About Us
At SpeakForward, we start from a simple truth: communication sits at the root of everything we do as professionals (and as humans!). When we speak clearly, listen openly, and make our asks explicit, work moves faster and relationships strengthen. Our mission is to build the skills and habits that make every conversation count—at work and in life.
We also know many people feel real fear around public speaking and presentations—even seasoned leaders. SpeakForward exists to surface those sticking points—structure, story, delivery, confidence—and replace guesswork with practice: live rehearsal, concrete tools, and feedback that sticks. The result is clarity, courage, and a cadence you can trust, so you communicate with confidence and move the work forward.
Who Are We
SpeakForward is a practice‑based communication consulting firm led by Dr. LaChrystal Ricke, helping individuals and teams turn communication roadblocks into clear, confident action through coaching, workshops, and diagnostics.
Our Mission
SpeakForward’s mission is to help people master communication at the root of work and life. We focus on practice‑based coaching that identifies sticking points, reduces anxiety, and builds clear, confident communication pathways that move work, relationships, and dreams forward.
What We Offer
- 1 on 1 & Team Coaching
- Team Workshops & Lunch & Learns
- Public Speaking & Executive Presentation
- Keynotes, Briefings & On‑Call Support
- Interview Training
- Playbooks & Tools
- Diagnostics & Measurements
Leadership Profile
Dr. LC Ricke is a strategic communication advisor, development leader, and founder of SpeakForward, who helps organizations design the systems, skills, and speaking confidence that accelerate execution. Trained in Communication (Ph.D., University of Kansas), LC taught university courses in strategic and organizational communication, public speaking, and leadership development—bringing academic rigor to practical change.
As a Managing Director in research and consulting, Ricke has led multi‑country programs, guided a 400+ global workforce, and managed multi‑million‑dollar portfolios. A TEDx speaker with 20+ competitive presentations, LC has taught hundreds of professionals to communicate with clarity and impact. LC’s work centers on building communication strategies, leader development, and high‑stakes presentations that align stakeholders and move work forward.
Outside of work, she is a proud dog‑mom and avid community volunteer who brings the same focus on clear communication and tight logistics to the community as she does to clients. She serves in a leadership role with The Junior League and volunteers with The Empty Shelter Project and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, partnering with teams to strengthen messaging, streamline operations, and pitch in on the ground—so more pets get care, more kids get beds, and the work moves forward.
