Sammie Walker Herrera

Executive Communication Trainer & Certified ADHD Coach at Speak Y'all

Member since August 2026

Professional Training and Coaching

Education: Carnegie Mellon University - Slippery Rock University
Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Biography

Sammie Walker Herrera runs a public speaking coaching consultancy called Speak Y'all (yes, she's from Texas), leveraging 10+ years coaching leaders on their impromptu speaking, interviewing, and leadership skills. Her clients are senior leaders at companies like Amazon, IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft. She focuses on creating a fun, non-judgmental space for folks to hone their speaking strengths. Sammie is a Certified ADHD Coach through the ADD Coach Academy & the International Coaching Federation. She is passionate about supporting fellow neurodivergent professionals. Sammie earned two Bachelor's degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master's of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Slippery Rock University. Sammie is also a Latin dance instructor and performs improv comedy.

Passion

I’m passionate about helping people become more confident, effective communicators without asking them to become someone they’re not.

Many neurodivergent professionals, people of color, immigrants, and multilingual speakers are told to “be more confident" or “improve their communication” without anyone actually teaching them what that looks like in practice. I’m passionate about changing that.

My work sits at the intersection of public speaking, executive communication, neurodiversity, and leadership development. I love helping people develop practical strategies that work with (not against) their natural strengths, and find their voice in rooms where they may not always feel like they belong.

I’m especially passionate about helping fast-thinking, visionary, sometimes-frozen brains communicate their ideas with clarity and authentic confidence.

Best Story

One cybersecurity leader I worked with, based in Denmark, improved his public speaking so quickly that that 2 members of the French team sent him a Slack message after his 5 minute virtual updates asking "what happened to you? you sound like a different person?! how do we do that?"

Origin Story

I remember sitting in a performance review for a job I loved.

I excelled in the core of my role.

But my supervisor’s feedback? I needed to be "more organized," break down my goals, and focus more.

I agreed and asked, "How do you suggest I work on that?"

His response: "I don’t know."

That conversation ended there, but my search for answers didn’t. Many professionals experience the same cycle. After a review or a presentation, they hear "You need to be a better communicator." They usually agree. They also ask, "How?" - only to receive no real guidance.

That’s where I come in.

I help leaders with fast/frozen brains untangle the challenges of executive function & communication.

Public speaking is more than standing on a stage; it’s the ability to think clearly under pressure, structure your ideas, & speak confidently. These are executive function skills, and they’re coachable.

I coach high-achieving professionals on the communication skills they’ve been searching for. Whether you’re navigating speaking fear, executive dysfunction, or both, I provide tailored strategies to help you succeed.

If you’ve ever been told to "communicate better" without a roadmap, I can help.

Example Talks

Strengthen Your Speaking Skills

If you’re aspiring to higher levels of leadership but find communication and confidence to be barriers, this workshop is for you. In this interactive session, Sammie Walker Herrera will guide attendees to strengthen their public speaking skills using a proven speaking structure and thoughtful feedback.

The goal is to empower attendees to build authentic connections through their voice, transforming speaking stress into confidence. This fun, non-judgmental space will nurture creativity, inclusivity, and personal growth, helping participants leave as more impactful speakers ready to foster stronger relationships.

ADHD Strengths Training

​Learn from Certified ADHD Coach, Sammie Walker Herrera, how challenges like impulsivity, distractibility, and emotional intensity can also fuel creativity, resilience, and empathy. Learn why focusing on strengths (not deficits!) is key to thriving with ADHD. Dive into the science-backed VIA Character Strengths framework, a transformative tool for uncovering your unique talents and building confidence. Whether you're navigating ADHD yourself or supporting others, this session offers fresh insights and practical strategies for embracing neurodiversity. Join us to celebrate the qualities that make ADHD minds one of a kind!​

Developing a Successful LinkedIn

​Want to make the most of LinkedIn but not sure where to start? In this interactive session, you'll learn how to build a standout LinkedIn profile that goes beyond your resume, develop a professional network with purpose, and tap into tools that help you land jobs, internships, or even clients! Whether you're just getting started or want to take your profile to the next level, you'll walk away with practical tips to grow your personal brand, connect with relevant professionals, and use LinkedIn to navigate your career and business with confidence.​

