Client Testimonials

“Phil Stella is an engaging, talented speaker. He is without a doubt an expert in his field and conveys the information in a way that people WANT to learn it. Phil keeps his audience interested and provides them with actionable information they can take with them into their businesses.”

Diane Helbig, President, Seize-This-Day Coaching
President, Cleveland Coach Federation

“It’s been nearly 20 years since I first heard Phil Stella speak and I’ve heard him on several occasions since.  Each time he brings a fresh approach to his chosen topic.  He’s knowledgeable and entertaining, and has the innate ability to personally engage his audiences, to make them feel as if they are part of the presentation.  In that way, his audiences come away with the sense of having fully participated in the program.  With all that, Phil Stella delivers a total experience.”

Jim Tabaczynski,  President, JPT Group
President, Northeast Ohio Communication Advocates

“Phil Stella has long been one of HRCC’s most popular speakers. For 15 years, Phil has shared his expertise with our members on relationship building, efficiently and effectively running meetings, creating and polishing our “elevator speeches” so that we are confident in our own messaging, and has continuously delivered practical networking tips and strategies.

“Phil delivers his message succinctly, but with wit and charm. Our attendees leave every time with tools they can put to use immediately. In fact, one of the best aspects of Phil’s presentations and workshops is the live interactive training, where participants put his tips into play with fellow attendees.

“As a facilitator, Phil’s sure-handed command of the crowd comes from the posture of knowing exactly how to lead people where THEY want to go. He’s approachable, engaging, and always fresh. We appreciate that Phil retains the core of what he knows so well, but continues to add new tools to his kit so that we can benefit as well.

“Over the years, we’ve put Phil to the test in just about every kind of presentation scenario … from formal presentations, to facilitating networking events, facilitating panel discussions, and even hosting a game-show style presentation, he always comes through.”

Angie Pohlman, Executive Director
Heights-Hillcrest Regional Chamber of Commerce

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Phil for several years, as fellow business travelers in northeast Ohio, as attendees for each other’s programs, and as co-presenters on several programs. Simply put, Phil lives and breathes communication … it’s what he teaches, it’s what he understands, and it’s what he has made his passion. Phil has proven his ability to help people and organizations go from noise to impact through more effective communication skills, whether it’s presentations or one-on-one communication.

“Phil is also a regular speaker around Northeast Ohio on a wide variety of business topics, including networking, presentation skills, and effective communication. Phil has the unique gift of sharing a message with his audiences that is clear, concise and impactful. If you want to empower your team’s or your communication, then Phil is the person to help you!”

Jeff Nischwitz
President, Think Again Coaching
jeff@thinkagaincoaching.com

“I have had the pleasure of working with Phil Stella in many different capacities as he’s shared his vast knowledge and expertise with his peer business owners in Northeast Ohio. As a member of our COSE Small Business Conference task team for several years, Phil consistently came up with new ideas and strategies to encourage members to take advantage of COSE’s vast networking and educational opportunities. He is a valued speaker and editorial expert for our various member-to-member resources. His ability to share his expertise, entertain an audience, and allow each participant to walk away with real actionable items is a true gift.”

Megan E. Kim
Director, Education & Programs
COSE | Council of Smaller Enterprises

“I sit through approximately six presentations every month. Unlike most presenters, Phil has the skill to help me remember important information. Nor is there ‘death by PowerPoint.’ It’s clear Phil wants everyone in the audience to retain a few vital lessons via an entertaining dialogue.”

Barry Leaventon
Vice President Of National Accounts
Print Communications

“It was a true pleasure having Phil serve as our 2011 Small Business Conference Task Team Chair. He came with great ideas, passion and commitment for taking our conference to the next level. At COSE, we are so grateful to have incredible volunteer leaders like Phil and we find it of utmost importance to recognize and praise their incredible work.”

Megan E. Kim

Director, COSE Education & Programs

Exceptional Communication Techniques, Creativity and Entertainment are the returns on investment for hiring Phil Stella. Audiences, students and executives rave about Phil because he has charisma and content. I am blessed to have Phil as a mentor. Phil helps everyone he meets by sharing his wisdom, resources and motivation. As the networking and elevator speech guru, Phil has increased revenue for his clients and changed the way we market ourselves.

Katherine Miracle      President, Miracle Resources

‘My first encounter with Phil Stella was a student at the University of Phoenix and as an ASTD speaker.

