Stephanie Thoma
Networking Expert, Conference Speaker | Engaging & Creative Panel Moderator at Connect With Confidence
Professional Training and Coaching
Education: University of California at Santa Barbara
New York, NY, USA
Biography
Stephanie Thoma is an author and coach known for her inspiring approach to confidence, public speaking, relationship and community building. Her debut book, Confident Introvert, has been praised for empowering introverts to excel in social and professional settings by embracing their unique strengths. Her latest release, Not That Sweet, delves into modern relationships and self-discovery, encouraging readers to embrace authenticity through embodying personal standards, healthy boundary setting and deep self-knowing. Her podcast is called Holistic Ambition and showcases interviews with leaders who prioritize wellbeing, meaning and fun in their careers, business and relationships.
As a connector, Stephanie’s views around networking have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, and Thrive Global. She has also been invited to speak at Harvard, Northeastern, and Boston Universities as well as internationally. To date, Stephanie has helped thousands of people celebrate their strengths, step into their authentic confidence, and make meaningful connections.
Awards: Solo Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 & 2021, Stevie Awards, Bronze Winner & #obo100 of 2020 recognizing human-centered business owners
Passion
I’m passionate about helping quiet leaders and purpose-driven professionals overcome self-doubt, speak with confidence, and connect meaningfully. Through my Connect With Confidence talk series, including topics like elevator pitches, quiet leadership, impostor syndrome, and authentic presence, I guide individuals to communicate powerfully without pretending to be someone they’re not.
My mission is to empower others to introduce themselves with ease, lead with authenticity, and speak with impact—whether they’re navigating a networking event, stepping on stage, or leading from behind the scenes.
Origin Story
I grew up painfully shy, the eldest in a big family, often feeling like I didn’t belong. For years, I believed I had to be someone else to connect or lead, so I stayed small and silent. But as I slowly stepped into community roles and leadership opportunities, I discovered that authenticity and speaking, not performance or silence, was my greatest strength.
Since then, I’ve spoken on over 150 stages worldwide, coached 200+ clients to lead with confidence, and hosted nearly 1,000 events. Today, I help others do what once felt impossible to me: speak up, show up fully, and build meaningful connections on their own terms.
Example talks
Network with Confidence: Connect at Conferences
Networking can feel overwhelming—even for the most experienced professionals—especially when quick conversations feel too shallow or inauthentic. This engaging, actionable workshop equips attendees with practical tools to start conversations, build genuine rapport, and feel more at ease in any room. Participants will leave with a personalized networking strategy and the confidence to make meaningful connections that last beyond the event.
Elevator Pitch Energy: How to Introduce Yourself Without Sounding Scripted
Craft a natural, engaging elevator pitch that reflects who you are without feeling rehearsed. This talk offers strategies to speak with ease in networking and professional settings, so you leave a memorable impression. Walk away with a customizable framework to introduce yourself confidently and authentically.
Speak with Clarity & Confidence: Tools to Command the Room as a Quiet Leader
Being soft-spoken doesn’t mean staying silent. Learn practical vocal and body language tools to project confidence, lead meetings, and communicate ideas with authority—without changing your personality. Gain actionable techniques to speak up and be seen as a strong, composed leader.
From Impostor to Impact: Public Speaking for Purpose-Driven Founders
Purpose-driven leaders often struggle with self-doubt when stepping into the spotlight. This session helps you reframe impostor syndrome and tap into your mission to speak with authenticity and influence. Discover mindset shifts and speaking tools to present with purpose and connect with your audience.
The Introvert’s Edge in Leadership: Harnessing Presence Without Pretending
Introverts bring a unique, often undervalued strength to leadership. This talk explores how to lead through deep presence, active listening, and thoughtful communication—without faking extroversion. Learn how to leverage your introverted traits as strategic assets in leadership and collaboration.
Featured Video
Featured Book
My Podcast
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
I always get paid for speaking
Topics
Origin Story
I grew up painfully shy, the eldest in a big family, often feeling like I didn’t belong. For years, I believed I had to be someone else to connect or lead, so I stayed small and silent. But as I slowly stepped into community roles and leadership opportunities, I discovered that authenticity and speaking, not performance or silence, was my greatest strength.
Since then, I’ve spoken on over 150 stages worldwide, coached 200+ clients to lead with confidence, and hosted nearly 1,000 events. Today, I help others do what once felt impossible to me: speak up, show up fully, and build meaningful connections on their own terms.
Example talks
Network with Confidence: Connect at Conferences
Networking can feel overwhelming—even for the most experienced professionals—especially when quick conversations feel too shallow or inauthentic. This engaging, actionable workshop equips attendees with practical tools to start conversations, build genuine rapport, and feel more at ease in any room. Participants will leave with a personalized networking strategy and the confidence to make meaningful connections that last beyond the event.
Elevator Pitch Energy: How to Introduce Yourself Without Sounding Scripted
Craft a natural, engaging elevator pitch that reflects who you are without feeling rehearsed. This talk offers strategies to speak with ease in networking and professional settings, so you leave a memorable impression. Walk away with a customizable framework to introduce yourself confidently and authentically.
Speak with Clarity & Confidence: Tools to Command the Room as a Quiet Leader
Being soft-spoken doesn’t mean staying silent. Learn practical vocal and body language tools to project confidence, lead meetings, and communicate ideas with authority—without changing your personality. Gain actionable techniques to speak up and be seen as a strong, composed leader.
From Impostor to Impact: Public Speaking for Purpose-Driven Founders
Purpose-driven leaders often struggle with self-doubt when stepping into the spotlight. This session helps you reframe impostor syndrome and tap into your mission to speak with authenticity and influence. Discover mindset shifts and speaking tools to present with purpose and connect with your audience.
The Introvert’s Edge in Leadership: Harnessing Presence Without Pretending
Introverts bring a unique, often undervalued strength to leadership. This talk explores how to lead through deep presence, active listening, and thoughtful communication—without faking extroversion. Learn how to leverage your introverted traits as strategic assets in leadership and collaboration.