50 Leading Women: Lisa M. Ong

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, Lisa M. Ong PCC, CPA, President & Founder of Wishing Out Loud LLC. Lisa is an award-winning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)+Belonging (DEIB) strategy consultant, speaker, and professional certified executive coach. Known as a “talent gardener” and “inclusion connector,” CEOs and CHROs hire her to co-create their DEIB strategy to cultivate inclusive cultures as great places to work. She received a 2022 Leaders in Diversity Award from The Dallas Business Journal and D CEO Magazine named her to The Dallas 500 in their 2021 and 2020 directories as “one of the most powerful business leaders in DFW” in the “Consultants” and “Corporate Diversity Officer” categories.

Before launching Wishing Out Loud LLC, she was a national diversity director in PwC’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, an HR director, and a financial audit senior manager. Lisa is a proud Plano resident and considers herself a lifelong learner.

1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.

My leadership style is a combination of coaching and visionary (if you use the six emotional intelligence leadership styles from Daniel Goleman’s work.) I focus on creating environments where everyone can use their strengths and work at their best.

My two working geniuses (workinggenius.com) say that my gifts are Enablement and Discernment, so that pairing means that I am “The Insightful Collaborator – an intuitive, empathetic advisor and team player. Selfless and compassionate in providing others with what they need in the right way.”  I know when to be the guide by their side but can step up to lead from the front when they need help.

My style is often described as a “Talent Gardener” and “Inclusion Connector”.  I like to create cultures where people can thrive and grow with equitable access to shine at their best.  I am curious about others’ stories, dreams, and goals.  I enjoy connecting them with others who can support their journey or grant their wish. It brings me joy to see when our meaningful, trusting connections can help others overcome societal barriers to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all.

2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

Leadership skills are practiced and honed.  We can never stop learning.  Leaning into our discomfort and asking questions or for new stretch assignments allows us to accelerate our learning.  Adding mentors and sponsors to our networks helps motivate us to aspire to be like them.  I’ve heard success is when preparation and hard work meet opportunity.  I encourage my clients to build meaningful, trusting relationships and keep “wishing out loud” ™ for those stretch assignments, highly visible projects, and other opportunities to shine.  If they are not strategically wishing out loud, they may miss opportunities to showcase their skillsets and strengths after investing in those relationships.

3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?

I am prioritizing what matters most. Learning to get out of my way, stop overthinking, and trust that my network, knowledge, and know-how will help me keep making informed decisions. I ask myself- am I living by faith, growing in grace, and walking in love daily? When I’m fielding many requests for my time,   I pause and ask myself: Am I the only one uniquely qualified to do what they are asking? Is this where God is calling me to serve? I pray for discernment often.  If not, I respectfully decline and share my network so that others can joyfully help and benefit from the opportunity.

4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?

Shining diamonds. Seeing my clients and mentees achieve their career and life goals and live their purpose.

5. What has been your greatest career disappointment? What did you learn from it?

I did not take the opportunity to go on an international assignment earlier in my career before I had a family.  It’s much harder to do later once you get settled.  Global work experience is so vital for world impact.

6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?

As a DEI+Belonging strategist, this is my super power.  You can download my favorite slide on the Five DEI+Belonging Strategies for EACH of us at wishingoutloud.com.  It starts with each of us demonstrating inclusive leadership behaviors and habits everyday..

7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

Comparison is the thief of joy. Be unapologetically you.  Authenticity, Consistency, and Relationships make a huge difference. Your network is your net worth.

8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Surround yourself with generous, heart-based leaders who inspire and uplift you.  We are a product of who we spend our time with and where we spend our time.  Invest in your continuous learning everyday.

“Be bold when managing your moments.  Be kind to yourself and others. Be brave and keep “wishing out loud” ™”

9. Who inspired you and why?

I build a large network of inspirational leaders every day from various aspects of my life and work.  Most recently, I was inspired by Mackenzie Scott’s $3.8 million dollar gift to the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.  As a Girl Scout Gold Award winner, I know the value of investing in the girls education is the future of our next generation of strong women leaders.  She walks the talk in using her power and privilege for good by investing in organizations who are already doing great work in the community for the causes she cares about and amplifies their mission for others to join in her support. I volunteered for the Visionary of the Year 2023 Spring campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to raise over $56k between Feb 22-May 5, 2023 to begin learning more about fundraising too.

10. What do you want to be remembered for?

1. 1. Did I live in a way that glorifies God?
   2. Did I create memorable moments for others to thrive and grow and live their purpose and strengths?
   3. Have I equipped the next generation to unleash their strengths for positive world impact?