Amy Jo Esser builds leadership programs around Winning Rhythms

Amy Jo Esser, founder of AJE Speaking Solutions in Madison, Wisconsin, is positioning her Winning Rhythms™ framework as a way for leaders to improve execution, retention and culture. Her profile highlights more than 30 years in corporate IT and quality leadership, plus a national speaking and coaching practice focused on helping leaders follow through on what matters most.

Why it matters: - Amy Jo Esser’s work targets a common leadership gap: turning good intentions into consistent execution. - Her framework is aimed at leaders and high-performing teams that want stronger accountability, better retention, and more sustainable results. - The profile also spotlights women entering leadership roles, a group Esser says she specializes in helping.

What happened: - Influential Women published a profile of Amy Jo Esser, founder of AJE Speaking Solutions, LLC. - Esser is based in Madison, Wisconsin, and serves organizations nationally through keynotes, workshops, and coaching programs. - Her signature framework is Winning Rhythms™: The Finish Line Formula. - The profile was published June 9, 2026.

The details: - Esser is described as a leadership development expert, leadership keynote speaker, and creator of Winning Rhythms™. - Her work centers on leadership development, team performance, employee retention, communication, accountability, and culture. - She has more than 30 years of corporate IT and quality leadership experience. - She spent 15 years in executive leadership roles across information technology, quality assurance, and organizational development. - Her career includes leading complex enterprise initiatives, building high-performing teams, and shaping cultures rooted in trust and accountability. - Esser graduated from Concordia University-Wisconsin with a degree in Management and Communication. - She began her career as a software developer before moving into leadership roles in technology and quality assurance. - At ProAssurance, she built the quality and testing department from the ground up. - She led distributed teams across multiple locations before virtual collaboration tools were common. - She directed multimillion-dollar initiatives and implemented operational improvements that changed organizational performance. - During her 12 years at ProAssurance, every employee and consultant on her team stayed, resulting in zero voluntary turnover. - Esser says that record reflects a leadership model that does not force a choice between high standards and care for people. - Her philosophy centers on the belief that every leadership challenge is first a self-leadership challenge. - Through OQ Leadership™, Esser frames sustainable excellence as a product of self-leadership, leading others with heart, and maintaining high standards. - She has spoken at international conferences and industry events. - Her programs are designed to help professionals lead with confidence, communicate clearly, and pursue goals without sacrificing health, relationships, or purpose. - Esser says leadership is about helping people become their best while pursuing goals together. - She credits Roger Love with helping her develop a more intentional and impactful communication style after two years of training. - She also cites Anthony Trucks, Jen Gottlieb, and Chris Winfield as influences on her growth as a leader, speaker, and entrepreneur. - Esser encourages emerging and high-achieving leaders, especially women, to be bold, be brave, and lead from the heart. - She invites organizations and leaders to connect with her at Amy Jo Esser’s email. - More information is available through her Influential Women profile.

Between the lines: - The profile positions Esser’s brand around a blend of corporate credibility and a relationship-first leadership style. - The zero-voluntary-turnover claim is central to the narrative and serves as the strongest proof point for her leadership approach. - Her messaging tracks with a broader demand for leaders who can drive performance without burning out teams.

What’s next: - Esser appears to be using speaking, workshops, and coaching to expand the reach of her Winning Rhythms™ and OQ Leadership™ frameworks. - Her profile suggests continued focus on helping leaders convert leadership philosophy into repeatable daily habits. - Organizations seeking support in leadership development and culture-building can contact Esser directly.