Member since July 2018
Your most powerful competitive advantage isn't a product, a strategy, or a technology. It's your relationships. And Sharon Delaney McCloud, CSP® has spent 30 years building the framework to prove it.
As an Emmy Award-winning TV journalist, Sharon spent two decades covering stories that shaped communities: the Persian Gulf War, NASA missions, Super Bowls, hurricanes, and the conversations that happen at the edge of grief, triumph, and
change. Every narrative she told was an investment in the people watching. Every live shot, every interview, every report filed from a scene that mattered was a deposit into a Connection Economy she didn't have a name for yet.
Now, as a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and university lecturer, Sharon helps leaders and teams understand that organizations which thrive long-term aren’t the ones with the poshest perks or flexible hours. They’re the ones that invest in human
connections built through story, sustained through presence, and compounded over time.
Before launching her 3-time honored INC 5000 company, Sharon traveled the world with the Department of Defense's USO Program supporting American troops serving abroad. Her insights have been featured in Thrive Global, Enterprising Women, and
Keep Going: Memoirs of Strength, Courage & Perseverance.
As a Mom of three, Sharon considers that job her most important as she attempts to keep all the balls in the air in our fast-paced lives.
Sharon Delaney McCloud is a CSP®, Emmy Award-winning journalist, TEDx speaker, and Leadership Storyteller who has spent her career proving that the most powerful investments any person can make are the ones they make in other people through the stories they tell and the presence they bring.
The a-ha moment for me was meeting one-on-one with the President of the United States after a letter I wrote to the White House ended up on his desk. The power of words is real. I believe people can change hearts and minds with the right approach, positive intent and a strong message.
Born to Irish immigrants, Sharon has the gift of gab. You might need to tell her to take a breath to get a word in.
As a natural storyteller (see above), Sharon spent 20 years as an Emmy Award-winning television news journalist before starting her own agency. She's an obsessive fan of all things Florida State University, where Sharon got her degree in Communication with minors in Music and Theater. She also worked for the Department of Defense and traveled the world with the USO as part of an all-girl group, The Florida Girls. Racks up lots of mileage as a mom to two boys who busy themselves with tennis matches and chess showdowns between epic games of Clue and Qwirkle.
Most organizations are spending their relational capital without knowing it through transactional leadership, forgettable communication, and cultures where people feel like resources rather than humans. The Connection Economy teaches leaders how to invest instead. Through story, through presence, and through three principles that compound over time, Sharon gives every audience a framework they'll carry forward for years and a story they'll never forget.
“We are more connected than ever, yet more disconnected than ever. That gap is costing you.”
Audience Takeaways:
Shift from transactional to relational leadership
Use storytelling as a strategic leadership tool
Build influence that compounds over time
In these challenging times when our physical, mental and social well-being are tested continuously, it's crucial that we build a culture of resilience. In this compelling narrative, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and TEDx Speaker Sharon Delaney McCloud presents an inspirational and actionable playbook that you can use right away in your professional and personal lives.
LEARN:
- 10 steps to build resilience in the workplace and at home
- A deeper understanding of how to use grit and gratitude to overcome negative circumstances
- A different way to approach integrating your professional and personal responsibilities that align with who you are
I deliver this program as a keynote at a variety of conferences to motivate leaders and their teams.
In group settings, men are 75% more likely to speak up than women. And when a woman does speak up, it's statistically probable that her male counterparts will either interrupt her or speak over her. What does this mean? It means, even in the professional world today, if you're not ready to fight to be heard through ally-building strategies, your potential could be silenced. In this engaging, actionable session, Sharon will explore tactics and techniques to amplify your voice figuratively (and literally) and hone your message to make certain that your voice is heard - so that you truly have a voice, and not just a seat, at the table.
Format: 60-minute keynote or breakout session. It also can be done virtually using Zoom, WebEx, Google Hangouts or other technology. This program is perfect for:
Female leaders struggling to be heard by colleagues; Teams who strive to improve workplace communication; The audience will leave with:
Ways to amplify their voices, both figuratively and literally;
Message development tactics to strengthen their communication; Understanding how body language and vocal delivery affect their overall communication
Face it, you've got to retain your top talent and recruit the next rock stars for your team. But now, more than ever before, you have to create an environment where people are motivated and empowered to deliver their very best work while building trusted relationships at the same time. Not an easy task.
