Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Radish-Respess.
Hi Debbie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Milwaukee, WI, hard work, character, and community weren’t just talked about — they were lived. Those values shaped my path as I spent more than three decades leading departments, driving operations, and earning both my BS and MBA while working full-time.
On paper, I was successful. But the gaps were clear: executives often fell short on results, struggled to connect with their people, and left too much potential on the table.
I knew those gaps because I lived them. As an executive, I wore my “corporate armor” every day — projecting confidence while quietly carrying the weight of misalignment, disconnection, and untapped potential. From the outside, it looked polished; on the inside, it was unsustainable, and I was unfulfilled. And it wasn’t the kind of leadership that created lasting impact.
I realized I wasn’t the only one — many leaders were carrying the same weight.
That’s when I left corporate America and launched Invisible Horizons Coaching & Consulting to bridge that gap — helping leaders align people with purpose. Today, through programs like BoardEX Ready™, I partner with executives and teams to design strategies that deliver results and create ripple effects far beyond the boardroom.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Some of the toughest struggles are the very reason I do this work today.
Early in my career, I learned how heavy leadership can feel when it’s misaligned. I wore the “corporate armor,” delivered results, and looked confident — but underneath was exhaustion, doubt, and the constant pressure to perform. It was polished on the outside, but it came at a cost.
At the same time, those experiences shaped my success. I built strong teams, drove operational results, and learned how to navigate the complexities of corporate America. The struggles taught me that results without alignment eventually collapse — and that insight became the foundation of how I lead today.
When I launched Invisible Horizons, the challenges didn’t disappear — they just changed. Building a business meant proving myself all over again, creating credibility in a crowded leadership development/executive coaching market, and scaling without losing authenticity. And just like in corporate, every obstacle became a catalyst for growth. Each step forward confirmed that leaders were hungry for a new way — one that combined results with alignment and people with purpose.
What I’ve learned is this: struggle is the classroom of leadership. Every bump, whether in corporate America or entrepreneurship, made me more resilient, more authentic, and more determined. And now those lessons fuel the way I coach executives — helping them lead without armor, align with purpose, and create lasting impact.
Along the way, that commitment has been recognized — from earning multiple leadership and coaching awards to growing Invisible Horizons into a trusted partner for organizations across industries. Those milestones remind me that the struggles weren’t wasted — they built the foundation for lasting impact.
We’ve been impressed with Invisible Horizons Coaching and Consulting, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Invisible Horizons, we exist to bridge the gap between people and purpose. We partner with executives, leadership teams, and organizations to align strategy with people — because results without alignment don’t last.
We specialize in leadership development, executive coaching, and strategic alignment. Our work is known for helping leaders cut through the noise, simplify the complex, and connect daily actions to a bigger mission. Our clients come from a wide range of industries — from construction and government contracting to technology and professional services — but they all share the same challenge: unlocking the full potential of their people while driving business results.
What sets us apart is our relentless focus on alignment. Leadership isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about weaving people, strategy, and execution together in a way that sticks. That’s why we’ve built proprietary frameworks and programs — BoardEX Ready™, the Leadership Journey™, SynergyStrategy™, and the Transformational Leadership Compass™. These tools turn vision into execution, build stronger pipelines of leaders, and generate measurable impact.
We’re most proud of the ripple effect. When leaders align with purpose, they don’t just drive stronger results — they transform how teams show up, how organizations grow, and how communities thrive. That ripple effect is what makes Invisible Horizons more than a coaching and consulting firm. We’re a partner in shaping leaders, uniting teams, and igniting lasting impact.
What are your plans for the future?
The future for Invisible Horizons is about multiplying impact — both for our clients and within our company. We’re experiencing 10X growth, fueled by the demand for leadership programs that go beyond surface-level training and create real, lasting change.
Externally, we’re expanding our flagship programs — BoardEX Ready™ for executives stepping into higher-level leadership roles and the Leadership Journey™ for mid-level leaders who want to grow their influence and effectiveness. These programs aren’t just about skill-building; they’re about transforming how leaders design strategy, drive execution, and deliver results that matter.
Internally, we’re scaling in big ways — from launching a Leadership Alignment Academy to developing licensing and certification models for our proprietary frameworks, making them accessible to more organizations nationwide. We’re also deepening corporate partnerships, building long-term retainers, and creating large-scale strategy summits that help companies align their people and purpose.
What excites us most isn’t just our growth — it’s partnering with leaders who want to build the ripple effect. When leaders align with purpose, they inspire teams, strengthen organizations, and create communities that thrive. That’s the impact Invisible Horizons delivers alongside our clients.
Pricing:
- Leadership pipelines strengthened by 30–50%, reducing turnover and hiring costs Decision-making speed increased by 2X, accelerating strategy execution Engagement scores lifted by 20–40%, driving higher performance Organizations becoming more profitable, sustainable, and valuable At Invisible Horizons, leadership isn’t a cost center — it’s a growth multiplier. That’s the return on alignment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://invisiblehorizonscoaching.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbieradishrespess/
- Other: https://assessment.invisiblehorizonscoaching.com/synergy-strategy
