Arabian Worldwide Magazine recently had the privilege of sitting down with Liesa Euton, a powerhouse in the world of corporate training and motivational speaking. With a career span of over three decades across the hospitality, leadership, and personal development sectors, Liesa has influenced countless professionals through her expertise, passion, and dynamic speaking engagements.
Can you share in brief your professional journey?
My journey is one of leadership, empowerment, and global impact. Born in the U.S. and educated in New York, the Dutch Caribbean, and the French Antilles, I have built a career spanning over two decades. I started in hospitality, serving as General Manager at The Sea Palace Resort in St. Maarten for 17 years. During this time, I was a prominent figure in the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association, even helping to create Timeshare Law.
My career expanded beyond hospitality, where I made significant contributions to the public sector, serving on 29 boards, running for Senate, and hosting a popular radio talk show. I also co-hosted a TV culinary program and opened two successful restaurants.
In 2009, I moved to Dubai, where I continued my work in leadership and service, serving as International Relations Director for the UAE Athletics Federation and co-founding the Dubai Women’s Run. Today, I serve as Director for the MENA region at EHP International, providing training and leadership development while mentoring women in financial technology.
My core philosophy is that a positive mindset is key to success. I am passionate about helping women achieve financial independence and transform their lives through mentorship and mindset shifts. My journey reflects a commitment to empowering others and creating meaningful change in business and community.
What inspired you to become a motivational speaker?
My journey and desire to help others transform their lives inspired me to become a motivational speaker. Having experienced the challenges of the hospitality industry and public service, I saw how powerful a mindset can be in overcoming obstacles. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the struggles many people—especially women—face in achieving their potential.
I also had a front-row seat to how people, especially young women, can unlock their power when they believe in themselves. This drove me to share my experiences and insights, hoping to inspire others to shift their mindset and pursue their goals without fear of failure. My background in psychology provided the framework to understand how mindset impacts success, and this combined with my leadership roles gave me the platform to speak from a place of authority and empathy.
My core message, “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it,” is a testament to my belief that success is within reach for anyone who dares to believe and take inspired action. Motivational speaking became a natural extension of my mission to empower others.
What is the mission and vision of your motivational speaking services, and how do you aim to achieve it?
As a motivational speaker and corporate trainer at EHP International, the mission is to empower individuals through soft skills training and help develop (EQ- emotional intelligence) Essential Skills in Communication and leadership. People transform their lives by overcoming self-doubt and limiting beliefs, encouraging them to take bold actions toward their goals. Part of what I do as well as the EHP team is to inspire audiences to shift their perspective and see growth opportunities. I believe that with the right mindset, anything is possible. My vision is to create a world where individuals are confident and equipped with the tools to achieve their personal and professional goals.
How do you contribute to the personal and professional development of your audience through your speeches?
I contribute to the personal and professional development of my audience by offering a combination of mindset transformation, practical strategies, and real-world examples from my extensive experience. Teamwork and Problem-solving are key, as well as, designing, developing, and delivering customized training solutions for my clients in the area of professional development; the key areas are customer service, sales & sales management, marketing, supervisory, management, and personal skill development, to unlock their full potential by cultivating a positive mindset. I also share my personal experiences of resilience; I encourage my audience to change their perspective on challenges and embrace them as stepping stones toward success.
I provide clear, practical steps that attendees can immediately implement in their personal and professional lives. I focus on leadership skills, effective communication, goal setting, and strategies for financial independence. These tangible tools help individuals take concrete actions that lead to growth and success in their personal and professional lives.
As a trainer, I focus heavily on leadership development, emphasizing the importance of stepping into one’s power and taking on leadership roles. I offer advice on navigating challenges in the workplace, how to build confidence, and how to create financial independence.
Can you tell us some companies that you train, speak to, and work motivationally through EHP International Ltd.?
International clients in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean Region keep returning and recommending clients. I’ll mention a few: Hallmark, Swarovski, Bloomberg, Reuters, Cathay Pacific, DFS, Citibank, Credit Suisse Private Banking, HK Trade Development Council, African+Eastern, Yas Plaza Hotels, Expressions Perfumees, Warner-Lambert, Johnson& Johnson, Sephora, (Parke Davis), Motorola University, Apple Computers, Wing Hang Bank, Dao Heng Bank, Beauford Ipsen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Nestle Hong Kong, RGA Reinsurance, Siemens Ltd, Cigna Insurance, Jardine Davies (Philippines), SwissRe, Holiday Inn Golden Mile, as well as the Novotel Century, Le Meridien Cyberport hotels and HSBC Private Banking, MGF Sourcing, The Leela Mumbai, Fairmont Jaipur, Harley Davidson, Six Senses Resorts in Thailand, Vietnam & Maldives / Galaxy Entertainment Group / City of Dreams in Macau, Fairmont India, and Radisson Hong Kong. Grandcase Beach Club, Winair, Mandarin Oriental, AquaMania Adventures, SHTA members, Le Club du Tourisme, and SMTA members.
What are the biggest challenges you face when preparing for a motivational speech? How do you tailor your speeches to resonate with different audiences?
One of the biggest challenges I face when preparing for a motivational speech is ensuring my message resonates deeply with a diverse audience. Given that my work spans various sectors, hospitality, leadership, public service, and women’s empowerment, each audience has unique experiences, challenges, and needs. Tailoring my speech to meet the specific expectations and aspirations of each group while still staying true to my core message can be complex.
Can you share some of the key messages you hope to convey through your motivational speaking?
Mindset is Everything: I believe that success starts with the right mindset. I encourage my audience to cultivate a positive, growth-oriented mindset—one that embraces challenges as opportunities for learning. The message is simple: “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it.”.