Phil is an awesome teacher and guide. I learned so much from being in his class. As an instructor, he gave his students communication theory and the opportunity exercise our wings to develop as creative and effective communicators.

Phil help me to have the courage to soar and speak with confidence in public. Phil made public speaking FUN.’

Tanya Ross-Lane,  United Way of Summit County

‘Phil is a dynamic and energetic faculty member who relates well to scholars in the 10,000 Small Businesses Program. He has a good sense of the overall program and is great at connecting course material to scholar businesses in practical ways.’

Molly Tyson, Program Manager, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

Jim Smith, The Executive Happiness Coach

“I’ve known Phil since 2005, when I was appointed the Director of Academic Affairs for the Cleveland Campus of University of Phoenix. Phil is outgoing and personable, and is a skilled communicator with over 25 years of experience as a communications learning coach.

He brings the joy of communicating effectively to our students through encouragement and by demanding their best. He pushes them beyond their personal fears of public speaking by taking them out of their comfort zones. I highly recommend Phil both professionally and personally; he is a dedicated instructor and a good friend.”

Angela Sanson, Ph.D., Director of Academic Affairs, University of Phoenix, Cleveland Campus

‘If you’re looking for a no-nonsense path to better communication, Phil Stella is your man. Phil has a peerless combination of skills, an easy rapport, and experience grounded in reality. His natural capacity to tune into your issues and your learning style make him the perfect communication trainer to take the stress out of your learning experience, add back some fun, and make every minute valuable. A sensitive and responsive question-asker, Phil is discerning and focused; you can trust him to bring his whole self and experience set to meet your needs while effectively keeping himself “out of the way” of the answers. Whether you’re an executive who needs polish and confidence, or responsible for a whole team’s professional development, Phil’s masterful content expertise and effective facilitation skills are the right tools for instilling confidence, improving skills and informing real business results.’

Halle Barnett, co-owner, media schmedia llc

I have known Phil for over 10 years as a faculty member at the University of Phoenix. During that time, he was been an incredible vessel of knowledge and creativity. He is not only a great instructor, but has been a resource for many of the programs we offer at that University of Phoenix to assist our students and faculty improve their communications skills. We have also used his skills in our marketing program to outside organizations as representative of the facilitation style we use in our classrooms.

I asked him to be a presenter at our Job Seekers meetings on How to Build an Effective Elevator Speech. He has the ability to educate in a way that produces quick and measurable results. Our students and alumni seek out his advice and counsel. Phil is a “outside the box” thinker who puts his dreams into reality and encourages others to do likewise.

I am glad to have worked with him and consider him a friend.

Rich Spinner, College Chair, University of Phoenix, Cleveland

Phil Stella is an extremely knowledgeable workplace communication expert, an engaging trainer and a focused executive presentation coach. He creates and delivers engaging, audience-centric presentations and he’s a delight to listen to. I enjoy Phil because he practices what he teaches and he’s got a great sense of humor. I would gladly recommend Phil to any organization that is looking to take their training to the next level. Phil rocks!

Lisa Ryan, Chief Appreciation Strategist, Grategy

“I can recommend Phil without reservation for an informative and entertaining presentation. I have seen him in action, and you are sure to take away relevant information. I also think that his monthly newsletter is one of the best for informative content.”

Carol Staiger, owner, VANTAGE POINT Enterprises

“Phil makes a difference every day! He helps both individuals and organizations to define, refine and promote their brand. If you are facing a communication issue (personal or professional, internal or external), call Phil. I am confident he can help you as I have seen immediate results from following his advice.”

Lamar Ratcliffe, Co-chairman, Cleveland FENG (Financial Executives Networking Group)

Phil is an expert coach and facilitator with the ability to customize content to fit the particular participants and to make a professional workshop engaging and interactive. His expertise in training and communication is highly valued by NOCHE/NEOintern. Phil helped to design – and also facilitate – two highly effective and interactive workshops for our interns and their employers that have been a successful part of our Entrepreneurial Internship Program for the past two years.

Brenda Davis Smith, Program Manager, Talent Development, NE Ohio Council on Higher Education

‘Phil’s expert content coupled with his engaging delivery and speaking style made his Intern sessions lively and interactive. Participants reported taking away a great deal of helpful information that they planned to put to use immediately. His passion and enthusiasm are contagious, and translated easily into an excellent presentation.’

Brenda J. Davis Smith, Vice President, Programs, NOCHE (NE OH Council on Higher Education) /NEOintern