Courtney has found success by living her life as a leader.

Notable achievements include her nine years of service as a Marine Corps officer, managing a top-notch sales team for Rational Software, earning her law degree at William & Mary, practicing at one of the nation's leading law firms, and creating Lead Star. Lead Star's success highlights the demand corporations and organizations have for practical, inspiring ways to grow and develop leaders. Courtney has shared Lead Star's message in front of many distinguished audiences. Lead Star's clients include ESPN, Cisco Systems, Facebook, Executive Women International, the Junior League, the US Senate, Department of Health and Human Services and the University of Michigan.

Beyond Courtney's government and private sector accomplishments, she is a business owner, employer and best-selling author of Leading from the Front. Management guru Tom Peters calls her book one of the "best leadership books published in the past several years." Her success has been recognized throughout her professional career, but most recently she was awarded the National Stevie Award for Best Female Entrepreneur and BusinessWeek profiled her achievements as a leadership expert. A frequent guest on CNBC, FOX News, and CNN, Courtney's efforts with Lead Star have also been noted in publications ranging from Fast Company, and Inc., to The New York Times.

Courtney also works to impact the lives of others through her volunteer efforts. She is a Presidential Appointee to the Small Business Administration's Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs, where she advocates for Veteran business owners. Courtney also is a founding member of the DC Leadership Circle for The White House Project, where she promotes the advancement of women in corporations and government. In addition, she often uses her law degree to assist those needing legal services on a pro-bono basis.

As the mother of three and the wife of a firefighter, Courtney manages all of her demanding roles by utilizing leadership best practices.