Women’s Leadership Programs
Empowering women leaders to communicate effectively and confidently at all levels—up, down, across, and beyond your organization—fostering clarity, collaboration, and impactful influence.
Developing a Powerful Personal Brand
Can we talk about something that makes a lot of women squirm in their seats? Personal branding! I know, I know – just hearing those words might make you think “Ugh, do I really need to be out there promoting myself when I love my job?” or “Isn’t that just corporate-speak for bragging?”
Let me tell you why developing your personal brand is about as essential as having a great show to stream or a fantastic best friend. And WAY more fun than you think!
In this high-energy workshop, we’re going to:
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Uncover your secret sauce (you know, those unique superpowers that make you, well, YOU!)
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Craft your story in a way that’ll have people leaning in instead of checking their phones
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Build an online presence that doesn’t make you feel like you’re trying to be a social media influencer (unless that’s your thing, in which case, you do you!)
The best part? You’ll be doing this alongside other amazing women who are probably thinking the same things you are: “Can I really do this?” (Yes!) “Will I sound braggy?” (Nope!)
Through hands-on exercises, lively discussions, and real-world examples, you’ll discover how to:
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Showcase your authentic self (without feeling like you’re on a reality TV show)
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Tell your story in a way that makes people remember you (for all the right reasons!)
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Create a digital presence that opens doors (without consuming your life)
And here’s the kicker – you can do all of this while staying 100% committed to your current role. Because guess what? Personal branding isn’t about looking for the next thing; it’s about being recognized for the rockstar you already are!
So, connect with other brilliant women, share some laughs (and maybe a few groans), and walk away with practical tools to build your brand – all while being your wonderful, authentic self.
“Deborah is a highly enthusiastic educator and trainer. You’ll be totally moved by her passion, her professional knowledge, and her skills. I am sure that Deborah is one of the best in the world.”
Successful Networking for Women Who (Still) Like their Jobs
“But I love my job! Why should I network?”
Sound familiar? I hear this ALL the time from successful professionals who worry that networking somehow signals they’re ready to jump ship. (Spoiler alert: It doesn’t!)
Here’s the truth: Building a robust professional network is like having a great insurance policy – you hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be incredibly grateful it’s there if you do. Plus, it makes your current role even more rewarding!
Join us for this high-energy, practical workshop where we’ll bust the myths about networking and learn how to build meaningful professional relationships without feeling like we’re “cheating” on our current jobs. (And yes, even introverts will love this!)
What makes this workshop different?
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No awkward elevator pitches
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No collecting business cards like Pokemon
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No fake “let’s do coffee sometime” promises
Instead, you’ll learn:
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How to cultivate authentic relationships that energize rather than drain you
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Smart strategies to leverage the network you already have (it’s bigger than you think!)
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Ways to navigate networking events without feeling like a fish out of water
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Techniques for building your professional community while crushing it in your current role
Through interactive exercises, engaging discussions, and real-world examples, you’ll develop practical skills you can use immediately.
The best part? You’ll be learning alongside your colleagues who, just like you, want to grow their careers thoughtfully and authentically. Think of it as career development with a side of genuine connection!
Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, this workshop will give you practical tools to expand your professional circle while honoring your commitment to your current role. Learn how to do it with authenticity, purpose, and yes, even a little fun!
“The Effective Networking presentation you gave was simply amazing! I have never seen or heard a speaker who is so aware of the audience’s involvement and background, and is able to adapt the program and presentation so seamlessly!”
Overcoming Overthinking: How Women can Lead with Resilience in Times of Stress
Is your brain running a marathon while you’re trying to get through a sprint?
Let’s be real: As women leaders, we’re masters at juggling work demands, family responsibilities, and personal goals. But sometimes that mental juggling act turns into a three-ring circus of “what-ifs,” “should-haves,” and “but-what-abouts” that keeps us up at 3 AM. (Sound familiar?)
Join me for this transformative workshop where we’ll tackle overthinking head-on and develop practical strategies to lead with confidence, even when your mind is trying to run a thousand scenarios at once. (And yes, overthinking about coming to a workshop about overthinking counts!)
What makes this workshop different?
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No generic “just think positive” advice
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No impossible-to-maintain meditation schedules
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No guilt trips about not having it all figured out
Instead, you’ll discover:
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Why your brilliant brain loves to overanalyze (and how to make it work FOR you instead of AGAINST you)
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Practical techniques to quiet the mental chatter when you need to make decisions
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Real strategies for setting boundaries without feeling guilty (really!)
