Leslie K. Nelson

Leslie K. Nelson

Founder & CEO PIVOTAL Connections, LLC

GA, US
Great things happen when leaders are prepared, inspired, and valued. Optimize your individual and organizational leadership potential today.

Leslie Nelson launched PIVOTAL Connections, LLC with a focus on Preparing, Inspiring, Valuing, Optimizing and Transforming Aspiring Leaders. She is a John C. Maxwell Team Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer, and Speaker, and JMT Certified Youth Facilitator. Driven by purpose, Leslie utilizes her diverse professional and personal experiences to help transform the lives of adults and youth alike.

All total, Leslie's diverse professional career encompasses 20-years of combined service to the United States military and federal government, and over 18 years in the nonprofit industry. Throughout her civilian career, Leslie has held multiple formal leadership roles including Director and Executive Director positions, as well as progressively responsible informal leadership positions. She also received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army as a noncommissioned officer. 

Leslie contributes to multiple nonprofit agencies, private organizations and corporations that provide food, medicine, education and inspiration to others. She also serves in multiple volunteer capacities aligned with her passion for serving youth and people experiencing poverty and homelessness.

A continuous learner, Leslie holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA. Her other educational achievements include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, MN, as well as a Master's Certificate in Government Contracting and Associate's Certificate in Contract Management from The George Washington University/ESI International. She also completed the Scott Eblin Next Level Leadership ® Group Coaching Program.

Leslie Nelson launched PIVOTAL Connections, LLC with a focus on Preparing, Inspiring, Valuing, Optimizing and Transforming Aspiring Leaders. She is a John C. Maxwell Team Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer, and Speaker, and JMT Certified Youth Facilitator. Driven by purpose, Leslie utilizes her diverse professional and personal experiences to help transform the lives of adults and youth alike.

All total, Leslie's diverse professional career encompasses 20-years of combined service to the United States military and federal government, and over 18 years in the nonprofit industry. Throughout her civilian career, Leslie has held multiple formal leadership roles including Director and Executive Director positions, as well as progressively responsible informal leadership positions. She also received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army as a noncommissioned officer. 

Leslie contributes to multiple nonprofit agencies, private organizations and corporations that provide food, medicine, education and inspiration to others. She also serves in multiple volunteer capacities aligned with her passion for serving youth and people experiencing poverty and homelessness.

A continuous learner, Leslie holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA. Her other educational achievements include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, MN, as well as a Master's Certificate in Government Contracting and Associate's Certificate in Contract Management from The George Washington University/ESI International. She also completed the Scott Eblin Next Level Leadership ® Group Coaching Program.

Youth Focus: Developing the Qualities of a Leader

Using John C. Maxwell's book "The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader" as a reference, youth will learn how to apply the qualities in their everyday interactions. Can be taught as a lunch & learn, workshop or mastermind (multiple weekly sessions).


Format: Virtual or on-site engagements. Recurring or one-time sessions (evenings & weekends only)
Youth / ChildrenInspirational / Life-changing

Youth Focus: Building a Positive Self-Image

In this interactive training, middle school students are encouraged to identify and appreciate their own unique qualities as well as the uniqueness of others. Participants will leave this training equipped with reinforcement techniques and methods that promote a positive self-image.

Format: Virtual or on-site engagements. Recurring or one-time sessions (evenings & weekends only)
Youth / ChildrenEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing

The John Maxwell Team Leadership Game (Adults)

Played with 6 - 12 of your most influential leaders, The John Maxwell Team Leadership Game will help your organization improve its leadership intelligence and increase its effectiveness. It is a game-changer, and will help improve your organizational leadership skills. 

This program is perfect for:

  • ​Senior management
  • Newly-formed or transitioning leadership teams
  • Team-building
Format: Virtual or on-site...
Leadership Game (MLCT)Audience ActivityEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing

Everyone Communicates Few Connect (Adults & Youth)

Learn how to identify with people and relate to others in a way that increases your influence with them. To be a successful leader, you need to learn to communicate in a way that connects with others.

This course will cover the principles and practices outlined by John Maxwell and can help anyone connect better 1:1, in a group, or even with an audience. Audiences that complete this course successfully will be able to develop the 5 connection principles and practices: • Find...
TrainingEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing

Leadership Experience for Youth Game

This game is based on the teachings of John C. Maxwell, internationally recognized leadership expert. It is designed to help teenagers recognize their ability to lead, improve their self-esteem, and learn how to serve and add value to others daily.


Format: Virtual or on-site engagements. Recurring or one-time sessions (evenings & weekends only)
Youth / ChildrenAudience ActivityEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing

Maxwell D.I.S.C. Profile Assessment for Youth

Every young person has a unique style of learning and growing that is
impacted by their personality. The Maxwell DISC assessment will help
youth identify their specific personality and learn ways to maximize
their natural strengths to add value to others.

Format: Virtual or on-site engagements. Recurring or one-time sessions (evenings & weekends only)
Youth / ChildrenAudience ActivityEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing