Steven M. Yorra, President

Steven is President and co-founder of The Illumination Group. His mission is to empower companies, executives and business professionals to create more impact, and measurably improve business performance. He specializes in Personal Core BrandingSM, applying the principles of branding to people to strengthen performance.

Acknowledged for his expertise as an agency executive (at Grey, Lintas, BGW and Grey Entertainment) and branding consultant, CEO’s, senior executives and entrepreneurs have honored Steven’s unique ability to uncover strategic insights and create brand visions. He has worked with a wide range of companies. clients and sectors – from Procter & Gamble, Unilever and Sara Lee, to Lego, Time Warner Cable, Road Runner, British Tourist Authority and W Hotels.

A former musical director/pianist aboard the QEII and assistant to Broadway producer Cameron Mackintosh, Steven enjoys empowering others to compose a vision for what they want to achieve. He creatively helps them orchestrate their action plans and collaborates with them to deliver outstanding business performances.

Steven is a Certified Executive Coach through the Institute of Professional Empowerment Coaching (iPEC), and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the American Society of Training Directors (ASTD). Steven has an MBA in Strategic Marketing from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Massachusetts.

David J. Lees, Creative Director

David Lees is the co-founder of The Illumination Group. His mission in life is to connect people and companies to their magic. He applies his infectious spirit and multi-dimensional design background, to empower people to have greater impact in their professional and
personal lives.


A native of San Francisco, David studied design at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh and the Art Center College of Design/LA. Moving to Manhattan, he promptly launched his career at the infamous Studio 54 — designing events for some of the world’s biggest celebrities, including Madonna, Peter Allen, Anthony Perkins, Joan Rivers, and Andy Warhol.

Subsequently, David created his own special event company, David Lees Productions. He designed and staged product launches for some of the world’s best known brands, including Windows 95 for Microsoft, Nutrisse Hair Color for Maybelline, and Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins. Additionally, he developed promotions and motivational events for Avon, American Express eBay, Sony Records, and Unilever. David also created the promotional packaging for Johnson & Johnson’s global innovation program.

Recognized for his creativity in the design industry, David is featured in Andrew Martin’s book “Interior Design Review”, which showcases top designers worldwide.

David’s passion for bringing out the magic in others reaches its apex as Creative Director of The Illumination Group. Whether he’s leading workshops at corporate retreats or aboard the Queen Mary II, David continues to inspire people to achieve transformational results in their lives.

David is co-author of the forthcoming book “Work Your Magic”.

Katherine Sans, Associate

Katherine Sans is a Certified Executive Coach with over twenty years of experience in international finance, consulting and business development. Her extensive legal, business and international expertise, coupled with her cross-cultural background, provides clients with unique perspective, empathy and support in the coaching process.

She is fluent in English, Spanish and French. Ms. Sans received her certification from the Institute for Professional Empowerment Coaching (iPEC), Coach Training Institute (CTI), and specializes in executive and leadership coaching. She is also a Certified Energy Leadership Coach.

Ziva Elazar, Associate

Ziva Elazar is a Certified Executive Coach specializing in coaching technology managers and executives. She has extensive experience as a technology executive and has held leadership positions in major financial institutions, including Standard and Poors and Societe Generale for the past ten years. Ziva’s corporate background, combined with coaching expertise, brings unique insight and understanding into her coaching process.

Ziva holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from Israel’s Institute of Technology – Technion and is a Certified Executive Coach through the Institute for Professional Empowerment
Coaching (iPEC).

Jill Van Note, Associate

Jill Van Note is a seasoned executive and personal coach who specializes in working with clients one-on-one in the areas of career direction and transition,work/life balance, commitment management, effective communication,personal presentation and impact. She holds coaching certificates from the ICF and Newfield Network, and is on the coaching faculty and Executive Organizational Development team for Newfield Network.

Jill works with her clients to expand their awareness—and challenges them to take a sincere look at how they see and interpret themselves and their work/environment.  Together coach and client create practices and actions that best serve the client’s goals.

An avid world traveler and National Park enthusiast, Jill lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

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