Meridith Grundei
Founder, Organizer and Facilitator at Meridith Grundei
Technology
Education: Colorado State University - Naropa University, MFA
New York, NY, USA
Biography
Meridith Grundei is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and executive communication expert who helps technical leaders and visionary entrepreneurs turn complex information into unforgettable presentations. She’s known for captivating audiences from the main stage, having delivered high-impact keynotes for Amazon AWS, The Channel Company (Women of the Channel), and other global tech communities.
Meridith blends the precision of a communication strategist with the creative firepower of a former Second City improv instructor and professional theater director. She’s trained teams and leaders at some of the world’s top companies—including Accenture, Intel, Google, and Merck—to communicate with more clarity, confidence, and presence.
As the founder of Grundei Coaching, she creates bold, experiential training programs that teach people how to ditch robotic delivery, tell human-centered stories, and lead with their voice. Her programs—like Own Your Voice and Present with Impact—are especially designed for those in technical roles who want to simplify complex ideas and connect with diverse audiences.
Meridith believes that exceptional communication is a leadership skill—and in the tech world, it’s often the missing link between brilliant ideas and real-world impact. Whether she’s on stage or leading a workshop, her mission is to help people speak with intention, listen with empathy, and spark change through every conversation.
Passion
I get fired up when I see someone go from barely speaking up in a meeting to commanding a room with clarity and conviction. That kind of transformation? That’s why I do this work.
I’m passionate about helping people find their voice—not the one they think they should have, but the one that actually reflects who they are. The one that speaks with confidence, not just competence. Especially when it comes to leaders in tech and business who are building the future but still feel stuck presenting it.
I love collaborating with creative, mission-driven people who want to make a real impact through storytelling. The kind of people who are willing to get a little uncomfortable, try something new, and not just check a box—but actually connect.
I’m endlessly curious and always up for finding a solution—whether that’s helping someone untangle a messy presentation or figuring out how to fix the thing that’s actually getting in the way of them being heard.
Travel cracks me open in the best way. It keeps me humble, challenges my assumptions, and reminds me there’s always more to learn. And when I’m not doing any of the above, you’ll find me eating amazing food with amazing people, glass in hand, soaking up the moment.
Best Story
There I was, 23 years old, working at a fine dining restaurant inside an upscale hotel in San Francisco, holding a tray with freshly made cocktails. I stepped up to the birthday girl—ready to serve the last glass—and as I reached in, I lost my balance. The drink tipped, and champagne spilled all over her shoulder.
It was one of those slow-motion, oh no no no moments. I wanted to disappear.
This table? Fourteen women celebrating a 40th birthday. They had just sat down, and even before the spill, I could feel the pressure building. They were demanding, sharp with their tone, and quick to snap if anything wasn’t perfect. And I was already nervous.
But something clicked in me, right in the middle of that mess. I thought, Meridith, yes—and the hell out of this moment.
I remembered one of the first things I learned in service: when things go south, go above and beyond. So I took a breath, steadied myself, and offered to pay for her dry cleaning. My manager backed me up. I got the other servers to rally around me. I kept saying “yes” to their needs and adding whatever grace I could, even though inside I was dying a little.
Three hours later, they not only tipped me 30%—they invited me to keep celebrating with them upstairs.
That moment taught me a lot about people, pressure, and how to turn a disaster into connection. Sometimes your “difficult” client isn’t really difficult—they’re waiting to see how you’ll show up. And when you lead with presence, generosity, and a little improv magic, you can turn it all around.
Yes—and. It works.
Origin Story
When I was younger, I was the quiet kid who sat in the back row, afraid to speak my mind in fear of sounding foolish or not having the answer. Everything changed when I stumbled into theatre and improv. It was because I had a script and a character to hide behind where I slowly started to build my confidence and use my voice. Later in life I studied improvisational comedy. And because there wasn't a script, I was forced to share my point of view and this is when I really started to bloom.
