In the ever-evolving world of communications, few individuals have made as significant an impact as Kathryn Lancioni, the Founder and CEO of Presenting Perfection. With a career spanning academia, authorship, and executive leadership, Kathryn’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.
Early Inspirations: From Family Dinners to Boardrooms
Growing up in a large Italian family, Kathryn Lancioni was never at a loss for words. “Whether it was a Sunday dinner, a large family BBQ, or a celebration, you had to speak up or risk getting lost in the shuffle,” she recalls. This vibrant environment, filled with lively conversations, served as the foundation for her interest in communications. The constant exchange of ideas and opinions at family gatherings taught her the importance of effective communication from a young age.
“As a young girl, I found this environment both intimidating and exciting. I learned how to express my opinion in a way that was forceful yet respectful while also understanding the value of listening to each other’s opinions,” Kathryn explains. These early experiences ignited her passion for communication, ultimately guiding her career path. The ability to navigate such dynamic interactions laid the groundwork for her future success in the field. In these moments, she realized the power of words and their impact on shaping perceptions and building relationships.
Guiding Values and Philosophies: The Cornerstones of Success
Kathryn’s career has been shaped by a set of core values and philosophies that she holds dear. “Honesty and humility are, in many ways, the two most important traits an individual can possess,” she asserts. Alongside these, she emphasizes the importance of curiosity and laughter in navigating life’s challenges. These values have been her guiding light, helping her stay grounded and focused on her goals.
“It’s also important to listen to yourself, for ultimately you know yourself best. If something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t,” she advises. This mindset has empowered her to take leaps of faith in her career, embracing new opportunities with confidence. Her approach underscores the importance of self-awareness and resilience in achieving long-term success.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Defining Moment
Early in her career, Kathryn often found herself as the youngest person in the room, and frequently the only woman. This led to feelings of imposter syndrome. “In the job that I would consider transformative in my career, not only was I the only woman but also the youngest person in the room by two decades,” she shares. Proving herself to a group of men who had worked together for over ten years was an unexpected challenge. The experience was daunting, but it also became a turning point in her career.
“It took a solid 18 months of grinding and working until the early hours of the morning to earn their respect and approval,” Kathryn recalls. Her perseverance paid off when her ideas started being used in developing the company’s corporate plans. “My opinion finally mattered and that was beyond meaningful to me,” she reflects. This experience taught her the value of resilience and the importance of believing in oneself, even in the face of significant challenges. It was a defining moment that solidified her confidence and reinforced her commitment to her career.
The Power of Curiosity and Organization
Much of Kathryn’s success can be attributed to her boundless curiosity, meticulous organizational skills, relentless drive, and infectious energy. She thrives on learning and surrounding herself with high-achieving individuals who challenge and inspire her. “I am innately curious and have a strong desire to learn. I never want to be the smartest person in the room—I thrive in environments filled with smart, competitive people,” she says. Her ability to stay organized and make the most of every day is a key factor in her achievements. “There are 24 hours in a day—I sleep eight of them, exercise one of them, and then have another 15 to allocate however I choose,” she explains, emphasizing her intentional approach to time management.
From the very beginning of her career, Kathryn understood a fundamental truth: success is self-driven. “If you want to do something, ultimately, it is up to you to pursue it. The only person standing in your way is you,” she asserts. She believes that personal accountability is the foundation of achievement, and goal-setting is the roadmap to success. Rather than following someone else’s definition of accomplishment, Kathryn encourages others to identify their own priorities. “We each have things that are important to us. I can’t tell you what your priorities should be—only you know that. But once you do, it’s up to you to set clear goals and create a plan to achieve them,” she advises.
Her approach to life is a blend of discipline, ambition, and self-awareness. By maintaining a structured yet adaptable mindset, she not only pursues her own aspirations but also inspires those around her to take ownership of their goals. Whether in her professional journey or personal life, Kathryn exemplifies the power of self-motivation and the importance of embracing both challenges and opportunities with intention and enthusiasm.
Integrating Passions with Professional Life: A Harmonious Blend
At this point in her life, Kathryn’s passions come from discovering new things about herself and working with others. “I derive immense pleasure mentoring students, working with female entrepreneurs, and advising companies,” she shares. Every time she is asked to work on a project, give a presentation, or simply answer a question, it causes her to pause and reflect. “I’ve realized that just by living my life, I have been exposed to issues and gained experience in the most unexpected of ways,” she notes. Kathryn’s passion lies in sharing these insights and lessons with others, regardless of whether it’s in a professional or personal capacity.
Decision-Making in Uncertainty: A Thoughtful Approach
During times of uncertainty or crisis, Kathryn underscores the importance of gathering all available facts, carefully assessing options, and making informed decisions. “As new facts emerge, the plan may need to be adjusted or even completely re-examined,” she explains. She firmly believes that errors arise when decisions are driven by emotion rather than objective analysis. By maintaining a methodical approach, she ensures that every decision is grounded in logic, adaptability, and strategic foresight.
Kathryn’s ability to remain calm and composed under pressure has been instrumental in her success. Her thoughtful and deliberate approach to decision-making allows her to navigate complex challenges with confidence and clarity. By prioritizing facts over fear and reason over reaction, she has cultivated a reputation as a steady, reliable leader—one who thrives in high-stakes situations and consistently delivers effective solutions.
Innovative Strategies: Staying Ahead in the Industry
At Presenting Perfection, Kathryn employs innovative strategies to keep the company ahead of industry trends. “We are constantly attending in-person networking events, participating in webinars, researching and writing blogs, speaking at conferences, and simply engaging with other communication professionals to stay ahead of the curve,” she explains. Her favorite questions reflect her commitment to growth and collaboration: “How can I help you?” when speaking with clients and “What can I learn from you?” when engaging with peers.
