Behind every great leader, entrepreneur, or innovator is a story waiting to be told. But in today’s world—where AI-generated content floods our screens and digital communication dominates—telling that story requires more than just words. It demands confidence, clarity, and, above all, authentic human connection.
In an age where algorithms can craft messages in seconds, the ability to communicate with genuine impact has become a rare and invaluable skill. Yet, for many, the thought of standing in a boardroom, on a stage, or in front of investors feels less like an opportunity and more like a hurdle they’re not sure how to clear. Kathryn Lancioni is on a mission to change that.
As a Communications Coach & Strategist, Award-Winning Educator, Keynote Speaker, and Founder of Presenting Perfection, Kathryn has spent decades helping individuals and organizations find their voice in a noisy, ever-changing world. Her journey is not just about teaching people how to speak—it’s about empowering them to communicate with purpose, authenticity, and impact.
Kathryn’s story is one of passion, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to helping others overcome their fears. Whether she’s coaching a high school student on navigating college interviews, guiding a female entrepreneur through her first investor pitch, or teaching public speaking at prestigious universities like Columbia and Rutgers, Kathryn’s mission is clear: to help people discover their “why” and communicate it effectively.
From Vogue Dreams to Communication Realities
Kathryn’s journey into the world of communications began with a childhood dream. “I wanted to be the editor of Vogue,” she recalls with a smile. “That was always the dream—to work in journalism.” This early aspiration led her to Cornell University, where she majored in Communication and Media Studies, and later to The Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Her career has since spanned journalism, public relations, academia, and coaching, with each role adding a new layer to her expertise.
“Oddly enough, without any intentional planning, all of my experiences have naturally aligned under the umbrella of communication,” Kathryn reflects. From writing textbooks on public relations to launching her podcast Gut Punch, her career is a testament to the power of storytelling and the deep human need for connection. “Writing has always been more than just a skill for me—it’s a form of release,” she shares.” It allows me to process my thoughts, articulate my insights, and express my opinions in a meaningful way. Whether through books, podcasts, or public speaking, my goal has always been to inspire, inform, and connect with others.
The Art of Balancing Multiple Hats
Kathryn’s career is a masterclass in balancing multiple roles. She’s a professor, a coach, an author, a podcast host, and a mentor—all while running her own business, Presenting Perfection. “I always say there are 24 hours in a day, and I sleep 8 of them,” she jokes. “That gives me another 16 hours to divide the way I want.”
Her ability to juggle these roles comes down to one thing: passion. “I’m very fortunate that I love everything I’m involved with,” she says. Whether she’s teaching students, coaching clients, or connecting entrepreneurs, Kathryn approaches each task with the same level of enthusiasm and dedication. “It’s all about balance,” she explains. “You have to set your priorities and your goals. I’m very focused on weekly plans, to-do lists, and a schedule. I am also focused on taking time everyday for myself. A huge part of my productivity comes from the fact that I take time everyday to pause and reflect.”
Teaching the Next Generation of Communicators
Kathryn’s impact as an educator is profound. She has taught at some of the most prestigious institutions in the U.S., including Columbia, Cornell, and Rutgers. Her approach to teaching is deeply personal. “I teach public speaking, which is a very personal course,” she says. “I focus on helping students discover their own talents and become better communicators.”
One of her most rewarding experiences as a teacher involved a student with a severe speech impediment. “He couldn’t get a whole sentence out without stuttering,” she recalls. “But he proactively enrolled in my 14-week public speaking class. By the end of the semester, he gave an 8-minute persuasive speech without any stammers or stutters. The entire class gave him a standing ovation. That’s why I do what I do.”
Presenting Perfection: From Kids to CEOs
Kathryn’s coaching business, Presenting Perfection, was born out of a simple yet powerful realization: communication skills are often overlooked, even though they are essential for success. The idea came to her when her son, then in fourth grade, was asked to give a book report. “His teacher said they didn’t have time to teach presenting and public speaking in class—they just expected the kids to figure it out,” Kathryn recalls. “I found it unfair to ask 8- and 9-year-old students to give a speech without any guidance. This kind of experience can plant the seeds of a lifelong fear of public speaking, often rooted in early moments of failure or embarrassment. However, if children are taught the right skills from the start, they can grow into confident speakers for life. At a young age, we are naturally less afraid—it’s the perfect time to learn before fear takes hold.”
