John Bates

Executive Speaking Success

John Bates​‘​ mission is to bring out what is awesome inside you, so you can have the impact you want to have on the world. 

John is an in-demand Leadership Communications Expert, Executive Coach, Author, and Keynote Speaker. He is also one of the most prolific TED format coaches in the world. Executives from organizations like Johnson & Johnson’s JLABS, NASA (including the Astronauts), US Navy Special Operations, Boston Scientific, and more recommend him to their colleagues as the best leadership communications coach working today. He knows the power that creating a TED-like talk can bring to anyone - in business and life. 

John is also an in-demand pitch coach. He supports many accelerator programs and organizations including Johnson & Johnson Innovations JLABS, The Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge, ION Houston Accelerator, Starburst Aerospace Accelerator, and more. He has assisted clients in winning million-dollar pitch competitions, raising millions in VC, winning millions in grant money, and more. 

John shares his long experience as an entrepreneur / successful fundraiser, along with important company culture principles for your success.

John designs all of his programs using principles derived from neurobiology, so YOUR COMMUNICATION ​is as​ MIGHTY​ as YOUR IDEAS​.

CEO/Founder

Goldstar Events, Inc.

Responsible for working directly with the CEO on public speaking, media training, speech and presentation writing, and all aspects of 'in person' messaging.

Speaking & Messaging Coach

TED Conferences

Previous license holder for TEDxSantaMonica where we did salon events to create community which were dedicated to furthering the TED mission of sharing “ideas worth spreading” by organizing regular events • Create & deliver educational programs to teach TEDx speakers how to create and deliver TED-Worthy presentations •  Perform as the speaker coach for numerous TEDx events including TEDxAFC (America's Finest City: San Diego), TEDxSanDiego, TEDxHoboken,TEDxVilnius, TEDxFulbright, TEDxTaiz • Speak at TEDx events including TEDxWoodsHole, TEDxMonterey, TEDxHoboken, TEDxLex, TEDxTaiz, TEDxVilnius • Hosted and co-Hosted numersous TEDx events including TEDxSantaMonica, TEDxPCC (Pasadena Community College), TEDxVeniceBeach, and many more, the SupporTED Collaboratorium to support the TED Fellows and current TED Fellows Coach • Developed partnerships with local businesses along with the TEDxSantaMonica team • Manage team of dedicated & brilliant volunteers • Evangelize the TED & TEDx organization.

TEDx Volunteer Organizer

MindArk PE AB

John is responsible for business development and public relations initiatives throughout North America. As the US representative, John speaks with the media and at conferences and other events for Mindark and the Entropia Universe all over the Americas and the Pacific Rim. John creates and executes marketing strategies,  generates business partnerships, and expands Entropia's reach to a new and greater population of gamers and virtual world enthusiasts.  John oversees overall US business development for the Entropia Virtual World Platform, negotiates potential alliances, brand development, and more.

Platform Evangelist & Strategic Marketing

MEME Dispersal Unit. LLC

MDU offers Memetic Marketing, Brand Advocacy, and Sales. MDU offers a nationwide network of student influencers and opinion leaders, and years of deep experience with the market. Clients include: Goldstar Events, Altadena, CA, successfully opened the Bay Area market and was asked to move to Altadena and join the company for approximately a year to open several key regions. Expression Center for New Media in Emeryville, CA where MDU created and implemented an extremely successful and ongoing outreach program; BIGGERWORDS.com, Annapolis, MD where MDU developed and guides a large network of student marketers; Anarchy Online, Oslo Norway, MDU created/executed several successful marketing campaigns, one of which brought the computer network at MIT to its knees due to the demand created by MDU.

Owner

WemoMedia

I spread the word about our underwater ocean experience project and brought in partners by speaking at conferences, talking with the press, direct outreach and relationship building and networking.

Evangelist for theBlu

Finch, Evolutionary Search

We manage your adwords buys and accomplish substantial savings while increasing your desirable traffic tremendously. Let's talk. 
Finch brings together many of the rapidly developing opportunities online - cloud computing, Web 2.0/3.0 API/data integrations, search portal infrastructure, and open source - to solve a big problem for online advertisers in a disruptive way. Be on the right side of this disruption!