During this high-energy presentation, corporate communications pro Sharon Delaney McCloud shows you why and how you need to leverage levity in your leadership toolbox today.
LEARN
- How levity can change the dynamic of your team
- Actionable ways to reduce stress and build bonds by using proven levity lessons & techniques
- Ways to make your team feel like they belong to your organization
With the prevalence of cellphone videos, YouTube, blogs, vlogs, podcasts, and live streaming, you are always "ON”. Whether it's a quick comment to a reporter on Zoom or a lengthy sit-down interview in a television studio, you need to know how to navigate today’s ever-changing media landscape. In this multi-media-packed keynote presentation, Emmy Award-winning television journalist Sharon Delaney McCloud will provide an insider’s playbook so you can feel more confident the next time you’re in the hot seat.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Learn about the rules of engagement for media and the Interviewee’s Bill of Rights
- Learn why you should never say “no comment” and what to say instead to create compelling messages
- Hone your on-camera presence, what to wear and NOT to wear on-camera
As an established executive, aiming to grow your influence, thought leadership and business acumen require a growth mindset that leads to transformational breakthroughs. Aligning mindshare with the ability to command a room is the DNA of executive presence. In this high-energy, interactive keynote, Sharon teaches the three key elements to build your executive presence and personal brand so you can make an impact on your professional and personal life.
LEARN:
- Actionable strategies to build your executive presence
- Learn why gravitas, communication, and appearance matter in today's business climate
- About useful technology hacks to help you continue working on your communication skills
- Practical steps to become a LinkedIn All Star to boost your personal brand
In an age where the spoken word is quickly being replaced by digital conversations, it's crucial to develop strong communication and presentation skills to make your mark. Communicating effectively is one of the most powerful tools any professional can have. The way you speak to someone one-on-one and in front of a group sets the foundation for how people perceive you. Do they take you seriously? Do you command their attention? Or does your vocal inflection or body language turn them off? Learn how to communicate with confidence and impact from Emmy Award-winning journalist and business owner Sharon Delaney McCloud.
LEARN
- Ways to create powerful messaging, whether it's an elevator speech or keynote address
- How body language and vocal delivery affect communication
- Steps to continue practicing techniques learned
I often deliver this presentation at a wide variety of conferences from financial services to construction to healthcare.
We have a word for a woman whose husband dies (WIDOW), or a child whose parents die (ORPHAN), but what is the word for a parent whose child has died? In the touching and deeply personal talk, Sharon Delaney McCloud introduces us to the word "vilomah" and invites us all to help give a voice to those who experience this unimaginable loss.
This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxCaryWomen, an independent event.
The a-ha moment for me was meeting one-on-one with the President of the United States after a letter I wrote to the White House ended up on his desk. The power of words is real. I believe people can change hearts and minds with the right approach, positive intent and a strong message.
Born to Irish immigrants, Sharon has the gift of gab. You might need to tell her to take a breath to get a word in.
As a natural storyteller (see above), Sharon spent 20 years as an Emmy Award-winning television news journalist before starting her own agency. She's an obsessive fan of all things Florida State University, where Sharon got her degree in Communication with minors in Music and Theater. She also worked for the Department of Defense and traveled the world with the USO as part of an all-girl group, The Florida Girls. Racks up lots of mileage as a mom to two boys who busy themselves with tennis matches and chess showdowns between epic games of Clue and Qwirkle.
Most organizations are spending their relational capital without knowing it through transactional leadership, forgettable communication, and cultures where people feel like resources rather than humans. The Connection Economy teaches leaders how to invest instead. Through story, through presence, and through three principles that compound over time, Sharon gives every audience a framework they'll carry forward for years and a story they'll never forget.
“We are more connected than ever, yet more disconnected than ever. That gap is costing you.”
Audience Takeaways:
Shift from transactional to relational leadership
Use storytelling as a strategic leadership tool
Build influence that compounds over time
In these challenging times when our physical, mental and social well-being are tested continuously, it's crucial that we build a culture of resilience. In this compelling narrative, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and TEDx Speaker Sharon Delaney McCloud presents an inspirational and actionable playbook that you can use right away in your professional and personal lives.
