WHEN A GOOD ZIP GOES BAD
What began as a birthday surprise turned into a moment of faith over fear. Near the end of a fun zip-lining afternoon, Olalah found herself stuck mid-zip on the longest line of the course. Dangling mid-air, her momentum slowed to a crawl, leaving her stranded as her husband and the guides watched from the platform. When the zip guides shouted, "Come get you?", Olalah signaled she would attempt a self-rescue - a skill she had only learned hours earlier. Knowing it would be daunting, she turned around and began pulling herself backward, chanting, “one-hand-and-count.” Inch by inch, she used all her strength until she felt a tug on her gear. She had made it to the platform, greeted by a grateful husband and an impressed zip crew.
THE ENTREPRENEUR
A HUMBLE START TO A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
Olalah founded YellowWood Group 21 years ago after being laid off from a major tech company. What began as a freelance gig at her dining room table, has evolved into a thriving consultancy. Olalah has worked alongside aspirational leaders across four continents and fifteen industries. J.P. Morgan Chase recognized Olalah as a 100 Women To Know in America.
THE VISIONEER
THE GIFT OF SEEING WHAT'S HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT
As a narrator, Olalah crafts language that empowers visionary leaders to articulate and realize their bold ideas. As an architect, she designs nimble frameworks that enable leaders to capture their purpose-driven visions. As a Sherpa, she clears pathways to guide visionary leaders through the complex terrain of achievement.
THE ADVOCATE
PEOPLE OVER PARTY AND POLICIES OVER POLITICS
Olalah serves in national and state leadership roles advocating for small business-friendly legislation. She has the distinction of being a Lewis Shattuck Small Business Advocate of the Year awardee and has been honored three times by the National Association of Women Business Owners as a public policy advocate.
THE GUEST-EXPERT
A MEGAPHONE FOR SMALL BUSINESS
As a trusted small business media source, Olalah has been featured in local and major media including BBC, NPR, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes Small Business, and others. She uses her platform to illuminate and bring awareness to policies that hinder small business viability and growth, as well as those that propel it
THE PRESENTER
ATTENDEE QUOTE, "A POWERHOUSE IN A PAIR OF PUMPS"
Olalah is an effective presenter, known for breaking fire codes with attendance. Her provocative topics and thoughtful insights inspire audiences of all sizes to live as more conscious humans. Her engaging presentations draw diverse crowds, eager to see and hear her in action.
THE STEWARD
LEVERAGING INFLUENCE TO CREATE IMPACT
Olalah is a committed community steward and business leader, donating her time, talent, and financial support to a number of non-profits. She actively promotes efforts that support community strengthening and fuels dedication to creating positive impact.
THE ENCOURAGER
EVERYONE NEEDS A CHEERLEADER
Olalah has three personal mantras - integrity first, how you treat people matters, and kindness costs you nothing so be generous with it. She chooses an integrated life where family, friends, colleagues, and clients weave a comforting mosaic of community and connection.
THE INTROVERT
CONTRARY TO BELIEF, INTROVERT DOES NOT MEAN SHY
As a high-functioning introvert, Olalah turned her quiet energy into a superpower with improvisation lessons. Joining the ranks of effective, well-respected introverted leaders, she harnesses her unique strengths to lead and inspire with confidence and grace.
THE DOG MOM
FLUFFY YES, FRIENDLY NOT SO MUCH
Olalah is a dog mom to a spirited ten-year-old Havanese who, despite his fluffy appearance, is not particularly friendly to strangers, which is a departure for the breed. Always anxious, yet ever-curious, he relies on Olalah as his emotional support human. He's allergic to everything except belly rubs , honey nut cheerios, and lounging.
