Since 2014, Matz Learning Solutions has helped transform teams, leaders, and cultures through consulting & training. We believe that equitable learning cultures and supported leaders are the #1 drivers behind thriving organizations.
We’re here to help you:
Understand the greater impact of leadership development on your business
Build equitable organizational cultures where training and coaching opportunities are consistent and equal
Engage your team leaders around their purpose and potential, so they thrive in their leadership journeys
Marisa Baldoz Matz, Founder and Learning & Leadership Consultant
My secret salsa: Genuine optimist + compelling storyteller + proven content + sparkle.
Leaders exist everywhere. And I count it the greatest privilege to ignite their potential and be a small part of creating equitable, high performing cultures that allow organizations to thrive at every level. The truth is, we can’t approach leadership the same way we did 10 years ago. (And this is a GREAT thing! )
The classroom is my natural habitat, and I’ve been teaching for 20 years. I love engaging people from all over the world, who have different styles & preferences, and who have very different stories than mine. I’ll never get over the gratitude I feel when participants step out of my classroom visibly more confident and excited to contribute to their organization.
I can’t wait to equip your leaders.
Get to know me:
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There are so many things I’m grateful to delight in, most of them around getting to know people, traveling, and the great outdoors. I truly love:
Boarding planes, trains, and automobiles
Hiking and walking through the outdoors – as the Japanese call it, “forest bathing.” Just seeing / smelling / breathing nature is inspiring!
Rebuilding the lost art of conversation – whether it’s getting to know people or staying connected with friends from as far back as preschool. I bond quickly and stay committed!
Enjoying food and tasting tradition + culture + art
Art museums – learning about artists + their lives + their dreams
Yoga and dance – my happy place where I can express myself, release, and build confidence in my body + mind
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Since July 2019, I have stayed committed to a daily 6AM workout for 30-45 minutes in my living room. It’s the only way I can set up my day for success and get some time to myself before my kids wake up! From a morning meditation, to a cup of coffee, and then a weighted or cardio workout, this morning routine is my gift to myself.
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Some years ago, in preparation for my 40th birthday, I created a playlist with every song that has meant something to me, every song that takes me back to a significant memory I've had. It's pure joy.
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In 2013-2014, before we had our kids, my husband and I traveled around the world, stopping in 11 countries for yoga / surfing / cultural adventures. So that’s tough to top!
Travel helps me understand people better – it has a way of opening you up in a very vulnerable way and that's what's exciting. I love learning about the location’s culture: how people live, the things that matter to the local people… There’s a newness and surprise that each different place introduces. Although I feel a bit nervous about going to a new place I’ve never been before, I remind myself that travel is about stepping outside of my habitual life and coming back a better version of me.
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I help organizations cultivate equitable cultures of learning so their teams – leaders and team members – feel genuinely supported and equipped to deliver the kind of excellence and connection businesses need to grow.
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How you invest in your leaders is a direct indication of your organization’s ability to evolve, grow, and win – and while this can feel daunting given the modern global (often virtual) workplace, it’s more important than ever for employees to feel and benefit from that investment. After all, in the end, their success is your success.
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Over my 20-year career, I’ve worked with new to mid-level leaders helping them discover and develop the fundamental leadership practices required to lead their organizations and the ever-changing global workforce.
I have always been confident in front of an audience, as I’ve been performing various dance forms since age 3, including ballet and yoga (with 5 years of competitive dance). I pay close attention to my audience, which allows me to continuously improve content and foster dialogue among my peers and colleagues, holding attention and helping people express their thoughts and ambitions so they can grow.
I’m fluent in English and Spanish and bring diverse insights to my leadership work that I’ve gained from living and working abroad. In 2003, I moved to Osaka, Japan to teach high school English communications and since then have boarded flights to more than 25 countries.
I was born and raised in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley. My father emigrated from the Philippines and my mother is a Mexican-American from the Mexico-US border region of Texas. They instilled in me a strong sense of determination, perseverance, and leadership.
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M.A. Leadership and B.S. International Business from Saint Mary’s College of California
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate, Cornell University
Blanchard® Channel Partner and SLII™ Facilitator
Center for Creative Leadership® Channel Partner and 360 Assessment Administrator
Certified Facilitator with DDI and Franklin Covey
Certified Korn Ferry KFLA and KF360 Coach
Marisa is available for speaking opportunities, virtual consulting, on-site training, podcast guest speaking, and as a contributor for articles and publications.
… and of course I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the help of my wonderful team:
Tasha Smiley, Strategic Marketing Director
Also: Marathon runner & serial running shoe buyer, resident TikTok enthusiast, popcorn addict, most likely to be found at Disneyland on vacation, mom to 3 (including twins)
Tasha worked with Marisa at a previous company, and has cheered on Matz Learning Solutions since its inception back in 2014. Now, as Strategic Marketing Director, Tasha acts as Marisa’s thought partner to generate ideas and lead the marketing charge. She thrives on learning from women in the workplace who balance kids and career and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to redeem her struggle with navigating a multi-cultural identity through her work with Marisa’s upcoming women’s leadership development program.
Kristina Ortega, Leadership Development Program Assistant
Also: Dedicated community volunteer, pantry organizing nut, Words with Friends and puzzle addict, has the most extensive tool box (literally), fluent in ASL and Español, irrepressibly curious, content fairy
After many years working in the child development world, Kristina fell into the world of leadership development and quickly became a natural fit. In her role, she supports Marisa with research into what the future holds for women in leadership and the opportunities for businesses. She’s also the “beta reader” for all course materials. From past experiences, Kristina understands what it’s like to be expected to comply vs. encouraged to develop – and she’s thrilled to help people feel heard, be more productive, and contribute to the success of their organizations.
Our Values
Ignite potential
We fuel each other’s potential by sharing unlimited ideas and knowledge.
Bring energy
We have a vision for our future that creates an energetic sense of purpose.
Create opportunity
We fully engage with courage and positivity, helping everyone feel seen & heard.
We’d love to work with you to ignite potential – for you, your team, or your organization.
When you’re ready, we’ll kick things off with a 15-minute meet-and-greet with Marisa to start understanding your challenges & hopes.
Trainer Notes
“I see my role as a conduit of energy in the room. My passion for leadership draws people out, makes them comfortable, and creates a positive presence that gets them excited about where they are in their career. I really do believe that anyone can be developed and prepared to lead.”
— Marisa Matz, Founder and Learning & Leadership Consultant
