Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Harst
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve had a career that feels like five lifetimes packed into one! A classically trained musician who unexpectedly landed in U.S. politics, I went from working in Congress to advising CEOs and transforming organizations as a fractional Chief of Staff and COO.
Since 2022, I’ve worked as a management consultant and fractional executive, helping leaders navigate complex challenges, optimize operations, and drive strategic growth. Before that, I spent three years in government affairs, and nearly five years as a congressional staffer, including time in Washington, D.C.
It’s been an unconventional journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My career has been anything but a smooth, linear journey. It’s been full of a few shocking turns, moments of fear and doubt, and plenty of gut-wrenching hardship. My transition into politics—and eventually into executive leadership—didn’t happen overnight.
Did I mention I started with a music degree and worked at Starbucks after graduation? Ha.
Growing up, Classical music was my world. I played piano and flute, sang in church, and dabbled in opera and music theater in college. I was convinced that my future was in the performing arts. But after earning a degree in voice performance, I had a stark realization: I didn’t want to make a career out of music in any capacity. With no clear direction, I found myself where many liberal arts grads do—working the morning rush at Starbucks, steaming milk, and making small talk with customers.
But beneath the surface, I was craving something bigger—intellectual challenge, purpose, and a way to make an impact. The routine felt mind-numbing, and without a clear path forward, I spiraled into a depressive state. Still, I showed up every day, green apron tied tight, determined to bring curiosity and authenticity to every customer interaction.
Then, one day, a man running for the U.S. House of Representatives walked in with his campaign staff. They started using my Starbucks as their meeting spot. I made their drinks, I listened, I asked questions. Over time, I built relationships with them—not as a networking strategy, but simply as human connection.
A few months later, that campaign declared victory, and that once-hopeful candidate became a Congressman. I would never have imagined that a casual conversation across a coffee counter would turn into a job offer that changed the trajectory of my life.
That was the first step. Since then, my path has taken me through national politics, government affairs, nonprofit leadership, and executive strategy. I’ve navigated high-stakes environments, worked alongside CEOs and Boards, and helped organizations through moments of crisis and transformation.
My journey wasn’t paved for me. I built it from the ground up—through persistence, adaptability, and an unshakable drive to figure it out. That’s what sets me apart as a leader today. I know what it means to struggle, to start over, to face grief and tragedy, and to find opportunity in the most unexpected places. I bring that same resilience and strategic mindset to the executives and organizations I work with.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a fractional executive specializing in C-suite consulting, strategic operations, and organizational transformation. As a fractional (part-time) Chief of Staff or COO, I bring the expertise of a seasoned executive without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire. My approach is direct, analytical, and solutions-oriented— I evaluate organizations with a neutral, strategic lens, diagnose operational inefficiencies, and implement solutions that drive sustainable success. Whether working 40 hours per month or stepping in full-time at 160 hours, I adapt to the needs of each organization, providing flexible, high-impact leadership to help executives achieve their goals.
*What Sets Me Apart?*
At the core of my work is a commitment to helping leaders thrive—not just within their businesses, but in their lives. I’ve seen firsthand how organizational challenges cause severe anxiety, burnout, and personal strain for executives. When revenue declines, operations break down, or company culture erodes, their stress doesn’t stay at the office—it impacts marriages, families, and personal well-being. That’s where I come in.
With over a decade of experience in strategic planning, government affairs, and organizational growth, I bring a high tolerance for complexity, razor-sharp emotional intelligence, and a relentless focus on execution. My background in national politics sharpened my ability to navigate high-stakes environments, manage competing interests, and drive decisive action—skills that directly translate to solving tough business challenges.
*How I Make an Impact*
One of my proudest achievements was leading a client through a multimillion-dollar merger, which unfortunately required eliminating a significant number of staff. The executive team was out of options—they faced a financial cliff, had endured three previous rounds of layoffs, and deeply cared about handling the transition with dignity. I led the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership through a step-by-step process, including conducting a search for the merger partner and developing a transparent communication strategy for employees and stakeholders.
Amid complexities and nuance, the organization navigated this transition with integrity, empathy, and strategic precision—a testament to the power of strong leadership and values-driven decision-making.
*Who I Work With*
I am on a mission to partner with executives and organizations that share my values: authenticity, integrity, and an insatiable hunger for learning and growth. I work best with leaders who aren’t afraid to ask tough questions, challenge the status quo, and commit to real transformation. If you’re looking for a trusted strategic partner to help you navigate change, optimize operations, and drive sustainable success, let’s talk.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have had so much help along the way. None of us gets through life alone, and the support network I’ve had throughout my life is a testament to that:
— I am forever grateful to my parents. They are my biggest cheerleaders, round-the-clock mentors and have supported me during chapters when they didn’t fully understand what I was doing or why. They are the reason I am who I am today, and I love them tremendously.
— For my oldest Shannon for constantly jumping in to help, making me laugh, and keeping me in line.
— For my middle sister Katherine, who we lost last summer to cancer but is forever one of my greatest supporters and the bravest woman I’ve known.
— For my youth pastor and mentor, John, who helped me fight my way through dreaded AP math classes, listened to me for hours, and helped me strategize ways to overcome life obstacles. He gave me invaluable tools in my youth that would become permanent fixtures of how I navigate crises.
— For my bad ass boss during my first real job out of college, Lesley, who showed me what it means to be a completely fearless leader with a relentless pursuit of doing what is right.
— For my friends in Texas, DC, and sprinkled all over the world who have supported me through several gut-wrenching chapters of my life. You all have carried me through by simply listening, making me laugh, and indulging in karaoke in the middle of the week!
Contact Info:
- Website: lharst.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-b-harst/
- Other: Book an intro call: https://calendly.com/lisa-b-harst/30min
Image Credits
— OG Media Haus
— Hannah Dowell Photography
