Tonya Harris Cornileus, Ph.D.

Trailblazer
DISC Type : DI

Founder at Your Aha! Life

Charleston, South Carolina Metropolitan Area, United States

Overview

Tonya Harris Cornileus is a life transitions coach and founder of Your Aha! Life, following a 40-year career as a senior HR executive at companies like The Walt Disney Company and ESPN. Holding a Ph. D. from The University of Georgia, colleagues describe her as inspiring, compassionate, and professional.

She is passionate about helping people live more authentically, a theme she explores in her writing and as host of the "Your Aha! Life" podcast. Her interests include the power of mentorship and fostering diversity in leadership, having co-authored a publication on the career development of Black men.

After a four-decade career spanning from school teacher to senior vice president at Disney, she retired from corporate life to found her own coaching and personal development platform.

Personality Overview

Assertive

Friendly But Fast

Persuasive

They do not mind taking risks and can make hard decisions, if necessary.  They respond better to a combination of speed and relationship. They like to keep things under control.

Topics They Care About

Navigating Transitions
Her current work is entirely focused on coaching individuals through significant life and career changes to find clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Executive Development
Draws on her extensive experience as a senior HR executive at Disney and ESPN, where she led enterprise learning and talent solutions.
Authentic Living
A central theme in her coaching practice and podcast, where she helps people reconnect with their values for a more fulfilling life.

Media Appearances

Podcast - Your Aha! Life. Featured in Your Aha! Life (official website)

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The Podcast: Begin Again – How to Live Your Aha! Life Now. Featured in YouTube

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Welcome to Your Aha! Life with Dr. Tonya Harris Cornileus. Featured in YouTube

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Work History

10-2019
Founder at Your Aha! Life
5-2022 - 1-2026
Senior Vice President, Learning & Talent Solutions at The Walt Disney Company
8-2018 - 6-2022
Vice President, Development, Inclusion & Wellness at ESPN
11-2009 - 8-2018
Vice President, Talent Management, Learning and Organization Development at ESPN
10-2004 - 11-2009
Director, Executive Development & Organizational Effectiveness at Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

Education

2005 - 2010
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD from The University of Georgia
2001 - 2004
Master's degree from UGA Mary Frances Early College of Education

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 28 Location : Charleston, South Carolina Metropolitan Area, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Founder at Your Aha! Life
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Insights For Selling To Tonya

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Help them visualize the impact of their decision
  • Keep your pitch focused on the impact but nurture the relationship too
  • Give them control of the sales process

DONT's

  • Don’t hesitate from asking them how they truly feel about your product
  • Don't make any commitments that you might not be able to fulfill
  • Do not look like someone who doesn’t know what they are talking about

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Tonya is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Tonya

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no albeit in a friendly manner.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Tonya move?

  • If you earn their trust and they develop faith in the product, they can make decisions quickly.
  • Can Tonya take some risk or not?

  • They can take risks if necessary.

You And Tonya

Personality Compatibility


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