Today we’d like to introduce you to Eileen Smith.
Eileen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a Diplomat-Turned-Public-Speaking Coach in the Washington, DC area. In my first career, I spent over 20 years representing the United States. I’ve worked and traveled in 56 countries. During that career, I spoke at the United Nations, I addressed members of Congress, and the press.
After over 20 years, my work-life balance could no longer support my husband’s and my demanding careers and our two kids and our dog. I took some months off from work to focus on my family and spent a lot of time thinking about how to have both a career and time to devote to my family and, even, myself.
I remembered that when I was Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of State, and coaching her for speeches, she suggested I could do this professionally. When I looked back, I realized I had been doing it my whole life. I remember coaching my college roommate for interviews.
From there, the combination of hard work and good luck has brought me clients including Amazon, JP Morgan, and the National Women’s Soccer League. I’ve coached over 2,000 clients on five continents. I help business executives and policy experts show up at their best in speeches, board meetings, media interviews, presentations, and more.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth? It is ever?!? My decision to leave my diplomatic career was a major struggle for me. That career had been calling me since I was 18 years old. It was an opportunity to wield the power and influence of the U.S. Government to make the world safer and more prosperous for the American people, and by extension much of the rest of the world.
It was a career where I could influence world events in a way that’s impossible for a private person. Walking away was extremely difficult.
Looking back, this new career was a slow build. My first year didn’t come close to my previous salary. I did a lot of asking for help in the form of referrals, which has never been easy for me. When my business began to grow, I had to get comfortable knowing more business would come, even when I couldn’t see it on the horizon. This hasn’t been easy, but it brings me tremendous pride. The best part is the thank you notes from my clients when I’ve helped them show up at their best and accomplish their goals.
We’ve been impressed with Spokesmith, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I coach business executives, policy experts, and rising professionals in public speaking, executive presence, and career achievement. My clients include Fortune-rated businesses and top policy think tanks. I’ve coached over 2,000 people on five continents, including the leadership of major corporations, royalty, young professional programs, and the full range in between. I’ve been quoted twice in the Wall Street Journal, I write for Fast Company magazine, and I’ve been recognized as one of the Top Public Speaking Coaches by the Coach Foundation.
In addition to preparing senior leaders for key policy speeches, I’ve spoken to a broad range of audiences, including the United Nations, members of Congress, and the press. I understand firsthand the challenges of preparing to give a speech or presentation under the time constraints of a demanding schedule and last-minute inputs.
Whether my client is preparing to stand before an audience, give a media interview, sit on a panel, speak to the board, or make a presentation, I provide tailored, confidential coaching for groups and individuals depending on what is most beneficial for each organization.
My most sought after content includes:
Public speaking and executive presence
Business pitches, client presentations, and board meetings
Tell me about yourself/elevator speech
Panel moderation and participation
Major speech preparation and practice
Media interviews
Impromptu speaking
Storytelling
Persuasion
How to kick off a meeting
How to bring a presentation to life
Video analysis
Online self-paced training program
Public speaking anxiety management
I am most proud of the thank you notes my clients send me after I’ve prepared them for a high-stakes event.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I live in the Washington, DC area. I love the energy of the city and that I can easily take the metro downtown to clients, restaurants, shops, and shows. I don’t love winter! I don’t like the cold, the ice, the snow, and the grey skies. DC is beautiful in the spring and fall!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spokesmith.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileenwsmith/
