Speaker | Coach | Leader

Emma Bloksberg-Fireovid (B-F) she/her

My leadership style goes beyond the stuffy, corporate, “expected” qualities. I am known for having random zoom dance parties, starting every call with “what are you celebrating?” and asking questions that make you think, “does she see into my soul?”

Now let me be clear. It took years to give myself permission to do leadership my own way.

In my first senior leadership role in the nonprofit world, I kept quiet during meetings, held back my opinions, and questioned if I had any real decision-making power. I was 25 at the time, the youngest person in leadership, and the only woman.

Even as I successfully led our team through a massive technology overhaul, created the largest career fair in the history of our organization, and built successful corporate partnerships, I kept doubting my leadership potential.

I had this thought on repeat… “I am not good enough.”

And y’all, this is when I had a seat at the table!

But it started to change when I decided, for the first time ever, to invest in my own professional development. The organization sent me to a two-day career boot-camp helping women prevent burn out. The 2-day event cost $350 and I remember thinking, “oh my gosh, I have to get everything possible out of this, because I don’t want to waste the money.”

And here’s the key lesson to my lack of self-worth at the time: I did not believe that I was worth a $350 professional development experience. No sh** I felt like I wasn’t good enough!

From that weekend on, I stopped feeding those negative thoughts of not being good enough, smart enough, or an effective leader. I invested in myself at every opportunity and surrounded myself with people who inspired and encouraged me to grow beyond what I saw possible.

I chose to start leading the way I wanted to—with passion, joy, and a no-BS attitude.

The results showed up immediately. I was invited to speak at the largest technology conference in the world, I landed my dream job as a nonprofit technology consultant, and I stepped into leadership roles that focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech.

I now create powerful workshops, trainings, and coaching curriculum to inspire and empower women to step into leadership and own their power.

I want every woman to know, believe, and FEEL just how powerful they are.

I guide clients with mindset and productivity tools to overcome self-doubt and create new narratives and examples of leadership.

Lordy knows we need more compassionate and effective leadership NOW.