Fast forward to today, I draw from those transformative experiences to help others find their voice. I've been at it for over a decade, and it's been rewarding to see people grow and succeed. Clients range from small business owners to tech giants and pharmaceutical companies, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Example talks
Speak with spark: Humanizing tech talks (20-90 min. Keynote online and in person)
In a saturated market, how do you make your products, services and new technologies stand out? Meridith Grundei's "Speak with Spark: Humanizing Tech Talks" is your answer. Merging public speaking skills with off-the-cuff creativity, Meridith guides you in transforming complex tech jargon into engaging stories.
Why Tech Leaders Should Listen Up: In an ever-evolving industry, the ability to communicate clearly and passionately is your hidden asset. This talk, adaptable from 20 to 90 minutes, is a must for tech leaders and CEOs who aim to lead with authenticity and make a lasting impression.
Key Takeaways:
1. Cut the Complexity: Learn how to simplify intricate tech topics into digestible ideas that are both accessible and actionable.
2. Captivate to Lead: Acquire techniques to keep your audience's attention, thereby increasing your influence as a leader.
3. Be Real, Be Trusted: Uncover the significance of authentic communication in building trust and initiating change.
4. Fuel it with Fire: Recognize why your enthusiasm is essential for inspiring innovation and effective leadership.
5. Quick Wins: Leave with practical tips that you can apply immediately, turning your next talk into a memorable leadership moment.
*Most recently did this talk for Amazon's first annual SpeakerCon, July 2023.
Improv for Speakers, Confidently Speaking (Workshop online and in person)
In a world where public speaking skills can make or break your career, how do you stand out? Whether it's stage fright, dull presentations, the desire to outperform your colleagues, struggling to land podcast invitations, feeling uneasy on camera, or awkwardness at networking events, Confidently Speaking is designed to tackle these issues head-on.
Why This Workshop is a Game Changer:
1. Transform Your Mindset: Say goodbye to stage fright and limiting beliefs. This workshop uses improv techniques to help you think on your feet and adapt to the unexpected.
2. Boost Your Confidence: Learn how to use your voice and body language to command attention and own the stage.
3. Educate & Inspire: Discover how to craft compelling narratives that not only inform but also engage and inspire your audience.
Who Needs This?
- Got stage fright? We got you.
- Freeze up during talks? Learn how to bounce back like a pro.
- Want to outperform your colleagues? This is your secret weapon.
Business Impact:
- Client Retention: Engaging talks mean happy clients, reducing churn rates.
- Investor Relations: A compelling pitch can be the difference between a "yes" and a "no."
- Team Morale: Effective communication boosts team cohesion, increasing productivity.
- Personal Branding: Become the speaker everyone wants to hear, opening doors to new opportunities.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a CEO, or someone who just wants to communicate more effectively, Confidently Speaking is your ticket to becoming a more impactful speaker. Join us and transform your public speaking game forever.
I have been facilitating this group every Wednesday since July 7th, 2021. Facilitation recordings are shared upon request. The program: https://members.confidentlyspeaking.fun
Speak Like a Pro: Your Blueprint for Presentation Preparation (workshop and Keynote: in person and virtual)
In fields like science, medicine, and technology, the ability to convey complex information clearly is crucial. A poorly executed presentation can lead to misunderstandings, lost opportunities, and a hit to your professional reputation. "Speak Like a Pro" provides you with the skills to take any deck you're given and make it your own, ensuring your complex, data-heavy presentations are both engaging and easily understood. Whether you're presenting in-person or virtually, this workshop and keynote will level up your presentation skills, making sure your message resonates and that your audience is clearly informed.
Preparing and delivering complicated data and slides can be challenging. This workshop will teach you best practices for preparing and delivering complicated technology and science-based slides, simply and with spark.
Key Takeaways:
1. Strategic Structuring: Master the art of organizing complex data into a coherent, engaging narrative.
2. Making It Your Own: Learn how to personalize a pre-designed deck to better align with your speaking style and message.
3. Dynamic Delivery: Techniques to bring energy and clarity to your presentation, even when the subject matter is complex.
