John Bates

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’.

CEO/Founder

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​.

People often ask me what I enjoy most about being a keynote speaker.

Well, it’s not the stage and it’s definitely not the applause.

What I love is the moment before any of that.

When a room is full of smart people…but slightly guarded, a little tired and a bit 
unsure whether this is going to be “another talk” or something that actually 
matters.

That’s the moment I care about.

Because my job isn’t to impress anyone.

It’s to help people feel safe enough to think differently.

I share stories, yes.

But more than that, I bring translation.

- I help leaders turn ideas into something people can follow.
- I help technical thinkers speak in ways humans can absorb.
- I help teams stop talking at each other and start understanding each other.

That’s the part I enjoy most.

And for me, that feeling never gets old.

If you're looking for a keynote speaker who will bring your team together, give them tools to communicate, connect, and move people to action and strengthen soft skills along the way, DM me ‘Need a Keynote Speaker’

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

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What are you doing on March 23rd? Will you be anywhere near Brussels? Do you like Space? 

Well, if you're a yes to any or all of those, consider joining Daniel Tani and me at becentral Tech Campus & Digital Campus in Brussels, Belgium where my young friend Eliza Maria Iana has put together a fabulous event. 

Dan is a great guy and I think you'll love hearing what he has to share about his time in orbit and beyond. 

I'm going to talk about how I help many people at NASA, including the astronauts, talk about their work in a way that connects with and inspires people. And, you don't have to be an astronaut to do that, I'll help you do that, too! 

If you know anyone in Brussels, please share this with them! 

Space for Students - Inspiring Students Through the Power of Space! 

#space 
#events 
#brussels 
#nasa 
#astronauts

Something interesting happens when we run our leadership communication courses.

We call that moment the Golden Thread Moment. Here’s why:

We’ll be sitting together in a session or office hours, talking through someone’s background.

Childhood.

Career twists.

The parts they usually gloss over because they don’t seem relevant.

And then there’s a pause.

You can feel it.

We’ve named it the Golden Thread Moment.

It’s the through-line that connects who you were early on… to what drives you now.

The pattern that’s been showing up again and again, even when life looked messy or unplanned.

Once people see it, FEEL it, something amazing happens.

Their story stops feeling random.

Their work starts making sense.

And their motivation deepens.

Sometimes the Golden Thread Moment makes everyone cry because they are so inspired. 

Here’s the part that still surprises me, even thiough I know better by now: 

We’ve never worked with anyone who didn’t have one.

Even people who swear their life has been a zigzag of wrong turns and pivots.

It’s always there.

And when someone understands that thread, their communication changes.

- They speak with more clarity.
- They connect more naturally.
- They lead with conviction instead of effort.

So I’ll leave you with this:

If your life had a Golden Thread… what do you think it’s been trying to teach you all along?

🎙️ New Episode Drops This Week!

 Episode 137 — Next Level Healing: From Trauma to Transformation with Dr Tara Perry

Dr. Tara Perry joins me for a powerful conversation on subconscious rewiring, trauma healing, and what it actually takes to create lasting change.

We explore why so many high performers live in a “familiar hell,” how trauma shows up in leadership and relationships, and why celebration is a critical (and overlooked) part of rewiring your nervous system.

👉 Subscribe so you don’t miss it! Linked in the comments 👇

Are You One Step Away from Breakthrough Storytelling?

Most leaders are so focused on what they want to achieve--raising capital, inspiring their team, gaining media visibility--that they miss the one thin

Open article: Storytelling Neuroscience: It Changes Everything -- You and Your Audience! by John Bates • 2 min read

Storytelling Neuroscience: It Changes Everything -- You and Your Audience!

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 Behavioural Economist and Neuroscientist. Also known as a Leadership Advisor, Speaker, and unapologetic brain enthusiast. As CEO of Leanne Elich Consulting, I help businesses decode the rich intersection of neuroscience and behavioural science, turning human insight into commercial momentum. A powerful combination transforming businesses faster than thought possible.

I’m known as an unshakeable optimist. I believe in a brighter future, and in our ability to build it together. One brain at a time. My work uncovers the patterns behind how people think, choose and communicate, helping organisations operate at their highest level.

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 journey started at age 5 with the game Operation, and it somehow turned into a global career across medicine, oncology, commercial leadership and now business psychology. In 2018, I launched LEC to help leaders, teams and organisations transform how they sell, lead and grow.