Sales

FileDBA.com

John consulted on all business activities including website development, partnerships and marketing.

Consultant

Renewable Hydrogen Foundation

Was recruited by the Renewable Hydrogen Foundation to create, launch and manage the RHF membership program.  Main duties included managing website development, membership program development, bookstore functions, Public Relations and messaging, and public speaking engagements. Met or exceeded milestones, however RHF lost funding for 2006.

Director of Marketing and Membership

Initially working as a consultant, was recruited by Goldstar Events launch and manage SF Bay Area, signed up over 100 venues.  Relocated to lead explosive growth into new markets from company headquarters. Expanded leadership responsibilities beyond the Bay Area to include, San Diego, Las Vegas and Chicago Regions. Main duties included sourcing clients, negotiating, and closing Goldstar Events partner relationships. Regularly exceeded expectations by closing more venues in less time than aggressive goals required. Consistently exceeded goals and broke monthly sales records. 
https://www.goldstarevents.com/splash?p=F5881N

Director of Venue Relations

Get my Mini-Trainings for Free ↙️ | Message me the word "COMMUNICATE" to 10X your Speaking Ability | Leadership Communication Expert | Speaker | Trainer | Executive Coach | CEO

Over 15+ years, I have worked with some huge brands, such as:

> TEDx
> NASA
> US Navy EOD
> Johnson & Johnson

All whilst coaching leaders who aim to make a global impact for good.

I've seen that today's business world is tough:

> A lack of confidence can impact your success.
> Communication within the leadership team is vital.
> Leaders need high quality speaking and presentation skills.

What if you could:

> Have more impact on the world.
> Become a far better speaker and presenter.
> Convey your message to leave a lasting impact.
> Lead a more influential, effective, and ultimately successful life.

We're all about turning these challenges into wins by:

> Leadership communications training.
> Executive Coaching and "Executive Whisperer" techniques.
> Public speaking and presentation coaching, especially in the TED format.
> Individual and team coaching for effective communication and leadership.
> Online and in-person training courses in public speaking, pitching, presenting, leadership, and teamwork.

Here are some of our results over the years:

✅  “He is extremely knowledgeable in how to connect with audiences and he has a relaxed approach that can be tailored to any group’s needs.” - Austin Knight - CEO - Air Liquide USA

✅  “That knowledge from John has completely changed how I present today…and we got great feedback after the talk. So, it’s working!” - Stephanie Venn Watson - Co Founder and CEO - Epitracker

✅  “He not only brings out the best in you when you talk, but he looks inside your soul when he does it.” - Melinda Richter - Head of Johnson & Johnson

All through revealing the secrets of human evolutionary biology and human neurophysiology that govern effective communication, persuasion, and influence.

If you want to see how I could help you, shoot me a message saying ‘Speak’.

Every small interaction shapes how people see you. 
 
In public speaking and life, the little things matter most.
 
Every conversation, every comment, every interaction, builds your reputation.
 
That’s your invisible PR quietly working for or against you.
 
When you’re kind, curious, and respectful, you’re not just being nice, you’re building trust and connection.
 
Those little moments add up, whether you’re speaking on stage, leading a team, or just chatting with someone.
 
On the flip side, there’s unkindness. That’s like a massive tax on your talent.
 
A dismissive word or lack of attention can chip away at the opportunities you’ve worked so hard for.
 
The best speakers and leaders know it’s not just the big presentations that matter.
 
It’s the habits and interactions behind the scenes.
 
They’re what make people listen, trust, and show up for you.
 
And Usain Bolt’s actions in the video below are proof that the small moments can have a huge impact. 

When I first watched this video I cried, because I've been the "not Usain Bolt" person in these interactions and it makes me want to be sure that when I'm on the other side I am this caring and generous. 
 
You also have the ability to make your invisible PR work for you.
 
All it takes is one kind interaction at a time.

