We were lucky to catch up with Adrienne Singletary recently and have shared our conversation below.

Adrienne, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

When people hear the term “speech pathologist,” they often conjure images of professionals working with school-age children or patients in a medical setting. However, I, Adrienne L. Singletary, chose to chart a different course in my career. Recognizing a growing need for speech therapy among working adults, I ventured into the corporate world and founded Transcendent Accents LLC. My mission is to assist adults in improving their communication skills, presentation abilities, and accent modification. In this article, I’d like to share my journey and the importance of corporate speech pathology in today’s fast-paced, globalized work environment.

The Birth of Transcendent Accents LLC
My story begins with a revelation that the corporate sector was underserved in terms of speech therapy. Many of my colleagues chose traditional paths, working in schools or medical settings, but I felt the pull of the corporate world. The demand for communication and presentation skills in this environment presented an exciting opportunity to make a real impact. I decided to break the mold and established Transcendent Accents LLC, a business dedicated to helping working professionals enhance their communication abilities.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

In today’s digital age, effective communication has never been more crucial. Whether it’s acing a job interview, delivering a compelling business presentation, or engaging in daily interactions within a diverse work environment, clear and articulate speech is the linchpin of success. I realized that many adults faced challenges in conveying their ideas effectively, especially when English wasn’t their first language.

Accent modification, a specialized aspect of speech therapy, was often considered something reserved for actors or individuals with extreme accents. However, I observed a growing desire among working professionals to refine their accents, not to lose their identity but to increase their marketability and effectiveness in a globalized workspace. Furthermore, I understood that improved presentation skills and overall communication could open up new job opportunities and lead to career growth.

With a clear vision in mind, I founded Transcendent Accents LLC to address the unique communication needs of working professionals. Our services cater to a diverse clientele, including foreign-born professionals, individuals with speech impediments, and anyone looking to refine their communication skills.

-Accent Modification: One of the primary services I offer at Transcendent Accents LLC is accent modification. I work closely with clients to help them speak with clarity while preserving their unique identities. This empowers individuals to communicate effectively in a multicultural and global corporate environment.

-Presentation Skills: I understand that presenting one’s ideas and projects is an essential aspect of professional life. I provide tailored coaching to help clients become confident, persuasive, and engaging presenters, making their messages stand out in the workplace.

-Communication Skills: At Transcendent Accents LLC, I also focus on improving overall communication skills. From enunciaton (articulation) improvement, speech fluency (stuttering) improvement, active listening to effective non-verbal communication, my clients receive comprehensive support to ensure their professional success.

The emergence of corporate speech pathologists like myself is changing the landscape of speech therapy. We play a vital role in empowering working adults to overcome communication barriers, fostering self-confidence, and ultimately leading to career advancement. By addressing the specific needs of the corporate world, I can ensure that professionals can succeed in an increasingly competitive job market.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

eading “The E-Myth” by Michael E. Gerber was a transformative experience that opened my eyes to the dynamic and often challenging nature of the entrepreneurial journey. The book provided a unique perspective on what it takes to build a successful business, emphasizing the importance of systematizing and standardizing every aspect of your enterprise. Gerber’s concept of the “entrepreneurial myth” highlighted the common misconception that most entrepreneurs are experts in their field. Instead, he stressed that successful business owners are those who can work on their business, not just in it. This insight made me realize that the path to entrepreneurship isn’t just about passion and expertise; it’s also about creating efficient systems, processes, and a clear business identity.

“The E-Myth” also shed light on the emotional ups and downs that entrepreneurs often face. Gerber explained the entrepreneurial rollercoaster, where business owners experience moments of exhilarating success and deep despair. This rollercoaster is a natural part of the journey, but Gerber’s guidance on developing a well-structured business, with defined roles and processes, can help mitigate these extremes. It made me appreciate that, as an entrepreneur, embracing the challenges and learning from failures is as crucial as celebrating the victories. Overall, the book provided invaluable insights that altered my perspective on entrepreneurship and made me more aware of the intricacies and complexities involved in building a successful business.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As a corporate speech therapist, I had to summon an exceptional level of resilience in my career journey, primarily because there were no established role models or mentors to guide me. The majority of speech pathologists typically worked in traditional clinical or educational settings, leaving me in uncharted territory. In the absence of a well-trodden path, I faced numerous challenges, from navigating the intricacies of corporate environments to developing innovative strategies tailored to the unique needs of my clients. Despite the lack of a support network or clear blueprint for success, my determination and commitment to making a difference in the corporate world kept me going. I had to forge my own way, continually adapting, learning, and refining my approach to meet the evolving demands of the corporate landscape. This journey not only required professional expertise but also an unwavering resilience to overcome obstacles and persist in my mission to help individuals succeed in their professional communication, making it a truly rewarding and transformative experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: transcendentaccents.com
• Instagram: @transcendent_accents
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/transcendent-accents-llc-/

Image Credits
@corineolarte Corine Olarte