Elise Mitchell Speaker Biography
Entrepreneur, Corporate Director & Expert in Leadership Through Transformation
Elise Mitchell is an experienced CEO, independent board director, executive coach, and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience guiding high-growth companies and senior leaders through complex business transformation, organizational change, and leadership challenges. Known for her expertise in corporate governance, executive leadership, strategic communications, and scaling founder-led businesses, Elise works across industries to help C-suite executives accelerate performance, strengthen company culture, and successfully navigate disruption in today’s rapidly evolving global marketplace.
Founder of Mitchell Communications Group & Global Business Leader
A three-time founder, Elise is best known as the founder and former CEO of Mitchell Communications Group, which was recognized as one of the fastest-growing public relations firms in the world and named to the Inc. 500/5000 list twice. Under her leadership, the agency achieved more than 500% growth in five years, delivering strategic communications and brand leadership solutions for global companies including Walmart, Procter & Gamble, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Tyson Foods, as well as mission-driven organizations such as Walton Family Foundation and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. In 2013, Elise successfully led the strategic sale of Mitchell Communications Group to Tokyo-based Dentsu, Inc., one of the world’s largest marketing and communications holding companies. Following the acquisition, she assumed a global leadership role focused on mergers and acquisitions strategy for the company’s expanding public relations portfolio.
Strategic Advisor to Private Equity, VC Firms & Founders
As founder and CEO of Velocity Collective, Elise advises venture capital and private equity firms, family offices, and their portfolio companies on leadership development, executive communication, crisis leadership, and growth strategy. She coaches founders and senior executives on enterprise value creation, scaling leadership teams, and navigating pivotal inflection points such as capital raises, mergers and acquisitions, and organizational restructuring. Elise also chairs a TIGER 21 cohort for high-net-worth entrepreneurs and executives, helping members optimize leadership performance and long-term business success.
Corporate Board Leadership & Governance Expertise
Elise brings extensive corporate governance experience as an independent board director and trusted advisor to executive leadership teams. She currently serves on the board of trustees for Abilene Christian University and previously served for 15 years as a board member of Arvest Bank. She is also the founding board chair of Endeavor Northwest Arkansas and past global president and board chair of the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), representing more than 3,500 public relations firms across 66 countries worldwide.
Executive Education, Certifications & Industry Recognition
Elise has completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School, Tuck School of Business, and The Aspen Institute. She holds an M.A. from University of Memphis and a B.A. from Abilene Christian University, and serves as an adjunct professor at Syracuse University Newhouse School. Elise is NACD Directorship Certified and holds certifications from the International Coaching Federation and the NeuroLeadership Institute. Her professional honors include Entrepreneur of the Year (NAFE), Agency Professional of the Year (PRWeek), ICCO Hall of Fame inductee, and recognition as a Top 50 Power Player in Public Relations.
Keynote Speaker & Author on Leadership Through Change
Elise is a sought-after keynote speaker on executive leadership, business growth strategy, founder mindset, corporate culture, and leading through change. She is the author of Leading Through the Turn (McGraw Hill), endorsed by John C. Maxwell, and her thought leadership has appeared in major outlets including Entrepreneur, HuffPost, and Mashable. Elise regularly delivers keynote presentations and executive workshops for global leadership conferences, corporate events, and private equity summits.
Elise Mitchell Speaking Topics
Navigating Change in a Complex World
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, leaders must guide their organizations through uncertainty while maintaining clarity and momentum. In this keynote, Elise Mitchell explores how leaders can effectively anticipate disruption, embrace complexity, and shift their mindset to view change as an opportunity rather than a threat. Drawing on neuroscience-backed insights and real-world leadership experience, she explains why individuals often resist change and how to move teams forward with confidence. Using a compelling motorcycling journey metaphor, Elise outlines practical leadership strategies for navigating uncertainty, building trust, and leading with agility. Attendees will learn how to anticipate challenges, read organizational dynamics, and remain focused on long-term goals. The result is a more adaptable leadership approach designed to help organizations thrive in times of transformation.
The Centered Leader: Finding the Grit Not to Quit
Today’s leaders face increasing pressure to perform in high-stakes, high-stress environments, making resilience and self-awareness essential leadership skills. In this presentation, Elise Mitchell shares how leaders can cultivate endurance, manage stress effectively, and strengthen their ability to lead through adversity. She introduces practical techniques to quiet the brain’s threat response, manage burnout, and develop a more reflective leadership style. Audiences will discover how to tame their inner critic, increase focus, and take control of their thinking in moments of uncertainty. By building centeredness, leaders can improve decision-making and inspire confidence within their teams. This session offers actionable strategies that help leaders maintain momentum and remain effective even in challenging circumstances.
Leading Through the Turn
Successful leadership requires not only setting a clear destination but also navigating the journey with purpose and adaptability. In this keynote, Elise Mitchell illustrates how leaders can anticipate detours, embrace uncertainty, and inspire alignment across their organizations. Drawing from insights in her book Leading Through the Turn, she blends storytelling with leadership science to demonstrate how the brain responds to change and ambiguity. Participants will gain tools for building buy-in, thinking opportunistically, and maintaining forward progress during disruption. The session also highlights the importance of balancing results with resilience to achieve sustainable success. Leaders will walk away better equipped to guide their teams through transformation with confidence and clarity.
The ‘It’ Factor: What Will Get You Further Faster
Why do some leaders accelerate their careers while others struggle to gain traction? In this engaging session, Elise Mitchell examines the essential leadership skills that contribute to long-term professional success. She explores how leaders can overcome imposter syndrome, build trust, and demonstrate greater executive presence. Audiences will learn how empathy, listening, and values-driven decision-making can improve relationships and team performance. Elise also introduces practical neuroscience principles that support authentic connection and collaboration. The presentation provides leaders with the tools needed to cultivate a growth mindset and strengthen the capabilities that drive lasting impact.
The Strategic Thinker’s Playbook: Turning Chaos Into Clarity
Strategic thinking is one of the most valuable skills leaders can develop in today’s complex and fast-paced business environment. In this keynote, Elise Mitchell helps leaders step back from day-to-day demands to better understand emerging challenges and opportunities. She introduces practical frameworks for improving decision-making and broadening perspective across the enterprise. Participants will learn how to ask the right questions, interpret signals in uncertain environments, and move effectively from ideation to execution. Elise also shares techniques for developing an innovator’s mindset and improving organizational alignment. This presentation empowers leaders to turn ambiguity into actionable strategy and lead with greater foresight.
Elise Mitchell Books
Leading Through the Turn: How a Journey Mindset Can Help Leaders Find Success and Significance
Purchase BookElise Mitchell Videos
Elise Mitchell Speaker Testimonials
Most leadership speakers teach you how to manage or engage people better -- perhaps at a higher level that you could before. Elise does that and so much more. Her trainings are one-of-a-kind. She helps you dig deep to understand yourself better, so you can lead at your best. She also helps you discover your purpose and your most important goals for leadership. Elise’s training was incredibly impactful on my life and the legacy I want to leave behind.
- Leslie G., Director of Sales |
This was the best investment I could have made for myself and my company. Elise is pragmatic, insightful and enjoyable to work with. She helped me gain clarity on some of my most pressing issues
- John D., CEO |
Elise’s leadership presentation is a practical approach to helping leaders at all levels understand what successful leadership looks like and how to build their skills. Elise was knowledgeable, credible and helped our team to learn. The content was organized with user-friendly calls to action, and the self-assessment was extremely valuable.
- Millie W., Founder and CEO |