4. Audience Engagement: Strategies for reading your audience and adapting in real-time for maximum impact.
5. Virtual vs. In-Person: Best practices for tailoring your presentation to different formats.
*This keynote and workshop was most recently delivered in: Rome, Italy; São Paulo, Brazil; Chicago, IL; Dallas, Texas; New Jersey City, NJ; and Vienna, Austria. (Clients were: Merck, Idorsia, Pfizer, and others.)
Embrace Your Voice for International Women's Day, March 2023: Panasonic (Virtual)
Embrace your superpowers and overcome barriers that prevent you from being a more confident speaker.
https://youtu.be/qHMbe68dCRE?feature=shared
Your Cyber Path Podcast - September 2023 (49:43)
In this episode, our awesome host Jason Dion is back again with another episode of the Your Cyber Path podcast. This time, he’s accompanied by an amazing guest, Meridith Grundei. Meridith is a renowned public speaking coach and owner of Grundei Coaching who specializes in public speaking and presentation skills.
Meridith explains that understanding your client and doing your due diligence of research and studying will help you immensely in your attempts to simplify any complex concept to any level of audience. You need to figure out your objective, point out all the key takeaways, and choose the ones that support your argument. Listen here 👉 https://www.yourcyberpath.com/podcast/104/
Featured Video
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
I sometimes get paid for speaking
Topics
Best Story
There I was, 23 years old, working at a fine dining restaurant inside an upscale hotel in San Francisco, holding a tray with freshly made cocktails. I stepped up to the birthday girl—ready to serve the last glass—and as I reached in, I lost my balance. The drink tipped, and champagne spilled all over her shoulder.
It was one of those slow-motion, oh no no no moments. I wanted to disappear.
This table? Fourteen women celebrating a 40th birthday. They had just sat down, and even before the spill, I could feel the pressure building. They were demanding, sharp with their tone, and quick to snap if anything wasn’t perfect. And I was already nervous.
But something clicked in me, right in the middle of that mess. I thought, Meridith, yes—and the hell out of this moment.
I remembered one of the first things I learned in service: when things go south, go above and beyond. So I took a breath, steadied myself, and offered to pay for her dry cleaning. My manager backed me up. I got the other servers to rally around me. I kept saying “yes” to their needs and adding whatever grace I could, even though inside I was dying a little.
Three hours later, they not only tipped me 30%—they invited me to keep celebrating with them upstairs.
That moment taught me a lot about people, pressure, and how to turn a disaster into connection. Sometimes your “difficult” client isn’t really difficult—they’re waiting to see how you’ll show up. And when you lead with presence, generosity, and a little improv magic, you can turn it all around.
Yes—and. It works.
Origin Story
When I was younger, I was the quiet kid who sat in the back row, afraid to speak my mind in fear of sounding foolish or not having the answer. Everything changed when I stumbled into theatre and improv. It was because I had a script and a character to hide behind where I slowly started to build my confidence and use my voice. Later in life I studied improvisational comedy. And because there wasn't a script, I was forced to share my point of view and this is when I really started to bloom.
Fast forward to today, I draw from those transformative experiences to help others find their voice. I've been at it for over a decade, and it's been rewarding to see people grow and succeed. Clients range from small business owners to tech giants and pharmaceutical companies, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Example talks
Speak with spark: Humanizing tech talks (20-90 min. Keynote online and in person)
In a saturated market, how do you make your products, services and new technologies stand out? Meridith Grundei's "Speak with Spark: Humanizing Tech Talks" is your answer. Merging public speaking skills with off-the-cuff creativity, Meridith guides you in transforming complex tech jargon into engaging stories.
Why Tech Leaders Should Listen Up: In an ever-evolving industry, the ability to communicate clearly and passionately is your hidden asset. This talk, adaptable from 20 to 90 minutes, is a must for tech leaders and CEOs who aim to lead with authenticity and make a lasting impression.
Key Takeaways:
1. Cut the Complexity: Learn how to simplify intricate tech topics into digestible ideas that are both accessible and actionable.
2. Captivate to Lead: Acquire techniques to keep your audience's attention, thereby increasing your influence as a leader.
3. Be Real, Be Trusted: Uncover the significance of authentic communication in building trust and initiating change.
4. Fuel it with Fire: Recognize why your enthusiasm is essential for inspiring innovation and effective leadership.
5. Quick Wins: Leave with practical tips that you can apply immediately, turning your next talk into a memorable leadership moment.
