About Holly Ransom
When Holly Ransom was five years old, her beloved grandmother Dorothy shared a piece of wisdom that would become her guiding mantra: “Honey, if you walk past it, you tell the world it’s okay.” Those words ignited a passion for leadership that has shaped Holly’s life—fueling her mission to challenge the status quo, spark innovation, and inspire others to take bold action.

Fast-forward to today and Holly is a globally recognized leadership expert renowned for helping leaders and organizations turn big ideas into lasting impact. As the CEO of Emergent Global, she has partnered with Fortune 500 companies, trailblazing brands like Microsoft and Virgin, and government leaders worldwide to design transformative strategies for thriving in an ever-changing landscape.

On stage, Holly is nothing short of captivating. As a sought-after speaker and event host, she’s headlined some of the world’s most influential events, including PCMA Convening Leaders, Association for Talent Development (ATD), the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), and Workhuman.

Holly is celebrated for her ability to translate complex challenges into actionable insights. Her conversations span a remarkably diverse spectrum of leaders and changemakers, from world leaders like Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton and Jacinda Ardern to cultural icons like Venus Williams, Amanda Gorman, and Matthew McConaughey. She’s shared the stage with innovators such as Sir Richard Branson and Adam Grant, and thinkers like Malcolm Gladwell and Yuval Noah Harari. Holly turns every interaction—no matter the audience or subject—into a compelling leadership masterclass, offering fresh perspectives and practical strategies that resonate across industries and generations.

Holly’s work extends far beyond keynote speeches. A Fulbright Scholar and Harvard Kennedy School graduate, she has co-chaired the G20 Youth Summit, delivered a Peace Charter to the Dalai Lama, and earned the U.S. Embassy’s Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Leadership Excellence. As the co-founder and event designer of the award-winning Energy Disruptors Summit, Holly is leading efforts to accelerate the global energy transition by fostering innovation and collaboration across industries. She’s also the bestselling author of The Leading Edge, a practical guide for leaders navigating disruption and building high-performing teams.

Beyond her professional work, Holly is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders and making leadership accessible to all. She’s also a dedicated advocate for gender equality in sports, using her platform to promote inclusivity both on and off the field. When she’s not advising global leaders or inspiring audiences worldwide, you can find Holly either hitting the pavement for a run, baking treats for friends and family, or brushing up on her already impressive Spanish- ella quiere ser lo suficientemente buena como para dar una conferencia magistral completamente en español.
From Dorothy’s wise words to the global stage, Holly Ransom has built a legacy of helping others step up, lead boldly, and create lasting impact.