Lisa Haynes
Executive and Retirement Coach and Fractional CFO at Haynes Executive Solutions, LLC
Professional Training and Coaching
Education: Bentley University - Boston University
Tampa, FL, USA
Biography
Lisa J. Haynes is proof that leadership—and life—rarely follow a straight line. With over three decades in high-impact roles at Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association, she led through change, tackled tough challenges, and emerged with powerful insights on resilience, inclusion, and strategic growth.
After retiring as CFO and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Lisa launched her second act as a certified executive and retirement coach. She now guides organizations and individuals through pivotal transitions—whether it’s career reinvention, leadership development, or planning what’s next.
An engaging, down-to-earth speaker, Lisa blends humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom to connect with audiences. She’s spoken on topics like women in leadership, introverted leadership, and finding your niche at events including the mPowering You Women’s Summit, the Kentucky MBA Conference, the MERS User Conference, and the California MBA Podcast.
As a coach, speaker, and fractional CFO, Lisa brings deep expertise to conversations around women in transition, human resources, financial strategy, and legacy building. Her mission: help people keep learning, keep growing, and design a second act they’re excited about.
Passion
At the core of Lisa’s work is a deep passion for helping people reach their full potential—in their careers, finances, and personal lives. She believes leadership isn’t about titles, but about influence, empathy, and showing up with authenticity. Whether she’s coaching emerging leaders, guiding professionals through retirement, or advising on strategic transitions, Lisa is most energized when she sees someone step into their power and lead with clarity and confidence.
She’s especially passionate about supporting people through life’s big transitions—stepping into a new role, reimagining life after retirement, or designing a fulfilling second act. These crossroads can feel overwhelming, but Lisa sees them as powerful moments for reinvention. She’s driven by the belief that everyone—especially women and underrepresented voices—deserves the tools, support, and space to lead on their own terms.
Best Story
I want to share a story about being teachable and coachable—and the power of a strong support circle.
It was a board meeting to review the preliminary budget, always a high-stakes moment. As CFO, I was responsible for presenting the draft budget to the board. Even though it was meant for feedback, the questions started rolling in—fast and pointed. For 45 minutes, I fielded a steady stream of inquiries, and one board member in particular came at me hard. It turned into a tense, back-and-forth exchange that had the whole room on edge.
Then, in the middle of it all, a board member and mentor sitting beside me leaned over and quietly whispered, “Don’t get defensive.” That simple phrase snapped me out of the spiral. I took a breath. I shifted my tone. And just like that, the energy in the room changed.
Here’s what I learned: Being teachable means staying open—even in the heat of the moment. That one whisper reminded me that growth often comes from the uncomfortable moments, and that real-time feedback is a gift, not a threat. But maybe the bigger lesson was this—having a circle of support matters. Sometimes, the quietest voice beside you is what helps you rise with grace under pressure.
Origin Story
My story begins at the close of a three-decade career in finance—a journey filled with milestones and meaningful work. For me, success was never just about the numbers; it was about leaving a legacy and making a lasting impact. When I stepped away from my CFO role, I knew that chapter had been fulfilled.
But along the way, I discovered where my true fulfillment came from: helping others grow. Whether mentoring teams or guiding colleagues through transitions, I found purpose in watching people unlock their potential and step into their next chapter with confidence.
That’s what made my second act clear. I retired from the corporate world to focus on coaching and speaking—bringing real-world insights, deep empathy, and a belief in lifelong growth. Today, I help others see what’s possible, trust their instincts, and take bold steps toward a future that excites them.
Example talks
Retired and Killin' It
Retirement isn’t the end of the road—it’s the start of a new adventure. Whether you’re already retired, approaching that next chapter, or planning ahead, this talk will help you redefine what’s possible. Explore the psychological, emotional, social, and financial shifts that come with retirement. Lisa shares a dynamic approach to making the most of this phase, through personal insights, real-world strategies, and a little humor, she introduces her K.I.L.L. I.T. formula—a powerful mindset shift.
If you’re wondering what’s next and how to make retirement as rewarding as possible, this talk will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to kill it!
It’s never too early to start planning—because the best retirements don’t just happen, they’re designed.
The Power of the Pivot: Embracing What’s Next
Transition isn’t just a career change—it’s a personal transformation. Whether you're shifting roles, retiring, or embarking on a new chapter, every transition presents an opportunity to pause, reflect, and redefine what success means to you on your own terms.
In this inspiring and practical talk, Lisa J. Haynes shares insights on navigating transitions with intention and confidence. Drawing on her journey from CFO to coach and speaker, she explores how to let go of old definitions, embrace reinvention, and move forward with clarity and purpose. Attendees will walk away with tools to rewrite their narrative, build a new vision, and lead with authenticity—no matter where they are on their path.
Legacy Is a Verb: Live It Now
Legacy isn’t just what we leave behind—it’s how we live right now. In this powerful session, Lisa Haynes challenges the outdated notion that legacy is something we only think about at the end of our careers or lives. Instead, she reframes legacy as a daily practice—one shaped by the choices we make, the relationships we build, and the impact we have in the present.
