Ann Tardy
As a former Silicon Valley corporate attorney and a current entrepreneur, CEO, and manager, Ann knows people from many dynamics. Working alongside some of the best and brightest lawyers, entrepreneurs, VCs, and business owners, Ann incorporated companies, negotiated mergers, managed venture-backed financings, and held the hands of many anxious CEOs... and loved it. She then started her own law firm representing over 75 entrepreneurs, grew it until her CEOs became friends, and then sold her firm to a larger firm that continues to represent entrepreneurs and start-ups nationwide.
In 2003 Ann used her moxie to launch LifeMoxie Mentoring & Leadership, a leadership consulting firm, and MentorLead, a cloud-based software application to build better bosses, stronger communities, and more effective organizations. Her programs, books, and speeches tackle ongoing workforce challenges such as: culture and engagement, leadership development, succession planning, integrating millennials, and on-boarding. Her programs are loved by clients such as Kaiser Permanente, Duke Energy, Macy's, and Cabela's.
As a speaker and author, Ann prepares people to execute powerfully in ever-changing environments. From keynotes to leadership programs to executive retreats, Ann turns the kaleidoscope to help audiences see the potential and the power of their role. She is on the faculty of the Institute for Management Studies (IMS) and the author of four books: Ambition on a Mission (2007), Moxie for Managers (2011), Why Mentoring Matters (2013), and Moxie for Mentoring (2016). They have become popular books for companies who are committed to creating and keeping strong leaders and strong cultures in this fiercely competitive marketplace.
In 2012 Ann founded the Mentoring Council (www.mentoringcouncil.com) where hundreds of program administrators, leaders, and HR professionals go to connect, share resources, benchmark progress, and exchange best practices.
When not on a stage or transforming corporate America, you can find Ann on her bicycle. In the summer 2011, Ann cycled 4,200 miles from San Francisco to New Jersey in The Moxie Ride, to film the documentary, Work Matters, identifying what people love about their jobs and how bosses influence their success. She continued her research from a bike in 2012 cycling 2,600 miles from Key West, Florida, to Bar Harbor, Maine, in 2014 cycling 1,600 miles from Seattle to San Diego, and in 2016 cycling 783 miles from Crater Lake to Yosemite.
Ann earned the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association, was awarded Outstanding Business Woman of the Year by the American Business Women's Association, and was honored with the Vanguard Award from The McGraw-Hill Companies for her contributions to their employees.
She earned a B.S. in Accountancy from University of Illinois, a J.D. from Chicago-Kent Law School, a CPA from Illinois, and licenses to practice law in Illinois and California.