Allison Shapira

About Allison Shapira

What can a trained opera singer teach you about executive presence? And what can a former speechwriter teach you about influence?I bring both perspectives to the senior leaders I advise.Even the most seasoned executives struggle to communicate in ways that build trust, drive clarity, and align people, especially in times of volatility and rapid change. I help leaders speak with confidence, clarity, and authenticity in their most high-stakes moments: board presentations, investor meetings, global town halls, media appearances, and 1:1s with top talent.When the message matters, I help you speak with impact.For 20+ years, I’ve advised global leaders across Fortune 50 companies, international nonprofits, and government agencies—including Bank of America, Intel, and Procter & Gamble. Whether I’m delivering a keynote or advising a newly-appointed senior executive, my goal remains the same: to help leaders use their voice to lead more effectively.And I’m not new to AI.Eight years ago (long before AI dominated headlines) I began studying how emerging technologies would transform the way we communicate, connect, and lead. My new book,\"AI for the Authentic Leader\", helps senior leaders harness AI to enhance (not replace) their authenticity, judgment, and presence.Teaching at Harvard for the past 12 years, I’ve developed a methodology that consistently transforms leaders into powerful, purpose-driven communicators who deliver clear results. My approach is practical, actionable, research-based, and designed for real-world impact.What I offer-Keynotes that inspire and equip leaders to speak with purpose and lead with presence—while using AI responsibly to amplify their authentic voice and build trust-Executive deep dives that build clarity, brevity, and executive presence in leadership teams-1:1 executive coaching and strategic advisory for senior leaders stepping into high-visibility roles, managing critical transitions, or aligning global stakeholders.If you\'re a senior leader—or support one—and want to use your voice to build trust, unify teams, and accelerate results, let’s talk.

Experience

1. Contributor

   Harvard Business Review

   Jun 2015 — Present

   I am a regular contributor to the Harvard Business Review on topics of leadership communication and presentation skills.

Education

• Harvard Kennedy School

  Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.), Negotiation, Leadership

  2010

• Simmons University

  Graduate-Level Coursework in Communications Management

• Toastmasters International

  Public Speaking and Leadership

• Boston University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Major in Italian Language, Minor in Opera Performance

Skills

• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Intercultural Training
• Fundraising
• Leadership Development
• Intercultural Communication
• Social Media Marketing
• Opera
• Strategic Partnerships
• Negotiation
• Politics
• Leadership
• Singing
• International Project Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Training
• New Business Development
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Social Media
• Social Entrepreneurship
• International Development
• Public Policy
• Policy Analysis
• Public Speaking
• Crisis Communications
• Writing
• Leadership Mentoring
• Policy
• Program Management
• Strategy
• Training Workshops
• Marketing Communications
• Executive Coaching
• Economic Development
• Public Administration
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Leadership Communication
• Global Business Development
• Foreign Languages