This talk invites attendees to live more intentionally, align their actions with their values, and actively shape the story others will tell about them. It’s about leading with purpose, living with clarity, and realizing that your legacy is happening in real time.
Leaders Always Lead
Leadership is not about titles—it’s about action, influence, and resilience. In this compelling talk, I explore the four key ways that true leaders show up: Leading from the Front, by setting the standard and taking decisive action; Leading from the Middle, by fostering connection and influencing without authority; Leading from the Back, by empowering and mentoring others to shine; and Leading While Bleeding, by showing resilience and authenticity even in the face of adversity. Through powerful stories, real-world examples, and actionable insights, this talk challenges and equips individuals at all levels to step into their leadership with courage, humility, and impact. Because no matter the circumstances, leaders always lead.
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Featured Book
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
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Topics
Best Story
I want to share a story about being teachable and coachable—and the power of a strong support circle.
It was a board meeting to review the preliminary budget, always a high-stakes moment. As CFO, I was responsible for presenting the draft budget to the board. Even though it was meant for feedback, the questions started rolling in—fast and pointed. For 45 minutes, I fielded a steady stream of inquiries, and one board member in particular came at me hard. It turned into a tense, back-and-forth exchange that had the whole room on edge.
Then, in the middle of it all, a board member and mentor sitting beside me leaned over and quietly whispered, “Don’t get defensive.” That simple phrase snapped me out of the spiral. I took a breath. I shifted my tone. And just like that, the energy in the room changed.
Here’s what I learned: Being teachable means staying open—even in the heat of the moment. That one whisper reminded me that growth often comes from the uncomfortable moments, and that real-time feedback is a gift, not a threat. But maybe the bigger lesson was this—having a circle of support matters. Sometimes, the quietest voice beside you is what helps you rise with grace under pressure.
Origin Story
My story begins at the close of a three-decade career in finance—a journey filled with milestones and meaningful work. For me, success was never just about the numbers; it was about leaving a legacy and making a lasting impact. When I stepped away from my CFO role, I knew that chapter had been fulfilled.
But along the way, I discovered where my true fulfillment came from: helping others grow. Whether mentoring teams or guiding colleagues through transitions, I found purpose in watching people unlock their potential and step into their next chapter with confidence.
That’s what made my second act clear. I retired from the corporate world to focus on coaching and speaking—bringing real-world insights, deep empathy, and a belief in lifelong growth. Today, I help others see what’s possible, trust their instincts, and take bold steps toward a future that excites them.
Example talks
Retired and Killin' It
Retirement isn’t the end of the road—it’s the start of a new adventure. Whether you’re already retired, approaching that next chapter, or planning ahead, this talk will help you redefine what’s possible. Explore the psychological, emotional, social, and financial shifts that come with retirement. Lisa shares a dynamic approach to making the most of this phase, through personal insights, real-world strategies, and a little humor, she introduces her K.I.L.L. I.T. formula—a powerful mindset shift.
If you’re wondering what’s next and how to make retirement as rewarding as possible, this talk will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to kill it!
It’s never too early to start planning—because the best retirements don’t just happen, they’re designed.
The Power of the Pivot: Embracing What’s Next
Transition isn’t just a career change—it’s a personal transformation. Whether you're shifting roles, retiring, or embarking on a new chapter, every transition presents an opportunity to pause, reflect, and redefine what success means to you on your own terms.
In this inspiring and practical talk, Lisa J. Haynes shares insights on navigating transitions with intention and confidence. Drawing on her journey from CFO to coach and speaker, she explores how to let go of old definitions, embrace reinvention, and move forward with clarity and purpose. Attendees will walk away with tools to rewrite their narrative, build a new vision, and lead with authenticity—no matter where they are on their path.
Legacy Is a Verb: Live It Now
Legacy isn’t just what we leave behind—it’s how we live right now. In this powerful session, Lisa Haynes challenges the outdated notion that legacy is something we only think about at the end of our careers or lives. Instead, she reframes legacy as a daily practice—one shaped by the choices we make, the relationships we build, and the impact we have in the present.
This talk invites attendees to live more intentionally, align their actions with their values, and actively shape the story others will tell about them. It’s about leading with purpose, living with clarity, and realizing that your legacy is happening in real time.
Leaders Always Lead
Leadership is not about titles—it’s about action, influence, and resilience. In this compelling talk, I explore the four key ways that true leaders show up: Leading from the Front, by setting the standard and taking decisive action; Leading from the Middle, by fostering connection and influencing without authority; Leading from the Back, by empowering and mentoring others to shine; and Leading While Bleeding, by showing resilience and authenticity even in the face of adversity. Through powerful stories, real-world examples, and actionable insights, this talk challenges and equips individuals at all levels to step into their leadership with courage, humility, and impact. Because no matter the circumstances, leaders always lead.