Topics/Keywords

communication public speaking with confidence adhd neurodiversity executive presence adhd coaching professional development networking skills business communication conversation skills impromptu speaking speaking skills verbal communication nonverbal communication presentation skills leadership development career and personal growth personal branding linkedin profile optimization linkedin training speaking with confidence increasing confidence consultant trainer coach entrepreneur bipoc woman of color nonbinary latinx latina founder public speaking public speaking fears

Featured Video

I am willing to travel more than 100 miles
Yes
I generally get paid for speaking but make exceptions

Best Story

One cybersecurity leader I worked with, based in Denmark, improved his public speaking so quickly that that 2 members of the French team sent him a Slack message after his 5 minute virtual updates asking "what happened to you? you sound like a different person?! how do we do that?"

Origin Story

I remember sitting in a performance review for a job I loved.

I excelled in the core of my role.

But my supervisor’s feedback? I needed to be "more organized," break down my goals, and focus more.

I agreed and asked, "How do you suggest I work on that?"

His response: "I don’t know."

That conversation ended there, but my search for answers didn’t. Many professionals experience the same cycle. After a review or a presentation, they hear "You need to be a better communicator." They usually agree. They also ask, "How?" - only to receive no real guidance.

That’s where I come in.

I help leaders with fast/frozen brains untangle the challenges of executive function & communication.

Public speaking is more than standing on a stage; it’s the ability to think clearly under pressure, structure your ideas, & speak confidently. These are executive function skills, and they’re coachable.

I coach high-achieving professionals on the communication skills they’ve been searching for. Whether you’re navigating speaking fear, executive dysfunction, or both, I provide tailored strategies to help you succeed.

If you’ve ever been told to "communicate better" without a roadmap, I can help.

I am willing to travel more than 100 miles
Yes
I generally get paid for speaking but make exceptions

Example Talks

Strengthen Your Speaking Skills

If you’re aspiring to higher levels of leadership but find communication and confidence to be barriers, this workshop is for you. In this interactive session, Sammie Walker Herrera will guide attendees to strengthen their public speaking skills using a proven speaking structure and thoughtful feedback.

The goal is to empower attendees to build authentic connections through their voice, transforming speaking stress into confidence. This fun, non-judgmental space will nurture creativity, inclusivity, and personal growth, helping participants leave as more impactful speakers ready to foster stronger relationships.

ADHD Strengths Training

​Learn from Certified ADHD Coach, Sammie Walker Herrera, how challenges like impulsivity, distractibility, and emotional intensity can also fuel creativity, resilience, and empathy. Learn why focusing on strengths (not deficits!) is key to thriving with ADHD. Dive into the science-backed VIA Character Strengths framework, a transformative tool for uncovering your unique talents and building confidence. Whether you're navigating ADHD yourself or supporting others, this session offers fresh insights and practical strategies for embracing neurodiversity. Join us to celebrate the qualities that make ADHD minds one of a kind!​

Developing a Successful LinkedIn

​Want to make the most of LinkedIn but not sure where to start? In this interactive session, you'll learn how to build a standout LinkedIn profile that goes beyond your resume, develop a professional network with purpose, and tap into tools that help you land jobs, internships, or even clients! Whether you're just getting started or want to take your profile to the next level, you'll walk away with practical tips to grow your personal brand, connect with relevant professionals, and use LinkedIn to navigate your career and business with confidence.​

Topics/Keywords

communication public speaking with confidence adhd neurodiversity executive presence adhd coaching professional development networking skills business communication conversation skills impromptu speaking speaking skills verbal communication nonverbal communication presentation skills leadership development career and personal growth personal branding linkedin profile optimization linkedin training speaking with confidence increasing confidence consultant trainer coach entrepreneur bipoc woman of color nonbinary latinx latina founder public speaking public speaking fears