Today, you’ll find me advising leaders, coaching teams, shaping strategy, speaking on stages and sharing insights across national media. I’m here to elevate thinking, expand possibilities and create meaningful impact in every room.

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)

Join me at the Sydney Build EXPO 2026 at ICC Sydney! 👷‍♀️
As a proud Mental Health in Construction Ambassador, I'll be attending Sydney Build to support mental health initiatives in construction and the trades.

Sadly, Australian construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work, with young construction workers more than two times more likely to take their own lives than other young Australian men.

Let's get together to encourage and support Mental Health initiatives and ultimately save lives. ❤️

#sydneybuildexpo #mentalhealth #mentalhealthinconstruction #beyondblue

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

The NeuroDesigner™ / Associate Neuroplastician® / I help business owners de-risk their business utilising design and neuroscience techniques. ⬇️

View Clint Nielsen (A.npn, F.npn)’s profile

Recording in the studio today. Exciting things ahead! Dr Leanne Elich  (PhD. GAICD. M.npn)  #thinkshift #neurodesign

Are you ready to dive into the February Edition of The Scoop? 🧠 
Learn about all things Behavioural Science and Psychology, and how to apply this superpower to your business. Here we go...

#thescoop #behaviouralscience #consumerpsychology #thinkoutsidethebox

View newsletter: The Scoop - Business Science

Big news. We’re launching a podcast. ThinkShift — a weekly, 25-minute conversation exploring the psychology behind decisions, influence, leadership an

Open article: The SCOOP - February Edition 2026 by Dr Leanne Elich  (PhD. GAICD. M.npn) • 2 min read

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is Give to Gain.
 
And it made me pause.
 
Women give to teams, to families, to communities, to businesses.
But here’s the question: What happens when we give without regulation?
 
We don’t lack ambition. 
We don’t lack resilience.
 
What we often lack is recovery.

So what if we turned this around?
 
This International Women’s Day, the Wonderlab Wellness Clinic is hosting a curated Give to Gain lunch at the Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney   focused on neurowellness and sustainable leadership.
 
And... I'll be there, speaking on how chronic stress reshapes the brain and how to regulate in real time.
Simon Yuen  will guide a practical 3-minute nervous system reset.
@JaneLangof will conduct a Q&A session on designing environments that energise rather than drain.
 
If this feels like you, come and JOIN US!

The one sentence that tripled conversions.
Growth does not always require a full strategic overhaul. Sometimes it is a single shift in language. 💬

Ever tried cancelling Spotify after a free trial? It feels harder than it should.

That is the Endowment Effect. The moment something feels like “mine”, giving it up feels like a loss. 😩

IKEA uses this brilliantly. Design your dream living room in their app and suddenly you are not browsing furniture. You are abandoning your space.

In banking and insurance, the shift is simple:

Not: “You can apply for a discount.”
Instead: “We have activated your discount.”

Not: “Earn 7% per year.”
Instead: “You will have $350,000 at retirement.”

Ownership does not require possession. It requires perception.

The brain protects what it believes it owns. 🧠
How can you use the Endowment Effect?

#consumerpsychology #behaviouralscience #thinkoutsidethebox

What happens when your customer no longer feels?
In this article, we explore the role of AI agents representing you and your customers, and it's happening now. 

AI agents can compare suppliers, renegotiate subscriptions, reorder essentials and evaluate performance metrics without human intervention. In some industries, they are already making purchasing decisions at scale!
Take a look 👀

What happens when your customer no longer feels? Artificial intelligence tools are increasingly moving from assistance to autonomy. AI agents can comp

Open article: When the Customer Isn’t Human.
The Psychology of Machine Buyers by Dr Leanne Elich  (PhD. GAICD. M.npn) • 4 min read

When the Customer Isn’t Human.
The Psychology of Machine Buyers

Today’s bite is about how painting a picture with words can actually boost your sales.
This is not a marketing trick. It’s a cognitive twist.
In 2022, researchers split a popular cookie brand's audience into two.
Half of the group saw descriptions given in weight.
The other half saw descriptions given in quantity.

Can you guess what happened?
Take a look 👀 

#brainybites

Today’s bite is about how painting a picture with words can actually boost your sales. This is not a marketing trick. It’s a cognitive twist. In 2022,

Open article: Concrete Phrases Effect by Dr Leanne Elich  (PhD. GAICD. M.npn) • 1 min read

FRIDAY FUN FACTS 🤡
Did you know... that we overestimate our customers' satisfaction by 31.6%?
In the boardroom, we're all smiles, convinced our customers are over the moon. But behind those grins lurk unspoken grumbles. Business leaders dream of repeat buyers, yet they often miss the silence from unsatisfied clients.

