Meet Our Team
Located on the West Coast, Poised Leadership has grown alongside the fast-paced industries of Silicon Valley and the Seattle Tech Corridor, shaping our approach to meet the demands of innovation and change. Along the way, we’ve partnered with clients across sectors including finance, fintech, blockchain, tech, AI, real estate, venture capital, engineering, media, nonprofit, government, cybersecurity, law, and education. From emerging professionals to seasoned executives, Poised Leadership serves clients at every stage of their career, equipping them to lead and communicate with confidence in any setting.
Heather Needham
Heather Needham is a leadership and communication development expert specializing in executive communication, team dynamics, strategic presentations, and leadership development. She is known for transforming emerging and quiet professionals into poised, influential leaders, Heather delivers outcomes-driven workshops and coaching that build executive presence, enhance stakeholder engagement, and foster adaptive leadership. Her work empowers leaders to communicate with clarity, lead with impact, and navigate change with confidence.
As the founder of Poised Leadership, Heather helps professionals grow into confident, influential communicators and leaders. With an advanced degree in communication and vast expertise in executive presence, presentation skills, and assertive leadership, she equips individuals and teams to speak with clarity, lead with poise, and inspire lasting impact. Her tailored coaching and workshops meet people where they are and empower them to step forward with confidence, connection, and authority.
Janell Payne
Janell Payne is a leadership and communication development expert who helps professionals find their voice, strengthen their presence, and communicate with confidence and impact. With more than 20 years of experience in teaching, executive coaching, facilitation, and presentation skills training, she has worked with students, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, educators, artists, and executives at Fortune 500 companies. Her expertise includes executive presence, storytelling, presentations, interpersonal communication, and facilitating meaningful dialogue.
At Poised Leadership, Janell brings an engaging, practical approach shaped by her background in Communication Studies, improvisational theater, and dance performance. Having once been a self-described introvert who was afraid to speak up, she understands firsthand that confidence is built through practice. Her coaching helps clients move through speaking anxiety, sharpen their message, engage their audience, and develop the confidence to speak up when it matters most.