Is there someone in your life who has been "Usain Bolt" for you? Give them a shoutout in the comments and let them know you noticed! 
 
Video credit: Dan Abrahams.

Great Leaders Become Great Speakers With Me via Team & Individual Training & Keynotes | Helped 12,000+ Clients Become TED-Worthy Communicators | 92+ Net Promoter

🎙️ New Episode Coming This Week!

#132 — Making Your Message Stick in a Noisy World with Jennifer Kaplan ✨

This week, I’m joined by Jennifer Kaplan — PR powerhouse, media strategist, and founder/CEO of Evolve PR & Marketing, the largest firm of its kind in Arizona.

Jennifer and I dive into what truly makes a message resonate — and what real leadership looks like beyond business success. From the power of giving back to mastering on-camera presence, Jennifer shares hard-earned wisdom from decades in PR and crisis communication.

We also talk about earned media, visibility, vulnerability, and why the most “authentic” pros rehearse more than anyone else.

👉 Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Link in the comments 👇

No alternative text description for this image

The first time I coached leaders at NASA and Johnson & Johnson, I braced myself, but what happened next surprised me.

These were people at the top of their fields. Brilliant scientists. High-ranking executives. The kind of leaders whose decisions shape industries, even nations.

I’ll be honest… part of me expected them to have their walls up. I even thought there would be some resistance. But what I found surprised me.

Instead of resistance, I was met with curiosity.
Instead of defensiveness, I was met with openness.

These leaders weren’t just willing to be coached, they were some of the most coachable people I’d ever met.

One example that comes to mind is my friend, Dolph Lundgren.

As an actor, Dolph knows what it’s like to take direction.

He understands the value of someone standing outside the frame, a director guiding him to bring out his best performance.

And that same humility shows up in great leaders.

It dawned on me: of course they’re coachable.

That’s how they got there in the first place!

The best leaders are brilliant at what they do.

But they also know the power of letting someone else guide them, sharpen them, and help them see what they can’t see themselves.

And that realization changed how I see leadership at the highest levels.

Over the years, I’ve learned that coachability isn’t subservience.

It’s the quiet superpower of the world’s best leaders.

I’ve seen this trait in my dad and every great leader I know.

It completely changed how I think about leadership 👇

The best leaders I’ve met aren’t great at everything, they surround themselves with people who are.

But what really sets them apart is how they treat those people.

When things go wrong, they step forward and take responsibility.

When things go right, they step back and give credit where it’s due.

Watching them over the years, I’ve realised this isn’t just good character, it’s good science.

Our brains are wired with mirror neurons.

We subconsciously reflect the people we look up to.

So when a leader owns mistakes and celebrates others, their team starts doing the same.

- Accountability spreads.
- Trust deepens.
- And the entire culture changes.

That’s what I’ve seen from my dad, my mentor RB Hackenberg and leaders like Melinda Richter at Johnson & Johnson Innovation JLABS.

👉  This week, look around you.

Are you surrounded by people who lift you higher and are you lifting them too?

You spend 99% of your time performing… working hard... producing...

But it’s the other 1% that actually decides your success.

That 1%? It’s when people see you in action.

Here’s what I mean:

YIPE = Your Impression = Performance × Exposure.

We all obsess over performance… the late nights, the prep, the extra effort.

But exposure?

That’s the moment you speak up in a meeting, brief the board, or deliver a killer 
presentation.

And that moment multiplies your hard work. For better or for worse.

You can have a million-dollar performance, but if no one gets it, you’ll look like a $50k idea.

But that doesn’t have to be the case.

Want people to feel your impact?

You need a solid performance x great exposure.

Remember, your work doesn’t speak for itself.

You do.

👉 Follow me for more content like this.
♻️ Share this post with your network today.

Leanne Elich Consulting

Leanne Elich Consulting was founded in 2018 on a mission to transform individuals and businesses with the power of Behavioural Science and Psychology.

