marisa ciesluk
meet the chief firestarter
Hi! I'm Marisa. In 2016, I was at a major crossroads on my journey. At work, I had been promoted to a newly created senior leadership role as a result of organizational restructuring. At home, I had also stepped into a new leadership role- a mom to a baby girl. Have you ever had that feeling where something is off and, yet, you can't put your finger on it? That was me.
My soul was restless. My heart was heavy. I was unsettled. As I grappled with these new identities, there was a voice in my head saying “This isn’t it, Marisa. You’re made for more.” I knew in my bones that was true. Even though I had longed for both of these new roles, I was craving . . . well . . . more.
To be clear, it wasn't more material things. It was deeper than that. I had a hankering for more impact. More fulfillment. More meaning. More energy. More congruence. More opportunities to operate in my zone of genius. More space to do the things that fuel my fire. And, most importantly, be more on fire in the work I do and the life I’m living.
After dropping my daughter off at daycare and crying all the way to work for more days than I care to count, I decided to own my brilliance, let my light shine bright and do the damn thing I was designed to do, which is transform people and organizations from the inside out by creating safe spaces for people to breathe deeply, reduce the noise, gain clarity, confidence, and courage, and be inspired to take messy, imperfect action towards their deepest aspirations and dreams. In other words, spark the inner fire!
My Education, Trainings & (ir)Relevant Experience
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Completed Playing Big Facilitator Training with Tara Mohr
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Certified Leadership Coach for Organizational Performance, American University
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Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential by the International Coaching Federation (ICF)
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Certified in EQ-i 2.0 + EQ 360 assessments, Multi-Health Systems (MHS)
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MS in Higher Education, Miami (OH) University
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BA in Liberal Studies, Longwood University
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Learning and Development Certificate, UNC Charlotte
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Summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa
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Two-time Marathon Runner
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Half-Ironman Finisher
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IVF mom to a future leader
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Burnout Survivor
Use your voice, your experience and your leadership to spark change for yourself and the next generation of leaders.
a bit more about marisa
on a personal note
A lover of the outdoors, a gatherer of people, and an equal opportunity wine drinker, I am no stranger to a challenge. I have faced my profound fear of heights and summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, completed two marathons, and endured a half-Ironman.
An educator at my core; a wife by a long, wild, and winding search; a mama through the grueling process of IVF; a dog mom by rescue; a world traveler by passion; an entrepreneur by accident; and a leadership coach by calling, I am standing in and living out my truth every day. I am also proof that one can persevere and achieve goals by shifting your internal operating system.
a few of my favorite things...
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Here are the values that guide my work and life- the things I want more of and won't compromise on:
Spaciousness: I believe there's always enough time- time to breathe, reflect, have fun, and honor what matters most. Creating space also allows room for kindness- toward yourself and others- as you work through growth and change. This spaciousness is woven into every interaction. I take my time with people, processes, and decisions.
Alignment: My values are my compass. Every choice I make in life and work is held up to what I believe in. Being in alignment with who I am and my priorities is of utmost important. Honoring my path, even when it feels challenging or unconventional, is a driver for me- in work and life.
Impact: Real, lasting impact often involves courage to take bold steps and make meaningful choices.
Growth: Growth is essential. An educator at my core, I believe in continual learning and evolving because when you know better, you do better (thanks Maya Angelou).
Connection: Relationships are at the core of who I am and what I do. I love people. I prioritize my time, space, and energy for genuine human connection because true progress happens when we're genuinely seen, heard and supported. Genuine relationships are built on kindness and courage, showing up authentically, and creating a space for others to do the same.