Transforming Mindsets. Elevating Leaders.

Empowering Purpose‑Driven Growth.

Kisha Woods, known to many as Coach Kay, is a powerhouse of transformation, mindset elevation, and unapologetic authenticity. As the Founder and CEO of Upgraded MindsetZ, she has built a mission‑driven legacy focused on helping individuals and communities break cycles, reclaim their voice, and step boldly into their purpose.

An award‑winning Certified Life & Business Coach, author, speaker, podcast host, and multi‑business owner, Kisha specializes in guiding those at a crossroads toward clarity, confidence, and intentional action. Her work is grounded in mindset reconditioning, self‑discovery, leadership development, and holistic well‑being, empowering people to thrive in every area of their lives.

After years of suppressing her emotions and neglecting her mental well‑being, she reached a breaking point in 2020. What began as a 30‑day fast and journaling practice to process her pain became her Amazon best‑selling book, From Havoc to Healing: 30 Days of Reconditioning. That pivotal moment sparked her healing journey and laid the foundation for Upgraded MindsetZ, a platform that now empowers women, families, and communities to embrace clarity, confidence, and growth.

Her mental challenges over the years fuel her mission to help others rise above adversity and embrace intentional growth.

As a dynamic speaker and trainer, Kisha ignites confidence in leadership, sparks entrepreneurial discovery, and helps audiences connect deeply with their values, intentions, and purpose. Whether she’s on a keynote stage, leading a workshop, joining a panel, or hosting a community conversation, she delivers high‑impact experiences rooted in clarity, authenticity, and strategy. Her sessions span mindset transformation, women’s empowerment, mental health awareness, self‑care, and sustainable business growth, always offering practical tools people can use right away.

Image of Kisha Woods speaker from the Pathways to Success conference in September 2025

COACHING AND SPEAKING

  • Bold, authentic, and unapologetic strategies to empower women to align with their purpose, activate their inner power, and elevate their confidence in every area of life and work.

  • Kisha guides a powerful journey of breaking limiting patterns, reshaping internal narratives, and building intentional habits that fuel long‑term personal and professional success.

  • Teaching leaders how to make aligned, confident choices that support long‑term goals professionally.

  • Prioritizing mental and emotional well‑being in a world full of constant demands, uncertainty and negative overwhelm.

  • Empowering clients to lead with their true strengths, voice, and lived experiences, rooted in authenticity, not shaped by societal expectations.

  • Align your business ecosystems and strategies to create clarity and sustainable growth, not chaos, so it supports your life, instead of running it.

What Kisha Delivers

  • High‑energy, relatable, and transparent delivery

  • Actionable strategies audiences can implement immediately

  • A safe, empowering space for real conversations

  • A blend of mindset, strategy, and lived experience

  • Customizable workshops and training sessions

Testimonials

“Kisha is a powerful presenter! You won’t want to miss any of her events!” - Kellie

“Kisha, your speech at the WTVP Studios really resonated with me, and I left with so many golden nuggets from your talk!” - Kaitlyn

The Operation Ambition Masterclass was just what I needed, so glad I took the leap and invested in myself to gain more clarity on my next moves. This time around, I will be more intentional.” - Shawny

The Empowering Real Talk Podcast

Honest, unfiltered conversations about the inner work that fuels real growth: mindset, self‑discovery, transformation, and holistic well‑being. Each episode is designed to give listeners clarity, courage, and practical tools they can actually use in their lives.

The Woman’s Hustle: Thrills and Spills of Entrepreneurship

Exploring the real, unfiltered journeys of women entrepreneurs, the victories, the setbacks, and the resilience built in between. Every episode mixes honest stories with practical insight, expert guidance, and actionable takeaways for women in business and life.

Owner and Operator, UPM Business Suites - Peoria, Illinois

Kisha is also the owner of UPM Business Suites in West Peoria, Illinois, a collaborative hub of women business owners designed to support and elevate the community in both life and business. The space reflects her commitment to empowerment and creating environments where individuals can grow personally and professionally. Alongside entrepreneurial resources and brand‑building support, UPM offers a powerful mix of services, including:

Self‑Discovery & Personal Growth • Legacy Building & Financial Empowerment • Holistic Health & Wellness • Natural Beauty (Skin & Hair Care) • Creative & Visual Media Support • Custom Design & Print Services • Product Branding Design • Precision Brow & Lash Services

BOOK KISHA TO SPEAK

Bring Kisha’s transformational energy, clarity, and authenticity to your next event.

Speaking Formats:

  • Keynotes

  • Workshops & Trainings

  • Podcasts and Media

  • Panels & Moderation

  • Virtual Summits and Conferences

  • Community Conversations

Certifications

  • Life/Business Coach

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy

  • NLP

  • Mental Health Awareness

  • Mindfulness

  • Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid

  • NAMI Family Support Group Facilitator

Community Outreach

  • President - NAMI Tri-County Illinois

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central IL

  • Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

  • 2024 Peoria Civic Leadership Academy Graduate

  • Job Partnerships Peoria: Fresh Start Workshop Facilitator

Awards

  • 2024 180Lyfe Entrepreneur of the Year

  • Peoria Community Votes Platinum Winner - 2024 and 2025

  • Best Mindset Coach: West Peoria Awards 2023 and 2024

  • Community Service Award: Juneteenth 2025 Fest

Professional Affiliations