Lisa Z. Fain

Lisa Z. Fain is an authority on mentoring, inclusive leadership, and cultural competency. As CEO of the Center for Mentoring Excellence, Fain leads an organization with a longstanding history of supporting companies, government agencies, and educational institutions in developing effective mentoring cultures. Founded by Dr. Lois J. Zachary, the Center for Mentoring Excellence continues its mission under Fain’s leadership, offering training, consulting, coaching, and keynote speaking to clients worldwide. Fain also established Vista Coaching, the executive coaching division of the Center, where she specializes in guiding leaders, with a focus on professional women, in personal and professional development.

Fain’s career includes nearly a decade practicing law at a multinational firm, where she advised employers on inclusive workplace policies and served as a master trainer, directing training for thousands of employees across organizations. She later held the role of senior director of diversity and inclusion at Outerwall, the parent company of Redbox and Coinstar, where she led the development and implementation of the company’s diversity initiative and launched its first mentoring program. These experiences provide Fain with a multidimensional perspective on organizational dynamics and the strategic role of mentoring in individual and business growth.

As an author, Fain has co-written two resources in the mentoring field with Dr. Zachary. "Bridging Differences for Better Mentoring" serves as a comprehensive guide for mentors and mentees navigating cultural gaps in diverse workplaces. She also co-authored the third edition of "The Mentor’s Guide: Facilitating Effective Learning Relationships," which offers practical tools for every phase of the mentoring process. Both books reflect Fain’s evidence-based approach, emphasizing authenticity, cultural competency, and mutual growth as foundations of effective mentoring.

Fain is a keynote speaker and TEDx presenter, delivering her TEDxMSJC talk, "How Intentional Connections Can Boost Your Career," to audiences interested in the impact of strategic relationship-building. She has conducted mentoring training programs across corporate, government, and educational sectors, and is recognized for creating collaborative and engaging environments for a range of audiences. Fain holds a Bachelor of Science in social policy and a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University, and is a certified mediator and certified life coach. Her combination of legal expertise, corporate leadership, and mentoring knowledge positions her as a credible resource for organizations seeking to foster cultures of connection, inclusion, and growth.