top of page

Blog
Don’t miss out on our latest updates
Search


How to Become a Trusted Advisor Without A Title
As a mid-level executive leading major client projects, you’re often joined by more senior colleagues. And despite owning the strategy and execution, it’s easy to feel overshadowed by their titles.
How do you shift your mindset and your presence to become a trusted advisor?
17 hours ago2 min read


How to Prepare for a High-Stakes Talk (Without Sounding Scripted)
How to Prepare for a High-Stakes Talk : You’ve got a big moment ahead—and the fear of sounding stiff or going blank is real. But intentional rehearsal doesn’t kill spontaneity; it unlocks it.
Jul 12 min read


The Inner Critic vs. The Inner Coach: Who Shows Up When You Step Up?
In high-stakes moments, your inner critic whispers doubt “Don’t mess this up.” But your inner coach is there too, reminding you: “You’ve prepared. You belong. Lead with clarity.”
Jun 262 min read


What It Really Takes to Own the Big Stage
Great speakers aren’t born—they’re built. Stage presence comes from clarity, control, and consistent practice, not charisma.
Jun 202 min read


Sharpen & Elevate: Step Into Your Next Level of Leadership
July 9, 2025 | Birmingham, MI with Stephanie Bickel At Speak by Design, we believe leadership communication is a skillset that’s always...
May 202 min read


How a CEO and CFO Can Nail a Fireside Chat with a Prospective Investor
Practice together to ensure seamless transitions between CEO and CFO, Get feedback and Polish your delivery
May 202 min read


7 Interviewing Tips for How to Talk Compensation
How to Talk Compensation: It seems innocent enough. But answering it too early can limit your options, diminish your leverage, or anchor you too low.
May 163 min read


Practicing Public Speaking: 7 Ways to Cover a Sensitive Topic
Practicing Public Speaking: The goal is not to soften the truth, but to package it for impact—so it lands and leads to change.
May 82 min read


When You’re the One Holding Yourself Back
When You’re the One Holding Yourself Back. Your mindset is the strongest lever you have—and the hardest one to manage at times.
Apr 143 min read


Leadership Communication #50: Build New Communication Habits
Building new communication habits is one of the most transformative steps you can take as a leader. Yet, one of the most challenging
Dec 29, 20243 min read


Senior Leader Communication Skills
Senior leaders operate at the intersection of vision and execution. Mastering these skills enables leaders to connect with their audience.
Nov 27, 20242 min read


Leadership Communication #46: Share Your Communication Pet Peeves
Pet peeves are not just personal quirks—they’re a leadership opportunity.
Nov 25, 20243 min read


Leadership Communication #44: Power Dynamics
Power dynamics in leadership communication aren’t just about authority; they’re about influence.
Nov 11, 20244 min read


Leadership Communication #41: Co-Create Culture with your Team
The most lasting and effective cultural transformations happen when the team actively participates Co-Create Culture.
Oct 21, 20243 min read


Leadership Communication #38: The Campaign to Promotion
Campaign to Promotion, uncover the critical role that senior leader communication skills play in positioning yourself as the candidate.
Sep 30, 20243 min read


Best Public Speakers Series: Sarah Renahan
We included Sarah Renahan on our "Best Public Speakers" list because of her collaboration and chemistry with co-founder Nydia Shipman.
Sep 11, 20242 min read


Leadership Communication #33: Poise Under Pressure
Senior leaders face pressures from high-stakes decision-making to maintaining work-life balance amid constant organizational changes.
Aug 26, 20243 min read


Best Public Speakers Series: Barbara Walters
We included Barbara Walters on our "Best Public Speakers" list because of the way she connects and relates to the people she interviews.
Aug 14, 20241 min read


Leadership Communication #31: Only Give Feedforward
Imagine receiving feedback so damaging that it drives you to consider leaving your job or, even worse, stop believing in yourself altogether
Aug 12, 20243 min read


Leadership Communication Tip 27: Manage Up
Your leader needs encouragement, and sometimes your direction. There is a way to manage up that will build more trust and a better relation.
Jul 15, 20243 min read
bottom of page