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Ways to build resilience that actually fit into your busy life
Through interactive exercises, honest conversations, and real-world applications, you’ll learn how to transform analysis paralysis into purposeful action, communicate your needs without second-guessing yourself, navigate, work-life challenges with greater clarity and confidence, build a toolkit of practices that work for YOUR life (not someone else’s Instagram-perfect version).
Best of all? You’ll be joining a community of like-minded women leaders who understand exactly what you’re going through. Think of it as a judgment-free zone where we can share our experiences, learn from each other, and maybe even laugh about our midnight worry sessions.
BONUS: Each participant receives a copy of my book “Overcoming Overthinking: 36 Ways to Tame Anxiety for Work, School and Life” – because sometimes you need a friendly reminder of these strategies at 3 AM!
Overthinking isn’t a character flaw – it’s often the shadow side of being conscientious, responsible, and caring deeply about outcomes. Let’s learn how to harness those strengths while keeping the mental chatter in check.
“Deborah is an amazing speaker. She has the perfect way of saying what needs to be said, and making it stick.”
How to Be Authentically You No Matter Who You Are
“Just be yourself!” they say.
(Sure… but which self? The one in the morning team meeting? The one presenting to the board? The one trying to negotiate a raise?)
Here’s the truth: Being authentically you at work isn’t about sharing every thought that crosses your mind or wearing your pajamas to the office. It’s about showing up as your best, most genuine self – even when facing challenges, making tough decisions, or navigating office politics.
Join me for this transformative workshop where we’ll explore what it really means to be authentic at work (spoiler alert: it’s not about oversharing on Slack!).
What makes this workshop different?
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No cookie-cutter advice about “finding your voice”
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No pressure to become an “open book”
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No trying to turn you into someone else’s version of authentic
Instead, you’ll discover:
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How to leverage your unique strengths without downplaying them (goodbye, imposter syndrome!)
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Ways to communicate your values that feel natural, not forced
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Techniques for making decisions that align with your true self
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Strategies for staying grounded when workplace dynamics get challenging
The best part? You’ll be joining a community of colleagues who are asking the same questions you are: “How do I stay true to myself while growing in my career?” “When should I adapt and when should I stand firm?” “How do I bring my whole self to work without compromising my boundaries?”
Being authentic isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being genuinely you while continuously growing and evolving. It’s about leading with integrity, making an impact, and feeling fulfilled in your career… all while staying true to who you really are.
“Deborah is a sincerely engaging individual who provides the valuable combination of business strategy and interpersonal skills. I have partnered with Deborah at two organizations, and both times her impact exceeded expectations. The first engagement was as a motivational speaker to an audience of 1,500 employees. The second was as a professional coach. After each assignment, both EVPs engaged her in further projects at their respective organizations. After speaking with Deborah for just a few minutes, it’s easy to understand why she’s an asset as a business partner.”
Mastering the Art of Self-Advocacy
“I don’t want to seem pushy.”
“Maybe I should wait to be noticed.”
“I don’t want to rock the boat.”
Sound familiar? Let’s be honest: As women leaders, we’re often masters at advocating for everyone else’s needs – our teams, our colleagues, our families – while putting our own priorities on the back burner. (And sometimes off the stove entirely!)
Self-advocacy isn’t about becoming the loudest voice in the room – it’s about ensuring your voice is heard when it matters most. It’s about leading with confidence, creating impact, and building the career you deserve. Join me for this game-changing workshop where we’ll transform that little voice of self-doubt into a confident roar. (Okay, maybe a confident indoor voice – we’re still professionals here!)
What makes this workshop different?
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No generic “lean in” advice
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No turning you into someone you’re not
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No suggesting you need to be louder to be heard
Instead, you’ll discover:
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How to advocate for yourself while staying authentic to who you are
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Ways to transform “I’m sorry, but…” into “I recommend that…”
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Techniques for negotiating that feel natural, not pushy
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Strategies for increasing your visibility without feeling like you’re showing off
Through interactive exercises, real-world scenarios, and honest conversations, you’ll learn how to communicate your value with quiet confidence or bold enthusiasm (whatever fits YOUR style), navigate difficult conversations without losing sleep the night before, ask for and receive feedback that actually helps, and promote your achievements in a way that feels genuine, not boastful
The best part? You’ll be with other brilliant women leaders who are probably thinking the same things you are: “How do I speak up without being labeled difficult?” “When should I push back and when should I let it go?” “How do I get credit for my ideas?”
BONUS: Each participant receives a copy of my book “Go to Help: 31 Strategies to Offer, Ask for, and Accept Help” – because sometimes the strongest self-advocacy is knowing when to ask for support! Think of this workshop as your permission slip to put yourself back on your own priority list. Because here’s the truth: When you advocate for yourself effectively, you’re not just advancing your own career – you’re showing other women what’s possible.
