Krista Bourne is a former Verizon COO turned keynote speaker, sharing unfiltered strategies that help professionals build careers by choice, not chance.
Without a college degree, a working mom, and often the only Black woman in the room, Krista rose from the mailroom to COO of Verizon’s Consumer Group, with 30,000 employees and $100 billion in annual revenue.
She has navigated every political landmine, championed countless careers and exited early on her own terms.
Nowhere else can organizers and individuals gain unprecedented access to the advice of an unapologetic former C-Suiter.
Krista Bourne is a former Verizon COO turned keynote speaker, sharing unfiltered strategies that help professionals build careers by choice, not chance.
Without a college degree, a working mom, and often the only Black woman in the room, Krista rose from the mailroom to COO of Verizon’s Consumer Group, with 30,000 employees and $100 billion in annual revenue.
She has navigated every political landmine, championed countless careers and exited early on her own terms.
Nowhere else can organizers and individuals gain unprecedented access to the advice of an unapologetic former C-Suiter.
Own Your Narrative.
Refuse to Shrink.
Lead as You.
My Career, By Design
From Verizon's mail room to COO
1998
Where It All Began
Where others saw entry-level, I saw opportunity. With vision and determination, I transformed a “job” into a lifelong plan.
Age: 23 years old
Senior Representative in the Mail Room
2005
The Next Step
A director position! I hesitated to apply, unsure if I was truly ready. And then, on the last day, I found the strength and I submitted my application.
Age: 30 years old
Director of Rochester Call Center
Hard Work Paid Off
I was a accountable for $3B in revenue, but the role was more than a P&L, it was proof that diverse experience, strategic risks and a growth mindset pay off.
Age: 37 years old
Regional President
2012
The Final Seat
To make this move, I negotiated using my best asset—myself. I knew my value, my non-negotiables, and had a fact-based conversation about what I wanted next.
Age: 47 years old
Chief Operating Officer
2022
Today
Living On My Own Terms
When it was time to exit, I didn’t panic. I planned. I had built a life that gave me options. And that made all the difference.
Keynote Speaking and Corporate Programs
Keynote Speaking and Corporate Programs
The Voice You Need Now.
Ideal for leadership offsites, women in leadership summits, ERGs and high-potential talent programs, Krista’s themes include:
- Intentional Career Design
- Strategic Transitions
- Authentic Corporate Leadership
What can we build for you?
Book Krista to transform your team today.
Featured In
Audience Member
Krista lights up when she sees ambition in others and can help shape their path.
Krista conveys a vision that’s inspiring, actionable and accountable—all in one narrative.
Mentee
Krista seamlessly blended expertise with charisma, delivering insightful and thought-provoking content that resonated with our guests. Her ability to inspire and motivate is unparalleled, making our event an
unforgettable experience.
Usher’s New Look Foundation
BLOG
Words That Move
Verizon Makes Its Stakeholders Happy
Krista Bourne in Forbes.
Featured Article
Speak Up More
Has staying silent about your work ever cost you a bigger opportunity?
Career Advice
Power of Personal Decisions
Do not chase titles. Learn. Let every role contribute to who you want to become.
Career Advice
Career Advice
Be Intentional
Success rarely shows up for people who haven’t decided what it looks like.
Career Advice
Career Advice
Patience Is Not a Virtue
What are you waiting for? Don’t wait to be chosen - choose yourself.
Plan Not Path
The problem with the Career Path "logic" is that it assume stability, where as a Career Plan expects change.
Career Advice
Career Advice
BLOG
Words That Move
Plan Not Path
The problem with the Career Path "logic" is that it assume stability, where as a Career Plan expects change.
Career advice
Patience Is Not a Virtue
What are you waiting for? Don’t wait to be chosen - choose yourself.
Career advice
Speak Up More
Has staying silent about your work ever cost you a bigger opportunity?
Career advice
Be Intentional
Success rarely shows up for people who haven’t decided what it looks like.
Career advice
Power of Personal Decisions
Do not chase titles. Learn. Let every role contribute to who you want to become.
Career advice
