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
Connected: A Guide for Leading in a More Human Way
Jami Varela’s Connected: A Guide for Leading in a More Human Way is a refreshingly candid and insightful guide to leadership that challenges the outdated, robotic style of management and replaces it with something far more meaningful, human connection. The book is built around a simple but powerful idea: great leadership isn’t about control, it’s about empathy, trust, and real relationships. Drawing from personal experiences, Varela takes readers through the highs and lows of her own leadership journey, making this book feel less like a manual and more like a conversation with a mentor who’s been in the trenches.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its honesty. From the book’s introduction, Varela lays it all out: being a top performer in your field doesn’t automatically make you a good leader. Her story of transitioning from a superstar sales rep to a struggling manager is both relatable and eye-opening. She describes the frustration of suddenly feeling incompetent in a new role, a feeling many professionals experience but rarely talk about. I appreciated how she didn’t sugarcoat the difficulties of leadership but instead offered real, actionable ways to navigate them. The chapter The Path to Compassionate Leadership was especially compelling, showing how vulnerability and self-awareness can turn a struggling manager into a true leader.
The book is also packed with humor and real-world wisdom. Chapter titles like Don’t Bring Fear to the Village People and 1980 Called. They Want Their Leadership Style Back makes it clear that Varela isn’t here to lecture, she’s here to shake things up. One of my favorite sections, Golden Globe Best Supporting Actor, emphasizes how leadership often requires showing up as your best self, even on days when you don’t feel like it. Her ability to blend humor with hard truths makes Connected an engaging read, and I found myself nodding (and sometimes laughing) as she called out common leadership mistakes in a way that felt constructive rather than judgmental.
What sets Connected apart from other leadership books is its focus on emotional intelligence. Varela doesn’t just tell you to “be a better leader;” she breaks down exactly how to do it, how to build trust, how to give and receive feedback without fear, and how to lead with both confidence and compassion. The chapter Unlicensed Therapist stood out to me because it tackles something few leadership books address: the emotional baggage that employees bring to work. Instead of dismissing personal struggles as “not my problem,” Varela encourages leaders to create a supportive environment while maintaining healthy boundaries. This approach is not only refreshing but necessary in today’s workplace.
Connected: A Guide for Leading in a More Human Way is a must-read for anyone who wants to lead in a way that actually works, whether you’re a first-time manager or a seasoned executive looking to revamp your leadership style. Varela makes it clear that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about building real connections, earning trust, and fostering an environment where people can thrive. If you’re tired of old-school, fear-based management tactics and want to lead in a way that feels natural and fulfilling, this book is for you.
Pages: 112 | ISBN : 978-1544546223
Be Human, Lead Human: How to Connect People and Performance
In her book, Be Human, Lead Human: How to Connect People and Performance, Jennifer Nash, Ph.D., brings a distinctive and deeply personal perspective to the topic of leadership. Drawing on her own experiences and contemplations, Nash takes the reader on a journey to explore what it truly means to lead with a sense of humanity in an era where traditional leadership methodologies often seem inadequate.
Nash’s narrative is not just a recount of her own journey; it serves as a catalyst for delving into the ethos and practices of Human Leadership. The book is peppered with engaging anecdotes and reflective insights that highlight the importance of empathy, authenticity, and connection in leadership roles. One of the book’s strengths lies in its emphasis on actionable advice. Nash opts for providing a constructive roadmap for evolving leadership practices, steering clear of merely critiquing conventional methods.
The inclusion of self-assessment exercises and “Pro Tips” throughout the book actively engages the reader, offering them tangible steps to enhance their leadership skills with compassion and effectiveness. Nash’s writing style is approachable and relatable, successfully weaving personal stories with professional insights. Her vivid descriptions, such as the image of a paper plate decorated with Superman stickers or the emotional resonance of receiving a handwritten note from a CEO, effectively draw the reader into the narrative. This approach not only engages the reader but also makes the material relevant and thought-provoking. The book does an excellent job of illustrating the significant impact that a human-centered approach to leadership can have in the workplace. It addresses common professional challenges, such as the silencing of diverse voices and adhering to the status quo, which will resonate with many readers.
Be Human, Lead Human: How to Connect People and Performance stands out as a thoughtful and insightful exploration of leadership. Nash offers practical advice for leaders looking to improve their approach to people management. The book is a valuable resource for leaders aiming to enhance their effectiveness and create a more engaging and fulfilling workplace in today’s dynamic work environment.
Pages: 346 | ASIN : B0BYKWRGH9
Perspective and Process
Simply Put, Why Clear Messages Win and How to Design Them teaches readers how to improve their communication through simple and straightforward methods. What was the idea or spark that first set off the need to write this book?
I ran a marketing agency for ten years before recently selling it, and I joke that you can take the boy out of the marketing agency but can’t take the marketing out of the boy. I kept seeing amazing leaders and organizations with things to say and ideas to share, but who struggled to communicate in a way that lands. So I looked back at the work I did, my experience in the classroom as an adjunct, and through even my personal life as a user of the world to investigate how we can get better at that.
What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write Simply Put?
Having first-hand experience in the field, as well as access to academic resources, shaped my entire perspective and process. This book is science-based, but it also draws deeply from real-world examples to illustrate the key ideas.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I often say that all advice is autobiographical. When people are giving advice, they are really talking to themselves in the past. Equipped with that lens, this bit of meta-advice makes all other pieces of advice more effective.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your book?
Just as the sender of a letter needs to pay the postage, when we’re communicating in our realms it’s our responsibility to own the literal and metaphorical cost of our message.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon
Why do some messages work when others don’t? Why do some ideas break through, why do some slogans stick in your brain, and why do some leaders inspire change – when others don’t?
The answer is simple. Literally.
The most effective communicators in the world all structure their messages the same way, by designing for simplicity. But the problem is, simple is hard work. Our brains are programmed to complicate. Our world incentivizes more, more, more. It takes deliberate, intentional effort to communicate in a way that seems effortless.
In Simply Put, award-winning marketing entrepreneur Ben Guttmann unveils a five-part framework that allows anybody to communicate with clarity. With this book, you’ll be able to design messages that are beneficial, focused, salient, empathetic, and minimal – and that work.
LITERARY TITAN 