The People Behind the Practice

Meet the Speaking Coaches Who Founded SSA

Co-Founder & TED Coach
Cathey Armillas
TED Coach • Author • Marketing & Speaking Expert
Cathey’s journey to coaching speakers began when a client was invited to deliver a TED Talk and asked for help. Today Cathey is a sought-after TED/speaker coach with a vibrant 25+ year career as a professional marketing and speaking expert.
Her mission is to empower people to share ideas in a way that breeds curiosity and connection. She is passionate about elevating storytelling into an art form for anyone driven to make a meaningful impact with their ideas.
Her clients range from first-time speakers to professionals at some of the most creative organizations in the world.
TED • Nickelodeon • Nike • JP Morgan • Tillamook • OHSU
The Unbreakable Rules of Marketing How to Rock a TED Talk A Kids Book About Public Speaking
Co-Founder & Global Speaking Champion
Marc Williams
World Championship Speaker Finalist • TEDx Speaker • Educator • Author
Marc is an educator in America’s school systems, and his years of experience as a professional speaker have taught him that clear communication is more than a luxury. He has taken that learning to many large stages globally.
Marc was a finalist from the World Championship of Public Speaking and a TEDx speaker. With over 20 years of experience in education, speaking, and communication, Marc coaches professionals from sales to academia to non-profit and technology.
His mission is to help people express themselves and their ideas in a way that makes them feel interesting, without letting their nerves get in the way. His clients range from corporate executives to nonprofit leaders at organizations around the world.
Marts & Lundy • Young Professionals Network • NYU • National Society of Black Engineers • Jack & Jill of America • YMCA
The Rules of Engagement for Public Speaking Beyond Limitations: From a Boy Without Promise to the Man I Am Today
How It All Started

How Two Speaking Coaches Sparked a Movement

Executive Level Communications & TED Talk coach Cathey Armillas had an "A HA" moment playing pickle ball. She realized that the only way you get better doing anything is by drilling that particular skill. She immediately called her long time, fellow speaker coach and business bestie, Marc Williams.

On that phone call the idea was sparked for what would become Speaker Skills Academy's signature offering, Skills Drills.

Ideas spark change!

Our Signature Offering

Skills Drills™

Speaker Skills Academy's signature offering Skills Drills helps anyone become a better communicator, better speaker and bonus ~ when you become better a better speaker you also becoming a better listener! Try it for yourself at a free Open Session.