Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Lilly.
Hi Lisa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The first half of my career was spent in venture capital, where I found financial success but lacked a sense of meaningful impact. I realized I wanted to do something that would put smiles on people’s faces and help create lasting, joyful memories. That desire led me to make a bold change—leaving behind a six-figure salary to start over at just $10 an hour in the hospitality industry. I believed it was the right path to make a real difference in people’s lives. From those humble beginnings, I worked my way up and eventually became a General Manager and hotel “fixer,” traveling across the country to turn around struggling properties. That journey—rooted in purpose, passion, and people—ultimately led me to The Miller, where I now proudly serve as Property Manager, continuing to focus on building a thriving, welcoming community for all who call it home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Making the shift from a career in venture capital—where all of my needs were met and then some—to struggling just to make ends meet was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. Going from comfort and security to counting every dollar was humbling in ways I never could have imagined. But through that struggle came something far greater: it completely transformed how I see the world and the people in it. It stripped away judgment and opened my heart to a kind of unconditional love I never knew existed—a love that’s not tied to family, children, a partner, or even close friends. It’s the kind of love rooted in shared humanity, empathy, and the simple truth that everyone is fighting battles we can’t see. That experience shaped how I lead, how I connect with residents, and how I show up in every space—with compassion, humility, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the Property Manager at The Miller, a luxury apartment community in Stillwater, MN, but my work goes far beyond managing a building—I specialize in creating experiences, building community, and making people feel truly at home. I’m known for my creativity, strong leadership, and the way I approach every interaction with heart. What sets me apart is my background—coming from a career in venture capital, I chose to leave financial comfort behind to pursue something more meaningful. That journey led me into hospitality and eventually to property management, where I’ve combined business acumen with compassion and purpose. I’m most proud of the positive environment I’ve helped cultivate, where residents feel connected, cared for, and proud to live. Whether it’s launching events that bring people together, improving operations behind the scenes, or simply offering a warm smile to someone having a rough day, I believe in making a difference, one small moment at a time.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I believe in the power of connection, kindness, and creating spaces where others feel seen, safe, and genuinely cared for. That belief has guided every step of my career—from leaving a financially successful path in venture capital to start over in hospitality, to now managing a luxury apartment community where I get to blend operational excellence with heart. I’m driven by purpose, not profit. I want to bring joy into people’s everyday lives, whether through thoughtful experiences, a well-run home, or simply being someone who listens. To me, success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact, community, and putting good energy into the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://themillermn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themillerstillwatermn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/millerstillwatermn
