THRIVE Live: Presenters

Shelley Paxton

Former Harley-Davidson CMO, Bestselling Author, and Self-Described Corporate Rebel and Chief Soul Officer Shares a New Roadmap to Success

She might describe herself as Brené Brown meets biker babe—with a dash of Liz Gilbert. Shelley Paxton is a 26-year advertising and marketing veteran whose legacy is imprinted on iconic global brands like McDonald’s, Visa, and Harley-Davidson.

At the pinnacle of her career, as chief marketing officer of Harley-Davidson, she was shocked to find herself feeling “success-empty” instead of “success-full.” That awakening led her on a profound journey that became her mission, business, and bestselling book, Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel’s Guide to Finding Your Best Life.

Now she has found her best stride, maximizing her strengths and gifts as a self-described chief soul officer. Paxton works with leaders and teams to advocate for redefining success in ways that celebrate humanity, well-being, and soul. Her influential work is an empowering antidote to corporate burnout, attrition, and disengagement. Her ideas have gained recognition on platforms like NBC, CBS, and Forbes, making her a respected thought leader, adviser, and sought-after keynote speaker who’s been called “the next Brené Brown” by Chip Conley, New York Times bestselling author and former Airbnb executive.

Paxton’s signature keynote presentation, “Where Soul Meets Success: A
New Leadership Roadmap,” is inspiring ripples of impact (the new ROI) in lives,
businesses, and cultures. Paxton is on a mission “to liberate a billion souls to live more bold, brave, and badass.”

Eliza Harrison Smith

Singer and Songwriter

Hailing from Washington, DC, and now based in Nashville, TN, Smith is an indie-pop singer and songwriter with a mesmerizing talent. Her music combines infectious melodies, introspective lyrics, and breezy indie-pop production—all tied together by her airy, emotive vocals. She has already enchanted listeners with the release of songs like “August” and "Didn’t Love Me.” She has also performed at legendary venues across the country, from The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville to The Bitter End in New York City. She has gained industry recognition as well, earning an honorable mention in American Songwriter’s 2022 Song Contest with her solo-written song "Got Away With It." Smith’s newest single, "Back Of My Mind," has been her biggest release yet—amassing 300,000 streams and counting on Spotify alone. With a five-song EP on the horizon for 2024, Smith is set to make her mark on the indie-pop scene.