During her 16 years of experience as an award-winning writer, businesswoman and advisor of top performers, Kim Goad has learned that peak performance doesn't occur in a vacuum. Like a diamond, habits of consistent performance are formed under pressure. Her latest findings show how busy professionals can thrive when the heat is on.

As president of Ovations Inc., Kim draws from her successful background in corporate, government and non-profit environments to help individuals and organizations reach their highest level of performance-and maintain it through both prosperous and challenging times. A sought-after speaker, trainer and consultant, Kim specializes in helping companies train and retain their female talent. She works with women leaders and professionals-as well as their teams and departments-to help them thrive in a diverse workplace, perform at their peak, communicate effectively, build stronger teams and achieve greater work/life balance.

Kim is author of Magic Moments: A Busy Woman's Guide to Forgotten Pleasures, which has been published in three languages. She has been featured on numerous radio and television programs across the country, as well as in many publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, First for Women, Fit, Selling Power, SmartCEO and SmartWoman.

Kim has done post-graduate work in applied behavioral science at The Johns Hopkins University. She also is a certified facilitator of the Strength Deployment Inventory. Kim rounds out her credentials as a personal fitness trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise and a group exercise instructor certified through Reebok Cycle and Powerhouse Pilates.

Kim is active in the Baltimore community and serves on the board of directors for the Towson University Alumni Association and Strength in Numbers, Inc.