Let me ask you a few questions: How do you see yourself? What does the ultimate you look like? What about your voice? Have you discovered it? What do you want out of life? And are you in control ofit?

My name is Lisa Brooks-Greaux. Born to working-class parents and raised in the Pocono Mountains of rural Pennsylvania, I had no special advantages as a child to suggest that I would go on to enjoy a full and multifaceted life. By the grace of God, however, I did. I found my path to the Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 arenas where I twice served in the capacity of vice president. Through the nod of corporate accolades, I’ve been afforded the humbling confirmation that my contributions have been deemed, at least in the eyes of some, helpful. I have enjoyed the privilege of being invited by different groups to speak about my work, including the Global Human Resources Forum in Seoul, Korea, where I was a keynote speaker. I’ve had the honor of working as the executive sponsor of a company’s women’s council and seeing that company named a top ten place of business for working mothers. I’ve had the good fortune of extensive travel, both domestically and overseas, and establishing lifelong connections with friends and colleagues spanning the globe. I’ve experienced the joy of mentoring and of blossoming under the guidance of mentors and coaches whom I can only describe as angels on Earth. But all this would be a mere dish without seasoning were it not for the most important ingredients that have brought true richness to my life: a loving life partner, supportive family, loyal friends, good health, and, most importantly, an unwavering faith in God. My spiritual guidance has been, without question, my NorthStar.

I come to you here as an everyday woman. I have worn the hats of daughter, sister, aunt, friend, wife, mentor, educator, human resources executive, coach, keen people observer, and even wannabe hip-hop dancer. Driven by a love of drawing out the natural-born strengths we all have, I have treasured each role. Above all else, however, I am a quiet disrupter. I am the one who will poke holes in the status quo, ask how you could rework the equation to solve a problem or tweak the script so that it fits your goals. After all, you want to make something truly wonderful of your life. You want to feel that sense of purpose, don’tyou?

My first steps in the worl