Lydia Thiel
Lydia Thiel is a dynamic business professional, entrepreneur, and certified court mediator with a passion for leadership, problem-solving, and continuous growth. She holds an MBA from UW-Stevens Point with a focus on Applied Leadership and Decision-Making, complementing her double bachelor’s degrees in Business Management and Marketing. Throughout her academic journey, Lydia earned over 20 professional certificates and over 30 LinkedIn Learning certifications, reflecting her dedication to expanding practical skills and fostering lifelong learning. As a business owner and executive, Lydia has applied her expertise across multiple ventures, including Kairos Properties and Valley Temperature Service, Inc., where she champions operational efficiency, team development, and innovative problem-solving. Her professional experience spans management, coordination, and event planning roles, allowing her to cultivate leadership, communication, and performance improvement skills that consistently deliver measurable results. Lydia is also committed to community impact through her volunteer work as a mediator with Resolution Center, Inc., helping individuals resolve conflicts and find equitable solutions. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lydia is an avid writer, currently working to complete two books, and enjoys spending time outdoors with her two dogs, Rudu and Finley. Known for her curiosity, resilience, and enthusiasm, she continuously seeks opportunities to grow, inspire others, and create meaningful impact in both business and her personal life.
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certified
• EdX Verified Certificate for Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles
• Developing Your Emotional Intelligence
• The Neuroscience of Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness
• How to Handle Conflict and Toxicity for Happier Workdays
• AI in Project Management
• Find Your Project Management Style
• Getting Started as a Project Procurement Manager
• Mastering Complexity: Essential Skills for Project Managers
• Project Management Foundations
• Project Management Foundations: Small Projects
• Project Management Power Moves: Leading with Influence
• Project Management Simplified
• Project Management Skills for Leaders
• Selling with Stories, Part 1: What Makes a Great Story?
• Human Resources: Protecting Confidentiality
• Driving Organizational Accountability for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Employee Experience in a Hybrid Business World
• How to Communicate about Difficult Current Events with Your Team
• How to Perform Business Analysis in a Virtual Environment
• +20 more additional Certificates
• UW-Stevens Point - MBA
• UW-Stevens Point - Duel Major in Business Management and Marketing
• The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
• Summa Cum Laude - MBA Degree
• Magna Cum Laude - Duel Undergraduate Degree
• X4 College of Professional Studies Dean's Distinguished Achievement Award
• X4 UW-Stevens Point Certificate of Achievement - Highest Honors
• Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement
• Phi Sigma Phi Honor Society
• Certificate of Achievement Leonard F DeBaker Scholarship
• Certificate of Achievement W.B. Greaton Scholarship
• National Society of Collegiate Scholars - Scholarship, Leadership, and Service
• National Society of Leadership and Success
• Honor Society
• Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence
• Intensive Law and Trial with Standford Law School Invitation
• National Society of High School Scholars
• National Student Leadership Conference Invitation
• Neenah High School Certificate of Acedemic Excellence
• Fastenal Sales Competition Winner
• Resolution Center, Inc.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my parents and family, along with my commitment to pursuing my passions. Their encouragement has grounded me and given me the confidence to stay focused, work hard, and continue growing both personally and professionally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from a professor who reminded me of the importance of relationships—and that building and nurturing those relationships is essential to long-term success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to stay open to learning from everyone you encounter, never pass up an opportunity to grow, and embrace moments that feel uncomfortable. Some of the most meaningful achievements come from stepping forward even when you’re scared—you’re capable of far more than you realize.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is achieving a sustainable work-life balance. As demands continue to grow and evolve, finding ways to remain productive while prioritizing well-being, personal commitments, and long-term fulfillment has become both a challenge and an important opportunity for growth.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are autonomy, the ability to make my own choices, and dedicating my efforts to helping others. These principles guide my decisions, shape how I approach challenges, and ensure that I contribute meaningfully while staying true to myself.