Heidi Petak
Heidi Petak is an organizational and interpersonal communication expert with 20+ years of experience coaching leaders and their teams in utilizing trust-based communication strategies, dealing with difficult people, navigating conflict, crisis communication, public speaking, storytelling, and strategies for giving shame-free feedback. She currently customizes and facilitates in-person and virtual interactive workshops for nonprofit and for-profit organizations, small businesses, state agencies, and local agencies within the public sector.
Heidi’s experience includes 10+ years inspiring learners as an adjunct instructor for adult undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in 4 universities and serving as the Chair of General Education for Williamson College. Her professional appointments have included Creative Arts Director for a nonprofit organization, Senior Creative Director for a Nashville-based consulting firm, and a 20+ year voice-over career providing customized messaging for hundreds of organizations. Heidi has also lectured around the world on topics in communication, creativity, and leadership in South Africa, South Sudan, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Hungary and currently serves as the Lead Public Speaking Coach for an international nonprofit organization.
Heidi earned a B.S. in Broadcasting from John Brown University, an M.A. in Communication from the University of Arkansas, and a Ph.D. in Communication from Regent University. She continues to explore how shame and trust influence connection and persuasion.
