Dr. Garima
Williams, Founder, Speakette:The Finishing School
Could you introduce yourself to our audience?
I am a distinguished educator and executive coach with over 19 years of experience in higher education and corporate training. As the founder of Speakette: The Finishing School, I specialize in Business Communication, Behavioral Skills, Indo-American Diaspora studies, Pronunciation, Voice Modulation, and overall personal development.
My expertise spans a diverse audience, including students, professionals, and both government and private organizations. As an academic author and trainer, I am deeply passionate about empowering individuals with the communication and leadership skills essential for success in both their professional and personal lives.
Could you share an overview of Speakette, highlighting its mission, core services, and the driving force behind its inception?
At Speakette: The Finishing School, our mission is simple yet profound: to cultivate a community of confident, articulate, and respectful individuals who can ace diverse social and professional settings with grace and poise.
For 19 years, I took lectures, shaping young minds in business communication and soft skills. I loved seeing my students grow in confidence, articulate their thoughts clearly, and step into the world ready to make an impact. But over time, I realized something: while academic institutions provide knowledge, the real world demands much more.
I saw bright, talented individuals struggling, not because they lacked intelligence, but because they lacked the ability to express themselves, collaborate effectively, or ace professional interactions with ease. Their potential was immense, but their ability to communicate that potential was often limited.
This realization became a calling. I wanted to bridge this gap, not just for students but for professionals at every stage of their journey. Stepping away from my role as an associate professor, I decided to create something of my own: a venture dedicated to training individuals in behavioral and communication skills.
But my vision extends beyond boardrooms and classrooms. I have met incredible women, those working tirelessly for social causes yet grappling with internal conflicts within their teams, and those managing homes with unwavering dedication but feeling unseen and unheard. Their voices matter, their contributions deserve recognition, and their inner strength needs to be matched with outward confidence. Through my training, I empower these women to express their thoughts, navigate challenges, and reclaim their presence, whether in a meeting, a family discussion, or a social cause they hold dear.
For me, this isn’t just about training; it’s about transformation. It’s about helping people find their voice, build confidence, and unlock opportunities they never thought possible. Because communication isn’t just a skill, it’s the key to success, connection, and growth in every aspect of life.
Could you share about your educational and professional journey?
My academic journey includes a BA, B.Ed, and MA in English Language and Literature from CSJMU, Kanpur, an M.Phil from EFLU, and a Ph.D in Indo-American Diaspora Literature, which led me to the University of California, Los Angeles. I also completed a Foreign Language Program (Japanese) from IIT Kanpur and a Higher Diploma in Software Engineering from APTECH Education Pvt Ltd Additionally, I earned certifications in leadership, soft skills, and business communication from esteemed institutions like IIT Kanpur, IIT Chennai, IIT Roorkee, UCLA, Toastmasters International, Microsoft, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning.
Professionally, I served for 17 years as an Associate Professor and Dean of Training & Development at a renowned AKTU-affiliated institution in Kanpur. My experience spans research, publications in national and international journals, serving as a co-editor for The International Journal of the Humanities, and working as a certified reviewer for RSIS International and IJRISS International. I also hold affiliations with IEEE, International MELUS-MELOW India, ISTE, All India Science Congress, English Language Teaching Institute, All India English Teachers’ Association, and Toastmasters International.
I founded and served as the Charter Secretary of the Kanpur chapter of Toastmasters International, a global organization dedicated to communication and leadership. I later established a second club at my workplace, PSIT Kanpur.
Under Speakette: The Finishing School, I provide Communication & Behavioral Skills Training to prestigious clients, including ICAI (Kanpur, Lucknow, Noida, Mumbai Chapters), ICSI, IIT Kanpur, CSJMU-affiliated degree colleges, IIM Lucknow, AKTU-affiliated engineering and management institutions, CBSE & ICSE schools, Indian Medical Association-affiliated paramedical colleges, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Rotary Club, Inner Wheel Club, and JCI.
Could you tell us about your current professional roles and responsibilities, as well as the key areas of expertise that you specialize in and focus on?
As the founder of Speakette, I address contemporary challenges through Impactful training programs, believing that the right mindset leads to goal achievement. During a recent visit to my daughter’s hostel, I observed how teenagers are increasingly drawn into a "head-down tribe"—constantly engrossed in their devices. Without clear goals, plans, or financial literacy, young adults risk becoming misguided missiles to address this, my latest training focuses on students preparing for higher education, covering key areas like:
• Goal Setting through SWOT Analysis
• Mastering Sounds: A Phonetic Approach to Pronunciation
• Basic Life Skills
My core responsibilities include designing and delivering training programs for organizations, professionals, and students in Business Communication, Behavioral Skills, Leadership, Pronunciation & Voice Modulation. I specialize in employability training, faculty/student/staff development programs, and behavioral skill enhancement, equipping individuals with the confidence and competence to excel in their fields.
What key skills and leadership abilities have been essential to your own success in the coaching industry?
I firmly believe in the mantra “Never Settle for Less” and have a knack for details, ensuring that every training session is meticulously designed for maximum impact. My key skills and leadership abilities extend to:
• Effective Communication: The ability to articulate thoughts clearly and engage audiences.
• Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and responding to individuals' learning needs.
• Strategic Leadership: Managing and leading training initiatives for diverse organizations.
• Content Development: Crafting structured, impactful training modules.
• Networking & Mentorship: Building strong professional relationships and mentoring aspiring individuals.
What have been some of the notable achievements and milestones in your coaching career, and how have they impacted your business growth?
My most prized possession is the heartfelt testimonials from my mentees, which inspired me to take a leap of faith, leaving my role as Associate Professor to fully commit to the training industry.
• My passion for the training industry led me to serve as the Area Director for Toastmasters, overseeing clubs across Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, and Varanasi.
• Successfully established and led employability training programs in academic institutions, enhancing student career prospects.
• Multiple leadership and communication awards from Toastmasters International, recognizing my contributions to the field.
• Associations with prestigious organizations across the country.
• Conducted training sessions for corporate professionals, educators, and students, impacting thousands.
• Published research papers on communication and media studies, contributing to academic discourse.
These achievements have expanded my reach, credibility, and impact, fueling the growth of Speakette and my training endeavors.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs on developing strong behavioral skills and effective business communication?
“If you focus on the ‘How’, the ‘What’ will naturally fall into place.”
I would emphasize the importance of:
• Listen above all else! to engage better with your audience use this technique, A: Analyze U: Understand, D: Demography, E: Expectation, N: Need, C: Customization, E: Environment and then tailor your communication effectively.
• Follow 7+1 Cs: ensure your message is Concise, Clear, Concrete, Correct, Coherent, Complete, Courteous and most importantly Consideration of the addressee.
• Learn to receive and give constructive feedback.
• Inculcate Social and Emotional Intelligence by being empathetic and self-aware.
• Invest in personal and professional development through training and networking.
• Strong behavioral skills and effective communication are the foundation of leadership, business success, and professional growth.
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