Velma Knowles is the Founder of Leaders Pathway, providing personalized high-impact workshops, coaching and consulting services.
Through relevant onsite and virtual solutions, Velma equips, empowers, and encourages organizations to leverage the untapped potential of their board, staff, and leaders so they can achieve next level growth.
Velma is a Gallup Strengths Certified Coach and Best-selling Author.
She holds an MBA from the University of Tampa and executive training with the Disney Institute and the Wharton School of Business.
At the start of her career, Velma helped build the conservation legacy of the Bahamas. It was there that she learned a systematic approach to create a culture of belonging so everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Taking the same principles, Velma led a 90 thousand membership deficit turnaround and eventually went on to serve as a Vice President of Member Experience achieving a 600 thousand plus membership growth in three years.
On a persona note, when not driving growth, Velma enjoys photographing birds, bike riding, and pretending she likes to exercise.
LOCATION
Velma is conveniently located within 30 minutes of the Tampa International Airport. She is centrally located in the state of Florida with easy access to Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Tallahassee.
Velma Knowles is the Founder of Leaders Pathway, providing personalized high-impact workshops, coaching and consulting services.
Through relevant onsite and virtual solutions, Velma equips, empowers, and encourages organizations to leverage the untapped potential of their board, staff, and leaders so they can achieve next level growth.
Velma is a Gallup Strengths Certified Coach and Best-selling Author.
She holds an MBA from the University of Tampa and executive training with the Disney Institute and the Wharton School of Business.
At the start of her career, Velma helped build the conservation legacy of the Bahamas. It was there that she learned a systematic approach to create a culture of belonging so everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Taking the same principles, Velma led a 90 thousand membership deficit turnaround and eventually went on to serve as a Vice President of Member Experience achieving a 600 thousand plus membership growth in three years.
On a persona note, when not driving growth, Velma enjoys photographing birds, bike riding, and pretending she likes to exercise.
LOCATION
Velma is conveniently located within 30 minutes of the Tampa International Airport. She is centrally located in the state of Florida with easy access to Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Tallahassee.
Lead With Heart: 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace
Format: 60 minute keynote, and workshop,
This program is perfect for:
- New Supervisors, Emerging Leaders, Seasoned Leaders, Teams
- Increase employee retention, engagement and productivity
The audience will leave with:
- Strategies to apply the 5 languages of appreciation
- Identify the difference between recognition and appreciation
- New...
Uncover The Valuable Leader In You: 7 Steps Framework for Greater Influence
Virtual | Hybrid | In-Person Presentations Available
Format: 60-minute keynote
Before you can lead others, you must learn to learn yourself.
Your workforce is changing, the marketplace is demanding, and your ability to adapt is essential for sustainable growth.
Explore the 7 critical steps to becoming The Valuable Leader that you are born to be.
Gain greater growth, and influence across your...
Create Better Connections: 4 Communication Styles that Connect
Virtual | Hybrid | In-Person Presentations Available
Format: 60-minute session or half-day workshop
Difficult conversations can be messy, but they don't have to be when communicating to connect.
Based on the model of human behavior, you will learn the new skills necessary to gain a greater understanding and enhance your communication.
Align your teams and increase employee morale...
Strengths Unleashed: Leading with Your Hidden Power
Format: 60 minute keynote, workshop and breakout
This program is perfect for:
- Seasoned and Emerging Leaders
- Managers
- HR professionals looking to enhance employee engagement and retention.
The audience will leave with:
- Insights to create an environment where employees feels seen, heard, and valued a
- Practical strategies for...
Kick Your Procrastination Into Productivity: Unleash the Superhero in You
Virtual | Hybrid | In-Person Presentations Available
Format: 60-minute breakout or 2-hour workshop
We all have good intentions to get the job done; yet we know that the road to (you know where) is paved with good intentions.
Most of the regrets we have are not a result of something we did but come as a result of something we did not do.
It's not that we don’t want to get things...
Leadership Blindspots: Exposing the 3 Hidden Barriers to Success
Format: 60 minute keynote, workshop, and breakout
This program is perfect for:
- New Supervisors and Emerging Leaders
- High-performers looking to become better and achieve more
- Mid-level managers who want to leverage their untapped potential
The audience will leave with:
- Explore essential blindspots that hold them back from...
Attitude Over Everything: 5-Be-Attitudes for Your Success
Virtual | Hybrid | In-Person Presentations Available
Format: 60-minute session
How do you show up, stand out, and lead with your best self?
Most people want more control in their lives.
Yet there is one thing, and perhaps the only thing that you can still have complete control of, and that one thing is your ATTITUDE!
While it may appear that skills...
Grow Your Association Membership: 4 Drivers for Sustainable Growth
Virtual | Hybrid | In-Person Presentations Available
Format: 60-minute session or Half-Day Workshop
Learn a proven framework to build revenue, relevance, and retention that will position your organization to achieve sustainable membership growth.
Unify your board, leaders, and boots on the ground with this proven systematic approach.
Adopt the 4 key principles needed to create...
ENGAGING VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES
All programs are available in a customizable virtual format.
What Your Peers Say...
"As a former board officer for the Association of Donor Relations Professionals, I was incredibly pleased with the Conference Committee's choice of Velma as our opening keynote speaker.
She set a highly energetic tone for the entire conference. Her presentation was fun, informative, and inspiring.
She has my highest endorsement! Thank...









