“I’ve been working with Zoe since 2016 when she came highly recommended as a communications coach. She has supported the GVSU Family Owned Business Institute by preparing our students to participate in the very intense Global Family Enterprise Case Competition, hosted by UVM, every year. What is really impressive about Zoe is her dedication, professionalism, focus and drive during her coaching sessions. She is full of energy, empathic, passionate and perfectly capable of transforming the most introverted person in a confident and strong public speaker. On my end, results speak for themselves: every year we’ve participated in the competition, one student comes back with a best presenter award. — She’ll be our communication coach for as long as she wants!”

— Ana C. Gonzalez, Ph.D

Director Family Owned Business Institute (FOBI)
Grand Valley State University

“I have had the opportunity to collaborate with Zoe Carmichael on two occasions and she has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her ability to facilitate our team through a full day offsite was a key element in the success of that day. Our team understood the agenda and felt comfortable being led through a variety of exercises. Then when I found myself keynoting an event, Zoe had the expertise, methods and patience to see that I delivered. She is vibrant, professional and a pleasure to work with.”

— Andy Van Solkema

President of Visualhero Design

“Working with Zoe to develop and hone my TEDx presentation was energizing and full of the excitement of increasing mastery. Zoe coached me to develop, organize and sharpen my ideas and words so that they could connect powerfully with my audience. The name TED calls for a high level of thought coupled with engaging presentation and content that can have residual impact. Zoe's collaboration allowed me to deliver something that I think was worthy of the TED name.”

— David Rosen

Former President
Kendall College of Art and Design

“Zoe is a talented facilitator and has provided us with thoughtful and perceptive feedback on how we could hone in our public speaking skills. Most importantly, she gave us a framework to organize our thoughts and ideas and prepare our content for future presentations, helping us to feel more prepared and confident. Zoe doesn’t have a “one size fits all” approach, but encouraged our individual communication styles, and tailored her feedback to each person. We have truly benefited from the work Zoe has done with us, and best of all, she is fun to work with!”

— Jennifer Kirchgessner

Director of Marketing
Scott Group Custom Carpets

 

“I was fortunate to work with Zoe in preparation for TEDxGrandRapids. I could not have done it without her. She helped me develop a solid outline and was always available when I needed to talk through an idea. She listened and gave feedback that encouraged as well as challenged me. I felt like she truly cared and wanted me do well. When I walked onto the stage, Zoe was in the front row silently cheering me on. I count myself lucky to have had such an incredible and supportive coach.”

— Nicole J. Caruth

TEDx Grand Rapids Speaker

“Zoe Carmichael is exceptionally talented when it comes to presentation preparation and coaching. Through thoughtful insight and constructive feedback, she helped us simplify and streamline our message while better highlighting our key points. Zoe's coaching style is energetic, engaging, and inspiring. We highly recommend working with Zoe and look forward to the opportunity to work with her again.”

— Sara Julius and Mike Hill

Edify North

“Zoe, is the Speaker Coach and TEDx Talk Specialist for TEDxMacatawa. She is a delight to work with and a true professional in coaching and teaching speakers to be clear, impactful and authentic. In a normally stressful environment, she creates a positive atmosphere that allows each speaker to perform at their highest level.”

— David Knibbe

TEDxMacatawa License Holder and Co-Organizer, Evergreen Commons President and CEO

 

“Zoe Carmichael is awesome! She brings out the energy and talents in those around her which improves not only the experience but delivers amazing shared results! Having Zoe in your corner is a very smart choice!

— Rebecca Goh

Brand Manager,
Amway North America

Sonja "Zoe" Carmichael is one sharp dynamo! Her ability to motivate and inspire is genuine and infectious, having been on the receiving end! Her professionalism and sincerity truly bring out the best in her clients. I highly recommend her services in this great field of communication!”

Shelley Irwin

WGVU Morning Show Host/Producer
WGVU TV Ask the Expert, Community Connection

“Zoe was instrumental in helping me to become a better speaker through the introduction of a framework for presenting that helped with preparation and delivery. She also helped with techniques that now prevent boredom when I present. Zoe truly helped me find my voice.”

— Bruce Thompson

Rockford Construction, Urbaneer

 
 

“Working with Zoe has always been a great experience. She is upbeat, energetic, and thorough. She is successful at adapting her training to the specific needs of her audience and population. Employees at GRCC love Zoe's sessions because of her positivity, relevance, and excellent presentation skills.

Zoe is engaging, fun, and very refreshing!”

— Angela Z. Salinas

Employee Events, Engagement & Onboarding Coordinator Grand Rapids Community College

 

Here are some clients I’ve worked with:

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