Blog Archives
Brave and Afraid
In Charismatic Presence, you offer actionable advice for becoming a more effective and authentic public speaker. Why was this an important book for you to write?
After over two decades working with professionals from across diverse industries– IT, Financial Services, Medical, Entrepreneurial–it felt like it was high time that I synthesized and put into writing the foundational principles I’ve learned and taught around maximizing presence and presentation skills. I see this book as part of my legacy, and hope that its availability can help people anywhere (and any time) find the answers, guidance, and courage they need to step up and share their genuine selves and important ideas on public stages. Writing this book is also a response to all of my coaching and training clients who have bugged me for years to write a book they can refer to when they need some guidance and bolstering, and I’m not there to give it to them!
Can you share with us a little about the research that went into putting your book together?
The content of my book was informed in three ways:
- By my first-hand experience as a young professional actress in NYC and Hollywood, who had to learn the hard way how to bring a more confident, consistent presence to my auditions and interviews
- By the countless hours I’ve spent over the past two-plus decades figuring out how to help hundreds of business professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders (not to mention some scared-to-speak-in-public teens, fathers-of-the-bride-speech-givers, and don’t-make-me-do-it deliverers of wedding toasts) manage their limiting beliefs about presenting, create awesome pitches and presentations, and deliver them with confidence and clarity in high-stakes scenarios
- Many wonderful books and articles that have allowed me to expand, bolster and affirm the basic principles of my work
What is one misconception you believe many people have about overcoming their apprehensions regarding public speaking?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions held by many people is that they need to completely overcome nervousness before speaking to a group. Everyone, including the most seasoned speakers, sometimes feel some level of pre-show “jitters” or adrenaline boost before they step into spotlight moments–it’s a natural physiological response to the situation. Trying to be 100% calm before you start is an impossible goal to hit, and can actually increase anxiety. The key is not to try to get rid of the feeling, but to work with it and find ways to not only minimize it but to manage and channel it into energy, focus, and connection with your audience of one or many. You can be both brave and afraid at the same time! Having the tools to manage those pre-show “jitters” can go a long way at amping up that bravery, which is one of the things I teach in my book.
What is one thing you hope readers are able to take away from your experiences?
That their wisdom, perspective, and big ideas matter; and that by honoring the five principles I share in the book, they really can show up, step up, and speak up on a public platform in an authentic, accessible manner that can make their message (and their presence) magnetic and memorable.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Drawing on her diverse background in theater, music, and executive coaching, Eleni Kelakos presents a five-principle process to help you develop a Charismatic Presence that commands attention and inspires action. With real-world examples, actionable exercises, and proven techniques, this book is a roadmap to conquering your fears, connecting deeply with your audience, and becoming a truly magnetic communicator.
Charismatic Presence
Eleni Kelakos’ Charismatic Presence is a practical, personal, and surprisingly heartfelt guide to becoming a more effective, engaging, and authentic public speaker. Built around five core principles: Know Thyself, Be Thyself, Prepare Thyself, Commit Thyself, and Turn Thyself On, the book walks readers through the psychological and physical terrain of presence and presentation. With stories from her own life as a performer and coach, Kelakos fuses actor training, business communication, and personal development into a coaching experience that feels as intimate as a one-on-one session and as comprehensive as a classroom.
What struck me most about this book was how deeply human it felt. Kelakos doesn’t hide behind buzzwords or corporate polish. She opens with vulnerable stories of stage fright and failure, like forgetting lyrics at Shea Stadium, and threads that same humility throughout the text. She writes like someone who’s been in the trenches and genuinely wants you to succeed, not just to be a better speaker, but a braver, more grounded version of yourself. Her voice is clear and unpretentious, which makes the content not just accessible but inviting. I found myself laughing, wincing, nodding, often on the same page; that’s rare in a business book.
Where the book really shines is in its actionable advice. The exercises don’t feel like filler. They actually helped me reflect on my own habits and hang-ups when I speak. Kelakos’ concept of “the lies that bind,” those internal voices that whisper you’re not good enough, was especially powerful. Her approach to turning those lies into “power phrases” wasn’t just feel-good fluff. It felt doable. Her tips on preparation, from warming up your physical and vocal presence to structuring a talk, are the kind of grounded guidance I wish I’d had ten years ago. Sometimes the tone leans into cheerleader territory, but honestly, it works.
