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Blair Bloomston

Founder + CEO

As the Founder + CEO of Leaders Uplifted, Blair Bloomston has carved out a remarkable career as a consultant, instructional designer, and SME Facilitator, spanning nearly two decades. Throughout this journey, she's lent her expertise to some of the world's most renowned athletes, teams, and corporations, enhancing their communication and engagement by transforming team culture.

Blair's impressive track record extends beyond the classroom, leading extensive projects and multi-year collaborations with industry giants such as NASA, Deloitte, EY, Hilton, and the U.S. House of Representatives. Notably, her contributions have extended to the military community, where she has designed and delivered programs for military service members, spouses, caregivers, and veterans across all branches of the US Military, as well as partnering with organizations like the USO and Wounded Warrior Project.

Blair's drive and entrepreneurial mindset has allowed her to reach professional milestones, including her work as a former Partner, CEO, and Chief Development Officer at Game On Nation, notably achieving the GSA Schedule award for the firm, and facilitating their subsequent awards from USDA, NOAA, VA, USAF, Treasury Executive Institute, and U.S. Special Operations Command. Her work has garnered recognition on esteemed platforms, including ESPN's "Outside the Lines," BBC's "How the Best is Done," the Big 10 Network, and Gulf Coast Business Review's "40 Under 40" list, alongside her recent recognition as one of SRQ Magazine's 2023 Women Who Roar. 

Brenna Palughi

Senior Consultant

Brenna Palughi brings an unmatched spirit and energy to every room she enters as a Senior Consultant with Leaders Uplifted. Her bright, engaging sense of humor and ability to delight audiences is matched by her years of expertise as a College professor and professional facilitator.

Brenna's educational journey includes earning an MFA from the Yale School of Drama and a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College. With an education and consulting career spanning over a decade, her expertise lies in communication, presentation, and engagement skills, backed by her experience as a film, television, and theater actor and professor of movement.

Brenna is a former professor at Pace University and currently holds a faculty position at HB Studios in New York City. She has served as a Senior Communication Consultant for Game On Nation since 2009, and impressive client list includes collaborations with the US House of Representatives, Deloitte, the USO, Wounded Warrior Project, and support for female veterans in the Ride to Recovery program. She is also a certified yoga instructor, certified Lucid Body instructor, and Professional Trainee Program at Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. Brenna is the Founder of Body Intelligence, a movement training consultancy, helping actors and executives discover how to unlock their influence and presence through embodied leadership.  

Jason Martinez

Senior Consultant

Before embarking on his latest journey as a Senior Facilitator for Stanford University, Jason honed his skills and expertise through a true adept practice of leadership. He is the Founder of the Coolest Leadership Podcast and creator of the Grasshopper Principles for everyday inspiration, motivation, and perspective.

In his previous role as the Director of Brand Innovation at Game On Nation, he fused his unparalleled storytelling prowess with a deep understanding of design thinking, change management, appreciative inquiry, creative strategy, and organizational leadership. Within this role, Jason was the guiding force supporting many of Game On's most prestigious clients, steering them towards peak performance. His roster includes collaborations with the NFL, SEC, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakley/Luxottica, US Air Force and Space Force, Under Armour, Oakland Raiders, Memphis Grizzlies, YMCA, The Players Championship (TPC), Deloitte, Patron Technology, and Joint Special Operations Command.

Before his tenure with Game On, Jason dedicated 13 years to developing groundbreaking well-being programs for our Nation's wounded warriors with the Wounded Warrior Project. These initiatives included remarkable endeavors like participating in Race Across America, organizing the Courage Cup golf tournament, and summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Jason's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from the University of North Florida and a Master's in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. Adding to his multifaceted persona, Jason is also a proud United States Marine Corps and Florida Army National Guard veteran.

Tijuana Pirro

Senior Consultant

Tijuana Pirro is a multifaceted coach, actor, director, and writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She earned her MFA in Acting from the prestigious Yale School of Drama and has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry, appearing in over 100 episodes of television. Her notable roles include appearances on Showtime’s "Billions," Hulu’s "Tiny Beautiful Things," and various series within Netflix’s Marvel Universe.

As a prominent voice-over artist, Tijuana has lent her voice to numerous commercials on television and radio and brought multiple video game characters to life. Recently, she gained widespread recognition as the narrator for the #1 Netflix show "Files of the Unexplained."

In her directorial pursuits, Tijuana has been distinguished by her selection for the Ryan Murphy Productions Half Directing Initiative and the Women in Film Directing Fellowship. She is also an active voting member of the Television Academy, Film Independent, and the Alliance of Women Directors.

Beyond her on-screen and directorial achievements, Tijuana has a strong passion for teaching and coaching. She was a pivotal teaching artist at the Pace University School of Performing Arts, where she helped launch the Acting for Film, TV, Voice-overs, and Commercials BFA program. Her expertise and dedication as a content and performance coach were notably showcased through her work with TedX Seattle, where she guided speakers to achieve viral success.

Tijuana Pirro’s diverse talents and contributions to the entertainment industry reflect her commitment to excellence and her ability to inspire and uplift those around her. As a coach, she excels in transforming team culture through enhanced communication and engagement, empowering individuals and teams to reach their full potential.

