We recently connected with Lisa Ferrell and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lisa , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
After working 35 years in broadcasting, as a single mother raising three children single-handedly while working in Corporate America in a job that was predominantly a male-dominated hierarchy, and having learned through two marriages that ended in divorce and one rebound relationship, I was at an all-time low and contemplated committing suicide. I heard of this thing called a Life Coach and looked into it further. At that time, there weren’t many male coaches. I wanted a male coach’s perspective to help me understand why I kept making choices with men that weren’t aligned with my values, and I had a difficult time saying no. Not being able to say no got me into much trouble. Through the coaching process, I learned how to say no more effectively. After hiring my Life Coach, I was able to make better choices in every aspect of my life, which had previously left me feeling broken and overwhelmed. Making this choice changed the direction of my life. I learned how to build the bridge out of Corporate America. I was helping people build their businesses, which ultimately led to my role as a Life Coach, where I help people build their lives by design.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’ve always believed that life is too precious to live by default behavior. For years, I had checked the boxes of success, but I felt something was missing. It wasn’t until I embraced the principle of ‘Living Life by Design,’ as outlined in our book, How You Leave Them Feeling: Your Foundation for Inspiring Relationships, that I uncovered my true purpose.
Today, I’m focused on coaching, speaking, and creating tools that help people gain clarity, confidence, and connection. Together with my husband, Jesse and I are the founders of JessTalk Speaking and Coaching Firm and LisaListen, where we work with individuals, couples, and leadership teams to communicate more effectively, resolve conflict, and design lives and businesses that align with their values.
What excites me most is seeing the breakthroughs when someone who feels stuck or unheard suddenly finds their voice and a clear path forward. That moment of transformation is why I do what I do. Our work isn’t just about leadership or relationships; it’s about leaving people feeling seen, heard, and inspired to live authentically.
Our brand has grown into a movement. We’ve published four books, an interactive workbook, and created two card decks, including our 52-Card How You Leave Them Feeling “Colors Deck” that inspires open, authentic communication. We’ve also launched online courses, such as The Breakthrough Success Plan, and are currently creating a new course based directly on the How You Leave Them Feeling book, workbook, and card deck series.
Looking ahead, we’re expanding into global markets, with plans to bring our ‘How You Leave Them Feeling concept. We’re also digitizing our card decks to create a dynamic digital experience that allows people to carry these tools in their pocket.
At the core, everything I do, whether on stage at a Women’s Leadership Conference, coaching one-on-one, or developing new resources, is rooted in purpose. My mission is to ignite women to rise from the weight of chaos and confusion into the freedom of clarity and confidence, creating connections that transform how we live and lead.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I believe the most impactful qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge are these:
1. Cultivating self-love and silencing the inner critic.
True confidence begins when you extend grace to yourself and learn to quiet the negative voices that hold you back.
2. Embracing authenticity and vulnerability.
Real growth and connection only happen when you allow yourself to be who you truly are.
3. Surrounding yourself with uplifting people.
Choose a circle that encourages, supports, and genuinely wants the best for you, because the company you keep shapes your path.
4. Creating rituals and leveraging the right systems.
Daily practices, especially morning rituals, set the tone for focus, gratitude, and success. Pair them with the best systems, tools, and processes to streamline your efforts and free up energy for what matters most.
My advice to those just beginning their journey: start small, but stay consistent. Self-love grows with patience. Vulnerability strengthens with practice. The right people and the right systems will carry you further than you can imagine. Build that foundation, and you’ll not only sustain yourself, you’ll thrive.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced recently is coming to terms with my body changing in ways I never expected. For most of my adult life, I was in great shape and often complimented on my appearance; it became an integral part of my identity. But menopause brought on a 30-pound weight gain, and with it, a deep sense of loss and frustration. It felt like the ground shifted beneath me. No one really prepares you for this transition; there’s no roadmap, just trial and error, and a lot of self-criticism in the mirror.
The hardest part has been reconciling the image of the woman I used to be with the version of me I see today. There were moments of grief, of questioning my worth, and of feeling like my best years were somehow behind me. However, I’ve come to realize that this way of thinking is the real weight I needed to shed. I unapologetically love and honor my body, exactly as it is right now. Health is my ultimate wealth, and my energy is laser-focused on gratitude for all that I have.
What I’m learning, and choosing every day, is to shift my focus. Instead of obsessing over what I’ve lost, I’m grounding myself in what I have: vibrant health, three incredible and successful children, two beautiful grandchildren and a marriage to my soulmate where we live, play, and build our life’s work together. This perspective doesn’t erase the struggle, but it does give me strength. My new commitment is to honor my body for carrying me through life, to embrace the wisdom this stage brings, and to continue designing my life around gratitude, love, and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lisalisten.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/lisabybeeferrell/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4TVCME/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lasvegaslifecoach/
- Other: Where to buy our books: https://tinyurl.com/ae2kvwtm
Our Online Course The Breakthrough Success Plan: https://www.gettbsp.com/
Image Credits
Taylored Photos (not all, but some of the photos were taken by this company.)