If you’re someone who freezes at the thought of public speaking, or even someone who does it often but feels stuck in a rut, Charismatic Presence is worth your time. It’s for anyone who wants to feel more like themselves in the spotlight, not some polished robot or shallow “thought leader.” I’d especially recommend it to leaders, coaches, entrepreneurs, or anyone who finds themselves needing to inspire or persuade others. Kelakos reminds us that charisma isn’t about being loud or flashy. It’s about being present. And that’s something anyone can learn.
Pages: 168 | ISBN : 978-1966168218
Tough Lessons and the Triumphs
In The Hollywood Unicorn, you paint a vivid picture of your struggles and triumphs navigating corporate America as a woman of color. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing The Hollywood Unicorn was deeply personal for me. As a woman of color navigating corporate America, and Hollywood no less!, I often felt like I was walking a tightrope—facing systemic barriers, cultural bias, and an unspoken set of rules no one teaches you. For years, I saw so many talented women of color around me either burn out, fade out, or stay stuck because the system wasn’t built with them in mind.
This book was my way of saying, “You belong here. And not only that, but you can thrive here.” It’s a blueprint for turning those challenges into advantages and making bold, strategic moves to claim your space at the table.
It was important for me to share both the tough lessons and the triumphs because it’s not just my story—it’s the story of so many women who are overlooked and underestimated. I wanted to give them the tools and the confidence to navigate these spaces on their own terms. At its heart, The Hollywood Unicorn is about empowerment and legacy—helping the next generation not just survive but succeed and shine.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life? “Hollywood is a very small town.
You’re going to run into the same people over and over again, so be careful. Also, “Everyone in this business gets fired at some point. Don’t feel bad about it.”
What is one misconception you feel many people have about navigating power dynamics?
One major misconception is that navigating power dynamics is inherently manipulative or insincere. People often associate “playing the game” with being fake, scheming, or sacrificing their values, but that’s not true. At its core, understanding power dynamics is about being intentional—knowing who holds influence, recognizing unspoken rules, and positioning yourself effectively.
It’s not about compromising your integrity; it’s about ensuring your voice is heard and your contributions are valued. Too often, women of color are taught to just “work hard and keep your head down,” but that mindset can leave you sidelined. Navigating power dynamics isn’t about playing dirty—it’s about playing smart, understanding the system, and advocating for yourself in ways that align with your values. It’s a skillset, not a character flaw, and when done right, it’s one of the most empowering things you can learn.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from the experiences you share in The Hollywood Unicorn?
I hope readers walk away with the confidence to embrace their full, authentic selves while navigating the complexities of corporate life. One of the key lessons in The Hollywood Unicorn is that the things we often see as disadvantages—being the only one in the room, having a different perspective, or coming from an underrepresented background—can actually be our superpowers when we learn how to leverage them strategically.
I want readers to understand that success isn’t about becoming someone else or shrinking to fit a mold. It’s about knowing the rules of the game and using them to create opportunities on your own terms. Most importantly, I want them to feel seen and empowered, knowing they’re not alone in the challenges they face—and that those challenges can be transformed into stepping stones to success.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Learn the secrets of success from a top Sony Pictures, DreamWorks Studios, and Film District Executive.
The secrets of a Hollywood trailblazer & How They Can Help You Win The Game!
It’s no secret that Corporate Culture is a ruthless world that takes no prisoners. Now add on that you’re a woman of color in a male-dominated space. Baby, that deck is stacked against you.
Unless…
You learn the secrets of a Top Hollywood Executive who learned to not only survive but thrive as the only woman of color for several of the top film studios in the world.
I mean – seriously, is this what your work life looks like? A constant cycle of pitfalls and rejections? Being talked over in meetings? Going home feeling demoralized and drained?
Being stuck in a rut is a frustrating experience that no one should settle for. From fighting to be heard and political roadblocks to going home feeling demoralized and drained — it’s enough to make even the most driven person give up on finding Success.
