Heather was an invaluable asset as I prepared to speak from the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House. In a short time, she helped me focus my thoughts and content, hone my slide presentation, and manage my message to a large audience. She was part teacher, part coach, part cheering section, while always analytical and direct. Heather was dedicated and available during the period leading up to my speech. Her solid, easily adaptable methods ultimately were essential in helping me to give a presentation of which I feel proud.

—Rachel Stern, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Global Head of Strategic Resources, FactSet

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Heather has been a fantastic resource for the firm.  She provides practical and positive advice that can be immediately put into action.  She’s incredibly responsive, knows how to adjust her advice based on different dynamics, and does a great job tying in themes from prior conversations.  She adds value in every conversation.

—Ann Miller, Latham & Watkins

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The Chicago chapter of Winston & Strawn LLP’s Women’s Leadership Initiative had the pleasure of attending Heather Townsend’s presentation on efficient and effective communication techniques. Heather brought our attention to aspects of delivery that many of us had not considered.  She provided very specific and practical tips that gave us the tools to bring our communication skills to the next level. I would highly recommend Heather to any lawyer seeking to advance in his or her career and be a better advocate for his or her clients.

—Karen Weber, Partner at Winston & Strawn LLP and Co-Chair of the Chicago Women’s Leadership Initiative

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Heather’s unique combination of experience—accomplished lawyer, outstanding vocalist, and seasoned actor—means that she spots the most nuanced aspects of a person’s delivery and improves upon them. Even better, she does this in the most straightforward, supportive and engaging way. I was amazed by her ability to suggest subtle improvements, tailored to each student based on just a few moments of their remarks, that elicited such profound changes. With the tools she provided, they became more articulate, persuasive and confident. I would highly recommend Heather to anyone seeking to become better a speaker and advocate.

—Sarah Schrup, Director, Appellate Advocacy Center, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

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Heather is terrific! Her workshop on a Clear Path to Compelling Communication was engaging, interactive and fun. She provided concrete tools and ideas to utilize in our practices to enhance our communication skills. Heather is a great storyteller and gave us all the ability to be better storytellers ourselves.

—Carrie McNally, Special Counsel, Sheppard Mullin

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Heather was invaluable in helping me take my presentation skills to the next level. My goal was to adapt and improve my presentation skills in different settings: video, and large and small groups. Heather's unique combination of skills gained as a practicing lawyer, an actress and in public speaking helped me improve beyond my initial expectations. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge with lawyers and offers insights that are hard to find from any other source. I recommend her wholeheartedly.

—Partner, AmLaw 10 Firm

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Heather has been assisting me with professional development and presentation skills.  Heather’s training, as both an actor and attorney, and her ability to distill information and highlight themes, are invaluable. Through on-camera sessions and live feedback, Heather has enhanced, rather than changed, my voice, and she has given me the tools and techniques to take my practice to the next level.

—Partner, AmLaw 50 firm

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I’ve had the pleasure of recently working with Heather this past month on improving my presentation and business development skills. Her knowledge of the legal field and acting experience is invaluable in providing practical and effective feedback that I am able to put to use immediately in my work life.  Above all, I was impressed with Heather’s ability to understand my motivations and instill confidence in me with the goals I have set for myself in my legal career. And, of course, Heather is an absolute joy to work with. I looked forward to our meetings knowing that they would be positive and productive and also knew that she would tell me what I needed to hear. Heather is more than a coach. She is a friend and mentor. Heather would be a great coach for any organization and I highly recommend her.

—Private Client

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Working with Heather was an absolute delight. Her upbeat and always positive personality makes the time we spent together fly by. Her well balanced approach is encouraging. She constantly reinforces your strengths and makes gentle suggestions towards improvement. She is constructive and well organized. The time I spend with Heather is absolutely rewarding to me. It provides me with self-realization and the ability to take the knowledge I gain from her and implement it daily.  

—Private Client

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Heather’s coaching was incredibly helpful, both in honing my message and improving my presentation style. She is a smart, generous, and skilled coach. I would highly recommend working with her.

—Foundation President

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My book project has been my dream for 6 years now. I had hopes that I could make headway on this project by myself and felt I didn’t need help. I thought I just had to “get organized.” I learned, though, that if this project were to get off the ground, I would need an objective sounding board — someone who could help me organize my thoughts and ideas. With Heather’s direction, suggestions, prompts and recommendations on how to stay onboard, as well as her continued faith in me, I have made huge headway. Heather helped me see some blue sky! She’s been terrific to work with!

—Wendy Summer, Founder, Zaanha and Zaahna Fund

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