We work with individuals, teams and organisations to create human-centric sales processes, ethically influence customers and master practical business skills to become industry leaders.​

Our mission is to educate, develop and support exceptional businesses to take a ‘Mind Wide Open’ approach to accelerate their growth faster than they thought possible.​

Dedicated to bridge the gap between science and business together with innovation and commercialisation L.E.C. uses a curated toolkit developed over decades of experience to combine the complexities of business environments and entrepreneurial frameworks.

We help you stand out in a busy marketplace, unravel the challenges of business growth, discover the science behind how people think and master the art of influential selling. Using the unique dynamics of behavioural science and psychology in business, curated and perfected over 20 years.

We also use a range of different modelling tools and frameworks which are unique to the business including Business Model Canvases, Strategic Guidance Frameworks, 12 Step Sales Process, Value Proposition Canvases, the SCOTSMAN Opportunity Qualification Tool, Disruption and Risk Assessments and Culture Maps.

Drawing on this experience, we are able to provide a unique lens into a business and have the expertise to review and implement sales processes that are most impactful in your industry.

Chief Executive Officer

Across two decades, Leanne has been a Keynote Speaker, Guest Lecturer and Advisor for various companies, conferences, campaigns, medical consortiums, advisory groups, patient advocacy groups, government bodies, universities, community and not-for-profit events.

Keynote Speaker

THE KEY TO SALES SUCCESS in business is to become a Master of the Science of Sales. 

The Business Mastermind Workbook provides a development platform to build the world's best salespeople. The workbook dives deeply into frequent sales challenges, making a winning first impression, building rapport, understanding psychological based customer behaviours, mastering conversational rhythm, communicating effectively, leadership techniques, high-level customer service strategies and much more.

It is designed to help you focus, develop and practice phenomenal sales skills needed to be successful in today's world of selling. The L.E.C. method, framework and toolkit have been curated over decades of experience in sales, management, operations and leadership, igniting new ways of discovering growth opportunities to supercharge your business. 

The workbook will guide you through the mindset and the skillset and arm you with a toolkit to activate opportunities, overcome challenges and set the foundation for sales success.

Author

School of Mind is the Consumer Psychology Membership platform of L.E.C. encouraging entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals to learn the skills, strategies and tactics to engage effectively with their ideal audience.

New scientific resources are published monthly to help you master the art of influential selling.
We bring the brightest and boldest Minds together.

Creative Director - School of Mind Academy

NeuroDesign

Combining the science of human behaviour and cutting-edge design to outperform your competitors.

Co-Founder

ION - Organizational Neuroscience Network

Flourish Through Knowledge - Grow the discipline of applied neuroscience in the organizational context. 
Get access to professional development in organizational neuroscience with vetted training providers for practitioners and organizations.
Find out how we can support you in your Ph.D. Journey
Apply practical neuroscience research and bespoke leadership tools that ensure sustained professional and team performance

Master Neuroplastician

npnHub | Uniting Experts and Learners in Applied Neuroscience

Partner - Institute of Organisational Neuroscience

Women's Network Australia

2024 WNA Impact Award Winner

Women’s Network Australia is a vibrant community for professional women in business to connect, grow, succeed and collaborate. WNA is the longest running, most innovative and one of the fastest growing women’s organisations in the country.
Celebrating 30 years as the nation’s leading networking organisation for women in business.

Business Ambassador

Government House NSW

Top 20 Women in Business

Australian Institute of Company Directors

The Australian Institute of Company Directors are the largest director membership organisation in the world. They develop the skills and capabilities of leaders for the benefit of society.

Graduate and Member

Sydney Build Expo

Women in Construction offers the chance for all professionals and students interested in construction, architecture, engineering and related fields to network, learn and feel inspired. Learn about the untapped opportunities for women, the challenges they face and industry changes needed across the workplace. 

Sydney Build works with an amazing team of Women in Construction Ambassadors who are furthering equality in the construction and trades environment.

Women in Construction Ambassador

Business in Heels

At Business in Heels we are enabling business & professional success through & for women. We help them gain clarity, become focused & to achieve success through our key services of mentoring, education, connection and marketing. Today the collaborative community is over 160,000.