What happens? 🧠
This “Optimism Bias ” is dangerous. It creates a false sense of security, delays action, and quietly feeds churn. Your dashboards might look healthy, yet your customers have long gone.

What can you do? 🤔
The strategic takeaway is simple. Drop the gut instinct! Combine perception with proof. Use behavioural data, open feedback, and real customer signals to calibrate reality.

Because you cannot improve what you consistently overestimate.

Ready for a satisfactory Saturday and Sunday
Leanne

#fridayfunfacts #behaviouralscience #consumerpsychology #thinkoutsidethebox

FRIDAY FUN FACTS 🤡
Did you know...that increasing the saliency of a call to action will make it more persuasive and more likely to be clicked?

Attention is persuasive. Wouldn't you like to capture 100% of attention instead of a mere fraction?

How it works 🧠
Let's look at the graphic together. What did I do to make it more salient?

🔹 Visual Contrast: Desaturated the main image.
🔹 Single Action: Made the secondary action button less salient (e.g., transparent button).
🔹 Arrows: Be careful with images of people. Humans instinctively grab attention, so they can steal attention away from a CTA.
🔹 Hide Exit Links: Removed any header and footer links in a funnel sequence.
🔹 CTA on the Right: Most people are right-handed, so they prefer interacting with elements on the right side.

How can you make your CTAs more salient?

Giving the weekend my full attention
Leanne

FRIDAY FUN FACTS 🤡
Did you know... that using exclamation points in friendly emails makes you seem 13.5% more positive?
Have you ever typed “!” in an email, then deleted it because it felt… unprofessional? Here’s the twist. In the right context, that tiny mark makes you look warmer, friendlier, and more likable, with very little downside.

Research across five experiments and 2,000+ participants shows that when the topic is relational (think scheduling a call or following up), senders who used exclamation points were perceived as up to 21.3% warmer and 13.5% more positive.

Why it works 🧠
We read exclamation points the way we hear enthusiasm in speech. They signal emotion and sincerity. That lifts warmth and likeability. It also reduces perceived formality and assertiveness, which you don't want when setting deadlines or explaining data.

Punctuation is a psychological lever. Pull it when the goal is connection. Park it when the goal is control. Used well, you will be seen as warmer and just as competent.

“Looking forward to the weekend!"
Leanne

#fridayfunfacts #consumerpsychology #copypsychology  #thinkoutsidethebox

AI isn’t replacing writers. It’s replacing readers.  📚 And that’s the real disruption. AI tools now summarise books, condense articles, and answer questions so fluently that many people skip original content altogether. Readers are outsourcing comprehension to machines, turning depth into digestible snippets.

More than ever, content has become summaries of summaries. Tweets distil articles, articles distil podcasts, podcasts distil books, and we risk losing depth, nuance, and true comprehension in the process.

As AI accelerates this trend, the value won’t lie in who can generate content fastest. It lies in those who engage actual readers, provoke thought, and deliver nuance that can’t be reduced to bullet points. 🤖

How are you engaging your readers with meaningful content?

Can You Close More Sales With Video?
4 Week Series
There are plenty of subtle ways to influence your customers face-to-face. Can you do the same with video calls?

Let's look at 4 key areas that work.
Week 1: Your Background - don't blur it 🙅

Your background isn’t just a backdrop; it’s your canvas for connection. While a blank wall might scream “professional,” it often whispers “bland.”

Instead, let your surroundings sing your story! 🎸 Imagine your potential clients seeing a splash of your personality; a vibrant art piece, your cherished guitar, a shelf brimming with books or vinyls. Each item is a conversation starter, a peek into your world.

Why does this matter? Well, studies show that a touch of personality in the background lights up emotional elements, and suddenly, your service feels top-tier.

So, get ready to transform your space into a stage that reflects your unique brand. Stay tuned for next week's insight to ramp up your video sales game! 🌈✨

WOW! Well, how about this: being awarded Founding Fellow Status at npnInstitute of Applied and Organizational Neuroscience 
 
"Thank you, Dr Leanne Elich, for your loyalty, early belief, and meaningful contribution to the shared vision of the Npn Institute. Your commitment to advancing the Neuroplastician discipline and strengthening our professional community has been integral to our success."🧠

The Npn Institute is THE global leader in applied neuroscience. 
Such an honour, thank you.

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The Battle

John Bates

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

Followers

Posts

Engagements

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