actionable growth strategies, helping individuals and organizations thrive while strengthening the communities they serve. Outside of her professional pursuits, Liz enjoys being outdoors, embracing activities such as hiking, yoga, and swimming, which energize her creativity, sustain her well-being, and inform her holistic approach to professional and personal development.
• Augustana University (SD) - BA, Communication, Speech, Education , Communication and Media Studies
• Colorado Technical University - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to trusting my purpose and embracing the principles of true leadership—presence, listening, and building trust. My journey from leading corporate teams across the U.S. to teaching communication and leadership at the University of Sioux Falls allowed me to pivot intentionally at 30, balancing family with a decade of higher education. These experiences naturally led to the founding of Liz Carlson Professional Development in 2020, where I partner with leadership teams to diagnose challenges and deliver tailored programs focused on confidence, influence, and healthy conflict. My proudest accomplishment is seeing clients successfully apply these strategies to grow as leaders. As an aspiring author, I aim to expand my reach, particularly to support neurodivergent caretakers, guided by my core belief in seeing and cultivating the best in people.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Trust yourself and follow your purpose; lead by showing up with presence and an openness to listen rather than imposing preset assumptions.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Listen. Be Intentional. Be Kind. These three simple actions will always help and never hurt.
