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Lexi Z.

Lexi Zarecky

University of Chicago Booth School of Business Logo

Studied at University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Chicago Beyond Logo

Hiring Manager at Chicago Beyond

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About Lexi

I've always been drawn to solving complex, ambiguous problems and building the systems that help organizations thrive. That curiosity has led me from consulting at Deloitte, to launching new businesses and building Strategy & Business Operations functions in startups and tech, to now serving as Chief Strategy Officer at Chicago Beyond, where I lead strategy, operations, and AI transformation. What makes my path a little different is that it wasn't linear. I've built my career across consulting, startups, tech, and social impact because I wanted to prove you don't have to choose between ambitious work and meaningful impact. Along the way, I've discovered that I enjoy building just as much as strategizing: creating new functions, designing operating models, launching products, and helping people and organizations navigate moments of transformation. Outside of work, I'm usually exploring a new idea, experimenting with AI, or planning my next adventure. I love learning by doing, and that philosophy shapes how I coach. My goal isn't just to help you land your next opportunity. It's to help you build the confidence, judgment, and practical skills to navigate an evolving career and create one you're genuinely excited about.

Why do I coach?

Some of the biggest inflection points in my career happened because someone took the time to invest in me. Mentors challenged my thinking, helped me navigate difficult decisions, weigh competing opportunities, and see paths I wouldn't have discovered on my own. Those conversations didn't just help me land my next role. They changed the trajectory of my career. That's why I coach. I love helping people navigate the decisions that shape their careers, whether that's breaking into Strategy & Operations, transitioning industries, pursuing mission-driven work, or deciding between a startup, a large tech company, or a nonprofit. My goal is to help you think more clearly, make confident decisions, and build a career that reflects your strengths, ambitions, and values.

Work Experience

Chicago Beyond Logo

CSO

Chicago Beyond

July 2025 - Present

Hiring Manager

Executive leading strategy, grantmaking, and operations for national philanthropy driving systems change in justice and maternal health

Udemy Logo

Senior Manager, Strategy and Business Operations

Udemy

April 2025 - July 2025

Hiring Manager

Built and led the corporate strategy and business operations function

Udemy Logo

Business Operations & Strategy Director

Udemy

August 2023 - April 2025

Hiring Manager

Built and led the corporate strategy and business operations function

Reforge Logo

Head of Program Management [Program Management, Manager]

Reforge

July 2022 - July 2023

Hiring Manager

Led Reforge's program management function and end-to-end delivery of cohort-based programs for thousands of members

Reforge Logo

Program Management Lead

Reforge

December 2021 - July 2022

Built program management function, led end-to-end execution of cohort-based programs, and drove alignment on strategic priorities to scale and evolve the cohort experience

Pathrise Logo

Industry Mentor - Product, Strategy, and Operations

Pathrise

August 2021 - July 2023

Provided career mentorship through resume reviews, mock interviewing, and career pathing support

Everspring Logo

VP New Products

Everspring

December 2019 - December 2021

Owned new business unit P&L (EmergingEd) and launched 2 products in 2 years, resulting in multiple new university and corporate partnerships

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Logo

Summer Intern - Vaccine Delivery Team

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

June 2018 - August 2018

Built out Vaccine Delivery team’s education technology investment strategy to train the global healthcare workforce

University of Chicago Logo

Innovation Fund Associate

University of Chicago

January 2018 - June 2018

Performed due diligence on ventures coming out of the University of Chicago ecosystem and provided investment recommendations to the Innovation Fund, a $20M early-stage venture fund.

Everspring Logo

Director of Operations

Everspring

October 2016 - June 2017

Led operational improvements in day-to-day running of business to support growth of core online program management business

Everspring Logo

Business Operations Analyst

Everspring

October 2015 - October 2016

Improved business reporting for KPIs and led cross-functional revenue operations initiatives

Deloitte Logo

Strategy & Operations Consultant / Business Analyst

Deloitte

August 2013 - October 2015

Provided strategic and quantitative analyses to transform business models and improve operational efficiency across 6 clients, ranging from Fortune 500 businesses to large hospital systems

Education

University of Chicago Booth School of Business Logo

University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Master of Business Administration - MBA

2017 - 2019

Activities and societies: 2019 Recipient of the Rustandy Center Social Impact Leadership Award, Net Impact Co-Chair, Social Impact Career Advisor, Member of the Booth Education Group and Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital group

Vanderbilt University Logo

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Political Science

2009 - 2013

Activities and societies: Phi Beta Kappa, Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, Vanderbilt University Alternative Gift Fair, Vanderbilt Alternative Spring Break, Vanderbilt Alternative Winter Break, Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science, Alpha Delta Pi, Global Poverty Initiative, Students Promoting Environmental Awareness and Responsibility, Figure Skating Coach, Vanderbilt Microfinance Club

Lexi was also personally admitted to

  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern) Logo

    Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)

Lexi Z.

Lexi Z.