Steven D. Cohen
Steven D. Cohen is an internationally known expert on leadership communication, executive presence, and persuasive speaking. He is an accomplished scholar and dynamic trainer who has brought research-based insights to companies in a wide range of industries. Cohen is well known for helping leaders communicate with confidence, influence, and authority. He has been quoted in media outlets such as the Financial Times, Slate, HuffPost, Vanity Fair, New York Magazine, and NBC News. Cohen also was featured in the BBC Radio documentary, “Churchill’s Secret Cabinet.” He is a long-time instructor at the Harvard Division of Continuing Education and holds a faculty appointment at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.
Cohen’s work examines the communication behaviors of effective leaders, with a particular focus on executive presence. His research has appeared in national and international publications, including College Teaching, Communication Teacher, The International Journal of Listening, and Toastmaster magazine. Cohen is the author of two books, Public Speaking: The Path to Success and Lessons from the Podium: Public Speaking as a Leadership Art. He is also the editor of Speaking for Success: Readings and Resources, a collection of essential articles on the art of public speaking.
Cohen is president of Summit Presentations, LLC, a training firm that develops high-impact programs for companies and government agencies. He and his team use research-based training strategies and data-driven assessments to help people become better speakers and better writers. Before starting the company, Cohen spent several years working in the private sector. He was an assistant vice president and team leader at Bank of America and later became a senior strategy consultant at IBM Global Business Services. In addition, Cohen was the founder and chairman of Friends for Life of America, a national nonprofit organization that improves the quality of life for pediatric cancer patients and their families. Under his leadership, the organization distributed hats, holiday cards, and teddy bears to patients in almost every state and more than 30 countries.
Cohen earned a PhD in communication from the University of Maryland, a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, summa cum laude, from the University of Florida. He is the recipient of many awards and honors, including the Dean’s Award for Faculty Excellence from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and The National Society of Leadership and Success Excellence in Teaching Award. Cohen has earned Advanced Toastmaster and Competent Leader designations from Toastmasters International. He is a lifetime member of Beta Gamma Sigma and was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame.
