About Liz Wiltsie

In Context

Context matters, so I'll share mine. I'm a person who's lived many lives and had many experiences.

I am a white cis-gender neurodivergent queer woman with class privilege in her 40s who grew up both in Michigan and South Carolina. I've lived in eight cities in six different states.

I've spent my adult life (and much of my teen years) obsessed with how people build trust interpersonally and in groups. And I believe we're impacted by the way we tell stories both individually and collectively.

My frameworks come from a combination of research, client experience, and first-hand experience across industries, including entertainment, education, consumer products, retail, and consulting. As well as my experience as an Abolitionist organizer.

I didn't know I could have needs as a person until I was 35 years old. The idea that getting our needs met is essential for safety and thriving came into my life and work via the Modern Abolition Movement. I would not be here doing this work in this way without both Black Lives Matter - Los Angeles and AWARE-LA / White People for Black Lives.

My superpower is drawing connections between ideas and making them usable for others.

My Influences

I have been lucky enough to work with high school students more than once in my career and owe debts to every single student I've interacted with. And some of them continue to influence this work with their ongoing advice and support, particularly Martissa Williams and Kalen Cobb.

The folks who've deeply influenced this work with their own are Jade T. Perry, Bunny McKensie Mack, James-Olivia Chu Hillman, Deb Dana, Jake Ernst, Toi Marie Smith, Tema Okun, Angela Davis, Mariame Kaba, Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, Desiree Adaway, Richie Reseda, Mia Mingus, EbonyJanice, Sonya Renee Taylor, Janaya Future Khan, Patrisse Cullors, Meenadchi, The Nap Ministry, David Eagleman, and Lisa Feldman Barrett.

My work draws from a variety of influences and I am excited to cite them.

Schools are a model for many workplace dynamics.

When I started building my high-trust frameworks years ago, I realized that my experience working with high school students (both as a dean and a volunteer) provided valuable insight and training.

I learned about building high-trust regardless of position, the importance of doing the work, and the value of community agreements (you can see them pictured as 5 goals).

Part of my approach also involves not being boring and I can promise you that skill was honed with high school students.