At this Roundtable, we will chat with Judy Straalsund of Graceworks, a company that helps professionals become more effective presenters, communicators, writers and leaders. To kick off the discussion. Judy will talk about the foundation of good communication — helping your listener.

Any time we communicate, it’s pretty common for us to focus on what we want to get across rather than the needs of our audience. Let’s talk about how we can switch our focus.

Judy Straalsund, Freedom Finder with Graceworks, spent 20 years working with corporations, providing creative solutions for a variety of programs, presentations and workshops. A dynamic combination of experienced corporate trainer, artistic director, copy editor and mountaineering guide, she’s a born leader who aspires to help people achieve their best.

Based in Portland, Oregon, she’s worked with firms ranging from Intel to Hewlett Packard to the Portable Sanitation Association (i.e., the “Porta-Potty” folks). She has a strong background playing and teaching improvisation at a variety of venues, including ComedySportz Portland as well as for corporate and non-profit organizations. She’s also copyedited content for companies such as Nike and Kodak. And to top it off, Judy is a trained practitioner of Whole Brain® Thinking. 

So, whether it’s rock climbing or preparing for your own Mount Everest of a presentation Judy is here to empower you to meet any challenge!