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Watch Principal Parry's TEDx talk at the University of South Dakota.

​Three Ways to Enjoy Your Uptime
We all covet one another's downtime, and for good reason! The breakneck pace of our work lives can leave us winded and worn, so time spent sunning on a beach, skiing down a mountain, bowling with friends, and reading a good book provides needed respite. Unfortunately, social media has us so wrapped up in others' vacations and staycations that we too often neglect to consider another blessing: that of uptime. Uptime is the years we spend contributing, learning, growing, sparring, celebrating, evolving, and connecting through our work.

Here's how I use my superpowers

Here are a few of my favorite ways to give back and invest in the growth and development of individuals and organizations. If you have an upcoming event, training or coaching need or would like to request an interview or article, please reach out with details and let's continue the conversation.

I speak.

I'm currently accepting bookings for keynotes, breakout sessions and facilitation through 2025. Learn more about some of my most requested topics and see what others had to say.

I train.

Let's partner to make the most of your team building or in-service training. Smaller, more interactive gatherings are a great way to help organizations internalize key concepts.

I coach.

I'm passionate about individual and group coaching and have a special gift for conflict resolution. Coaching partnerships provide a unique opportunity to lean into your specific goals and areas of opportunity.

I contribute.

I am an engaged voice within my regional and national community of educators and leaders. I often contribute as a podcast guest, panelist, facilitator and contributing author.



​More about Principal Parry

​A two-time South Dakota High School Principal of the Year nominee, Lisa Parry has been a South Dakota educator for 30 years. Her mission is to connect with those seeking positive ways to reframe and respond to challenges. Her expertise transcends the K-12 space and includes a focus on universal topics such as people-pleasing, likable leadership, meaningful messaging, and everyday engagement. Lisa presents, writes, coaches, and mentors professionals seeking to establish and maintain a positive and healthy professional and personal life. 

News & Media Coverage

Watch Principal Parry at TEDx South Dakota University: Three Ways to Enjoy Your Uptime
We all covet one another's downtime, and for good reason! The breakneck pace of our work lives can leave us winded and worn, so time spent sunning on a beach, skiing down a mountain, bowling with friends, and reading ...
PODCAST: Likable Leadership on the School Leader's Podcast, Principal Matters
The key to success in managing difficult conversations and conflict is operating from a perspective of curiosity, not condemnation or ...
PODCAST: Better Leadership, Better Schools Podcast with Danny Bauer
"I have to control my emotions. I really get to decide how I interpret what happens to me. We decide what it means and we put ...
Keep Reading

I am proud to work with these organizations:

Kudos & Compliments

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"Lisa has a way with words, not only on the page but also with people. Her power of communication has given her a rewarding career as an educator with a track record of high school-wide achievement. She uses these same superpowers in her presentations with educators. You'll find her sessions chockful of practical, useable strategies connected to a deep understanding of pedagogy as well as a keen knowledge of human behavior. To put it simply: Lisa knows what she's doing, and you or your staff will be motivated and equipped through her inspiring and engaging work!"

WILLIAM D. PARKER

FOUNDER & CEO
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PRINCIPAL MATTERS

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"Lisa is an exceptional speaker whose dynamic energy captivates audiences from start to finish. I was thoroughly impressed by her ability to engage the crowd and deliver valuable, actionable insights. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she had everyone eagerly taking notes and brainstorming ideas to implement in both their professional and personal lives."

AUBREY BURSCH

FOUNDER & CEO
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EASY SCHOOL MARKETING

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"I really enjoyed your keynote presentation at the Swiftel Center today,  I started out in teaching 30 years ago and was then recruited by a telecommunications company where I have been for over 27 years.  I am from a family of educators, so I know the drill and I really appreciated how your integrated your experience as a teacher into such a meaningful and practical topic. Thanks for coming to speak today, I will keep you in mind for future events and trainings."

JIM CANAAN

SUPPORT SERVICEDS MANAGER
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INTERSTATE TELECOMMUNICATIONS COOP, INC.

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"I had the privilege of working with Lisa for over four years and can confidently say I left our professional relationship a better leader, communicator, and more passionate 'helper' because of the model she set forth. She is a life-long learner who is committed to being the best leader, listener, and communicator for the people in her work environment. "

KELSEY BORCHARD, MS, QMHP, LPC

OWNER
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THE GROWTH COLLECTIVE: PLAY THERAPY & COUNSELING SERVICES

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"I have had the opportunity to both listen to Lisa Parry speak and get to know her. She speaks from a vantage point of loads of experience in education as both a teacher and an administrator. The credibility alone warrants your attention, but when you mix in her unique brand of humor, you'll find yourself laughing and learning. A good speaker, a good person, a good listen!"

DR. BOBBI MAHER

EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT
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LEARNING POWER SOLUTIONS & RESEARCH

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​"Lisa leveraged the shared experience of K12 education to put her audience immediately at ease so they were ready to hear the bigger message. Lisa’s message, delivered with skillfully placed stories and humor, is timely and relevant for audiences of all types from all industries.  We all left feeling empowered, uplifted and curious about how to learn more. We will absolutely have Lisa back again next year!"

KARA SEMMLER

GENERAL COUNSEL & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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SOUTH DAKOTA TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION

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