Meet Lisa Gillette: Equal Pay Activist, Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Gillette and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’m often asked how I transitioned from working as an executive in sports television to becoming an equal pay activist, keynote speaker, and executive coach. Honestly I’ve always fought for equal pay and equal rights. I started my business BIG SKY Coaching & Consulting because I saw the need and I knew I could fill it.

I am intimately familiar with the special set of challenges all women face in the workplace. When I discovered a solution or strategy to advance in my own corporate career I was happy to share it with others; especially when it came to managing gender bias, navigating corporate culture, negotiating compensation, or leading with ‘executive presence’. My company, BIG SKY Coaching & Consulting is a natural extension of my mission to guide more women up the ranks of leadership all the way to the “C” suite.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I spent 25 years in corporate ascending up the ranks of leadership. I spent the last 15 years in sports television; a fast paced, intoxicating and highly toxic environment. I’ve personally beta tested and refined all of the strategies, tactics and “ninja mind tricks” that I teach today. I believe every woman deserves equal access to professional opportunities, career advancement, and of course equal pay. It is my deepest intention is to support all women in this effort.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Scheduling the “best day ever” always includes time at the Pacific ocean. I love going to Zuma beach, near county line, or taking a walk in the surf from the Santa Monica Pier to the break water at Marina Del Rey and back.

Gilbert’s El Indio on Pico Blvd in West LA, a family run Mexican restaurant is awesome for lunch. They serve the best margaritas, and you can eat outside on the patio or order to go. The staff always greets you warmly and the food is delicious!

The next destination would be Disney Hall to see the amazing architecture of Frank Gehry. There’s an incredible view of the old LA Times building from the balcony on the east side of Disney Hall; it’s a great spot to take pictures.

Once we get back to IRL sometime in the summer of 2021, I’d be sure to book appointments at Olympic Spa for a scrub, massage and soak. There’s many spas but this is one of the best: clean, well kept, with a special rock salt room, an oxygen room, two soaking tubs, sauna, steam and showers. I am really looking forward to the time when Olympic spa is open again!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My role model is Dr. Lois Frankel; keynote speaker, author and recognized leader in Women’s Executive Leadership. Her strategic, solution based teachings, (not to mention her wicked sense of humor) have supported, sustained and inspired millions of professional women, including me, throughout the various stages of their careers.

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge two people who have kept me whole in body, mind and spirit: 1) my esteemed yoga teacher Birgitte Kristen. I’ve been studying with her for the last ten years. I had the good fortune to travel to Bali and Costa Rica with her, to enjoy two of my favorite activities: travel and yoga. 2) my beloved pilates instructor Bob Rudd. I started working with Bob after pinching two nerves in my back (L5/S1) during a kickboxing class. Thanks to Bob, I avoided surgery and even grew ½ inch taller. I am now able to walk normally again.

Website: https://bigsky.coach
Instagram: @bigskycoach_lisa_gillette
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-gillette/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIGSKYCoach.lisagillette
Youtube: https://youtu.be/md3t_eMZoYE

Image Credits
Innis Casey, Nancy Hyland