LEARN:
- 10 steps to build resilience in the workplace and at home
- A deeper understanding of how to use grit and gratitude to overcome negative circumstances
- A different way to approach integrating your professional and personal responsibilities that align with who you are
I deliver this program as a keynote at a variety of conferences to motivate leaders and their teams.
In group settings, men are 75% more likely to speak up than women. And when a woman does speak up, it's statistically probable that her male counterparts will either interrupt her or speak over her. What does this mean? It means, even in the professional world today, if you're not ready to fight to be heard through ally-building strategies, your potential could be silenced. In this engaging, actionable session, Sharon will explore tactics and techniques to amplify your voice figuratively (and literally) and hone your message to make certain that your voice is heard - so that you truly have a voice, and not just a seat, at the table.
Format: 60-minute keynote or breakout session. It also can be done virtually using Zoom, WebEx, Google Hangouts or other technology. This program is perfect for:
Female leaders struggling to be heard by colleagues; Teams who strive to improve workplace communication; The audience will leave with:
Ways to amplify their voices, both figuratively and literally;
Message development tactics to strengthen their communication; Understanding how body language and vocal delivery affect their overall communication
Face it, you've got to retain your top talent and recruit the next rock stars for your team. But now, more than ever before, you have to create an environment where people are motivated and empowered to deliver their very best work while building trusted relationships at the same time. Not an easy task.
During this high-energy presentation, corporate communications pro Sharon Delaney McCloud shows you why and how you need to leverage levity in your leadership toolbox today.
LEARN
- How levity can change the dynamic of your team
- Actionable ways to reduce stress and build bonds by using proven levity lessons & techniques
- Ways to make your team feel like they belong to your organization
With the prevalence of cellphone videos, YouTube, blogs, vlogs, podcasts, and live streaming, you are always "ON”. Whether it's a quick comment to a reporter on Zoom or a lengthy sit-down interview in a television studio, you need to know how to navigate today’s ever-changing media landscape. In this multi-media-packed keynote presentation, Emmy Award-winning television journalist Sharon Delaney McCloud will provide an insider’s playbook so you can feel more confident the next time you’re in the hot seat.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Learn about the rules of engagement for media and the Interviewee’s Bill of Rights
- Learn why you should never say “no comment” and what to say instead to create compelling messages
- Hone your on-camera presence, what to wear and NOT to wear on-camera
As an established executive, aiming to grow your influence, thought leadership and business acumen require a growth mindset that leads to transformational breakthroughs. Aligning mindshare with the ability to command a room is the DNA of executive presence. In this high-energy, interactive keynote, Sharon teaches the three key elements to build your executive presence and personal brand so you can make an impact on your professional and personal life.
LEARN:
- Actionable strategies to build your executive presence
- Learn why gravitas, communication, and appearance matter in today's business climate
- About useful technology hacks to help you continue working on your communication skills
- Practical steps to become a LinkedIn All Star to boost your personal brand
In an age where the spoken word is quickly being replaced by digital conversations, it's crucial to develop strong communication and presentation skills to make your mark. Communicating effectively is one of the most powerful tools any professional can have. The way you speak to someone one-on-one and in front of a group sets the foundation for how people perceive you. Do they take you seriously? Do you command their attention? Or does your vocal inflection or body language turn them off? Learn how to communicate with confidence and impact from Emmy Award-winning journalist and business owner Sharon Delaney McCloud.
LEARN
- Ways to create powerful messaging, whether it's an elevator speech or keynote address
- How body language and vocal delivery affect communication
- Steps to continue practicing techniques learned
I often deliver this presentation at a wide variety of conferences from financial services to construction to healthcare.
We have a word for a woman whose husband dies (WIDOW), or a child whose parents die (ORPHAN), but what is the word for a parent whose child has died? In the touching and deeply personal talk, Sharon Delaney McCloud introduces us to the word "vilomah" and invites us all to help give a voice to those who experience this unimaginable loss.
This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxCaryWomen, an independent event.
