What Our Clients Say

"Thank you very much for your help in going through the various presentation strategies... the presentation went great. I felt very confident and comfortable interacting with other participants"

Managing Director

Financial Advisor

“The talk was a huge hit - could not have gone better! Easily the strongest and most robustly positive feedback I’ve gotten after giving a talk at a conference.”

Chair, Dept. of Business & Public Policy

Former FCC Chief Economist

After our session, I used broad questions to pull a hard conversation to a more macro level. It was 100% effective. Thank you for once again sharing techniques that I can immediately put into practice!”

Technology Director

Hedge Fund

“After our Zoom, I got a referral out of the blue. A nonprofit’s staff lawyer called me, and I followed the GRACIOUS model in the discussion, which led to an agreement to engage me for the work.”

Partner

Law Firm

Book your Free

communication Assessment:

What You’ll Get in This
Private Coaching Experience

1. 8 private coaching sessions to strengthen how you speak, lead, and show up in high-stakes, high-visibility moments.

2. Personalized video reviews with blunt, actionable feedback on what’s working and what’s not.

3. Ongoing support with office hours and community access to stay on track between sessions.

4. Proven methodology used by leaders at 45 Am Law 100 firms, top global banks, and 3 presidential candidates.

Trusted by Top Attorneys
and Legal Leaders

3 of the top 8 global financial firms

3 presidential candidates

45 of the Am Law 100

2 of the 4 major US professional sports leagues

1 of the top 5 global food and beverage companies

4 of the top 25 global pharmaceutical companies

How the FREE communication Assessment Works

You’ll meet one-on-one with Hilary Kole, Ahmad Maksoud or Chiara Motley, senior GK coaches with deep experience helping professionals across industries elevate how they show up when it matters most.

You’ll be speaking with someone who actually delivers the program, not a salesperson.

In just 30 minutes, we’ll take a close look at how you’re currently coming across in high-stakes settings and pinpoint what’s working — and what might be holding you back. You’ll leave with clear, honest, practical feedback you can apply right away.


It’s not a sales pitch. There’s no pressure to enroll. We’ve been doing this for nearly 20 years and have no need to hard sell. If it’s a match, we’ll both know.

Frequently Asked
Questions

1. I’ve been told to “speak up,” “be more confident,” or “just be yourself.” How is this different?

You’re not alone. Many of our clients come to us after hearing vague advice like “project more” or “be more assertive,” usually modeled after someone else’s style. That approach often feels unnatural — and it rarely works.

Our methodology is different. We help you develop executive presence that’s grounded in your own voice, not someone else’s. You’ll learn specific, high-impact techniques that align with how you think, lead, and connect — especially when the pressure is on.

2. How much time should I expect to invest weekly?

Most clients dedicate 1–2 hours per week, combining live sessions, video submissions, and targeted exercises. The program is built for professionals in high-pressure roles, and every element is designed to make real progress without disrupting your schedule.

3. Will this actually improve how I perform in high-stakes situations?

Yes — that’s exactly what it’s built for. Over 40,000 professionals have gone through GK’s methodology, including Fortune 100 executives, managing partners at Am Law 100 firms, and presidential candidates preparing for nationally televised debates.

In fact, many participants report that the program has helped them win deals, secure promotions, and deliver more persuasive presentations — even under pressure.

The skills we teach aren’t abstract. They’re drilled, tested, and applied in the exact kinds of high-stakes environments where executive presence matters most.

4. Is this personalized, or just a generic course?

It's totally personalized. It starts with a 1:1 goal-setting session where we assess your current communication style and understand your goals. From there, you get a personalized plan that’s built around your needs — not a cookie-cutter curriculum. You’ll receive private coaching, targeted exercises, and expert feedback to help you build exactly the skills you want.

5. I’ve already done public speaking training. How is this different?

Most of our clients have too — and we usually have to undo it. You’ve probably been told to “stop saying um,” “project confidence,” or “take up space.” Advice like that leads to thought suppression, not presence. Our approach is different: it’s kinesthetic, practical, and backed by 20 years of helping professionals like you reverse bad habits and replace them with high-impact behaviors that stick. We use exclusive drills and a methodology that focuses on other-focused communication and using more of yourself — not less.

6. What are the next steps?

Click “Book Your FREE Communication Assessment” to schedule a 1:1 call with a senior GK coach — not a salesperson. This is the same team that delivers the program. During the session, we’ll evaluate how you’re currently showing up in high-stakes moments, discuss your goals, and give you practical, honest feedback. If the program makes sense for you, we’ll talk next steps.

OUR SENIOR COACHES

Hilary Kole

GK's Vice President and a Master

Executive Coach

Hilary is GK's Vice President and a Master Executive Coach with over fifteen years of experience coaching leaders around the world. She specializes in vocal production and live performance techniques, helping clients improve vocal and physical presence, manage nerves, and speak with clarity and authenticity.

She works frequently with women in leadership roles who’ve been told to “just be more confident” or to “speak more like Bob.” Instead of vague advice, Hilary offers concrete tools drawn from decades of stage performance and years of coaching. Her clients learn to manage nerves, command the room, and bring their authentic voice forward — even in the most high-pressure situations.

Before joining GK, Hilary built an acclaimed career as a jazz vocalist and recording artist. She has performed as a featured soloist at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Town Hall, and leading venues across the globe. She has shared the stage with musical legends including Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson, Michel LeGrand, Nancy Wilson, and Quincy Jones. Hilary received her conservatory training from the Manhattan School of Music.

Ahmad Maksoud

ahmad maksoud

GK's Senior Executive Coach

Ahmad Maksoud is a Senior Executive Coach who helps clients connect with their audiences through authentic delivery and confident presence. With a decade-long background in public speaking, writing, vocal pedagogy, and professional performance, he brings a sharp eye and steady hand to every coaching session.

He’s worked with a wide range of professionals, from students learning stage presence in Broadway workshops to healthcare teams implementing complex communication protocols. Whether he’s moderating a leadership panel or performing a sold-out solo cabaret show, Ahmad brings the same core strengths to the table: presence, preparation, and precision.

Ahmad holds an MFA in Acting from Harvard’s American Repertory Theater and a degree from Northeastern University. He was an original cast member in the Tony-winning Broadway musical The Band’s Visit and earned a Lucille Lortel nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in The Visitor. He now uses his performing experience for public speaking engagements - while helping clients bring intention and power to their own communication..

Chiara Motley

GK's Senior Executive Coach

Chiara Motley is a Senior Executive Coach with GK Training, specializing in vocal presence, poise, and precision. She coaches leaders in law, finance, pharma, and media to refine their messaging, command the room, and communicate with more clarity and confidence.

A Stanford alum with an MFA in performance, Chiara blends business insight with creative discipline. She’s guided Am Law 100 partners, senior agency execs, and keynote speakers — helping each one show up with authenticity and authority, no matter the setting.

Executive Presence
Isn’t Born — It’s Built

GK Training Logo

Copyright 2026 . All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use