Non-binding request for J.D Schramm
J.D Schramm
Leadership communication expert J.D. Schramm helps leaders turn complex ideas into clear messages that inspire action and drive real results.
Prefer to talk? Call +1 347 223 5128
5.00 of 5
Top rated!
Leadership communication expert J.D. Schramm helps leaders turn complex ideas into clear messages that inspire action and drive real results.
Prefer to talk? Call +1 347 223 5128
5.00 of 5
Top rated!J.D. Schramm is a seasoned communicator, coach, and entrepreneur who helps leaders communicate clearly when the stakes are high. Teaching in the master’s program at the University of Southern California and formerly a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, he has shaped how leaders approach communication in complex environments. At Stanford, JD led the development of the Mastery in Communication Initiative and co-founded LOWKeynotes, where students prepare and deliver TED-style talks with professional coaching. Today, he works with leaders and organizations to turn complex ideas into clear messages that inspire action, influence decisions, and drive meaningful results.
5 of 5
Before I ever met JD I could not fail to know of him. His influence seemed to be everywhere: as a regular columnist in the NYU Stern student newspaper and as a student leader helping the student community recover from 9/11. I was no slouch myself, participating in several extracurricular activities, but I grudgingly wondered how in the world this guy JD could be as involved and ubiquitous as he was. When we did finally meet, as co-planners of the first Leadership Retreat for part-time students (yet another feather in his hat), I really got to know JD and get a close-up look at his boundless energy and enthusiasms, not to mention his highly practical excellent planning and communications skills. What's more, I learned what a wonderful person JD is and we became good friends.
Adam RabinerProcess Documentation Specialist - NYC Department of Finance
5 of 5
JD is truly a master at his trade. He's more than just a passionate communicator; he's an advocate for more effective communications for all. While others may focus solely on teaching people how to communicate better (a role in which JD is unrivaled), JD does much more. He mentors aspiring communication instructors (like me). He shares his accumulated wisdom with anyone who asks. And he inspires whole teams of people to his cause. His work as the founder and leader of the Mastery in Communication Initiative at Stanford is a prime example of how effective JD is putting ideas into action and rallying support. Anyone looking for a communications expert who can inspire, lead and manage a team of communication professionals need look no further. JD is your guy.
Burt AlperLecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business
5 of 5
I have the great pleasure of co-teaching Strategic Communication with JD at the Stanford GSB. He is one of my role models when it comes to making students successful - investing countless hours to get to know them, offer them thoughtful, actionable feedback, and incorporate their ideas to improve an already popular course. He's equally committed to making his colleagues successful. I appreciate that he takes time to understand what matters to me, what my strengths are, and helps me identify professional and development opportunities. If you have the opportunity to work with JD or take one of his courses, I highly recommend you do!
Stephanie SolerPartner at The Trium Group
5 of 5
JD is a Master of Communication. Richard
Jiangong DaiCEO at Yiyi Holdings
5 of 5
JD Schramm has spoken at Stanford Alumni events on the powerful concept of "parachute in" with minimal preamble. I use it all the time to get to the point as well as help colleagues communicate effectively. Powerfully simple...and effective.
Steve KornChief Customer Officer and Principal at GoGestalt
5 of 5
I am so grateful for the opportunity to have met and listened to JD speak during a recent BreakLine event in NYC. He was charismatic, insightful, and truly inspiring! He has a passion for helping military veterans as they transition out of the military that is unmatched. I have been able to put to use much of the leadership lessons learned from him and am incredibly grateful to have his help on my journey into the tech industry! Thank you JD!
Eddie O.Head of Acquisition Compliance
5 of 5
JD took a risk on me when he invited me to be a communications coach at Stanford's GSB. He's a generous and compassionate leader who expects the best from everyone on his team, but also makes sure the team had the right tools and all the information we needed to perform at a high level. He trusted that I was going to do my best, but also made me accountable to the students by making sure I was prepared for every session. He's also a generous professional who has provided great advice and support since my time at the GSB.
