Debbi McCullough

I'm a former Economist-trained reporter and a former MBA lecturer of business communications who trained to become a communications coach. I'm also an ICF Master Certified Coach, a distinction held by the top 4% of coaches globally. My background combines 18 years in top-tier academia with decades of international journalism. I see big, exciting results in those I coach. Within five to ten sessions: -95% of my clients become confident, carefree communicators in front of a journalist, recruiter, a top client or the board. -99% become briefer and clearer, on paper and aloud. -70% become noticeably better storytellers. And even in this climate... -60% win a promotion or a lateral move that fuels their ambition, or get into the MBA school of their dreams. Most of my clients are non-native leaders at large U.S. companies who learned they need more “gravitas” or “executive presence,” especially with high-stakes audiences and for upcoming keynote presentations. They want to emulate the confident, direct style American companies invite and reward, without losing themselves. Together we define their own gravitas and re-find any lost confidence. Coaching with me, you'll: -receive live feedback (kindly delivered) on precisely how you communicate, what to change, and what to keep. -narrow your problem: a general fear of public speaking often becomes fear of specific moments, such as an executive’s question you can’t yet answer. -feel deeply listened to by someone who builds trust and does not judge. -understand your blockers and feel un-rushed to fix until we narrow the problem, or find the truer one behind it. Communication problems can run deep. I’m a New Zealander who lived in Asia as a child, worked in Japan and Singapore as a younger woman, and came to the U.S. alone in my mid-20s. I’m now in my 30th year here, based in the Midwest on Chicago time. I have reinvented my life and career often, going back to school at age 50 to train as a coach after 18 years in academia alongside journalism. Clients find that interesting and empowering. They also value a mix of skills AI cannot yet replicate: journalism, an ability to prepare them for media interviews, deep listening and curiosity, creativity, and years teaching business communication and journalism at top schools, including UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and Chatham University. I've interviewed some really fascinating people as a reporter for top-tier British publications including the Economist, the FT of London, and the Guardian (and in the U.S. NPR, Wired News, and Engineering News-Record). I've interviewed the c-suite at JPMorgan, the Property Brothers, met and written about the Dalai Lama's visit to Thunderbird University. For my own podcast show, the Sage Sayers, I've interviewed top MCC coach Marcia Reynolds and Ikigai's Hector Garcia. I bring these same ad hoc communication and media skills to my clients. If you’re ready to improve your communications, and to do the inner work that builds lasting gravitas, book a free intro call with me. I’d love to learn about your hopes and dreams, and how effective communications ties to that future.