DR. NORMA HOLLIS
LEADING INTELLIGENCE SPEAKER
Norma Hollis is a leading authority on authenticity, specializing in human nature and self-awareness. She is the founder of the Authenticity Grid and Authenticity Assessment, transformative tools that have impacted individuals and organizations worldwide. A true pioneer across multiple industries, Norma continues to influence with her originality and thought-provoking insights into humanity.
Norma’s pioneering spirit began in her first career, where she directed early childhood programs, most notably Head Start. Driven by her passion for supporting young children and their families, she developed a preschool assessment program implemented in two states. She also spoke at the inaugural Children’s Spirituality Conference, establishing her commitment to holistic child development.
In her second career, Norma became the first Black woman to own a speaker bureau for Black speakers. Through her visionary leadership, she inspired established speaker bureaus to create dedicated departments for Black speakers, sparking the growth of boutique Black-owned speaker bureaus across the country.
Norma’s signature work is the Authenticity Grid, a nine-dimensional framework that offers a new lens for understanding oneself, others, and organizations. Developed over 30 years of self-exploration, the Authenticity Grid emerged from her realization at age 28 that she was living her mother’s version of life, not her own. Through deep introspection, she identified nine distinct internal energies, which she initially associated with animals like the owl, panther, and snail. Over time, this evolved into the powerful Authenticity Grid, which now underpins all of her work on authenticity.
Known as the Godmother of Authenticity, Norma speaks to organizations about the critical role authenticity plays in today’s ever-changing world. Her Norma Hollis Authenticize Process™, offered through her online school Authenticity U, and her keynotes and training sessions, have been transformative for leaders and organizations. She also certifies coaches and facilitators to use her tools in their own work.
Norma is a champion of Authentic Leadership, a vital leadership style for navigating our increasingly AI-driven world. Her Authenticity Grid provides a framework for consistent, informed decision-making, empowering leaders to manage rapid changes and complex choices with confidence.
An accomplished author, Norma has written several books, including “Blueprint for Engagement: Authentic Leadership”, “Ten Steps to Authenticity”, and “The Process to Become a Professional Speaker”. She holds a BA in Child and Family Life Sciences from Michigan State University, an honorary Ph.D. from Trinity International University of Ambassadors, and an MA from Walden University through life experience.