What started as a passion project for kids has since evolved into a thriving business that serves clients of all ages. “I work with people from ages 8 to 108,” she says with a laugh. Her clients range from tweens and teens preparing for high school or college interviews to CEOs fine-tuning their investor pitches. One of Kathryn’s most impactful coaching experiences was with a female founder of a technology startup in Silicon Valley. “She was brilliant, but struggled to explain her business model to a non-technical audience,” Kathryn recalls. Over a 10-week program, they worked together to simplify her pitch and make it more engaging. “By the end, she could clearly and confidently articulate her business model in a way anyone could understand—an essential skill when trying to raise funding.”
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Kathryn is particularly passionate about helping women entrepreneurs build their personal brands and communication strategies. “Right now, I’m working with about five different female-led startups,” she says. “Many of these women are young, ambitious, and not just focused on building their company’s brand, but also establishing their own personal brand. They understand that in today’s world, a strong personal presence can be just as valuable as the business itself. It’s inspiring to see them shape their identities as leaders while growing their companies.”
Her advice for women in the early stages of their careers is both practical and motivational. “Having a strong presence on LinkedIn is non-negotiable,” she emphasizes. “Your profile is often the first impression you make, so invest in a professional photo, craft a compelling summary, and highlight your skills and achievements. But it doesn’t stop there—you need to stay active. Engage with your network by posting insightful content, re-sharing relevant industry news, and curating material that aligns with your values and expertise. Building your brand isn’t just about visibility; it’s about authenticity and consistency.”
She also emphasizes the power of thought leadership in building a strong personal brand. “Positioning yourself as an expert in your field is crucial,” she advises. “Write blog posts, contribute to industry discussions, and take part in webinars or speaking engagements—whatever aligns with your strengths and comfort level. And above all, refine your elevator pitch. How do you describe yourself in a way that’s clear, compelling, and memorable? That self-definition is key to making a lasting impression.”
The Future of Communications Coaching
Looking ahead, Kathryn has big plans for the future. She aims to expand her coaching and speaking engagements, both in-person and virtually. “Many professionals excel in communication in their daily interactions but struggle when it comes to delivering speeches and presentations. Even the most seasoned experts can become nervous the moment they step in front of a crowd,” she explains. “Public speaking is a skill like any other—it can be learned, refined, and mastered with the right guidance. The more coaching and training workshops I offer, the more I can help professionals unlock their potential, build confidence, and turn their natural communication skills into powerful, impactful presentations.”
In addition to her work as a communications coach, Kathryn is launching a new podcast called Gut Punch, dedicated to sharing powerful stories of resilience and triumph over adversity. “The goal is to help people find their voices and share their own stories,” she explains. “So many individuals feel stuck when life throws them an unexpected challenge. They doubt their ability to overcome it, but the truth is, we are often our own greatest obstacle—and our own greatest source of strength. Through this podcast, I hope to inspire people to dig deep, recognize their inner resilience, and push through even the toughest challenges.”
Defining Success: Fulfillment Over Fame
For Kathryn, success isn’t measured by wealth or accolades—it’s rooted in personal fulfillment. “True success comes from feeling fulfilled,” she explains. “It’s not about a specific dollar amount in my bank account or how many books I’ve written. Instead, it’s about the impact I make, the lives I touch, and the joy I find in the process. If you wake up excited about what you’re doing, feel a sense of purpose, and enjoy the journey along the way—that, to me, is the real definition of success.”
Her message to other women aspiring to advance their careers and make an impact in their industry is simple yet powerful: “Always go forward, never look back. Believe in yourself, peek around the corner, and if something scares you, it’s probably the right thing. People see things in you that you do not see in yourself. Put your faith in those observations and accept opportunities that are given to you.”
A Trailblazer Who Connects the Dots
Kathryn Lancioni is more than just a communications coach—she’s a connector. Whether she’s teaching, coaching, writing, or speaking, her goal is always the same: to help people discover their voices and share their stories with the world. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the belief that everyone has something valuable to say.
As she continues to inspire and empower others, Kathryn remains committed to her mission: to help people overcome their fears, find their voice, and communicate with confidence.
In a world that often feels divided, Kathryn Lancioni is a reminder that connection is possible—one conversation at a time.
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