Author, Space to Exhale (Wiley, 2025) | Founder, The Great Exhale
Top 10 LinkedIn Creator in Inclusion & Diversity | Writer | Speaker
Anthem Award-Winning Activist | Prolific Podcaster
Born and raised amidst the vibrant rhythms of Jamaica, Trinidad, and Barbados, Lisa Hurley’s journey is as colorful and dynamic as her Caribbean roots. From her early days as a trained dancer and a semi-fluent French speaker to her time teaching ESL in France, Lisa’s life has been a whirlwind of transformation and adventure. Fast forward to today, and Lisa is a trailblazer with a mission. As the Founder of The Great Exhale, an award-winning sanctuary for Black women, Lisa has created a haven where women can step away from the daily grind, exhale, and simply be. The Great Exhale isn't just a community—it's a lifeline for those who have been overlooked, overextended, and often psychologically unsafe. Born out of Lisa’s own experiences of workplace discrimination—like being told to sit at the back of the company shuttle or being asked to take a photo so she wouldn’t appear in it—this initiative provides a soft space for Black women globally to find joy, ease, and support.
Lisa’s activism shines as brightly as her achievements. She’s not just an author—her upcoming book, Space to Exhale (Wiley, 2025), promises to be a beacon of hope and guidance. As a Top 10 LinkedIn Creator in Inclusion & Diversity, a judge for The Anthem Awards, and a #ActuallyAutistic individual, Lisa is a powerful voice in advocating for change.
Her career has been a testament to her dedication, from founding The Great Exhale to creating For The Culture And The Coins™, a movement inspiring Black people to build whole-life wealth.
Her work is grounded in real experiences and backed by compelling data. The statistics are stark: fewer than 50% of Black women feel happy at work, 66% feel emotionally unsafe, and more than 88% experience burnout. Lisa’s mission is clear—she’s here to shine a light on these issues and offer a respite from the relentless challenges faced by Black women in professional spaces.
Lisa’s social media presence is a masterclass in authenticity and engagement. With over 100K followers on LinkedIn, she’s built her reputation by being consistent and real. She shares not just her triumphs but also her struggles, making her a relatable and trusted voice. Her focus on self-care, pay equity, and Black joy has made her a sought-after speaker and writer, with features in Forbes, Essence, Fast Company, and more.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lisa is a proud pet parent to her Jack Russell Terrier and a creative soul who loves fashion and sunshine. Her education, from New York University to Rutgers and the University of the West Indies, has equipped her with the knowledge and passion to drive change and inspire others.
Lisa Hurley’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of making the world a better place for Black women. Her journey from the Caribbean to global influence is a testament to her unwavering commitment to joy, safety, and empowerment.
Social Media Handles:
Website: https://happyhappyphoenix.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyhappyphoenix/
Other: https://linktr.ee/lisahurley
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