Kelli Lester

Kelli Lester is Co-founder and Partner of Onyx Rising, a change management consulting firm specializing in individual, team, and organizational behavior transformation. Her “occupassion” lies in fostering environments where inclusive leadership thrives, leveraging over two decades of experience to drive meaningful progress.
Kelli’s expertise includes leadership development and coaching, strategic consulting, organizational culture enhancement, change management, problem-solving, and employee engagement. She is adept at helping leaders cultivate cultures and environments that value alternative perspectives, foster equity in opportunities, and promote employee well-being.

With over 20 years of experience in driving leadership-focused initiatives within consumer goods and multi-media industries, Kelli is a dynamic leader and market analysis expert who supports organizations in vision creation, strategy development, and execution. Throughout her career, she has worn many hats: Consultant, Entrepreneur, Coach, Leader, Facilitator, Change Agent, and Community Advocate, and Ambassador to various local and national groups.

Kelli was named one of EBONY’s “30 Young Leaders of the Future” and has a proven record of implementing change that leads to long-term, sustainable impact. She continues to empower individuals and organizations to unlock their potential and create environments where everyone can excel.

Suggested Topics:
• 7 Inclusive Leadership Traits
• Intentional Inclusion
• A Conversation on the New Leadership Paradigm
• Protect Your Greatest Asset: Your People
• Creating Generational Agility
• Managing Big Changes in Your Organization

Suggested Questions:
● What is Inclusive Leadership and why is it important?
● What are the impacts of inclusive leadership on employee wellbeing/engagement?
● How can companies and organizations innovate by tapping into their employees’
strengths?
● How can organization’s build high-performing teams?
● How can inclusion be an enabler for greater growth and innovation?
● What is the key to engaging today’s workforce?
● How can you create generational synergy/ability?