Hi, I'm Alli Murphy

I Was the Chief Everything Officer.

It nearly broke me as a Director and then as a Managing Director.

By 28, I had a career that looked great on paper: the title, the team, the 6-figure salary.

I was leading 7-figure programs, speaking on stages, and partnering with brands like Google, Subaru, and PayPal.

On paper? Killing it. In reality? Every decision, problem, and fire drill ran through me.

I was always "on,” pulled into everything, the default decision-maker. I was running on fumes and calling it ambition.

The Wake-Up Call

One work-filled weekend, I was flat on my back staring up at the ceiling, thinking: What the hell am I doing while all my friends are skiing?

My husband walked in and said, "Karissa joked you're a figment of my imagination because you're never around."

That gutted me, and it made me realize the harsh truth: 

Work got my best hours & I had nothing left for me & those I love

I wasn’t leading in a way I’d want anyone else to live

I wasn’t sleeping, and my marriage was absorbing my stress

Leadership that depends on constant effort breaks… and it usually breaks the leader first.

The Wake-Up Call

One work-filled weekend, I was flat on my bed staring at the ceiling, thinking: What the hell am I doing?

My husband walked in: "Karissa joked you're a figment of my imagination because you're never around."

That gutted me, and it made me realize the harsh truth: 

Work got my best hours & I had nothing left for me & those I love

I wasn’t leading in a way I’d want anyone else to live

I wasn’t sleeping, and my marriage was absorbing my stress

Leadership that depends on constant effort breaks… and it usually breaks the leader first.

I Fired Myself From Chief Everything Officer

I couldn’t do it anymore so I hired a coach and committed to leading differently:

Set hard stops at work

Designed work around life (not the other way around)

Negotiated for more autonomy, travel, and PTO

Rebuilt systems, and led my team in a way that honored both wellbeing & results

Got strategic about energy, and helped others do the same

And over the next 3 years, the change was undeniable. I went from:

Manager to Managing Director (with an 86% raise)

"Doing it all" to leading a high-performing team other execs raved about

Constantly "on" to 5+ weeks of unplugged PTO/year while running 7-figure projects

Totally distracted to date nights, deep friendships, adventures, & actual joy

My Clients Make the Same Shift

Women leaders who look successful on paper but carry way more than their role requires.

I was stuck in the weeds, pulled into every decision, with no space to think strategically or lead at the level I knew I was capable of. Working with Alli helped me trust my team, let go of control, and shift how I lead. I was promoted to Senior Director, expanded my team by four members, took on an additional $2M revenue-generating program, and regained time and energy to be fully present at work and at home.

Susan Wynne
Susan Wynne
Senior Director

Before The Elevate Lab, leadership meant being “always on.” I felt responsible for holding everything together, responding to everything, and carrying more than was sustainable. The Elevate Lab helped me set clear boundaries, protect what matters most, and change habits that were draining my energy. I now start my days with intention, make space for joy and family, and lead in a way that feels aligned and sustainable. It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress and knowing you’re worth it.

Alice Ivie
Alice Ivie
VP of Development

I went from an overwhelmed manager to a strategic leader, and landed a 29% raise in the process. Before working with Alli, I was buried in the weeds, saying yes to everything, and unsure how to use my leadership voice. She helped me shift into true leadership, build systems I trust, and start pitching my ideas with confidence.

Cassie Tobey
Cassie Tobey
Assistant Director

I was able to get my VP work done by 9:30 am for the first time in a long time, and started a newsletter I'd been dreaming about for years. If you’re looking for a program that helps you overcome everyday struggles while continuing to grow personally and professionally, I can’t recommend this enough.

Dina Otero
Dina Otero
VP of Demand Generation

I used to feel guilty about taking time off & practiced "secret self-care." I also had to catch endless requests from leadership, and could be timid in my approach to shaping conversations with higher-ups. After working with Alli, I openly model self-care as part of my team culture, triage projects to focus on those that create the most impact, and have stepped into my power & influence, which means I'm confidently shaping conversations with my boss & skip-level.

Daryl Stone
Daryl Stone
Director

As a department head facing a high-stakes, emotionally complex decision, I turned to Alli for support, and I’m so glad I did. Alli provided clarity and steadiness that enabled me to move from indecision to confident action. If you're a senior leader navigating complexity or change, Alli is an invaluable thought partner to help you gain clarity and move forward with alignment.

Annie-Jo Ashwell
Annie-Jo Ashwell
Head of Events

I joined Alli’s pilot program as a job seeker and quickly realized it was exactly what I’d been needing. The small, supportive community helped me feel less alone in my career journey, and the exercises pushed me to think differently and define what success looks like for me. The Elevate Lab gave me clarity, confidence, and practical approaches that fit my values. The group conversations opened new perspectives, helped me set healthier boundaries, and supported habits that truly stick.

Casie Kruppa
Casie Kruppa
Head of Customer Experience

Done Being The Chief Everything Officer?

I help women leaders go from Chief Everything Officer → Confident, Strategic Leader in 90 days.

If you are:

  • Stuck in reactive days/nonstop meetings

  • Feeling you must "earn" the role you already have

  • Ready to reclaim strategic leadership in your current role

  • Doing work that shouldn't be yours

Your next level doesn't come from working harder. It comes from leading differently.

We'll map your CEO-to-Strategic path in one conversation.

© 2026 Work & Thrive HQ • All rights reserved.

Helping women directors & above step out of the Chief Everything Officer role and into strategic, high-impact leadership.