Ideas That Influence . . . Relationships That Create Value

Elizabeth Fried, Ph.D. | Executive Coach • Author • Speaker

An executive coach, author, and creator of the Strategic Networking methodology, Elizabeth Fried, Ph.D., brings a distinctive perspective to leadership influence and professional relationship building. Her background in vocational education and compensation consulting, combined with decades of executive coaching and her work with transitioning military Special Operations personnel, provides a unique foundation for helping individuals and organizations strengthen leadership effectiveness, build meaningful relationships, and create professional opportunities.

Speaking Topics

Relationship Capital in Action

Discover the hidden value of relationships and learn how to leverage this powerful professional asset to increase personal and organizational impact.

Every significant opportunity begins with people. Valuable ideas, introductions, collaborations, and career opportunities rarely emerge by chance. They grow from trusted relationships intentionally developed and nurtured over time.

This engaging presentation explores how to build, strengthen, and leverage Relationship Capital to expand influence, create opportunities, and achieve meaningful results.

It also reveals how greater awareness of colleagues’ expertise, activities, and resources can break down organizational silos, strengthen collaboration, reduce duplication of effort, and contribute to greater productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Participants will discover how to:

  • Build relationships that provide access to new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities.
  • Apply the No Wallflower Rule to make networking events more productive.
  • Leverage AI to research, personalize outreach, and initiate meaningful connections.
  • Become a sought-after resource for expertise and solutions.
  • Strengthen professional credibility and influence.
  • Leverage colleagues’ expertise and internal resources to improve collaboration, efficiency, and organizational performance.
  • Create a culture that encourages guilt-free relationship-building, enabling employees to connect across departments and share knowledge throughout the organization.

Strategic Networking for Career Success

Building Professional Relationships That Open Doors to New Career Opportunities

Career success requires more than technical skills, academic credentials, and a polished résumé. Understanding how to explore career options, connect with industry professionals, and build meaningful relationships can make the difference between simply searching for a job and strategically creating career opportunities.

Designed for educational institutions and workforce development organizations, this practical program offers a structured approach to career exploration, transition, and relationship building. It equips participants with strategies to explore new career paths, connect with industry professionals, and navigate the employment market with greater confidence and purpose.

Participants will discover how to:

  • Apply a proven, repeatable six-step Strategic Networking process for exploring career options, building professional relationships, and creating career opportunities.
  • Identify and connect with professionals in industries and organizations of interest.
  • Leverage AI to research organizations, prepare for conversations, and personalize outreach.
  • Conduct purposeful career-exploration conversations to gain firsthand insights.
  • Build credibility and establish professional relationships before pursuing new career opportunities.
  • Use strategic networking to uncover opportunities beyond traditional job postings.
  • Develop a systematic approach to following up and sustaining valuable professional connections.

Executive Presence—Earning Your Seat at the Table

Project Credibility. Inspire Confidence. Influence Outcomes.

Executive presence is that often-elusive quality that distinguishes influential leaders. Beyond technical expertise and business acumen, it encompasses gravitas—the ability to project authority, inspire confidence, command respect, and gain support for your ideas.

Designed for educational administrators, association leaders, and business executives seeking greater influence, this presentation also benefits newly promoted and emerging leaders preparing for expanded responsibilities.

Through an engaging, interactive format, Dr. Elizabeth Fried shares practical techniques participants can apply immediately to strengthen executive presence and increase leadership impact.

Participants will discover how to:

  • Develop the essential attributes of executive presence.
  • Build a personal brand that reinforces credibility and authority.
  • Use body language, vocal delivery, and professional appearance to enhance influence.
  • Manage stress and project confidence in high-stakes situations.
  • Communicate ideas persuasively to gain executive and board-level support.
Read Dr. Fried's eBook, Executive Presence: Earning Your Seat at the Table

Presentations and workshops can be tailored to the audience, organizational objectives, and event format

Bring Elizabeth to Your Organization

Whether you’re planning a leadership conference, professional association event, or educational program, let’s explore how Elizabeth can deliver an engaging, thought-provoking presentation tailored to your audience and organizational objectives.

Let's start the Conversation.

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