Proudly supporting the next generation of women. Our goal is to mentor 1 million businesswomen leading to increased confidence, willingness to sponsor and support other businesswomen, creating a cycle of success.

Business in Heels Mentor

ICMI Speakers and Entertainers

Keynote and Guest Speaker

Sales Psychology Strategist | Top 20 Women in Business 2023 | Use the power of Psychology & Neuroscience to unlock sticky sales in 90 days | Author | Harvard Graduate | Discover more in my FEATURED section below ⬇️

Hello, I'm Leanne Elich, a Sales Psychology Strategist and Neuroscientist, Leadership Advisor, Author and Speaker. The CEO of Leanne Elich Consulting, a consulting and advisory firm specialising in ethical, human-centred sales strategies, business systems, processes & practices. We are on a mission to educate, develop and support exceptional businesses to understand the rich intersection of neuroscience and behavioural science with business. A powerful combination transforming businesses faster than thought possible.

Often described as an unshakeable optimist, I believe in a bright future and our ability to build it together, one brain at a time.
Captivated by the people and organisations that make the greatest and longest-lasting impact, my work has uncovered remarkable patterns in how people think, behave, and communicate in the environments where they operate at their best.

With a PhD in Cognitive Neuropsychology and a graduate of Harvard Business School and Harvard Medical School, I am considered a sought after expert in bridging the gap between science and business.

In 2023, I was thrilled to be awarded the 2023 Top 20 Women in Business and in 2024, I was honoured with the title of Master Neuroplastician by the Institute of Organizational Neuroscience.
My mission is simple but profound: Changing business, one brain at a time.

My passion for medicine sparked at age 5 when I was given the game Operation as a gift. I would recruit friends and family to be my patients.

My ambition to enter the medical industry propelled me from high school to university. I graduated from the University of Sydney and specialised in Radiation Oncology.

I worked clinically at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre and other global institutions. Motivated to take my career to the next level, I transitioned into commercial medicine and business development, which took me around the world.

In 2018, I launched Leanne Elich Consulting. We work closely with clients and offer a range of bespoke consulting, business, and executive coaching services in sales, marketing, leadership, and strategic management.

I love sharing knowledge, so I regularly contribute to local and national media outlets, including ABC Radio and the Sydney Morning Herald. I am also an honorary clinical fellow at the Queensland University of Technology, an international Keynote speaker and a Women in Leadership advisor.

Let's connect and explore how we can build a brighter future together, one brain at a time.
*Click on the blue “Follow” button above.*

Dr Leanne Elich (PhD. C-IQ. GAICD)

The Story of How Neurielle Came to Life  😀
As a neuroscientist, I’ve spent my life cracking the code on those sneaky thoughts and feelings that run our lives. 

But let’s be real, sometimes science feels like it’s speaking another language! You can throw data and diagrams at me, but they don’t exactly scream “exciting,” do they? So, I thought, why not jazz things up? 

I wanted to create something visual and vibrant that makes neuroscience dance off the page! And just like that, Neurielle was born to spark curiosity in everyone. Let’s make those neurons pop! 🧠✨

Inspiration Leanne Elich Consulting 
Design by Colorfull Monsters
Made by Oriland Toys
Delivery and logistics plane 2 sea international

Dr Leanne Elich  (PhD. GAICD. M.npn)

FRIDAY FUN FACTS 🤡
Did you know... that specific numbers can sell a product better than round numbers?

A 2006 study by Schindler (Rutgers University) and Yalch (University of Washington) found exactly this.

They showed participants two versions of the same ad.

“It takes 119.5 seconds to pour the perfect pint.”
vs.
“It takes 2 minutes to pour the perfect pint.”

The result? 📈
Claims using specific numbers were rated 10% more believable than those using rounded ones.

Why did this happen? 🧠
Our brains associate precision with truth. Specifically, the “119.5 seconds” feels researched, measured, and real. Rounded numbers, on the other hand, feel like guesses.

When Guinness says it takes exactly 119.5 seconds to pour the perfect pint, we don’t question it; we assume they’ve done the research.