Gabriel SamaMedia Executive | Newsroom Leader | Editorial Director
5 of 5
Fortunate enough to have been a student in his class, a colleague in the office and a partner on a creative freelancing project, it’s clear that JD truly practices what he preaches. He is a captivating compelling communicator, and challenges you to think about your communication in every approach, whether it be in a professional setting or your personal life. His leadership style is thoughtful and authentic; he really cares about his students and peers alike, doing anything within his power to help accelerate their development and growth. Not to mention, his playful character and witty demeanour is enough to brighten anyone’s day.
Pri BasnyatStrategy | Growth | Partnerships
5 of 5
I have had the pleasure of working with JD as a Faculty at the GSB, as well as Independent Keynote speaker. He is very clear about what he asks of you, respectful of what you bring to the table, and great with the feedback loop. JD is very easy to work with and talk to, is very passionate about his work, extremely knowledgeable and is a truly inspiring person! I hope to continue to work with JD into the future!
Jess RieraTraditional Artist
5 of 5
J.D. is a very insightful coach. He is very clear and compassionate. I felt very safe with him.
Carla McClellanLife Coach Carla, and Pause For Renewal Ministry. Available for ministers needing a sabbatical or a time out
5 of 5
I've known JD and his work for decades. The content, delivery, learnings, and impact that JD brings together in his "Realize the Result" workshop fully demonstrate the vibrancy of his teaching style. JD wraps his experiences and career insights together to shape communication skills for executives across industries. He orients apprehensive presenters to their personal strengths, opening possibilities for them in sharing their stories and aspirations. JD's recommended techniques and stories from his speaking experience on significant global stages will re-ignite the passion for storytelling among even seasoned speakers. If you have the opportunity to learn from JD, make sure you take advantage of it to elevate your communication skills!
Mike BrownSenior Marketing and Branding Executive | Chief Strategy Officer | Fun Strategic Planning | Innovation Expert | Speaker | Idea Magnets Author
5 of 5
I attended JD Schramm's communications workshop, and it was a transformative experience, packed with invaluable techniques for engaging dialogue. JD's expertise and credibility as an instructor are exceptional. Highly recommended!
Brigitte GuidiceVP, Learning and Talent Development
5 of 5
Working with JD has been a game-changer. His captivating approach will challenge you to think about effective communication in a variety of contexts. JD's leadership style reinforces the genuine care he has for his clients, and his playful demeanor makes for an enjoyable experience. If you're an entrepreneur hesitant about a communication coach, I wholeheartedly encourage you to work with JD. His expertise will elevate your communication abilities, making you a more confident and influential leader in your field.
Brendan SullivanHealthcare Partnerships & Growth
5 of 5
JD is quite literally one of the worlds best thinkers when it comes to strategic communications. I've had the privilege of learning from JD over the last 8 years and it's hard to pin point where he has made an impact on my professional career (because it is likely he has impacted each and every one). Not only is JD incredibly smart, incisive, and focused, he's one of the nicest and most giving human beings i've ever met. If you are reading this, you'd be doing yourself a great disservice by not getting to know JD.
Patrick GilliganImproving teen mental health @ Somethings | Stanford Product Design | Host of Self-Disclosed Podcast | Founder
5 of 5
Working with JD Schramm on our investor story was one of the highlights of participating in the One Mind startup accelerator. It was a good forcing function for my cofounder and I to take a step back and take stock on the progress we've made since our seed round last year, and re-articulate our strategy clearly to ourselves, our team and current and future investors.
Obi FeltenFounder, fmr Google / Google X, board director, venture partner
5 of 5
I cannot recommend JD Schramm enough to any physician either in a leadership position, or in the process of assuming a leadership role within a medical organization. Learning to craft a narrative, either in front of other leaders, donors, and even patients, is neither something that is taught nor inherently ingrained. It is learned over many hours and requires constant practice. JD is an absolute master teacher in the arts of crafting a story. In fact, I recommend JD to anyone, within or outside of medicine, interested in improving the way they present themselves. I will undoubtedly use the secret skills I learned from JD for years to come!
Yair BlumenfeldProfessor, University Medical Line at Stanford University School of Medicine
5 of 5
Working with JD during the One Mind Accelerator was an invaluable experience. His mentorship not only made a significant impact on my pitch but also on my overall approach to communication. JD's approachable and supportive nature made the whole experience great. If you're looking for a communication coach, I highly recommend JD.
