Val Ries

Education

  • BSN, Towson University
  • MBA, University of Pheonix

Experience

  • Author, Chief Inspiration Officer: How to Lead the Team Everyone Wants to be On
  • CareHere, Director of Clinical Services
  • Heska Corporation, Director of Sales & Training

Certifications

  • Certified Leadership Coach, iPEC
  • International Coaching Federation Certification
coaching on demand

I was promoted at a young age with no training. I failed, failed some more and then invested years in learning the techniques for getting the most from my team, absorbing every book, course or article I could find—and applying it to my team the very next day.

Eventually, after several promotions, I became Director of Sales and Training for a team of 31 people—but I realized creating productive employees should be easier for every executive and leader, not just those in my organization.

So I threw up the peace sign and left my corporate role!

I became focused on the psychology of leading people. I studied what intrinsically motivates employees, communication techniques to enhance connection and the neuroscience of emotions that can either hinder or help us. I earned my MBA and leadership coaching certification, then started helping executives craft their unique leadership style and lead the team everyone wants to be on.

Hundreds of companies, small and large, have partnered with me to transform their culture, increase employee engagement and reach their full potential.

Testimonials

Marissa Ghesquiere, Sotheby's International Realty

Marissa Ghesquiere, Sotheby’s International Realty

Karmen has been amazing and helped me navigate some difficult situations. She has helped me with my business, but also really helped me grow as a person. I still have more to learn on my journey, but I’m happy to be working on it and grateful to have such a good coach.

Matt Dolan, Sagan Harborside Sotheby's International Realty

Matt Dolan, Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty

Dusty Baker, Sotheby's International Realty

Dusty Baker, Sotheby’s International Realty

Working with Karmen has been amazing! She provides guidance and support backed by research, experience and a cognizance of your specific scenario. Rather than try to fit you in a box or system, Karmen focuses on tailored consultation through strategic decisions and interactions, which lead to increased confidence and success. While it has been a pleasure and honor to work with Karmen, it has also been financially rewarding with my transactions doubling and income growing over 60% year over year within a year of working with her.

Nick Cooper, Compass

Nick Cooper, Compass

Karmen’s coaching sessions have been productive and eye-opening.  Our coaching sessions have allowed me to not only identify the opportunities to introduce efficiencies but also establish a clearer work-life balance which ultimately has led to even greater productivity in the workplace.

Karina Lopez, Director of Marketing, ONE Sotheby's International Realty

Karina Lopez, Director of Marketing, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

Testimonials

I’ve had the pleasure to know and work with Liz Bentley for 6 years. During this time, Liz has helped me explore different styles of communication and I now have a portfolio of new techniques to improve my leadership skills and relationships with others.

Diana T. Cecchini, CFO/V.P. of Finance, Korg USA, Inc.

Diana T. Cecchini, CFO/V.P. of Finance, Korg USA, Inc.

“I came into working with Ashley looking for some emotional support as I was going through a challenging time. She was super compassionate, understanding and a great person to lean on for an outside fresh perspective on things. Her deep knowledge about the ego and how it impacts us was very powerful and helpful in my growth as a person. She goes the extra yard, is super genuine and is a special human!”

Myles Bernstein, Alignment Coach

Myles Bernstein, Alignment Coach

“I started working with Ashley when I needed to re-energize my plans and goals. Throughout our work I gained tremendous clarity to confront the

traps that the ego put in my way, and as a result of that awareness, I was able to develop strategies to move forward with new ideas and projects that would strengthen my professional practice. Ashley is very assertive and she has a great understanding of what’s going on beneath the surface. She knows how to ask the right questions at the right time to move the session forward, and to give me the clarity that allowed me to grow throughout the program.”

Ruben Gonzalez, Executive Coach

Ruben Gonzalez, Executive Coach