Speaking & Training Topics
From Default to Design: Reclaiming Intentional Leadership
Most people don’t choose their lives — they inherit them.
This keynote challenges the idea that purpose is something you find. Instead, it’s something you build — through the decisions you make, the fears you confront, and the meaning you assign to your life.
Stop living by default. Start living by design.
When Success Isn’t Enough: Breaking Free from Misalignment
You did everything right — and something still feels off.
This keynote exposes the cost of success that requires shrinking, over-performing, or disconnecting from yourself. Because success on paper means nothing if it costs you who you are.
It’s time to redefine success — on your terms.
Money, Identity & Power: Building Wealth Without Losing Yourself
How you earn, invest, and build wealth is not separate from who you are — it reflects it.
This keynote reframes money as a tool for agency, not pressure. Because wealth built from fear will cost you — but wealth built from alignment will expand you.
Money is not the goal. Freedom is.
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Official Bio
Dr. Griselda Martinez is the founder and CEO of Ascendo Strategies, a three-fold focus business including 1) a transformational business coach and mentor working with seasoned professional women aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them to launch their online service business; 2) host and producer of un-Expectedly Successful, a podcast where she showcases successful women business founders to share their wisdom that will incite her listeners to take their next step; and, 3) as an economic development consultant working with local governments and non-profit organizations with the transformative power of economic development.
Dr. Griselda’s career spans two decades of business ownership, podcasting, strategic planning, economic development and entrepreneurial program design and implementation, and project management. The variety of roles in her career has included directorship positions in local economic development departments, member entrepreneurial center for international entrepreneurial work in New Mexico, including the Spanish-speaking business community. She has been part of the private sector, academia, and non-profit sectors in various roles.
She holds a Doctorate in Economic Development and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as an industry-leading credential. She is also a Certified Transformational Coach and Speaker.
Outside her career, she loves nature, spending time outdoors, and traveling near and far. Dr. Griselda cherishes her time with her loved ones, including her husband Wayne, her dad, siblings, nieces, and nephews.
Approved Photos
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