Val Ries

Executive Coach

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

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

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

Marissa Ghesquiere, Sotheby's International Realty

Marissa Ghesquiere, Sotheby’s International Realty

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

Dusty Baker, Sotheby's International Realty

Dusty Baker, Sotheby’s International Realty

Testimonials

CSHL Human Resources & WiSE hosted Liz for a presentation titled, “5 Mistakes Women Make in the Workplace”, which discussed common missteps that disadvantage women in male-dominated fields. Liz is genuine and direct in her coaching style; she hones in on the most important executive skills and gives you discrete actions you can implement immediately. Both men and women at CSHL took away useful suggestions from her talk.

Katie Raftery, Vice President, Human Resources Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Katie Raftery, Vice President, Human Resources Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Thank you, Liz Bentley Associates for creating a Leadership Training class that goes above and beyond in teaching people how to be successful in all aspects of their life. Anyone who is serious about this class and follows through will experience a positive change.

Linda, Program Manager

Linda, Program Manager

I’ve recently had the pleasure of attending Liz Bentley’s Emerging Leaders Workshop prior to the SHRM convention. In the two full days, she held the audience of 50+ attendees in awe of her command of the material, humor and control of the message. I am impressed with her coaching skills and her ability to connect with a crowd on an individual level.

Stacy Mellor, Operations Specialist, American Board of Emergency Medicine

Stacy Mellor, Operations Specialist, American Board of Emergency Medicine

Thank you, Liz Bentley Associates for creating a Leadership Training class that goes above and beyond in teaching people how to be successful in all aspects of their life. Anyone who is serious about this class and follows through will experience a positive change.

Linda, Program Manager

Linda, Program Manager

Liz Bentley and her team are an excellent resource for Sotheby’s International Realty. Liz has made a powerful impact on our management team, helping us tackle blind spots and hone our communication skills to become more effective leaders. Her one-on-one coaching advice and strategies have been life-changing for many of our employees and our organization overall.

Kathy Korte, Former President & CEO, Sotheby's International Realty

Kathy Korte, Former President & CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty

I first met Alissa when she was the keynote at a women’s leadership conference. I was so impressed with her thoughtful approach to organizational dynamics and working with your core strengths that I hired her to speak at my department’s strategy session. Once again, Alissa delivered. My team left Alissa’s session feeling more empowered and energized about our team and their positions within the team.

Judy, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Judy, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

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