Kristi Straw, MBA · Executive Strategist + Market Maker

You’ve done the work.
Let’s make it pay.

More room for your ambition. A business case for your brilliance.

I’m Kristi. I help accomplished people turn expertise, ideas, and relationships into their next paid opportunity. A bigger role. An offer people buy. A business that makes better use of what you know. Bring the ambition. We’ll work on the decisions and the next move.

Work with Kristi Book speaking + workshops

Kristi Straw in a green and gold dress on the red carpet — Strategist. Former commercial banker. Market maker for valuable expertise.

$5Min business movement through five Pinnacle Dinners™

40 minutessaved per initial sales prospect call in Shannon’s client-reported result

20+ yearsof leadership experience, including senior banking roles

What it’s like to have Kristi in your corner

Start with a conversation.
See what becomes possible.

Hear from Molly Lukes, BetterStory Studio™ Raleigh expansion partner, about meeting and working with Kristi.

A partner’s perspective · Filmed at BetterStory Studio™ Raleigh by Airwood Studios.

Find your way to work with Kristi

Molly Lukes · Raleigh expansion partner

When to bring me in

You’re ready for more.
Choose your next move.

“I need to decide what comes next for me.”

Executive Recalibration™: private support for your next role, leadership decision, consulting direction, or portfolio career. Six months · $15,000–$18,000.

See the engagement 02

“I need to turn this expertise into business.”

Private strategic advisory for founders and experts working on offers, buyers, pricing, partnerships, and their next commercial move.

Explore private advisory 03

“Our team needs help moving this priority.”

Lighthouse advisory and embedded work on leadership decisions, sales, and execution with the people responsible for the result.

Explore company work 04

“Our audience needs a message they can use.”

Keynotes and workshops on leadership, human judgment with AI, and turning expertise and relationships into business value.

See topics + booking

Looking for a curated client dinner or live experience? Explore Private RARE Rooms™ and Pinnacle Powered™

Related work + organizer feedback

“Every other speaker referenced you throughout the day!”

Tracy Sternberg · NC TECH opening keynote, September 29, 2026. Excerpt from published organizer feedback.

See the case and original feedback

Meet Kristi

Executive judgment. Practical communication. Commercial growth.

I was a rainmaker in banking. Then I got fired. I built a business around the judgment, experience, and relationships I already had.

Now I help other accomplished people see what their expertise can become and build a commercial path around it. We look at the whole picture: your work, your ambition, your money, and the life you want that work to support.

Read my background

For work on your own leadership or business, explore private advisory. Lighthouse is the home for commissioned organizational work.

Writing + resources