Own the Room: How Great Leaders Use Presence and Voice to Drive Organizational Growth with Eleni Kelakos

Why do so many talented leaders struggle to communicate with confidence when it matters most?In this episode of Better Experiences by Design, Susan Quinn sits down with Eleni Kelakos—speaker coach, author, and former actress known as The Speaker Whisperer®—to explore why executive presence is less about perfection and more about authenticity.Eleni’s journey began on stage, where she learned firsthand how self-doubt can derail even the most talented performers. After facing constant criticism early in her acting career, she discovered how quickly limiting beliefs can impact performance in high-pressure moments.Eleni reminds us that great communication is a continuous practice. The strongest leaders keep learning, keep stretching themselves, and continue showing up with intention.Owning the room isn’t about commanding attention—it’s about using your voice with purpose and helping others do the same.If you want to communicate with more confidence and lead with greater impact, this conversation is worth your time.Better Experiences by Design is a podcast series produced by circle S studio that highlights leaders across a variety of industries dedicated to delivering exceptional brand, employee, and client experiences. © circle S studio, 2026.