*Most recently did this talk for Amazon's first annual SpeakerCon, July 2023.
Improv for Speakers, Confidently Speaking (Workshop online and in person)
In a world where public speaking skills can make or break your career, how do you stand out? Whether it's stage fright, dull presentations, the desire to outperform your colleagues, struggling to land podcast invitations, feeling uneasy on camera, or awkwardness at networking events, Confidently Speaking is designed to tackle these issues head-on.
Why This Workshop is a Game Changer:
1. Transform Your Mindset: Say goodbye to stage fright and limiting beliefs. This workshop uses improv techniques to help you think on your feet and adapt to the unexpected.
2. Boost Your Confidence: Learn how to use your voice and body language to command attention and own the stage.
3. Educate & Inspire: Discover how to craft compelling narratives that not only inform but also engage and inspire your audience.
Who Needs This?
- Got stage fright? We got you.
- Freeze up during talks? Learn how to bounce back like a pro.
- Want to outperform your colleagues? This is your secret weapon.
Business Impact:
- Client Retention: Engaging talks mean happy clients, reducing churn rates.
- Investor Relations: A compelling pitch can be the difference between a "yes" and a "no."
- Team Morale: Effective communication boosts team cohesion, increasing productivity.
- Personal Branding: Become the speaker everyone wants to hear, opening doors to new opportunities.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a CEO, or someone who just wants to communicate more effectively, Confidently Speaking is your ticket to becoming a more impactful speaker. Join us and transform your public speaking game forever.
I have been facilitating this group every Wednesday since July 7th, 2021. Facilitation recordings are shared upon request. The program: https://members.confidentlyspeaking.fun
Speak Like a Pro: Your Blueprint for Presentation Preparation (workshop and Keynote: in person and virtual)
In fields like science, medicine, and technology, the ability to convey complex information clearly is crucial. A poorly executed presentation can lead to misunderstandings, lost opportunities, and a hit to your professional reputation. "Speak Like a Pro" provides you with the skills to take any deck you're given and make it your own, ensuring your complex, data-heavy presentations are both engaging and easily understood. Whether you're presenting in-person or virtually, this workshop and keynote will level up your presentation skills, making sure your message resonates and that your audience is clearly informed.
Preparing and delivering complicated data and slides can be challenging. This workshop will teach you best practices for preparing and delivering complicated technology and science-based slides, simply and with spark.
Key Takeaways:
1. Strategic Structuring: Master the art of organizing complex data into a coherent, engaging narrative.
2. Making It Your Own: Learn how to personalize a pre-designed deck to better align with your speaking style and message.
3. Dynamic Delivery: Techniques to bring energy and clarity to your presentation, even when the subject matter is complex.
4. Audience Engagement: Strategies for reading your audience and adapting in real-time for maximum impact.
5. Virtual vs. In-Person: Best practices for tailoring your presentation to different formats.
*This keynote and workshop was most recently delivered in: Rome, Italy; São Paulo, Brazil; Chicago, IL; Dallas, Texas; New Jersey City, NJ; and Vienna, Austria. (Clients were: Merck, Idorsia, Pfizer, and others.)
Embrace Your Voice for International Women's Day, March 2023: Panasonic (Virtual)
Embrace your superpowers and overcome barriers that prevent you from being a more confident speaker.
https://youtu.be/qHMbe68dCRE?feature=shared
Your Cyber Path Podcast - September 2023 (49:43)
In this episode, our awesome host Jason Dion is back again with another episode of the Your Cyber Path podcast. This time, he’s accompanied by an amazing guest, Meridith Grundei. Meridith is a renowned public speaking coach and owner of Grundei Coaching who specializes in public speaking and presentation skills.
Meridith explains that understanding your client and doing your due diligence of research and studying will help you immensely in your attempts to simplify any complex concept to any level of audience. You need to figure out your objective, point out all the key takeaways, and choose the ones that support your argument. Listen here 👉 https://www.yourcyberpath.com/podcast/104/