It feels like you’re watching everyone else around you succeed while you’re getting coffee for someone who’s half as talented as you are and who keeps getting ahead.
What do they know that you don’t? More importantly, what do you need to know to know?
Even if you feel hopeless in your career, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. I’m here to empower my fellow women of color to flip the script on any self-doubt they might have when “suiting up” for The Big Game.
In The Hollywood Unicorn, you will discover:
• YOUR ZONE OF GENIUS so you can start living with purpose and fulfillment right now!
• THE WHEEL OF BLAME, and how not to fall victim to it!
• How to transform yourself into a BOARDROOM BADASS no matter where you’re at today!
• THE BIAS PLAYBOOK that keeps you on the right side of any foul play aimed at you.“Do it right, keep it Air-tight!”
• Downloadable WORKSHEETS with actionable steps to build the New You today!
• THE CHEAT CODES the top Hollywood Executives use!
• How to PLAY CORPORATE GAMES like a BOSS and WIN! And much more.
I’ll share my HOLLYWOOD MOMENTS, offering insight into my experiences that became stepping stones for growth and resilience.
Learn how to strategically maneuver through the corporate maze with less friction. Even if you’re not naturally outgoing with charisma for days!
There is no fluff here; this is a “get it done right now” type of book.
One last thing: do me a quick favor. Imagine you’re sitting across from me and my colleagues in a pitch meeting. You’re pitching a movie about your life story. Now ask yourself, is it a blockbuster feel-good movie of the year? A triumph of the human spirit? Or is it time for a rewrite?
If you want to escape the corporate sludge and rewrite your story, then scroll up and click the “Add to Cart” button right now.
The Hollywood Unicorn
Christine Birch’s The Hollywood Unicorn is an inspiring blend of memoir and corporate survival guide, particularly tailored to women of color navigating the labyrinth of high-stakes business environments. Birch weaves her personal narrative—rooted in resilience and unapologetic ambition—with practical advice, offering readers a toolkit for thriving in spaces that often seem designed to hold them back. From mastering your “zone of genius” to wielding the “wheel of blame” with finesse, the book brims with strategies aimed at empowerment and professional triumph.
What struck me first was the candidness of Birch’s storytelling. She doesn’t sugarcoat her experiences. For instance, the chapter on “Bringing Grit on the Journey” paints a raw and vivid picture of her struggles and triumphs in Hollywood. Her description of navigating corporate America as a woman of color was not only relatable but also inspiring.
I also loved her concept of the “business alter ego” introduced in Lesson #3. Birch explains how crafting an empowered, professional persona helped her overcome bias and navigate the challenges of corporate culture. She shows us how to balance authenticity with the calculated strength required in professional settings. This section is a game-changer for anyone looking to claim their space unapologetically.
The Hollywood Unicorn is a must-read for women of color in the corporate world, but its wisdom extends far beyond its intended audience. If you’re a professional looking to navigate power dynamics with confidence or simply someone who loves stories of grit and innovation, this book will resonate. Christine Birch’s voice is equal parts relatable and formidable—like getting advice from a fiercely supportive friend who’s seen it all and still dares to dream bigger.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0DMXGZRJX
Awareness of Incivility
In Rudeness REHAB, you examine the impact of incivility and rude behaviors on both personal and professional relationships and provide readers with the tools necessary for creating a respectful culture. Why was this an important book for you to share?
I have worked as a clinician for nearly 30 years with clients who were struggling with the negative impact of stressful work environments on their personal and professional lives. Clients have learned tools and techniques from me individually and I wanted to bring these resources to a larger audience.
I heard Dr. Christine Porath speak at a conference in 2017 about her research on incivility and it was like a lightbulb went off for me. I wanted to know more, and I began to develop an expertise in this topic. I then witnessed what happened in our culture during the pandemic and felt a sense of urgency to raise awareness about what we are doing to each other when we act in rude and inconsiderate ways.
In addition, there is a personal angle to this as well. When I was 15, my father had a near-fatal heart attack, due in large part to the stress that he was experiencing in a highly demanding and uncivil work environment. He never worked again and died several years later at a very young age. My hope is that I can help executives like my father as well as other workers avoid this same tragedy that our family experienced.
