Julian Guthrie

Over 90 percent of workers today say their messages have been misunderstood or misinterpreted, while 1 in 5 say they have been reprimanded, demoted, or fired because of it. In addition, roughly half of the workers surveyed overthink their communications to the point that it affects their overall mental health. Miscommunication and poor communication cost U.S. companies over $1.2 trillion annually.

What does meaningful communication look like in today’s workplace? How can your company avoid the costs and harm of miscommunication? And how can employees at all levels become more effective and collaborative communicators?

Julian Guthrie, a veteran former journalist, NYT best-selling author, and founder and CEO of Alphy, will talk about how to move employees and teams at all levels to more productive communication. Alphy’s AI-powered tools called Reflect serve as a personal communication coach, helping teams communicate more confidently and collaboratively, driving improved results in sales, marketing, recruiting, and company culture. Individuals become more aware of their words, tone, and speech in real-time in their written and video communications. Julian will share tips and takeaways on how to improve the tone and confidence of your language

“I’m sorry.” “I’m sure I’m not making sense.” “I’m no expert here.” “I hate to take up your time.” “It’s just my opinion.” These are just a few of the hundreds of diminishing terms women unwittingly use in a way that weakens their communication and softens – or even sabotages – their intent and authority.

As someone who spent two decades in daily journalism and has written five nonfiction books and is now the founder and CEO of a tech platform for women, Julian cares deeply about storytelling and communication. Julian will explore the reality of diminishing – or weakening – language for women.

Drawing on years of research on how men and women succeed, and how communication can be
gender-coded, Julian outlines the striking differences and dynamics where gender intersects with correspondence. She reminds us that how we speak makes a significant difference in how we are perceived. One of the most common uses of diminishing language is saying “I’m sorry” when no apology is warranted. When men say they are sorry, it softens them. When women use “I’m sorry,” it weakens them. Julian will highlight the numerous ways we essentially talk down to ourselves with diminishing language (Correct me if I’m wrong…Am I making sense?…). She will offer alternative language for stronger and more effective communication and remind you not to second guess what you have to say or apologize when no apology is warranted. Lastly, Julian will show you how Alphy’s game-changing AI communication-strengthening tools are paving the way for a new generation of women who say and write exactly what they mean – warmly, authentically, and unapologetically!

What are four traits that make for a satisfying life — for women? And what lessons can women – and men – take from them? This is something Julian has been thinking about pretty much nonstop for several years now. She wrote a book (Alpha Girls) about the subject, launched a national nonprofit for girls, and is now the founder and CEO of a dynamic new tech company that is all about advancing women and allies. She will share with your team four essential character traits — traits that are particularly important for women. Recognizing these character traits, and acting on them, will be critical for women to continue advancing in these challenging times. As we know, women are making gains in literacy, life expectancy, pay, seats on corporate boards, in political office, and more. Women are earning more college, graduate, and postgraduate degrees than men, and entering the workforce at higher rates. Yet, where there are gains, there are gaps. Women earn on average 20% less than men. Only 23% of lawmakers are women. The 10 highest-paid CEOs are men. Of the world’s 100 highest-paid athletes, two are women. Julian believes that the traits of bravery, kindness, ambition, and optimism can change the world, one individual at a time. She will share true stories and open discussion around the power and application of each trait in our lives, companies, and relationships.

Author of Alpha Girls and founder of Alphy, Julian will share stories and strategies of women
succeeding in male-dominated industries. Julian provides a unique view inside the minds and lives of women pioneers to explain how women across industries can succeed at work and at home. Julian shows through unforgettable true stories how ordinary women become extraordinary. She delves into questions ranging from: How do you know when to take issue with something offensive or off color, and when to let it go? How can you use humor to diffuse tense situations? How can you make great allies, and how can men be important allies? How can you create equity at home, as you add on to your life with children, spouse, and aging parents? Why do women need to rethink their view of money? Julian’s stories will resonate across industries and leave women at all levels – as well as men who want to be strong allies – inspired and with new ways to navigate complicated terrain. Alpha Girls is being adapted for a television series, and Julian will serve as co-producer with Academy Award-winner Cathy Schulman.

Lessons in reframing problems and overcoming adversity from a tech billionaire, a space geek,
women trailblazers, and Julian herself. Storytelling has the power to build trust, relationships,
companies, and industries. It has the power to change minds and make history. Telling stories is
critical to what we all do, whether as individuals, startups, nonprofits, or corporations. We all need the right story to connect with the world. We need stories to add to the value of our products and engage with our customers. How do you, as company leaders, convey your story to employees and to customers? How do you create a narrative for what you do, one that will connect with people in important ways? Julian will walk you through how to tell your story, and make you think about storytelling in different ways using different mediums. Learn how to build your story for maximum impact. Perfect for workshops, deep-dive conference sessions, nonprofits, and executives.