Mary Olson-Menzel

Mary Olson-Menzel has over 30 years of leadership across global media, tech, healthcare, and many other industries. She is the Founder and CEO of MVP Executive Development, a national leadership, coaching, and organizational management consultancy with offices in New York, Connecticut, and Illinois. Her clients range from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, with a broad reach of industries from FinTech to football (the NFL).

As a seasoned executive leadership coach, Mary works with companies and individuals to unlock potential that improves business performance and catalyzes growth. Her coaching methods bring a fresh lens to business and a perspective that nurtures teamwork and helps drive results through grace, empathy, and “humane leadership.” Before starting her company in 2012, Mary was a partner at two leading executive search firms. She also spent a decade at Tribune Company in Chicago as the National Managing Director of Talent, where she honed her understanding and expertise in recruiting and coaching. She worked closely with 20 newspapers, 27 television stations, and hundreds of digital assets nationwide to attract and retain the best and the brightest.

What Mary’s Clients Say About Her Work:

• Leader Amongst Leaders: “Mary’s ability to deliver training and curriculum to folks who are often training other executives at their organization is a true gift. She consistently goes beyond a traditional consultant or advisor role to ascertain each member’s individual pain points within their organization, coaching them with a bespoke strategy that empowers leaders to satisfy their career goals and personal aspirations while also growing their influence as a value creator across the business. Mary’s coaching is a great gift, one that encourages our members and her clients to first grow from within before radiating their influence outward.” - Justin Joffe, Editorial Director and Editor-in-Chief, Ragan Communications

• Facilitates Growth for Lasting Impact: “Mary Olson-Menzel is a wonderfully talented facilitator. She has helped lead multiple large and small team training sessions, each one making a lasting impression on attendees. She has a unique ability to build rapport almost immediately, and her intent is clear: she is there to facilitate growth.” - Jason Bodin. EVP of Marketing and Communications, Paycom

In her early years, Mary worked in both the tech space and media and entertainment, where she started her career as a television reporter. Her innate curiosity and ability to connect with people paved the way for her life’s work: helping leaders at all levels channel what “lights them up,” guiding and inspiring them toward more fulfilling and successful personal and professional journeys. In this vein, Mary released her first book, What Lights You Up? Illuminate Your Path and Take the Next Big Step in Your Career, in early October 2024. Mary earned her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business and a Bachelor’s in Communications and Public Relations from Illinois State University. A breast cancer survivor herself, Mary dedicates significant time and energy to a variety of cancer-related charities, including one that she founded: MVP Yoga for a Cure. She also served as Chapter Chair and Coaching Facilitator for the Women Presidents Organization (WPO). Mary resides in Westchester, NY, with her husband, kids, and their Goldendoodle, Wrigley.