Communication & Public Speaking Coaches, Events, and Resources

Welcome to my profile! With a dual degree from Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in strategic communication and leadership. As a Consultant at The Bridgespan Group, I have honed my skills in delivering high-impact consulting services, including strategic planning and message development, to both non-profit and for-profit organizations. My experience as a Transportation and Infrastructure Director in the U.S. House of Representatives further solidified my ability to cultivate strategic partnerships and communicate effectively across diverse audiences. Whether you're looking to refine your communication skills or develop a comprehensive strategy for your organization, I'm here to help you achieve your goals. Let's connect and explore how I can support your journey!

My experience includes consulting on high-visibility work with Google, Nestlé, Loblaw, Spin Master, Gildan Activewear, XPRIZE Foundation, and more. I've co-authored a white paper with Google on plastics circularity, published a technical paper in the Oxford Academic Journal on the economic evaluation of CO₂ derived materials, and was interviewed as a thought leader for one of Canada’s grocery industry magazines. Educated as an engineer and trained in coaching & facilitation, I've spent 10 years working in strategy consulting and corporate sustainability, spending >100 hours in executive leadership and Board rooms, facilitating discussions and decisions on corporate strategies for multinational companies. A few client testimonials from C-suite and executive leaders can be found on my LinkedIn.

My clients get into rooms most people only dream about — and then own them. One of my first coaching clients landed an internship at the Obama White House and went on to build a successful speechwriting career. I've coached leaders at Google, Meta, Waze, and Cargill. I was Instagram's first Latin American hire. I've been in high-stakes rooms on every side — as an executive, a performer, and a coach. I work with two types of people on Leland: 1. Students applying to competitive programs who need to write, speak, and interview like they belong there. I help you craft the story that gets you in. 2. Professionals who are smart, accomplished, and ready to reconnect with their story — and use it as their biggest competitive advantage. I help you find it, shape it, and deliver it in a way that makes people remember you. My method blends narrative strategy, performance technique, and hard-won experience across tech, finance, and the stage. No fluff. Just a clearer, more commanding version of you. If you're ready to stop preparing and start landing — let's work.

Throughout my 10+ years in Big Tech, from Software Engineer to Senior PM and Coach at Microsoft, I've seen firsthand how critical strong communication is. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. I’ve helped people who were nervous about presentations, unsure how to get their ideas across in meetings, or struggling to connect with their audience. My own journey involved learning to present complex technical ideas clearly and persuasively to executives, peers, and customers. I’ve taken those lessons and combined them with my coaching experience to help you: - Speak with clarity and confidence: We'll work on structuring your thoughts, refining your message, and delivering it in a way that feels natural and engaging. - Conquer public speaking anxiety: I’ll share practical techniques that have worked for me and many others to help you feel more comfortable and in control, whether you're speaking to a small group or a large audience. - Tailor your communication: Learn to adapt your style for different situations, from team updates and one-on-one conversations to formal presentations and interviews. If you're ready to improve how you communicate, present your ideas more effectively, and lead with greater impact, I'm here to help you find your voice and make it count.

I work with high-performing professionals who need their communication to match the level of their thinking. Most of my clients are already strong operators. What brings them to me is the sense that something important is getting lost in translation, culturally, politically, or interpersonally. They may be preparing for a board presentation, navigating a difficult stakeholder dynamic, or trying to lead more effectively across countries and teams. I have trained professionals from more than 20 nationalities, and 100% of my clients report improved workplace communication. I have done this work with clients at Netflix Korea, Woven by Toyota, and Banco Santander. Before that, I led global content at On through its IPO. We always start with what is real: the presentation, conversation, email thread, or team dynamic in front of you right now. From there, I help you communicate with more clarity, authority, and trust so that what you mean is what other people actually hear. If your success depends on being understood across different contexts, book a session.

Throughout my career, I’ve spoken to audiences of over a thousand and coached clients preparing for interviews, panels, and presentations. I know how important it is to not just communicate clearly, but to communicate in a way that’s memorable and impactful. I've trained staff to become more confident and effective public speakers, equipping them with practical skills to engage audiences and share their stories with ease. As an ICF-Certified Coach, I help clients build confidence in their voice. Whether you’re preparing for a major presentation, looking to improve everyday communication, or simply want to feel more comfortable speaking up, we'll work together to build the strategies you need to own the room with confidence.

Public speaking is my favorite thing to do. A theater kid growing up, I've always loved capturing other's attention with the spoken word. Now, I public speak daily for work education adult staff at a large university and hospital. Together we will talk about overcoming fears, practice strategies to hold an audience's attention, and prepare your next speech.

+ 7+ years leading and growing international and cross cultural teams

I've been speaking in high-stakes settings since I was 12 years old — starting with campaign events in national politics and eventually presenting to policymakers, investors, and executives. I currently serve as an appointee to Governor Newsom and attend Stanford GSB where clear, persuasive communication isn't optional. I've also pitched to VCs, presented investment committee recommendations at a PE firm, and navigated the kind of rooms where how you say something matters as much as what you say. I coach people who need to get sharper for a specific moment — a big presentation, a job interview, an admissions interview, a pitch — as well as people who want to become more confident and deliberate communicators overall. I'm direct with feedback and I focus on structure, delivery, and presence rather than generic tips. If you want someone who's done it in real rooms, not just read about it, let's work together.

Expertise in Communication Coaching Holly possesses a wealth of experience in communication coaching, having worked extensively with leaders at various levels to enhance their communication skills. Her background includes advanced training and certifications that supports her clients in improving their leadership presence through all types of communication. Customized Approach Holly is skilled at developing tailored communication strategies that align with each leader’s personal and professional goals. Her individualized approach ensures that the coaching is relevant and immediately applicable, leading to sustained improvements in communication effectiveness. Proven Track Record Holly's coaching portfolio showcases numerous success stories where leaders have significantly improved their communication effectiveness under her guidance. This track record includes facilitating workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, and developing customized communication strategies that have led to measurable improvements in leadership performance. Strong Interpersonal Skills Holly's top CliftonStrengths—Relator, Self-Assurance, Learner, Context, and Individualization—equip her with the ability to build deep, trusting relationships with clients. These strengths enable her to tailor your coaching sessions to the unique communication needs of each leader, ensuring that her approach is both personalized and impactful. Excellent Communication Skills Holly's ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely is a hallmark of her coaching practice. She excels in breaking down intricate concepts into understandable, actionable steps, which helps leaders grasp and implement effective communication techniques. Commitment to Continuous Learning As a lifelong learner, Holly stays abreast of the latest developments and best practices in communication and leadership. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that her coaching methods are current, evidence-based, and highly effective. Facilitation and Training Experience Holly has extensive experience facilitating both online and in-person communication workshops, training sessions, and seminars. This experience has honed her ability to engage diverse audiences, foster interactive learning environments, and drive meaningful change through effective communication.