What type of research was required to put your book together?
People often ask me this question. I note that the bulk of my research came from being an expert on rudeness and incivility over many years… that is, from being rude to others myself. :0)
Seriously, my professional training as a psychologist helped to grow my awareness of incivility and its negative effect. I had also developed an expertise over the years on stress and its physical/psychological impact on individuals through my work with clients and university teaching. This book is the merger of these areas of expertise and required some additional review of the literature to update my knowledge base on the various topics that I cover in the book.
What is one common misconception you believe many people have regarding conflicts in the workplace?
People think that being civil means being a doormat or not being competitive with others. Neither of these ideas is true. We can be polite but still say no to unreasonable requests and advocate for ourselves. We can even be angry about something and communicate that directly without our behavior devolving into name-calling or abusive language.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Rudeness Rehab?
When I was a child, my sister and I would always try to get our parents to allow us to do things the other kids in the neighborhood were doing. We would go to my dad (who was often reading the paper) and make our request by saying, “Dad, the other kids in the neighborhood are doing this. Why can’t we?” The paper would then come down, he would look at us and say, “Oh, what is their last name and what is your last name?” The paper would then go back up.
I would offer this same message when it comes to rudeness. Each of us can only be responsible for our behavior but we ARE responsible for our behavior. We have the choice about how we react to others, regardless of what they may do. Take responsibility for your own actions to help make the world a better place.
Author Links: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Website | Amazon
Rudeness Rehab: Reclaiming Civility in the Workplace and Your Home Space
John O’Brien’s Rudeness REHAB dives into a pressing issue of modern life—the pervasive presence of incivility and its impact on personal and professional interactions. Through a compelling blend of personal anecdotes, psychological insights, and practical strategies, O’Brien offers readers a roadmap to understanding, addressing, and ultimately mitigating rude behaviors in themselves and others. His exploration strikes a chord, challenging assumptions while providing actionable tools to foster respectful communication.
O’Brien makes a clear distinction between overt acts like bullying and the subtler, often unconscious behaviors that define everyday rudeness. This subtlety allows readers to introspect and reconsider their own actions and reactions. Drawing on academic research, including the work of Christine Porath and Christine Pearson on workplace incivility, O’Brien builds a foundation of credibility without drowning readers in complex terminology.
One of the book’s most impactful aspects is its examination of the health consequences of incivility. Chronic stress stemming from rude interactions, O’Brien explains, can lead to significant physical and mental health issues, including high blood pressure, depression, and even addiction. By linking rudeness to such tangible effects, he underscores the importance of civility not just for interpersonal harmony but for individual well-being.
O’Brien’s storytelling brings the text to life. The book opens with a vivid and relatable account of an uncivil job interview, setting the stage for his exploration of the broader implications of rudeness. His conversational tone and knack for weaving humor into serious discussions make complex psychological concepts approachable and engaging. Whether recounting personal experiences or presenting strategies for improvement, O’Brien maintains an accessible and captivating narrative style. The author’s tone is both empathetic and empowering. He acknowledges the universality of incivility, offering reassurance to readers who have faced or exhibited such behavior. At the same time, he challenges them to take responsibility, encouraging proactive steps toward self-awareness and change. Strategies such as grounding techniques and reframing internal dialogue are explained with clarity, making them easy to implement.
O’Brien seamlessly transitions between personal stories, research-backed insights, and practical advice, guiding readers through scenarios ranging from tense family gatherings to the volatile realm of social media. O’Brien captures the essence of a society grappling with diminishing civility, offering readers tools to navigate and counteract this trend. His ability to contextualize rudeness within the broader framework of mental health and interpersonal dynamics makes this book an invaluable resource.
Whether you’re a professional seeking to improve workplace interactions, a parent teaching children the value of respect, or simply someone aiming to cultivate more meaningful relationships, Rudeness REHAB is an essential read. Through a masterful combination of reflection, research, and practical guidance, John O’Brien delivers a powerful call to action for fostering kindness and respect in an increasingly uncivil world.
Pages: 198 | ISBN : 978-1957651910
LITERARY TITAN 