Based in Chicagoland, Khalilah Shakir Lyons is a multi-hyphenate—founder, coach, storyteller, movement maker, speaker, mentor and writer; and her work connects individual purpose, community power, and impactful experiences through her various platforms.
 

As a visionary entrepreneur and celebrated thought leader, Khalilah’s mission is to empower individuals to scale human connection through essential conversations and sustainable strategies. Recognized as one of Mogul’s top 100 DEI leaders in 2021 and a Top DEI Consultant for 2024 by Teambuilding.com, she was also honored as the 2024 Corporate Woman of Achievement by the National Association of Women Business Owners - Chicago. Her work with organizations focuses on driving cultures of empowerment that promote well-being, liberation from burnout and guilt, and strong business outcomes by prioritizing the most competitive advantage: people.

She is founder of Answer the Moment, LLC, a leadership development and culture strategy boutique with a vision to transform the intersection of companies and communities to increase equitable distribution of social capital, economic power and sustainable prosperity for the betterment of all those we share our communities with.  Khalilah brings 20+ years of partnering with corporate, non-profits, and small businesses across industries to enable and evolve transformative business outcomes through the people within the business by addressing the essentials of retention, talent acquisition, talent management/development, strategic workforce planning, leadership, diversity/equity/inclusion and culture.  

Her experience has led her to deliver an individualized, intuitive and “in the moment” coaching style to leaders that emphasizes developing the leadership essentials that craft significance, engagement and high performance in the daily routines, challenges and triumphs in the workplace. True to the company’s name, Answer the Moment is allowing leaders to be genuine, effective and responsive to the moments before them. A few of her clients include General Mills, Grant Thornton, YMCA Chicago, The City of Evanston, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ultieg and the Health of Ontario Pension Plan.

Khalilah has appeared on various platforms including Chicago Access Network Television, Jamaica TV, Empathy Edge, Living Strong Radio and Uplevyl. She is a board member for the International Women’s Forum - Chicago and Female Strong, and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Khalilah holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Illinois, Urbana- Champaign, and is a distinguished graduate and ambassador of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.