Coaching

Find the talk only you can give.

I coach TED and TEDx speakers, executives, and leaders on storytelling and presentations. We work on the idea, the story, the structure, and the delivery. You’ve got an idea to share. Let’s make it the best it can be!

Cathey with a TEDx speaker

The idea-finding process

Start with what matters.

I’ve coached TED and TEDx speakers, executives, and people stepping up to tell a story that matters to them. We start by finding the idea worth building around. Then we cut what gets in its way and practice saying it out loud.

My Idea Map™ and Data Distiller™ can help make sense of the material. The goal is a talk that connects to an audience and still feels like yours.

Tell me about your talk
Cathey working through ideas with a speaker at a table

Speaker coaching

TED and TEDx speakers I’m proud to have coached.

TED 2026Drew McCartorThe deadly threat affecting millions and how to prevent it
TED 2020Ali KashaniA friendly, autonomous robot that delivers your food
TEDxPortlandEmma McIlroyThe two words that stand between you and your next big idea
TEDxPortlandMira KaddouraHow women can change the world by asking “why not me?”
TEDxWilmingtonWomenLu Ann CahnWhy we must do new things to live a happier life
TEDxPortlandDr. Eric TranA breakthrough in eradicating cancer
TEDxPortlandKali Thorne LaddWhy hope and love changes everything for children
TEDxPortlandJordan Dinwiddie10 lessons I learned from being a nerd
TEDxBayonneMegs ShahSafeguarding your digital life through effective online hygiene
TEDxGrandCanyonUniversityRaelene WeaverLet boys be kids first
TEDxPortlandRoxyComfort
TEDxPortlandKee NelsonFinding your “Kee” ingredient
TEDxPortlandSam DiazFinding common ground: reshaping our communities
TEDxPortlandXiomara TorresThe power of advocacy
TEDxPortlandZach KingThe storyteller in all of us
TEDxPortlandTyrone PooleCreating access to housing in America
TEDxPortlandSpeechYour sacred serial number
TEDxPortlandFrank MooreA perfect life and love
TEDxChulaVistaTim GardThe Laughter Connection
TEDxPortlandStephen GreenCheat more
TEDxSalemLou RadjaAfrica my roots, America my wings
TEDxPortlandBen Canales & John WallerFinding Portland
TEDxPortlandSean McClainCan we flip the body’s regenerative switch?
TEDxPortlandScott HanselmanTech promised everything. Did it deliver?
TEDxPortlandBen SandHarnessing Technology to Transform Foster Care
TEDxVictoriaDavid DelisleHow to start spending, saving, and giving better
TEDxMakatiKatrina BurrusCan We Transform Brilliant Jerks Into Inspiring Leaders?
TEDxUNLVMark “Marvelless Mark” KampHow to become confident by creating your “ultra” ego

From the stage

The lines that were sticky.

In their words

What it’s like to work with Cathey.

Speech on working with Cathey
Rowena on working with Cathey
John Waller on working with Cathey

Your talk

What are you working on?

Tell me about your talk, who it’s for, and where you’re getting stuck. You don’t need a finished draft to start the conversation.

Let’s work on your talk