A former film and television director, Deborah Shames coauthored Own the Room: Business Presentations that Persuade, Engage and Get Results. For 15 years, she has trained and coached thousands of top-level executives, celebrities, and professionals at major U.S. corporations and non-profits. After only a few sessions, her clients generate more revenue, advance in their careers, and often receive the highest evaluations when they speak. Prior to cofounding Eloqui, a firm dedicated to enhancing business communication, Shames founded the only female-owned production company in the San Francisco Bay Area—Focal Point Productions, which she ran for 15 years. On camera, Deborah directed luminaries including Wendie Malick, Rita Moreno, Danny Glover, and Angela Lansbury. To launch three of her independent films, she formed the video distribution company Deborah Films.

Now, Deborah specializes in coaching CEOs and executives to improve their communication and presentation skills. Deborah speaks pro bono at educational institutions like UCLA’s Anderson School of Business, the USC Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Pepperdine graduate level classes, and Cal Lutheran to give young people a boost and confidence at the beginning of their careers. Deborah has led a prominent business group in Calabasas for ten years and was honored as Consultant of the Year by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.