Elise is a Nashville-based executive coach, consultant and keynote speaker. With 20-plus years of experience in both the entrepreneurial and corporate worlds, she specializes in change management and leading through adversity. Her engaging in-person and virtual presentations include inspiring stories, leadership lessons and practical takeaways based on her successful career as the founder and CEO of Mitchell Communications Group, one of the top 10 fastest-growing public relations firms globally and a two-time Inc. 500/5000 fastest-growing company.
Under her leadership, the agency grew more than 500% in five years, served clients such as Walmart, Procter & Gamble, Marriott, and Mondelez, and earned the distinction of being named Agency of the Year twice by PR Week and PRovoke. In 2013, Elise successfully completed a strategic sale of the company to Tokyo-based Dentsu, Inc., taking on a global role to lead corporate development for the company’s PR investments. In 2019, she launched her own consultancy, Velocity Collective.
Elise is NACD Directorship Certified. She is also certified by the International Coaching Federation and the NeuroLeadership Institute. She is accredited by the Public Relations Society of America and a member of the society's prestigious College of Fellows.
In addition to her coaching and strategic advisory work, Elise actively writes and speaks on leadership and entrepreneurship. She is the author of a best-selling book, "Leading Through the Turn" (McGraw Hill). Her writings have appeared in Entrepreneur, Huff Post and Mashable, and on her blog, In the Turn. She has keynoted conferences around the world.
Elise is also a passionate advocate for entrepreneurs. She was the founding board chair of Endeavor Heartland, which provides financial, intellectual and cultural capital to help accelerate fast-growing entrepreneurial companies. She serves as an advisor and investment partner with New Road Capital Partners and Valor Ventures, and is an investor in the global impact fund, Endeavor Catalyst.
Elise is a member of the board of trustees for her alma mater, Abilene Christian University. She served as a 15-year member of Arvest Bank (Fayetteville). Most recently she served as global board chair (president) of the International Communications Consultancy Organization, based in London, which represents more than 3,500 public relations agencies in 66 countries.
Elise and her husband live in Nashville. They are the proud parents of two children. When she's not working with clients, you can find Elise motorcycling, running the trails near their home, or planning their next journey off the beaten path.
