Command the Room: Dr. Maegan Stephens on Speaking Like a Leader

If you've ever held back from speaking up—on a stage, in a meeting, or in a moment that mattered—this episode will change how you show up.

In this bold and practical conversation, I sit down with Dr. Maegan Stephens, executive communication coach at Duarte, Inc.—Silicon Valley’s premier communication firm trusted by Fortune 500 CEOs, TEDx speakers, and high-impact executives across the globe.

With a PhD in performance studies and a background as a professional speechwriter, Dr. Stephens is known for helping leaders develop the confidence, clarity, and presence to deliver messages that truly move people.

Whether you're pitching a vision, presenting to a boardroom, or preparing for your own “big stage” moment, this episode delivers real tools for showing up with intention and impact.

We dig into:

• Why even the most talented professionals hesitate—and how to change that

• What executive presence actually means (and how to build it authentically)

• How to speak when your voice shakes

• Why storytelling—is your greatest superpower

• The power of “preparation over perfection” in high-stakes communication

If you're ready to stop playing small and start speaking with conviction, this episode is your playbook.

LinkedIn: Dr. Maegan Stephens