Executive Highlight
Lisa Ryan
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Founder - Chief Appreciation Strategist, Grategy
- Industry: Consulting / Coaching
Business Founded: 2010
Phone: (216) 359-1134
Email: [email protected]
Address:
3222 Perl Ct.
North Royalton, OH 44133
How long have you been in your industry?25+ years
Why did you choose your industry?After working in industrial sales and medical sales, my position was eliminated via a group conference call. I vowed never to let an organization have that kind of control over my career again. My gratitude practice, which began after a life-changing firewalk, inspired me to help companies create workplaces where employees feel valued, engaged, and committed.
Who are your typical clients?My clients are business owners, executives, and HR professionals in industries such as manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, and associations. They seek to improve employee retention, engagement, and workplace culture.
What do you like best about being in this industry?I love seeing the transformation when leaders realize that small, consistent acts of appreciation can have a profound impact on their teams. Helping organizations cultivate gratitude-based cultures where employees feel valued and want to stay is incredibly rewarding.
What are common problems you see?Many companies struggle with employee retention, engagement, and generational differences in the workplace. Leaders often assume that compensation is the primary motivator, but in reality, employees stay when they feel valued, heard, and appreciated.
What advice/tips do you have for clients?Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s a business strategy. Simple, genuine acts of recognition can improve retention, productivity, and morale. Employees who feel appreciated are more engaged and less likely to leave. Leaders should prioritize meaningful connections over transactional interactions.
When is your busy season?Year-round, with peak engagements in Q1 and Q4 when organizations focus on planning, culture-building, and retention strategies and associations are having their annual conferences.
What keeps you up at night?The challenge of helping companies shift from outdated management styles to a culture of genuine appreciation and engagement. Many leaders still underestimate the power of gratitude in driving business success.
How do you market yourself to grow/expand your business?I leverage speaking engagements, LinkedIn thought leadership, podcast interviews, and referrals. I also collaborate with speakers' bureaus and maintain strong relationships with associations and industry leaders.
How involved are you in the community?I serve on the Senior Leadership Team of STEM Goes Red for Girls, a division of the American Heart Association, empowering young women to pursue careers in STEM. I also collect and sort clothing for the Tour of Good Cheer, ensuring families in need receive warm clothing and holiday gifts. Additionally, I’m a 7+ gallon blood donor and mentor emerging speakers and entrepreneurs, helping them build s
What is your favorite not for profit or charity?The Tour of Good Cheer brings Christmas joy to nine homeless shelters across Cleveland. We provide coats, sweaters, and toys for children in the city’s most vulnerable families, ensuring they experience the warmth of the season. It’s an incredible way to give back, spread gratitude, and make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of getting into this business?Don't quit your day job until you can fully support yourself from speaking. Consistency and persistence are key. Speaking is a business, not just a passion. Build strong relationships, deliver value with every engagement, and never stop refining your message. Success comes from treating it like a business, not just a stage performance.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?I love painting, connecting with family via Zoom, and spoiling my two cats, Simba and Tinkerbell. I also enjoy traveling with my husband and finding new ways to bring gratitude into daily life.
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