Keynote Speakers

Are you looking for a conference speaker or keynote speaker for an upcoming meeting? Our coaches – Suzanne Bates, Paula Lyons, Craig Bentley and Sarah Woods – know how to connect with any audience. Programs can be tailored to your industry or organization – our speakers research and customize content for speeches and/or workshops.

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Below you'll find information on our speakers and programs they specialize in.

Read what our clients say about our speakers

Suzanne Bates, CSP

Suzanne Bates is an executive coach, author, certified speaking professional (CSP), former award-winning television news anchor, and CEO of Bates Communications, Inc. Suzanne coaches top executives and is the author of Speak like a CEO: Secrets for Commanding Attention and Getting Results.

Ms. Bates founded Bates Communications Inc. after a successful on-air career with major market television stations WBZ-TV Boston, WCAU-TV Philadelphia and WFLA-TV Tampa-St. Petersburg. She was a recipient of the AP News Award, and interviewed thousands of political leaders, executives, experts, authors and celebrities over her career.

A graduate of the University of Illinois, Ms. Bates is a guest host on Boston's National Public Radio (NPR), and a member of the Leadership Council at Harvard University's Center for Business and Government.

Meet Suzanne Bates
Click here to see programs offered by Suzanne. PDF Download (555k)
View Suzanne's press kit here

Paula Lyons

Paula Lyons is an executive coach and senior communications consultant. Prior to joining Bates Communications in 2004, Paula earned respect and accolades as top-rated consumer reporter and familiar face on ABC's Good Morning America, as well as two major market television stations in Boston, WBZ-TV (CBS) and WCVB-TV (ABC).

As a reporter, Paula was honored with the Consumer Federation of America's prestigious Outstanding Consumer Media Service Award and the National Press Club's Consumer Journalism Award for Best Investigative Reporting. She won a number of regional Emmys for her work, and for enterprise reporting from the Associated Press.

Lyons holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Newton College of the Sacred Heart and a master's degree from the University of Massachusetts. Lyons is also a nationally published writer, and a regular panelist on National Public Radio's weeekly comedy quiz show "Says You."

Meet Paula Lyons
Click here to see programs offered by Paula. PDF Download (652k)

Craig Bentley

Craig Bentley is an executive coach and senior communications consultant. Prior to joining Bates Communications in 2007, Craig was a principal at Mage, LLC, a management consulting firm.

Craig is a sought-after business consultant, financial expert and speaker. His thirty years of experience in domestic and international financial markets, banking, business development, and strategic planning provide his clients with a diverse, strategic perspective to leadership communications.

Craig has been active in a number of professional organizations and has lectured at universities, seminars, and industry conferences domestically and abroad. He lived in Europe and Asia for over 10 years and has conducted business and traveled extensively in over 65 countries.

Craig holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from Dartmouth College, and attended the Graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago.

Meet Craig Bentley
Click here to see programs offered by Craig. PDF Download (357k)

Sarah Woods

Sarah Woods is an executive coach and senior communications consultant. Prior to joining Bates Communications in 2007, Sarah spent decades as a management consultant, advising both international corporations and early stage startup companies in the area of sales, marketing, communications and strategy.

Through her own consulting practice, Sarah worked with growth companies in multiple industries to develop their competitive advantage through sales, marketing and communications programs. Over the years, she’s coached dozens of executives on communicating key value messages, developing sound sales strategy, and the keys to successful negotiations.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Skidmore College in Saratoga, New York.

Meet Sarah Woods
Click here to see programs offered by Sarah. PDF Download (133k)

Contact Bates Communications at 800-908-8239 or Contact Us about booking a speaker for your event.

Read and subscribe to Suzanne Bates’ blog, for her latest tips on how to become a powerful speaker and communicator!

Testimonials

“Suzanne Bates was a dynamic speaker. She captivated the audience with her humorous personal stories, and kept them intrigued with her valuable advice on improving communications. She was one of those speakers who, after the event, everyone wanted to meet!”

Paul Guzzi,
President and CEO,
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce



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