By staying actively involved in industry conversations and continuously seeking new knowledge, Kathryn has positioned Presenting Perfection as a leader in the communications field. Her proactive approach to learning and networking not only helps her identify emerging opportunities but also ensures the company remains a step ahead of the competition.
Beyond strategy, Kathryn fosters a culture of creativity and innovation within her team, encouraging bold thinking and fresh ideas. She challenges her team to dream big, no matter how unconventional their ideas may seem. “If budget and time weren’t an issue, how would you handle this situation?” she asks, pushing them to think beyond limitations and explore groundbreaking solutions.
A Project of Pride: Presenting for Kids and TweenSpeech
Kathryn is particularly proud of the Presenting for Kids and TweenSpeech programs, which focus on public speaking for adolescents. “The inspiration for these programs came from the fact that most public schools do not offer public speaking classes to their students, at least until the high school level,” she explains. By introducing public speaking at an early age, these programs aim to reduce the fear of public speaking as children grow older.
“My favorite age group to work with is elementary school children—usually grades 3-5. They are excited about having the opportunity to speak in front of their friends and have no fear of doing so,” Kathryn shares. These programs are designed to address the unique challenges and fears that children face when it comes to public speaking.
Building a Strong Team: Key Qualities
When building her team at Presenting Perfection, Kathryn seeks individuals who are not only energetic and inquisitive but also unafraid to ask questions and challenge ideas. “Of course, I look for people who are effective public speakers, but just as important are humility and the ability to be both sympathetic and empathetic,” she notes. She believes that a strong team is built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared values, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
By fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, Kathryn has successfully attracted and retained top talent. Her emphasis on continuous learning and professional development ensures that team members are constantly growing, refining their skills, and evolving within their roles. This forward-thinking approach has been instrumental in driving Presenting Perfection’s success and solidifying its reputation for delivering high-quality, impactful services.
The Future of Communications: Embracing Technology with Caution
Kathryn envisions the future of communications as being driven by technological advancements, particularly AI. “Everyone seems to have jumped on the AI bandwagon, which is wonderful but also scary,” she notes. While AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Jasper, and Perplexity can enhance efficiency, Kathryn believes it’s important to balance their use with personal thoughts. “People often say to me, ‘You write your own LinkedIn posts?’ Of course I do, those posts reflect my personal brand and I want to control my narrative,” she explains.
The PR industry is quickly adopting and adapting countless AI applications to support client needs. However, Kathryn emphasizes that the successful PR professional will be the one who uses AI as a tool, not as a replacement for original thought. “There is still a huge need for human thought and emotion when it comes to public relations,” she asserts. By leveraging technology while maintaining a human touch, Kathryn believes that communication professionals can achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Navigating the Path to Success: Advice for Aspiring Professionals and Women in Leadership
Kathryn advises young professionals in the communications industry to stay connected, build strong networks, and commit to lifelong learning. She believes that success comes from actively seeking new experiences, embracing change, and continuously expanding one’s skill set. “The most successful professionals are those who never stop learning,” she emphasizes. She encourages young professionals to be proactive in their career development by seeking mentors and role models who can offer guidance, insight, and support. By engaging with experienced professionals, attending industry events, and staying informed about emerging trends, they can position themselves for long-term success. “The sign of a great communications professional is someone who is constantly evolving in their role,” she asserts.
For women in leadership, Kathryn highlights the unique challenges they face and urges them to be assertive, confident, and unwavering in their ambitions. “Less than 2% of all private equity funding goes to female founders,” she points out, underscoring the importance of women not only taking their seat at the table but also ensuring they remain there. She advises women to articulate their ideas with confidence, avoid diminishing their contributions with unnecessary apologies, and use deliberate, impactful statements. “Don’t let yourself be invisible in a meeting or at a conference,” she encourages, reinforcing the importance of presence and participation in professional spaces.
Beyond assertiveness, Kathryn also stresses the value of emotional intelligence in leadership. She believes that strong leaders consider the perspectives and emotions of others before making judgments or decisions. By balancing confidence with empathy, women can build more meaningful relationships, inspire trust, and foster a more inclusive and collaborative work environment. Through her guidance, Kathryn empowers young professionals and women leaders alike to step into their full potential and make lasting contributions to their industries.
Legacy and Future Generations: Empowering Effective Communication
Kathryn hopes to leave a lasting legacy centered on the power and importance of effective communication. “I believe everyone has the potential to be an effective communicator. While some people have a natural talent for it, most of us have to work at it. The only thing standing between us and becoming fearless, confident communicators is ourselves,” she says. She encourages individuals to let go of self-doubt, embrace their voices, and invite the world into their narratives.
Through her work at Presenting Perfection, as well as her mentoring and coaching initiatives, Kathryn is dedicated to empowering others to develop strong, authentic communication skills. She firmly believes that communication is not just an inherent ability but a craft that can be honed through practice, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. By sharing her expertise and experiences, she aims to inspire future generations of communicators to step into their potential, own their voices, and make meaningful contributions in their respective fields. Her ultimate goal is to instill the confidence that allows individuals to communicate with clarity, conviction, and purpose—leaving an impact that extends far beyond words.
Conclusion
Kathryn Lancioni’s journey in the field of communications is a remarkable example of how passion, dedication, and a commitment to personal values can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career. Her insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for both emerging and established professionals, highlighting the importance of continuous learning, self-care, and embracing new opportunities. As the communications industry evolves, Kathryn’s contributions and leadership will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the future of the field.
