Leslie Short

Leslie Short built upon four decades of experience to create The Cavu Group, advising companies and organizations on how to expand beyond their current culture through a diversity and inclusion lens. Her talents and skills are uniquely designed to seek growth through open conversations, conflict coaching, trainings, and workshops. She firmly believes that issues don’t go away because programs are in place but by continually evolving and having a channel to listen and understand the people – the greatest assets for any organization.

Short began her career as a classical ballet dancer at the age of seven, turning professional at 12. She expanded her career in Paris, living in Europe for over 10 years and Asia for three. She was the creator & CEO of a first-of-its-kind, award-winning entertainment business in Japan, before spending the next stage in her career leading production of television, marketing, advertising and PR for media & entertainment and fashion companies.

Short is also a chaplain, activist, certified mental health aide, certified mediator, conflict coach as well as a dignitary and keynote speaker for the United Nations and European Union events around the world.

She serves on several boards and advisory boards and is an activist for women's rights, humanitarian issues, and the United States-Israel relationship.

Short has been recognized for her achievements by various organizations. In 2003, she was honored by Ebony as an Outstanding Woman in Marketing & Communications, and by Today’s Black Woman Magazine with the Today’s Black Woman & New Day Associates Award. Leslie was selected as a Woman of Influence by the New York Business Journal for 2016, and she is a member of the North American Advisory board for the CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) Council.

Short authored a chapter of "Inside the Minds: Marketing Benchmarks for Success," and contributed her insights to the college textbook, "Marketing, 9th Edition" and "Marketing: The Core 3rd Edition."