A candid conversation with Be Challenged’s CEO on authenticity, courage and leading without losing yourself

We sat down with Lisa Kelliher this month, thinking we’d be talking strategy, organisational direction, graduate development and culture at scale. But instead, we found ourselves somewhere far more interesting: inside the mind of a leader who’s not just steering the ship, but reshaping the way we think about the workplace entirely.

Lisa’s been leading quietly and intentionally since long before she took the CEO role at Be Challenged. With a background spanning education, compliance, graduate development and now experiential learning, she’s seen what happens when culture is treated like a buzzword and what’s possible when it’s treated like a blueprint.

Here’s part one of that conversation. It’s about leadership yes, but more than that, it’s about being human in a role that often forgets to make space for it.

1. The belief that’s never changed? People first, job title second.

“Being authentic in my approach and in my communication with others, while prioritising people as individuals first — before seeing them as contributors to an organisation — has been crucial.”

It sounds obvious, but Lisa’s lived it across every chapter of her career, from classrooms to corporate. And she’s right: when people feel genuinely seen and valued for who they are (not just what they deliver), everything else (performance, accountability, growth) becomes a whole lot easier.

2. Redefining success, minus the performative leadership fluff

Success for Lisa doesn’t show up in headlines or LinkedIn accolades. It shows up in conversations. The kind where people feel safe to speak up, challenge ideas, and ask better questions.

“If our team feels I’m authentic and behave in a way that embodies our values — such that they feel comfortable to do so too — that’s a significant win for me as a leader.”

It’s a grounded approach in a world that often favours optics over outcomes. And it’s working quietly but powerfully.

3. The advice she’d give to leaders in transition? Be as kind to yourself as you are to others.

“Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being brave enough to keep going — and passionate enough to bring others with you.”

There’s a vulnerability here that’s rare, especially in leadership circles. Lisa talks openly about self-criticism, high standards, and the emotional toll of caring deeply. But she reframes it as something brave, not broken. The goal isn’t flawless execution. The goal is showing up consistently, courageously and bringing others with you.

So, where to next?

From authenticity to accountability, Lisa’s take on leadership is refreshingly real. She doesn’t lead from ego. She leads from values and that changes everything.

But don’t mistake grounded for passive. There’s bold transformation happening behind the scenes.

“My goal is to lead in a way that builds on our strengths while also challenging us to think differently, adapt, and seize new opportunities.”

And that’s exactly where we’re headed in Part Two; into the strategy, the structure, and the surprisingly powerful role of play. We’ll explore how Be Challenged is evolving graduate programs, blending compliance with creativity and embedding culture through real connection.