Oct. 13, 2025

This piece is sponsored by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

Liz Carlson calls herself “a corporate leader and eager beaver smacked in the face by motherhood.”

Choosing to prioritize her family life, she moved back to Sioux Falls and into a college classroom, teaching leadership, business and communication courses.

“As the mother of three neurodivergent children, I began my quest to disband ‘normal’ and create space for all minds to thrive,” Carlson said. “I was repeatedly asked to ‘take my show on the road,’ teaching and speaking in the workplace and on stages.”

In 2020, she launched Liz Carlson Professional Development and now serves as “a workplace teacher, keynote speaker and belonging preacher,” she said.

“My passion for growing people and creating inclusive workplaces is fueled by three core groups: workforce, women and warriors — the people fighting invisible battles every day.”

Carlson will share her perspective in a breakout session at the WIN in Workforce Summit. This year’s annual event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 23, with networking events before and after the event, at a new venue: the Canopy by Hilton in downtown Sioux Falls.

The day will feature 10 impactful sessions highlighting local leadership, businesses and best practices.

“Liz will be speaking about how there’s a leader inside everyone — and help you tap into the unique strengths you can bring as leader to your team and organization,” said Denise Guzzetta, vice president of talent and workforce development for the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

“Developing strong leaders is key to overall workforce development, but what it takes to be an effective leader continues to evolve, and Liz has outstanding insight to help in the journey.”

For a full agenda and to register, visit here.

We caught up with Carlson for a preview of what attendees can expect.

Your session talks about unleashing the leader in you. What is the overall theme and message?

This session is an empowering journey to help you break free from the “leashes” that hold you back. We’ll examine the limiting beliefs, self-doubt and societal expectations that impact your peace, potential and health. The leader you are meant to be is already inside you, waiting to be unleashed.

What demand are you seeing for leadership development within businesses? What are some of the key skills being sought after in leaders today?

Today’s leaders have never had a taller order. The most sought-after skills aren’t just about strategy — they’re about humanity. Organizations are demanding leaders who can be excellent communicators and empathetic educators — leaders who are authentic and care deeply about their people. The key skills being sought after today are listening, communicating with clarity and creating a culture of growth and belonging — because those are paramount to an organization’s success.

What are some takeaways attendees at WIN can expect from your session?

Learners will walk away with a clear road map for their personal and professional growth. Through guided reflection, you will learn to “get off the leash,” align your time with your purpose, harvest lessons from trials and cultivate the courage to live a life deeply aligned with your true self.

My mission is to strengthen and equip leaders with the empathy, practical strategies and heartfelt support needed to create positive change in the workplace. I help organizations grow their people by cultivating a space where individuals feel safe, valued and empowered. Remember: Leaders are ladders — made to keep you safe, provide support and lift you up.

A day spent learning isn’t just a day away from the office — it’s an investment in yourself and your future. Think of it as a hug for your soul and a deposit in your piggy bank of wisdom. Your future self will thank you for showing up.

Annual WIN in Workforce Summit to help navigate new workplace reality