OUR TEAM

Lisa Marie Platske

President, CEO and Founder

An award-winning leadership expert, Lisa Marie Platske has received accolades from the United States Small Business Administration, and The International Alliance for Women, recognized as one of the top 100 women making a difference in the world. She left her Federal law enforcement career to be the CEO of an international leadership development company, Upside Thinking, Inc. Lisa Marie delivers presentations worldwide sharing research on leadership and how vulnerability and forgiveness are critical to exceptional leadership. A member of the Forbes Coaches Council, international best-selling author of 7 books, and regular contributor to Forbes.com, she coaches’ leaders around the globe to make a bigger positive impact on the planet. When she’s not traveling, she’s taking walks in the woods with her husband Jim on their farm in central Kentucky.

Akosia Robinson

Upside Coaching Team

Akosia Robinson works to create healthy culture within organizations, families, and individuals. Her experience as a single mother for over 20 years informs her passion for this work. With a master’s degree is Christian Counseling, her expertise has also been honed during her career in management within State Government. Akosia uses the Upside Thinking 7 Pillars of Leadership model as well as a combination of the “strategic and the spiritual” to ensure the success of her clients. Baseball, reading and connecting with others are three of her passions.

Kensey Monopoli

Event Coordinator

Kensey is an event manager and wellness consultant renowned for her passion for crafting unforgettable experiences. Starting her career as a beauty therapist on cruise ships in 2010, she seamlessly merged her love for travel and wellness. Over the years, working in various hospitality operations, including joining Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island team, Kensey discovered her true calling in creating and planning events and retreats, showcasing her unique ability to bring wellness and memorable experiences together across the globe. Stepping into the role with Upside Thinking, she brings her greater desire to inspire and support others. Her ethos—‘Fill up your cup so that it can overflow into the lives of others’.

Lisa McElmurry

Business and Project Manager

Utilizing more than 15 years' experience as a business and project manager, Lisa's specialty is turning chaos into calm, allowing her clients to spend more time in their brilliance. She does this through the creation and management of efficient systems for the administrative side of the business, including, among other things, the development of SOPs, checklists and organizational systems to help teams function at their highest productivity level. When not working, she enjoys life at the foothills of Mount Nebo with her husband, gardening and baking for friends and family.

Lana Sta Maria

Client Care   

Having worked with entrepreneurs, speakers, and authors from North America, Europe, and Asia for 10 years, Lana Sta Maria has a wide range of experience in business support. She specializes in social media, calendar management, research projects, and overall client care. Always up for a challenge, she is committed to staying on the cutting edge of learning new technology and skills. She lives in Bay Area with her husband and their children.

Ethanie Fajutag

Social Media Coordinator

Ethanie is an administrative assistant with experience working in project management and training, specializing in day-to-day business operations. She uses her passion to accomplish tasks with excellence and to create a positive working environment. Ethanie is a licensed teacher and enjoys living by the beach with her husband and two sons.

Cody Toussau

Marketing & Design

Cody is a visionary leader renowned for blending design aesthetics with strategic marketing. With well over a decade of experience, he’s led impactful campaigns for several companies, setting new standards in design-driven marketing. Cody fosters creativity and collaboration, empowering teams to innovate. He advocates for design’s role in shaping culture and society, driving our brand’s success through memorable experiences. He believes design is an important aspect to human connection. Cody’s strategic vision ensures we lead with innovative design-led campaigns, setting industry standards.