Luis Emilio SuarezFounder & CEO at Sanarai
5 of 5
Here's the thing about JD Schramm and his communications coaching: he somehow makes you into the very best version of yourself, all in settings that are educational, enjoyable, and deeply informative. Misplaced confidence may have you believing that great communication skills are just ingrained; what you'll learn from working with JD is that this is an art form. Luckily, he is a master craftsman. I recommend JD with great enthusiasm, knowing that after his coaching, you'll become the kind of speaker that can easily inform and education, raise a Series A, and entertain a room. Perhaps all at once!
Jill HelmsProfessor, Stanford School of Medicine and Senior Advisor, Ankasa Regenerative Therapeutics
5 of 5
I consider it an honor and a privilege to be coached and taught by JD. He has a captivating and authentic presence that makes you want to lean in and then step up. I've read his book, attended his workshops, and been coached by him as I learn to take hold of my story and share it with the world. I appreciate everything JD has done to support me and I share this because you too, may need support from a person like JD. I highly recommend grabbing time to meet him, attending one of his seminars — and it will become clear the value he can add to your life. Thank you for everything, JD!
JULIO ALVAREZLeadership You Can Feel | ex-Apple, Google, Tumblr, Airbnb, Lyft
5 of 5
It was an absolute pleasure working with JD in the context of the One Mind Accelerator. JD has an exceptional ability to help you see the forest through the trees to craft a clear, concise, exciting, genuine message. His feedback was always spot-on and constructive, and his suggestions were delivered in the most supportive, positive manner. He encouraged experimentation to become comfortable with trying different approaches – an important lesson. I learned so much from the feedback he gave to all the accelerator participants, not just to me, and he was full of pearls that I know I will use going forward (a favorite: the “What,” “So What,” “Now What” rubric). Thanks so much, JD!
Emily Stern, M.D.CEO, Co-founder, Ceretype Neuromedicine, Inc.
5 of 5
Taking courses with Dr. JD Schramm at USC was a true highlight of my master’s journey. JD is one of those rare communicators who not only teaches the art of storytelling, but embodies it in every interaction. His ability to create a classroom environment that felt both challenging and safe allowed me, and so many others, to find new confidence in our voices. JD doesn’t just teach communication; he inspires transformation. I’m deeply grateful for the insights, encouragement, and leadership he shared with us.
Farah Siddiqi, MCMNational Broadcast Journalist | Strategic Comms Leader | Mission-Driven Media | Elevating Underrepresented Voices
5 of 5
I worked with JD as a speaking coach and had a fantastic experience. He provided me with continuous feedback, many resources for addressing areas of weakness, and created real-world opportunities to practice before big presentations. I learned a great deal and plan to continue leveraging his expertise. JD is also kind and a pleasure to spend time with. Green light!
Blake GurfeinFounder and CEO of Fareon
5 of 5
I had the pleasure of working with JD to prepare for a complex presentation that wove together personal stories, social issues, and the business my co-founders and I are building. Thanks to his guidance, I delivered a clear, compelling speech that sparked meaningful conversations with attendees afterward. JD is sharp, funny, thoughtful, and packed with practical wisdom about communication. He didn’t hold back on useful constructive feedback. And still left me feeling confident and excited to speak as we approached the date. Thanks JD!
Colton Heward-MillsVenture Builder | Personal Growth Enthusiast | Nerd
5 of 5
JD did an amazing job of helping to explore what I really wanted to say and helping create the guidance for crafting my message. He doesnt do the work for you, but helps to create the boundaries to work within that pulls out the best you have inside of you. It was definitely the best talk I have ever given! And he's such a joy to work with and be around.
Holly Ziegel RuxinCEO & Founder Montcalm TCR
5 of 5
JD is thorough, professional, and very specific on providing great feedback to presentation and communication style whether it’s in an accelerator environment, a keynote, or an academic presentation, which has served me very well. Both at Stanford medicine and beyond, even items you don’t necessarily think about as being important, (clicked, slide layout and order etc) end up being VERY helpful in being more comfortable in the moment. JD works with whatever stage of speaking you are at and encourages you in a way that makes sense for your growth. I feel very fortunate to have had time with him and need him for all my major events! I’m extremely grateful for his expertise and his amazing book.