“When passion, energy and knowledge are aligned in a training environment, you know you are in for some good learning. Deborah Grayson Riegel is not your average trainer, facilitator or educator. I quickly learned to expect the unexpected. She came armed and ready to present with an arsenal of tools: genuine stories, relatable analogies, great sense of humor, energetic activities and practical resources. What I know for sure is that when our time was up, she left me wanting more! Now that is what separates Good from Great!”
Aim High and Bounce Back: The Successful Women’s Guide to Befriending Failure
When was the last time you heard a successful woman leader openly discuss her failures?
(Crickets, right?)
Here’s the truth: Women face a double bind when it comes to failure. We’re expected to be perfect, yet take risks. Be confident, yet humble. Aim high, yet never stumble. And when we do face setbacks? We’re often judged more harshly than our male counterparts – by others and ourselves. What’s more is that we’re more likely to attribute failures of the system to failures of ourselves.
But in this session, we’ll flip the script on failure and turn it into your secret weapon for success.
What makes this workshop different?
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No toxic positivity about “failing forward”
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No pretending the playing field is level
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No suggesting that confidence alone will fix systemic challenges
Instead, participants will discover:
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Why women face different rules and expectations around failure
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How to navigate the unique challenges women face when taking risks
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Ways to transform setbacks into stepping stones
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Strategies for building resilience in a system that often expects perfection
Through evidence-based insights, honest discussions, and practical applications, attendees will understand the systemic nature of their challenges (it’s not just you!), learn how to reframe failure as a normal (and necessary) part of success; build confidence even when facing double standards; navigate feedback gaps and gender-based expectations; and feel empowered to pursue ambitious goals
While we may not be able to change the system overnight, we can change how we navigate it. This workshop provides women leaders with the insights, tools, and support network they need to aim high and bounce back – because success isn’t about never failing, it’s about how you handle the falls and get back up.
“Deb had the energy and skill to ignite creativity, fun, humor, and strategic thinking for a group of 40 partners at 3 pm on the last day of a multi-day meeting. Where you would normally see yawns and clock watching, Deb brought excitement and meaning throughout her discussion on motivating employees. Her examples were fresh, her points were crisp, and her handouts were complete. Walking out of the session, I had colleagues telling me that what they learned in that hour would help their future careers and personal lives.”
I’m Speaking: A Woman Leader’s Guide to Powerful Presentations
Let’s be real: As women leaders, we face unique challenges when we step up to speak – from “manterrupting” to double standards about our tone to that nagging perfectionism that keeps us over-preparing until 3 AM.
Join me for this transformative workshop where we’ll tackle the real challenges women face in high-stakes presentations, and develop practical strategies for commanding the room while staying authentically you. (And yes, we’ll address that thing where someone repeats your idea louder and gets the credit!)
What makes this workshop different?
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No trying to make you present “like a man”
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No suggesting you need to be louder to be heard
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No fashion advice!
Instead, you’ll discover:
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How to project authority without being labeled “aggressive” (yes, it’s possible!)
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Ways to handle interruptions and pushback that feel natural, not confrontational
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Techniques for showcasing your expertise without falling into the perfectionism trap
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Strategies for managing the additional scrutiny women often face (because somehow your slide deck AND your shoes matter)
Through interactive exercises, honest conversations, and real-world applications, you’ll learn:
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Mindset Mastery: Transform presentation anxiety into powerful energy (without spending hours in preparation)
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Message Mastery: Structure your content for maximum impact (and prepare for those “challenging” questions)
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Delivery Mastery: Develop a commanding presence that’s authentically you (no power poses required unless you want them!)
The best part? You’ll be learning alongside other brilliant women leaders who understand exactly what you’re facing. Think of it as a judgment-free zone where we can share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and maybe even laugh about those times someone asked us to “smile more” during a serious presentation.
Whether you’re the only woman in the boardroom or leading an all-hands meeting, this workshop will give you practical tools to transform your presentation skills and claim your rightful voice at the table. Because here’s the truth: Your ideas deserve to be heard, and your expertise deserves to be recognized.
Ready to command the room with confidence? Let’s dive in and develop your unique power as a presenter – and a leader.
“When I first heard Deborah speak, I thought to myself, ‘I wish I could captivate an audience’s attention like her with my presentations.’ Deborah brought charisma, energy and passion to her presentation. After hearing Deborah’s tips, every member of the audience felt informed and educated. Everyone was pumped. I look forward to using Deborah again and again, and I would recommend her to any group looking for a dynamic speaker who delivers results.”