Showing Up In the World, Standing Tall
What it means to be a Tall Poppy
Tall Poppy Syndrome, a term coined in Australia, refers to the blatant cutting down or criticism of a person—often a woman—because of her success in the workplace. But as we all know, this systematic trimming comes at a high cost.
It’s time to say goodbye to workspaces that resemble landmines, where traits like innovation and savvy are met with disdain, your well-earned achievements are downplayed, and the lane in which you are told to remain is mapped out in weekly meetings, work-social gatherings, daily conversations, and serious negotiations.
It’s time to show up and stand tall as hell.
How I show up.
Unconventional thought leader | Eccentric warrior goddess | Intuitive strategist | Fierce advocate | Unapologetic creative, ambitious, and passionate woman | Generous cheerleader | Connector of dots | Decision ninja | Orchestrator of talent, collaboration, and dynamic alliances | Hands-on visionary | Conduit for change
How I stand tall…
My unique leadership, like most of my success, wasn’t conceived on a whim, nor was it a result of good luck. It was birthed by doing some internal deep dive labor. I discovered that when advocating for women, I am called to stand firm. This work is joyous, sometimes seemingly effortless, because well, I’m in my zone. My truth.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve often had to stand alone—in heels, I might add—with my head held high. I know the pitfalls of the professional landscape. And yes, I have fallen forward and had to get up again.
And again. And again.
And yet my self-awareness, coupled with my global experience and varied passions, has offered me fluency, ease, and influence. I’m thrilled that I can leverage both my past and present to serve my clients, their teams, and our communities, whether I’m at the grassroots level or policy-making table.
My roots
A native Philadelphian, Lisa returned to the US after over a decade in Asia. With degrees from Sarah Lawrence, NYU/ICP, and executive certificates in values-based leadership and social impact strategy from DePaul University and the University of Pennsylvania/Ortner Center, her professional background includes cross-sector and industry experience in media, DEI consulting, education, publishing, and business.
In addition to Tall Poppies + Co, she is the founder of The CitySchoolista (a family-centered social impact venture) and a professional facilitator and evaluator for The International Baccalaureate.
She currently serves as DEI Director on the board of Girls Code The World. She’s also a VELA and 4.0Schools fellow and grantee (2021), National Democratic Training Academy Fellow - Communications (2021), Majority Leaders Fellow (2020), and strategic leadership teaching fellow with UPenn's Ortner Center on Abuse and Violence (2020). She served as a mayoral appointed board member of FPAC, and is trained in "Playing Big".
When not "at work," she's feng shuing the house, in deep convo with her daughter, laughing with friends over a good meal, or making like Buddha and just sitting still.