This is called Specific Number Bias.

➡️ Specific numbers signal credibility
➡️ Precision reduces perceived uncertainty
➡️ The brain interprets detail as evidence

Only 1368 minutes until the weekend
Leanne

Every year, the Black Friday and Cyber Monday frenzy sweeps across screens and shopfronts worldwide. Countdown clocks tick, stock bars flash red, and deals scream “ends soon.” For shoppers, it’s an adrenaline rush. For marketers, it’s a masterclass in human behaviour.

Understanding what truly drives customers during these high-stimulus moments can help businesses not only boost sales but also build relationships that last long after the discounts disappear.
Read it here 👀

Every year, the Black Friday and Cyber Monday frenzy sweeps across screens and shopfronts worldwide. Countdown clocks tick, stock bars flash red, and 

Open article: The Psychology Behind Black Friday Madness 
Why We Scan, Click and Buy by Dr Leanne Elich  (PhD. GAICD. M.npn) • 5 min read

The Psychology Behind Black Friday Madness 
Why We Scan, Click and Buy

A Christmas party like never before... 🎄
We’re excited to be part of Come & See: Christmas. It's not just a Christmas party, but a curated networking experience designed for leaders who want to connect, collaborate and get a head start on their 2026 goals.

The night brings together high-performing decision-makers from across industries for real conversations, shared opportunities, and memorable experiences.

 📆  Tuesday, 9 December
 🕡  6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
 📍  Proxima: 2 Australia Ave, Sydney Olympic Park

See you there.🎅

Webinar Event: Are Your Leads Converting?
Whether you’re getting leads that don’t move forward, or prospects who lose interest halfway through the process, you could be missing the subtle cues that turn curiosity into commitment.

Behind every enquiry or sign-up is a powerful psychological story. 🧠
Join Dr Leanne Elich and Clint Nielsen in this insightful webinar as they reveal how human behaviour shapes decisions, builds confidence, and ultimately drives conversions.

“Are Your Leads Converting? What Science Says To Do About It.”

What you’ll discover:
🔸 Why great leads often fail to convert and how to fix it
🔸 Behavioural triggers that flip indecision to commitment
🔸 Profile-specific messaging cues that drive action
🔸 The role of timing and framing in exploding conversion rates
🔸 Case studies that turned hesitant leads into loyal clients

This webinar reveals the hidden behavioural and neuro-economic mechanisms that shape buyer decisions, influence engagement, and ultimately determine whether a prospect converts or disappears.

Join us to discover what the smartest brands are doing differently.
Don't let valuable leads slip away. Start converting with purpose.
https://lnkd.in/g7ahDHRe

FRIDAY FUN FACTS 🤡
Did you know...that priming your customers with value can increase buy-in by up to 267%.

Let's look at this brilliant example from Dr Robert Cialdini.

A Boy Scout was struggling to sell popcorn outside a supermarket. Their question was straightforward: “Would you like to buy some popcorn?” Only 15% said yes. Most shoppers had just spent money and weren’t in the mood for more.🍿

They then made one subtle shift and started with a values-based question rather than a purchase question.

First asked: “Do you support the Boy Scouts?”
Almost everyone said yes.

Then followed with: “Would you like to buy some popcorn to support the Boy Scouts?”

The results were dramatic. Sales jumped from 15% to 55%, a 267% increase. Some who didn’t even want popcorn still handed over cash, saying, “I don’t want popcorn, but here’s a donation.”💰

Why? Because once we "publicly" align ourselves with a value, we feel compelled to behave consistently with it.

Committing to the weekend
Leanne

taplio

The Battle

John Bates

Dr Leanne Elich (PhD. C-IQ. GAICD)

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreJohn Bates's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreDr Leanne Elich (PhD. C-IQ. GAICD)'s LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

John Bates

Dr Leanne Elich (PhD. C-IQ. GAICD)

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}John Bates's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreDr Leanne Elich (PhD. C-IQ. GAICD)'s LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreJohn Bates's LinkedIn Performance