Meet the Team
Lisa Z. Fain, CEO
Lisa Z. Fain is a keynote mentoring speaker and CEO of the Center for Mentoring Excellence who helps organizations design learning ecosystems that unlock human potential through mentoring and developmental networks. She is co-author of Bridging Differences for Better Mentoring and The Mentor’s Guide (3rd Edition) and has inspired audiences worldwide through her speaking and TEDx talk on building meaningful connections.
She has conducted mentoring training programs for corporate, government and educational institutions. Lisa coaches, mentors, mentees, and program administrators on how to achieve mentoring excellence and create the right environment for achievement of career and personal goals. She is highly regarded for her special combination of knowledge, expertise, humor and a no-nonsense practical approach.
Lisa brings her energy, enthusiasm, and engagement to any group, facilitating lively workshops and training, and delivering interactive speeches with practical steps that can be implemented right away. She is an Executive Coach who guides leaders to create better workplaces, and is known for her frank, kind, and holistic approach to helping leaders help themselves. As Senior Director of the Diversity and Inclusion function at Outerwall, Inc., Lisa spearheaded the development, establishment, and implementation of its diversity initiative.
Prior to assuming that position, she worked as Outerwall’s in-house counsel, coaching leaders and partnering with their human resources department to establish fair and effective policies and practices to sustain the organization as it grew in size, revenue, and renown.
For almost a decade, Lisa practiced law in the Chicago office of a major multinational law firm, where she counseled employers on creating inclusive policies and practices. While in that role, she served as a Master Trainer who directed thousands of employees at companies large and small on creating better workplaces.
Lisa is a certified mediator, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Social Policy from Northwestern University, and holds a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law. Lisa lives in Seattle, where she loves to hike and explore the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two daughters.
