Jay Coughlan

Jay Coughlan is a confident and inspiring leader who fosters a culture of high-integrity and openness, having served as CEO of such industry leaders as Lawson Software and XRS Corporation. During his tenure as CEO of Lawson Software, the company completed a $200 million initial public offering (IPO), while growing revenue from $200 million to $430 million. Jay’s story is about hope, motivation, personal growth, faith and forgiveness. He shares with you how not to have circumstances define your life, but puts you on a journey to have your choices define your life.
 
Jay has built a national reputation as a keynote speaker, a CEO, and a mentor to aspiring business leaders. And he also is a convicted felon, having spent time in prison. During this dark part of his life, Jay began developing a framework for dealing with the troubles that life inevitably brings. Jay uses lessons from his own missteps to help change the paths of individuals and organizations. Jay is an active regional business advocate and has served on the board of directors for several business and currently Board Chairman of non-profit organization Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Jay has been married to his wife, Jule, since 1987. They have three kids and currently reside in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.