Holly Lifke

Holly Lifke is the Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President at the Boldt Company. Originally from the Chicagoland area, Holly saw her single-parent mother struggle and thrive raising three children. From this experience, Holly emerged determined to be self-sufficient. The first in her family, she earned a college degree and worked as many as three jobs to pay her own way. Initially drawn to music, she soon realized that business was a better fit for her goal of self-sufficiency. She built a successful career encompassing the banking regulation, food manufacturing, commercial insurance and construction industries and earned an MBA. She is most proud of raising her two adult sons. She focuses on mental and physical wellbeing by incorporating varied activities such as yoga, snowshoeing, hiking, running and traveling. Skiing and half marathons with her sons and friends are special highlights. To relax, Holly also enjoys kayaking and quilting.

Holly's greatest gifts are her strength and tenacity. This was already apparent when Holly was a young girl. Characteristically unfazed, she recalls learning to model her mother's composure when a tornado passed near their home and the family huddled together. To this day, she is the person others rely on in a crisis. She knows she can bet on herself. She keeps her calm in the storms of life and reminds herself that she has faced worse. Holly understands that there is always a solution and an opportunity. Her determination and grit have helped her navigate motherhood, divorce, career, disappointments and opportunities.

Holly has an abundance mindset. According to Holly, this means that when we work together, we can all benefit and win. She suggests that we focus on growing the size of the pie and not on who is getting the largest slice. She believes that we should cheer for others and focus on what we can build together to benefit everyone. Before any important decision, she turns inward. She considers whether the decision will fuel her soul and how it will impact others before charting a new path. She looks towards the future with perpetual optimism and curiosity. She recognizes that while it is great to plan, life is richer for the detours. For clarity of mind, Holly recommends a great workout, quiet reflection or time near the water.

- Written by Juliane Troicki of Illuminating Project