Foote Communications helps executives, entrepreneurs and authors lead with confidence and tell their stories in their own voice. Our executive coaching and ghostwriting services draw on Neil Foote’s 45 years in journalism, media leadership, education and strategic communications.

Whether you are working through a leadership decision, developing a book or preparing an important speech, we start by listening and build the work around your goals. We also offer public relations, media training and communications counsel to support your broader needs.

Executive Coaching, Ghostwriting & Strategic Communications

Think through your next move. Put your experience into words.

Foote Communications helps executives, entrepreneurs, authors and organizations communicate with purpose.

Our primary services are leadership and executive communication coaching, along with ghostwriting for books, speeches and thought leadership. We also provide strategic public relations, media training and communications counsel.

Founder Neil Foote brings 45 years of experience in journalism, media leadership, education, entrepreneurship and communications to the work.

Executive & Leadership Communication Coaching

What are you working through?

A new leadership role. A difficult conversation. A career decision. A presentation requiring clear thinking and confident delivery.

Neil works one-on-one with professionals who want an outside perspective, honest feedback and time to focus on what comes next.

His approach starts with listening. You bring your experience and knowledge of the situation. Neil brings thoughtful questions, practical guidance and perspective gained from decades of leading, teaching and advising.

Areas of focus

• Leadership transitions and expanded responsibilities.

• Difficult conversations with employees, colleagues and boards.

• Executive presence and leadership communication.

• Career direction and professional positioning.

• Presentations and high-stakes meetings.

• Listening, feedback and follow-through.

Leadership Clarity Session

A focused conversation about one decision, communication challenge or professional priority.

Includes a brief questionnaire, a 75-minute virtual session, a one-page action summary and one follow-up email exchange within seven days.

Button: Request a Leadership Clarity Session

90-Day Leadership & Communication Coaching

Six one-on-one sessions give you time to examine your goals, practice new approaches and review your progress.

We agree on two or three priorities at the beginning. Each conversation builds on your work between sessions, with exercises connected to situations you are facing.

Includes six 60-minute virtual sessions, written goals, practical exercises, agreed email check-ins and a closing action plan.

Experience supported by formal training

Neil completed the University of North Texas Ryan College of Business Leader-as-Coach Certification Program. His coaching combines formal training with experience as a journalist, media executive, entrepreneur, educator and communications adviser.

Ghostwriting & Editorial Development

Your story should sound like you.

You have experience worth sharing. Finding the time, structure and words to share those experiences is another matter.

We help you turn your knowledge into books, speeches, articles and other content while preserving your voice. The work begins with listening: how you speak, what you believe and what you want readers or listeners to understand.

Books & Business Memoirs

Develop a manuscript grounded in your experience, ideas and point of view.

Services include:

• Book concept and audience development.

• Outlines and chapter planning.

• Interviews and supporting research.

• Ghostwriting for nonfiction books and business memoirs.

• Developmental editing and manuscript revision.

• Publishing preparation and coordination, as agreed.

Speeches & Executive Remarks

Prepare remarks you feel comfortable delivering, with a clear message and a reason for the audience to listen.

Services include:

• Keynote and executive addresses.

• Leadership and organizational announcements.

• Ceremonial remarks.

• Conference presentations.

• Virtual-event scripts.

• Speech editing and delivery preparation.

Articles, Op-Eds & Thought Leadership

Give your expertise a clear point of view and a consistent public voice.

Services include:

• Op-eds and bylined articles.

• Expert commentary.

• LinkedIn posts and articles.

• Newsletters and blog posts.

• Topic development and editorial planning.

Website & Marketing Content

Explain who you serve, what you offer and why someone should take the next step.

Services include:

• Website and landing-page copy.

• Executive biographies and company profiles.

• Brand stories and service descriptions.

• Newsletters and campaign materials.

• Content review, editing and message refinement.

How a writing engagement works

We agree on the audience, purpose, scope and schedule before writing begins. Interviews and existing materials help establish the substance and voice. Drafts move through an agreed review process, with your feedback guiding revisions.

Button: Discuss Your Writing Project

Strategic Communications & Advisory Services

Support for the moments when your message matters.

Some clients need coaching or writing. Others need a broader communications plan, preparation for public attention or ongoing senior counsel.

These services work as standalone engagements or as part of a larger assignment.

Strategic PR & Communications Consulting

Define your story, sharpen your positioning and build a communications plan around your goals.

Typical deliverables include a communications audit, key messages, media and campaign recommendations, a strategic roadmap and a follow-up advisory memo.

Monthly Strategic Communications Counsel

Ongoing support for organizations needing experienced guidance on visibility, media relations, messaging and communications decisions.

Engagements include scheduled strategy calls, message refinement, media planning, review of outreach materials and advisory access within an agreed scope.

Executive Media & Presentation Training

Prepare for interviews, podcasts, press conferences, presentations and other public appearances.

Sessions include message development, rehearsal, on-camera or live practice, difficult-question preparation and specific feedback.

Crisis Communications Preparation

Prepare your team to communicate under pressure.

Engagements include a crisis communications review, draft talking points, spokesperson preparation, scenario exercises and a response framework identifying roles and priorities.

Thought Leadership Strategy

Determine which ideas you want to be known for and how to share them consistently.

Deliverables include positioning themes, audience priorities, topic development, an editorial calendar and recommendations for articles, speeches, interviews and LinkedIn content.

Writing and content production are scoped separately or included in a combined engagement.

Storytelling & Brand Messaging Workshops

Help your team explain the work, identify stronger stories and connect with audiences.

Workshops include planning, live facilitation, practical templates, worksheets and a post-session recap. Multicultural audience insight and inclusive messaging are incorporated where relevant to the assignment.

Keynotes, Conference Talks & Facilitation

Bring an experienced journalist, educator and communications strategist into your next event or planning conversation.

Topics include storytelling, leadership communication, public relations, digital media and brand reputation. Formats include keynotes, fireside chats, moderated conversations, workshops and planning sessions.

Why Work With Neil Foote?

Neil’s career includes The Miami Herald, The Washington Post, The Dallas Morning News and A.H. Belo Corp. He is a National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame honoree, an author and a longtime educator.

His work connects newsroom discipline with business judgment: ask good questions, understand the audience, examine the facts and communicate clearly.

Whether the assignment involves coaching, a manuscript or a communications plan, the starting point stays the same: understand what you need before recommending what to do.

Let’s Talk About Your Goals

Bring the question, project or decision in front of you. We will discuss the scope, timing and approach before work begins.

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