Failure is a Lesson, not a Defeat: I emphasize that failure is an inevitable part of any journey, but it should never be seen as the end. Instead, it is an opportunity to learn, grow, and adapt. My message is that there are no “failures” in life—just lessons that prepare us for success in the future. I
Empowerment Through Leadership, EQ and Financial Independence: A major theme of my speeches is leadership, emotional intelligence, and financial independence. I believe that financial freedom is a key to personal empowerment, and I encourage women particularly to take control of their finances, seek opportunities,
What are some of the unique approaches or techniques you use to engage and inspire your audience?
I use several unique approaches and techniques to engage and inspire my audience, ensuring that my message resonates deeply and has a lasting impact:
Personal Storytelling: My speeches are rich with personal stories, drawing from my own experiences and overcoming personal challenges. Sharing authentic, relatable stories allows my audience to connect emotionally with my message. It also makes my advice more grounded and actionable.
Interactive Exercises: To keep the audience engaged and help them internalize the lessons, I incorporate interactive exercises, reflection prompts, and real-time activities. These could include guided visualization, goal-setting activities, or group discussions to encourage audience participation. This hands-on approach fosters deeper engagement and helps attendees apply the concepts.
Humor and Authenticity: My ability to use humor and be authentically herself creates a relaxed, welcoming environment that encourages open interaction. Her down-to-earth style and light-hearted moments break the ice, making her speeches feel more like a conversation than a lecture, which increases receptiveness and attentiveness.
Empathy and Active Listening: One of my standout qualities is my ability to truly listen to my audience. I make space for their voices, often incorporating their experiences into the speech. This active listening helps me adapt my message on the spot, addressing specific challenges or concerns during the session, and making my speeches feel more personalized and relevant.
Follow-Up and Continued Support Through EHP I always provide ongoing mentorship and resources after my speeches and training. I encourage my audience to reach out to me or our Team for follow-up questions, provide access to tools and materials, and offer additional coaching. This long-term engagement reinforces the impact of my speech/training and helps ensure that attendees continue their journey of growth beyond the event.
How do you ensure that your messages align with your goals for empowering and inspiring others? How do you incorporate your experiences into your motivational speeches?
I ensure that my messages and training are customized and aligned to empower and inspire others by staying true to values and experiences, deeply rooted in resilience, leadership, and the power of a positive mindset. The goal is to encourage people to take control of their lives and embrace growth opportunities, which is reflected in every session I deliver.
How do you stay motivated and inspired to continuously deliver powerful speeches?
I have a deep passion for helping people unlock their full potential. This is a constant source of motivation. Knowing that my speeches can spark transformation in someone’s life—whether it’s helping them overcome self-doubt, achieve their career goals, or gain financial independence—drives me to keep delivering impactful messages. The possibility of making a positive difference fuels my ongoing commitment.
I believe in the power of continuous self-improvement, which helps me stay inspired. I draw from new insights, experiences, and lessons that I can then share with the audience. This growth mindset not only strengthens my messages but also keeps me motivated to evolve as a speaker, trainer, and mentor.
I take time to reflect on my purpose and the gratitude I feel for being able to do meaningful work. Reminding myself of the privilege and responsibility of helping others helps me stay grounded and energized. I feel a deep sense of fulfillment knowing I contribute to a greater cause—helping people lead more empowered, successful lives.
What are your long-term goals as a motivational speaker?
One of my long-term goals is to continue expanding EHP International’s reach in the Middle East, Caribbean, and African Regions, and inspiring and empowering audiences internationally. I want to bring the EHP International vision of empowerment and aim to see an enhanced skill level as well as mindset transformation, in more countries, I want to make a lasting, global impact, helping people everywhere unlock their potential.
Another long-term goal is to write and publish books that further solidify my teachings on mindset, leadership, and financial independence. These books would reach a wider audience and serve as valuable resources for individuals looking for practical guidance in their personal and professional growth.
What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a career in motivational speaking?
Know Your Purpose and Passion: people are drawn to genuine speakers, and your passion will make your message resonate.
Be Authentic and Vulnerable: One of the keys to impactful motivational speaking is authenticity. Vulnerability is a powerful tool for building trust and connection with your audience. The more you share your real experiences; the more people will relate to you and feel inspired by your message.
Master Your Craft and Develop Expertise: Motivational speaking is not just about delivering an inspiring speech; it’s about being an expert in your subject matter. The more you know and the more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel.
Focus on Impact, Not Popularity: Many aspiring speakers are drawn to the idea of fame, but true success in motivational speaking comes from making a meaningful impact in people’s lives. Focus on how your message can change lives, and recognition will follow. Always ask yourself, “How will this message help someone?” rather than “How can I get attention?”
Be Persistent and Resilient: The road to becoming a successful motivational speaker can be challenging, and there will be setbacks along the way. Don’t be discouraged by early rejections or challenges. Keep refining your craft, stay committed to your purpose, and remember that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Connect with Your Audience: Motivational speaking is all about creating a deep connection with your audience. Take the time to understand the needs and challenges of your audience. Tailor your message to resonate with them on a personal level and always listen to feedback to improve your delivery.
What is that one quote you absolutely live by or find helpful?
“If you can imagine it, you can achieve it.”
This quote encapsulates my core philosophy: that success begins with belief in oneself and the power of visualization. This is a reminder that all things are possible with the right mindset, determination, and a clear vision. It’s a constant source of inspiration and a reminder that no dream is too big, as long as you’re willing to work toward it and believe in your ability to make it a reality.