Shebani Sethi MD ABOMAdvancing Mental Health Through Metabolic Science | Stanford Physician-Scientist & Clinical Associate Professor | Founder, Metabolic Psychiatry Labs | Mom
5 of 5
JD is a brilliant communicator and coach. Although I come from academia with a background in technical communication he helped me think about ways to improve my communication to a broader audience. He helped me translate ideas to for venues as small as a dinner conversation to as large as a stage presentation in front of Jeff Bezos. What I like most is that his guidance helped teach me principles of communication that I can continue to apply in new situations. As a bonus, he’s such a great dude to work with, and I look forward to more opportunities. Highly recommend
Jacob RobinsonCo-founder & CEO @ Motif Neurotech, Inc. | Professor @ Rice University
5 of 5
I highly recommend JD for personalized coaching that is both professional and effective. JD has a remarkable ability to listen attentively and provide insightful guidance that fosters professional growth. Engaging in a conversation with JD about your career journey could prove to be highly beneficial.
Cedric Berger, PhD, MBABuilding a Unique Framework for Life Sciences
5 of 5
I had the privilege of working with JD in preparation for a speaking engagement through Rugged Elegance. JD is brilliant at supporting speakers in remaining true to their authentic selves while crafting a narrative and speaking experience that will resonate with their audience. I will certainly carry the wisdom and advice he shared in my approach to communication and public speaking going forward.
Emily CunninghamCo-Founder at True Moringa | Growing Regenerative Organic Moringa & Superfoods for People & Planet | 10 Million Trees Planted
5 of 5
JD is incredible! I felt such in good hands. He knew what I needed to do and hear to prepare for my first Ted talk. It was easy to trust him, really good advice. He started by situating me, and laid out a timeline for how to prep, and where I was and needed to be by the talk. He was so on top of things setting up practice talks with an audience, and as well as before, during and after the actual talk itself, I felt like I had a cheerleader during such a stressful moment. What an incredible experience!
Eric NguyenCo-founder @ Radical Numerics, PhD @ Stanford
Keynote by J.D Schramm:
Rooted in JD’s 25+ years teaching communication at top schools like Stanford and USC, this keynote distills the principles that have shaped one of the most robust communication programs in graduate education. JD shares the “AIM” framework (Audience, Intent, & Message) and reveals seven powerful strategies that elevate leadership communication.
You’ll Walk Away Ready To:
Write and speak with greater confidence
Tailor your communication to specific audience needs
Pursue personal mastery, understanding that perfection isn’t the goal
This Talk Resonates With…
Leaders, educators, professionals navigating high-stakes communication, and organizations cultivating future-ready leadership.
Keynote by J.D Schramm:
In a world overflowing with dashboards and data, the numbers alone often aren’t enough to inspire action. JD stories are what truly move people. In this keynote, JD Schramm shows how to turn complex data into clear, compelling narratives that actually drive decisions. Along the way, he shares practical tools to help you blend analysis with storytelling, so your insights not only inform, but also resonate and motivate.
You’ll Walk Away Ready To:
Humanize data without oversimplifying it
Balance credibility and connection when presenting insights
Use visual tools to make data digestible and actionable
This Talk Resonates With…
Analysts, data scientists, product managers, consultants, and leaders seeking to align teams or clients through data-based storytelling.
Keynote by J.D Schramm:
In this dynamic keynote, JD taps into the emotional and strategic power of storytelling. Whether drawing from his first entrepreneurial venture at age eight or coaching founders launching businesses today, JD reveals why stories are memorable, persuasive, and central to effective business communication.
You’ll Walk Away Ready To:
Apply storytelling that resonates across contexts
Craft personal, organizational, and product-driven narratives
Transform passive listeners into active ambassadors for your ideas
This Talk Resonates With…
Founders, fundraisers, executives, marketers, and anyone responsible for mobilizing teams or selling ideas.
Keynote by J.D Schramm:
Watch J.D Schramm in action!