Kate Leavell

Senior Leadership Consultant

Kate Leavell is a Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author, founder of Kate Leavell ETC Inc. (Energize, Transform, & Connect), and a former NCAA lacrosse coach. With a strong background in leadership development, Kate has built a career focused on empowering organizations through strategic culture building and belief-based accountability. As a former Vice President of Development with The Jon Gordon Companies, she co-authored Stick Together and supported the delivery of leadership workshops for high-profile clients such as Wounded Warrior Project, Keller Williams, Geico, and YPO (Young President’s Organization) helping to strengthen and unify teams across these organizations. Kate's most recent book, Superpower, extends her focus on empowerment and the inimitable value we each bring to the world.

Kate’s work as a speaker and consultant has carried her influence across a range of industries, from corporate giants like Siemens, ExP Realty, and Wolters Kluwer, to innovative brands like Orange Theory Fitness. In her role as a Senior Leadership Consultant for Leaders Uplifted, Kate brings her heart-centered, energetic approach to every engagement, offering workshops and training programs that have significantly enhanced leadership effectiveness and team cohesion.

As a mom of three and a passionate educator, Kate has also made an impact on students, coaches, and administrators in the academic and athletic sectors. She's supported institutions such as Baylor University, Kansas State University, University of Denver, and the LPGA, bringing her experience as an NCAA lacrosse coach and Master National Coaches Development Trainer for US Lacrosse, showcasing her dedication to developing leaders both on and off the field.

Kate’s life took a profound turn in 2014 when she survived a pulmonary embolism, an experience that deepened her commitment to living each day with purpose. This focus drives the mission of ETC Inc. and her impact as a speaker, coach, and leader as she continues to help teams unlock their full potential, inspiring lasting positive change across all levels of an organization.

Ben Thys

Senior Consultant

Ben Thys is an accomplished facilitator and coach who has been captivating audiences for more than a decade. His combination of wit, intelligence, and charm make Ben a highly sought-after speaker and executive consultant.

Within his role as Senior Consultant for Leaders Uplifted, Ben's instructional approach is shaped by his deep commitment to growth mindset and continued learning. He draws creative inspiration from his extensive background as a Broadway, film, and television actor and performer, including the renowned original production of "Oslo," which received the Tony award for best play at Lincoln Center. 

Originating from Europe, Ben has lived in several vibrant cities such as Brussels, London, Amsterdam, and Paris, amassing a wealth of experiences abroad. His academic journey led him to explore Mandarin Chinese, Philosophy, and world religions at the University of London, where he also spent a transformative year in Beijing. Eventually, he found his way to New York, where he balances his thriving career as a working actor with his consulting and facilitation skills as a Lead Educator with Leaders Uplifted.

Beyond the performer spotlight, Ben delivers on-going programs as a Senior Consultant for Game On Nation, taking the lead in guiding and supporting an impressive array of clients, including the U.S. House of Representatives, Deloitte's CIO Institute, Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Tucker Ellis LLP, NFP, and NASA. He also dedicates himself to teaching at esteemed institutions like the French Alliance and the New School in New York City. 

Elise Rodriguez, Esq.

Senior Consultant

Elise Rodriguez is a dynamic leadership consultant and facilitator who brings her expertise to the forefront at Leaders Uplifted by combining and leveraging her experience in theater performance, law, accounting, and more.

In her role as Senior Consultant, Elise specializes in communication and leader engagement training, offering her support to professionals in both virtual and live settings. Her impact is pronounced through her work supporting high-profile clients, including Deloitte, NASA, the University of Alabama, Tucker Ellis LLP, the Florida Clerk's Association, and IMG Academy.

Beyond her consulting roles for training firms across the country, Elise is a licensed attorney having coached law students, graduates, and practicing attorneys in courtroom performance, presentation skills, and personal leadership development. Before transitioning out of the practice of law, she was a solo-practitioner, specializing in Estate Planning, Probate, Family, and Business Law.

Elise's unique career also includes her work as a producer and director, where her leadership and creative approach have contributed to the success of award-winning films, media productions, and events. She is first-generation Cuban-American originally from Miami, Florida where she began her work as a professional improvisor. Her talents have taken her to national and international stages.

Elise’s goal as a speaker, facilitator, and overall creator, is to empower individuals to discover their authentic power and creativity, guiding them to lead and communicate with courage, confidence, and character.

Chiara Motley

Senior Consultant

Chiara Motley has worked as a communications coach, leadership consultant, and facilitator for over a decade. She is a lead executive coach with Peers and Players as well as GK Training, and has an extensive background in coaching and entrepreneurial development. Chiara has helped top professionals in finance, law, pharmaceuticals, accounting and advertising to develop their skills in both written and oral communication. With expertise in individual and group training, Chiara’s coaching practice is personal, tailored, effective and engaging.

Chiara holds a Master of Fine Arts from The National Theatre Conservatory in Denver, CO and a BA from Stanford University, where she was awarded the Evelyn M. Draper Prize for Performance and graduated with distinction. She is also a graduate of Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. As an undergraduate at Stanford, Chiara studied English, composition, and linguistics, as well as theatre. Her approach to teaching is informed by her own career in the arts. Chiara is a performer and voice over artist. She has appeared in commercials, voice overs, and performed on stages across the country.

Chiara has led workshops for global financial firms, AM Law 100 firms, as well as creative institutions such as Seattle Shakespeare Company and the Denver Center’s Education Program. As a consultant, Chiara helped The Chef’s Connection develop their online written and video content to increase business and website traffic. Chiara has been the keynote speaker for WISE Women in Sports, The Healthcare Women's Business Association, and the PDC.

 

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