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
- "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 - "My time with Ken was so valuable in helping me see both my strengths and opportunities for growth. Some of the strategies we worked on together I have continued to implement in my day-to-day work and have helped me continue addressing opportunities for growth and strengthening relationships with coworkers. I believe he genuinely cared – cares! – about my growth, success, and happiness."
Lynsey (Gilchrist) BurgessWest Coast Environment Sector Lead at PRR - "Ken possesses an extraordinary ability to inspire growth and transformation. His expertise in energy leadership and the Energy Leadership Index has impacted my personal and professional development. Ken’s insights have bolstered my resilience and equipped me with a fresh perspective, enhancing my approach to challenges. I am deeply grateful for Ken’s guidance and wholeheartedly recommend his coaching to anyone seeking to unlock their true potential."
Shweta SoniSenior Communications Specialist- MENA - "Every communications leader should have the benefit from coaching from Ken. He's more than "Kenough" (for the unindoctrinated, that's a Barbie movie reference)... he's pure "Kenergy." What a gift that the agency I joined had engaged him to provide leadership coaching! A valued advisor, coach, and friend, Ken's counsel is wise, constructive, on point, and informed by an esteemed career of communications excellence. Genuine, caring, and insightful, he brings out the best in everyone he works with. And the energy reference? He'll graciously remind you that the energy you bring the anything is important and sets the tone for any interaction. That's Kenough for me!"
Trish Nicolas Senior Communications Strategist - "I attended Ken's CAPRSA Spring Conference 2018 break-out session, “How to Help Your Next-Gen Become Effective Leaders in Their Own Right” and really found it worthwhile, educational, and very informative. Ken is a great presenter and speaker and very engaging with the those in attendance. Two of the key things I took away from the session was "when you recognize the next gen as leaders, then it will motivate them to step up" and also "creating the objective, showing the direction, and then to get out of the way."
John McCartney Principal at Jmac PR LLC - "Ken is an excellent speaker, provides tangible resources and actionable ideas. For experienced leaders, his back-to-basics reminders challenge us to reflect and assess our leadership style/habits. I appreciate Ken’s detailed talking points to illustrate tone and approach to challenging conversations."
Pamela Nix, MBA, APRDirector of Human Resources - "I was fortunate to hear not one, but two (!) of Ken's leadership presentations at the 2023 PRSA ICON conference, and learned valuable tips I could put into practice back at the office. His depth of experience in the PR/communications field, combined with his expertise in coaching for leadership, were just the right combination that led to a standing-room-only session during the conference. Ken's passion and sincerity for coaching/helping are evident, whether he's presenting in a crowded room, or chatting one-on-one."
Robin King Director of Community Relations - "I thoroughly enjoyed Kens presentation,"11 Things You MUST Do Now To More Effectively Lead Your Teams" at PRSA ICON 2023. It was informative and extremely relatable. He's spot on with addressing the leadership environment in any profession. Among the topics covered, Ken's discussion about delegating vs, empowering your team, as well as the value of performance vs. perfection challenged us to be better leaders. I look forward to attending his session at ICON 2024."
Brendalyn Carpenter Player Communications Consultant and Coach - "Since crossing paths with Ken Jacobs at the PRSA Counselors Academy in Puerto Rico back in 2016, I have had the pleasure of knowing him. At that time, I was working for another PR agency. In 2020, I decided to establish my own PR firm, Jmac PR. Recognizing the need for expert guidance in business development, I turned to Ken for support. Ken's insights and teachings have been transformative. His expertise in business development has provided me with invaluable knowledge and skills, helping me excel in areas that were once challenging. Our collaboration has clarified implementation strategies and identified key areas for growth. I sought Ken's guidance again for fiscal best practices, and once more, his mentorship proved invaluable. His coaching style, which is approachable yet insightful, has empowered me to implement sound financial strategies, putting me in a strong position for sustainable growth. Ken's phenomenal coaching abilities make him an invaluable resource for PR agency owners and stakeholders. His supportive yet challenging approach fosters personal and professional development in a motivating and effective manner. Confidently, I have referred fellow PR professionals and agency owners to Ken, knowing they will greatly benefit from his expertise. As I continue to evolve and grow, I wouldn't hesitate to engage Ken's services again in the future. If you're seeking guidance and mentorship to propel your PR endeavors forward, Ken Jacobs is undoubtedly the person to turn to."John McCartney Principal at Jmac PR LLC
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