Communications and workplace expert Gretchen Neels helps professionals improve performance by fine tuning their soft skills and teaching them how to present themselves in a way that conveys trust, confidence and enough charisma to get the job or land the client. Throughout her career as an executive recruiter, she saw countless examples of candidates who had the technical expertise for a particular job, but were unable to make successful connections.
“Social expertness is crucial to the success of today’s professional,” says Gretchen, “and it doesn’t stop at getting hired. In the current economy, it’s all hands on deck with everyone expected to develop business contacts at a minimum, and to add to the bottom line with paying clients.” Many lawyers, accountants and consultants are far more comfortable with doing the work, not necessarily finding it – that’s where Gretchen adds so much value.
As a coach, speaker and workshop facilitator, Gretchen gets to the heart of what it takes to be a strong performer: top-notch communication skills and looking the part. Popular workshops include:
- Total Image Management® – What’s Your Message?
- Color Me Confident – Discover Your Best Clothing and Color Options
- Networking for Business Opportunities – Projecting Confidence, Competence & Expertise
- Emotional Intelligence – A Different Kind of Smart™
- Active Listening – Do You Hear What I Hear?
- From Hi-Fi to Wi-Fi – Generational Differences at Work
Cisco Systems, Inc., Liberty Mutual and the American Council on Education have sought Gretchen’s expertise, as have a number of professional services firms, including: Bain & Company, The Brattle Group, Dechert, Skadden, Winston & Strawn, and Jenner & Block.
Gretchen enjoys working with students, and has helped those at Harvard Business School, Duke University, Babson College and the University of Oklahoma Law School improve their interviewing skills, and understand what behavioral traits and core competencies are required to succeed in today’s business climate.
Gretchen has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal (click here to see the WSJ video), the New York Times, Forbes.com, Fox Business, ALA’s Legal Management, and PINK Magazine. She is the author of The New Professional’s Guide to Success, a 90-minute audio program that takes the mystery out of what it means to be a professional, recently featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio. You can read Gretchen’s advice as a generational expert in Ron Alsop’s ground-breaking book, The Trophy Kids Grow Up.
To inquire about a training session, coaching, seminars, recruiting strategies
or speaking engagements please contact us or call us toll free at 1-800-975-7031 ext. 701.
To purchase books or other products online please click here.




