Who is Ken Jacobs?
Ken Jacobs, PCC, CPC, ELI-MP, an experienced consultant and certified coach, is the principal of Jacobs Consulting & Executive Coaching, which serves agencies, companies, senior leaders, executives and managers in the public relations, corporate communications, integrated communications, advertising, and marketing space.
Since 2007, he has helped agencies grow and manage business, improve client service and relationships, and enhance staff performance, communications, and leadership skills, while empowering communications CEOs, presidents, leaders, and senior managers to achieve and surpass their goals.
Jacobs holds Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credentials from the International Coach Federation (ICF), and is accredited as a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Energy Leadership Index (ELI) Master Practitioner and a COR.E Leadership Dynamics Specialist by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC).
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Testimonials
- "As a person who has held leadership roles in public relations for the past 36 years, I believe that one of our biggest downfalls as leaders is overthinking the obvious and losing our focus on what, or should I say, who is most important--the people in our organizations. Overthinking can bring peril to our vision and success as a leader. That's why listening to Ken Jacobs present, Be a Lion!: The Role of Courage in Leadership at the 2024 PRSA ICON, was refreshing and helpful--even to a senior leader. Ken's simplicity and hands-on approach to leadership cut through a lot of clutter in a way that invites a culture of trust and confidence from top to bottom.Mark D. WeinsteinExecutive Director of Public Relations, Cedarville University
- "At PRSA ICON this year, I attended Ken’s workshop, Be A Lion!: The Role of Courage in Leadership. Ken’s approach to leadership is engaging and compelling, and he creates an easy, participation-forward environment. The real gem of the conference was an open invitation one morning to meet with Ken and other leaders over coffee. We shared challenges and strategies with each other and there was no shortage of laughter and good advice. A conversation with Ken is a great start. Attending his workshops or better yet, working with him as a coach can take anybody to the next level."
Chris StokerStrategic Communications Manager, Columbia University Irving Medical Center - "I highly recommend Ken’s leadership session “Be A Lion: The Role of Courage in Leadership.” I first heard him speak at the PRSA ICON conference in Anaheim and found the information so inspirational and relevant to what PR professionals do on a day to day basis."
Samantha MillerCommunications and Community Liaison Coordinator, Donlin Gold LLC - "I has the opportunity to see Ken present "Be a Lion: The Role of Courage in Leadership," at the PRSA 2024 ICON. Ken's presentation was clear and thoughtful, and demonstrated his expert knowledge of communications and PR and our role as leaders. If you are looking for someone who can demonstrate not only the need to communications and PR professionals to be leaders, but to give you some ideas about what that means to an organization, I would check out Ken's work."
Eric MossDirector of Communications, University of Washington - "Ken's course on leadership and being "a lion" was an introspective lecture on leaving fear at the door and becoming the best version of yourself without regard for how you are perceived. He presented the audience with an opportunity to take a look in the mirror and tools to utilize whenever fear comes inevitably knocking in the workplace, and throughout our lives. Would recommend Ken and his course to anyone wanting to better themselves and receive invaluable information."
Robert Allen Public Information Specialist, City of Austin - "I saw Be A Lion: The Role Of Courage In Leadership" at PRSA ICON 2024. Ken's leadership presentation was inspiring and left the room feeling ready to tackle their biggest personal and professional obstacles. He has a way of making each person feel they are having an intimate conversation with him, even in a large conference room full of people."
Molly ThrasherCommunications Consultant - "We worked with Ken over multiple cohorts, including Five-Star Client Service training and group coaching sessions. He was extremely communicative throughout the process, had thoughtful and actionable insights to share, and was a great facilitator with a positive attitude."
Jennifer Heilman FlanerySenior Vice President, Stratacomm - "Last year we hired Ken to speak at a conference to provide our group of PR professionals with his expertise on the topic of 'leading vs. managing.' Ken's presentation was thought provoking, inspiring and moving in many ways. He brought about a change in perspective for me that I am still benefiting from and applying today. Numerous attendees approached me after Ken's presentation to share how he had positively impacted their view on leadership. I highly recommend Ken to anyone looking for a professional coach, both in personal and team format."
Kate JeffriesCommunity Relations Manager at ETC, Inc. - "I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to bring Ken on to coach several members of our management team, and to witness their professional growth. During my consultations with Ken as one of the supervisors involved, it was clear that Ken is a patient, empathetic coach who genuinely listens and provides caring guidance. Additionally, having several staff go through the coaching experience with Ken at the same time meant that they could use a common language and framework with each other, which probably helped accelerate the process. Finally, I always enjoy the opportunity to hear Ken present at PRSA conferences as an attendee; if you have the chance to hire Ken for a speaking engagement, do that as well!"
Diana Steeble Principal, National Healthcare Lead at PRR - "A former public relations leader himself, Ken Jacobs has an exceptional understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities of our industry. His monthly leadership counseling sessions provided me with practical, actionable steps that worked to proactively expand our agency's new business, boost organic growth, control overservicing, reign in scope creep, and, most importantly, better serve and retain what Ken calls "delighted clients." Ken's gentle but firm coaching style helped me balance my mission-driven instinct to follow my heart with my business imperative to lead with my head. His own positive energy and empathy, combined with best practices for business success, gave me the tools and confidence to do both. The result: client-centered business growth and profitability proven by real metrics. Ken’s impact on my work is deep and lasting. Now, the first thing I ask myself whenever I approach a business development or client relations challenge is, "What would Coach Ken do?" Then I do it."
Kellie Murphy Managing Director, Scott Circle Communications
Taking the Lead
In our Taking the Lead video series, you’ll find video interviews with leaders from the world of PR, communications, and marketing on leadership, agency management, executive coaching, public relations, communications, and more.
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Our eBooks
We’ve written a series of eBooks to help you become a better leader, including: “How To Lead The Leaders On Your Team,” “Nine Critical Leadership Tips For Today,” and “11 Things To Do If You Want To Be An Amazingly Effective Leader.”
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Discover the Art of Leading in the Age of Uncertainty
It’s increasingly evident that we are living in an Age of Uncertainty, starting with the lockdown of March, 2020. Since then, we have weathered numerous challenges, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, inflation concerns, recession fears, tech industry layoffs, and who knows what uncertainties are next?
Amidst it all, one thing remains clear: you want to learn how to lead in this era of uncertainty. After all, why else would you be reading this? And here’s more: You possess the capacity to adapt and refine your leadership style, empowering your teams to navigate through any level of uncertainty. In fact, there are nine actionable steps included in this eBook that you can take to master this art.
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