“Communication is currency—you just have to understand how to cash it.” – Jodee Blanco
Jodee Blanco is a New York Times bestselling author, former publishing and entertainment industry executive, and an expert on the human component of effective communication. Known for her seminal memoir about her adolescence, Please Stop Laughing at Me…, she’s helped tens of thousands of people find their voice and become agents of change in their schools, corporations, and communities.
One of the most relevant and trusted speakers in the country, whether she’s giving a keynote on resiliency, helping an auditorium of executives harness their communication skills, or headlining a conference on bullying, audience members can be seen nodding their heads, furiously taking notes. Jodee’s vulnerability, her willingness to go where many others won’t and draw upon experiences that are tough to talk about, is what sets her apart.
Her simple, practical strategies for handling challenging conversations, leading with truth and compassion, and fostering an environment in which everyone feels heard and respected continue to fortify the workplace and strengthen profitability. Jodee isn’t about power points or charts and graphs. She earns trust by speaking from the heart and connecting on a human level. Her authenticity resonates. She introduces audiences to the best versions of themselves and teaches them how to activate the emotionally intelligent communicator within. Her tools and takeaways are easy to engage with and palpable in their results.
Previously, Jodee owned a national PR firm that helped Hollywood legends, entertainment industry icons, sports stars, CEOs, and other public figures transform their communication. She has taught at The University of Chicago and her alma-mater, New York University, and her work has been featured in USA Today, on CBS Evening News among many other major media outlets.
A seasoned and passionate presenter, Jodee is comfortable with any size audience, having done keynotes for several thousand people as well as small, intimate groups. She provides step-by-step guidance punctuated by deeply personal stories from her years in the entertainment business and her work inside America’s schools, and what all of it taught her about the importance of compassion. She can customize presentations based on a theme. Jodee’s wheelhouse includes communication, bullying, and resiliency.
In addition to her memoir, Jodee is the author of twelve other books including: the New York Times bestseller Both of Us which she co-wrote with Ryan O’Neal about his love affair with Farrah Fawcett; The Evolving Woman, which received an award from former President Biden for its contribution to domestic violence awareness; and her first novel I, John Kennedy Toole, a New York Times “New and Noteworthy” selection.
“Jodee’s workshop completely shifted how I think about presenting. She has a rare gift for breaking down the simplest communication habits — the ones we don’t even realize we have — and helping you rebuild them with intention and confidence. Her energy, insight, and vulnerability create a space where everyone feels seen and empowered to show up more fully. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or just getting comfortable in front of a room, Jodee meets you exactly where you are. I walked away with tools I’ll use in every meeting, pitch, and presentation moving forward — and a deeper awareness of how I want to connect with my audience. If you have the chance to work with Jodee, take it.”
“Jodee’s workshop completely shifted how I think about presenting. She has a rare gift for breaking down the simplest communication habits — the ones we don’t even realize we have — and helping you rebuild them with intention and confidence. Her energy, insight, and vulnerability create a space where everyone feels seen and empowered to show up more fully. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or just getting comfortable in front of a room, Jodee meets you exactly where you are. I walked away with tools I’ll use in every meeting, pitch, and presentation moving forward — and a deeper awareness of how I want to connect with my audience. If you have the chance to work with Jodee, take it.”