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
- "Ken is an icon in our industry, helping countless leaders find the courage to continuously improve. I recently met Ken at a Public Relations Society of America International Conference, where a good friend shared how much Ken's coaching and mentorship had helped him as he launched his new career as a public speaker. Then, I attended his session "Be a Lion: The Role of Courage in Leadership" at the 2024 International Conference in Anaheim. I'm always looking for new knowledge to be the best leader I can be for my teams. This presentation was a great reminder of how important it is to show courage in your role—so many nuggets of great information. You can read his recap here. I'm so grateful for his wisdom and willingness to share it with us all."
Janelle Guthrie, APR, Fellow PRSAVice President-Communications, Building Industry Association of Washington - "At the 2024 international conference for PRSA I heard Ken Jacobs speak about courage. His presentation, "Be A Lion: The Role of Courage in Leadership" resonated with me. I incorporated his message into my own presentation at ICON. When a crisis is brewing, as PR professionals we need to ask the right questions, decide what a reasonable person would expect of our organization and present our advice to the C-Suite. Ken’s point, which I reiterated in my presentation and have used since, was we need to have the courage to take a stand, be strong in our beliefs and stand up to counter arguments. As I prepare to retire from my full-time job, I have a lot more courage than I did earlier in my career. I wish I would have heard Ken speak about courage years ago. I believe I would have been a better counselor. Ken’s presentation on courage should be a must hear for all PR professionals, whether you’re beginning your career or a seasoned pro. To that end, I invited Ken to speak about courage to PRSA’s Fellows. I can’t wait to hear him again."
Janet KacskosDirector of Communications at Millersville University - "Ken hosted programs for two membership groups at the Institute for Public Relations: ELEVATE and NEXT. Attendees raved about his content, praising his wealth of experience and deep knowledge. Ken’s approachable style made him highly engaging, and he generously offered ongoing support, encouraging attendees to follow up with him to foster their growth and accountability in achieving their goals. I highly recommend him!"
Tina McCorkindale, Ph.D., APRPresident and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations - "I attended Ken's workshop on providing constructive feedback and learned so much during this engaging, interactive, and informative session. Not only was Ken a great presenter, but he was also a good listener during the session--walking the walk of the principles he recommended. Highly recommend!"
Fay Zifei ChenAssociate Professor, University of San Francisco - "I recently had the amazing opportunity to attend PRSA ICON for the first time (as a staff member of the University of Delaware). Although I didn't get to connect with Ken directly, I couldn't help but praise his leadership session, "Be A Lion: The Role of Courage In Leadership." I took so many notes and the room was filled. Thanks for the great session and hope to connect again at future conferences!"
Melissa BetauProgram Coordinator for the Department of Communication, University of Delaware - "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
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