The Woman Who Leaves Her Mark—And Helps Others Do the Same
James Kane
Cognitive Scientist ?? | Keynote Speaker | Transformative research into human CONNECTIONS (Sticky & Stuck) | faculty at Harvard, Penn State, Wash U in STL
I met Liz Eskenazi when she was 22 years old, and I knew immediately that she would be a star—assuming she could overcome her inability to spell. We spent time delivering workshops together in various parts of the world, but it was in Brussels where we bonded forever.
Liz is a big thinker. She doesn’t do small. Her version of brainstorming means covering entire rooms in large sheets of paper, unleashing a tidal wave of markers and ideas. Give her a group, some wall space, and an unlimited supply of Post-it notes, and she will get people talking, writing, and somehow convinced that they are the ones making all the breakthroughs. It’s a gift.
I like to think this all started at the Gulden Anker Hotel and Conference Center in Brussels, a place that smelled vaguely of dirty socks and regret. It was here that Liz truly took the lead, taping her sheets of paper to the walls, energizing the group, and getting them to unload every thought swirling in their heads. By the end of the session, the room was transformed—covered in action steps, obstacles to overcome, and ambitious plans scrawled in every color of the rainbow. It was the kind of session you dream about: engagement, clarity, momentum.
And then, as attendees filtered out, Liz and I stood back, admiring the work we had done, basking in the glow of a day well spent. That’s when we started cleaning up.
This is also when Liz discovered that Belgian paper does not, in fact, have the same absorbency as American paper.
The paper came down. The words did not.
Every insight, every action item, every stroke of motivational brilliance was now permanently tattooed onto the white walls of the Gulden Anker. Red, blue, green—an entire day’s worth of ideas seared into the hotel’s drywall.
There are moments in life when you realize you are about to become an international fugitive. This was one of them.
Liz stood frozen, wide-eyed, holding a crumpled piece of now-blank paper. I grabbed a napkin and started rubbing furiously. The marker didn’t smudge. It didn’t even pretend to move. It just sat there, taunting us.
At this point, we had two options:
We, of course, chose a third option: panic.
Liz ran to the front desk and requested “a strong cleaning solution.” They handed her a single damp paper towel and wished her luck. I am fairly certain that even now, somewhere in Brussels, there is a conference room filled with faint ghostwriting of a leadership workshop from 15 years ago.
That’s Liz. A force of nature. A brilliant facilitator. A woman who will leave her mark, quite literally, wherever she goes.
It is no surprise that she now leads The Reset, a leadership retreat designed for women who do everything for everyone except themselves. It’s for women leaders—corporate and entrepreneurial—who are tired of spinning plates and need a day to think, recharge, and finally get their own ideas onto paper (hopefully the kind that doesn’t stain the walls).
Why You Need The Reset
I have the wrong chromosomes to attend, but if I could, I’d be first in line. And if you’re a woman who leads—or a woman who just needs a day to reset—you should be there. Take the chance. Take your team, take your friends, tell any woman you know who needs the space to be heard and seen.
Because here’s the truth: Leadership isn’t just about making decisions. It’s about clarity, conviction, and creativity—all things that get buried under the endless demands of meetings, deadlines, family obligations, and the invisible work women do every single day. The Reset isn’t another industry gathering where you check your email under the table. It’s not a work retreat where you’re expected to produce deliverables. It’s not a vacation that leaves you more exhausted than when you left.
It is one full day of uninterrupted, uncompromising time for you. No distractions. No obligations. Just the space to breathe, think, and reconnect with what actually matters.
You’ll meet women from all backgrounds—executives, entrepreneurs, emerging leaders—all there for the same reason: to step back so they can step forward. You will walk in feeling busy and overloaded. You will walk out feeling centered, clear, and activated to lead your way.
And the best part? You don’t have to plan a thing. Liz has taken care of everything—materials, food, structure...and, of course, markers! All you have to do is show up and let yourself be fully taken care of for once.
C-Suite Leadership Coach | People-first organisational change and self-leadership expert
1 周Love this story and message so much. To me, Liz is a leader who fully embraces and trusts her own leadership style and genius. She lets it shine and when a leader does that, it's impossible not to be influenced or empowered by it.
I help leaders and leadership teams use their power with intent- with patience and in support of the team. Game-changing coaching. Transformative Team Sessions. Energy upgrade experiences.
1 周So much to say- but most of all- thank you for seeing me. Our gifts are meant to be shared and I am so grateful to have you to have spotted them before I knew.