Eleni Speaks

News

  • Eleni presents at CEED's Women's Leadership Conference!

    Eleni presents TOUCH THE SKY: Leading Out as a Woman of Power in Body, Word and Deed at the Center for Empowerment and Economic Development's (CEED) annual Women's Leadership Conference. March 12, 2010, Grand Rapids. March 19th, Livonia. Call 734-677-1400 or visit www.miceed.com for details and registration information.

  • Eleni speaks at W.I.L.L.!

    Eleni presents TOUCH THE SKY to an audience of dynamic, young women leaders at Ferris State University's 8th annual Investing in Leadership and Learning conference (W.I.L.L.) on Tuesday, April 16th. This year's conference theme,, "Be Extraordinary: Be different. Stand out. Be You," reflects the central theme of not only Eleni's flagship presentation, but her speaking, coaching and training work as well -- particularly as it applies to the advancement of women. Eleni will share the platform with fellow National Speaker's Association members Lynn Jarrett and Kathy Eubanks.

  • Eleni nominated for 2010 Athena Award.

    Eleni is a proud nominee of the 2010 Athena Award. The award honors outstanding business and professional individuals for excellence in their chosen field, for providing valuable service to their community and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. For more about the Athena International Awards Program, and the services of Athena International, visit www.athenainternational.org.

  • 2010 WXW Visioning and Goal-Planning Workshop!

    Eleni joins Carrie Hensel (Inner Circle Media) once again in presenting the 2010 Women's Exchange of Washtenaw VIsion and Goal-Planning Workshop!

    • When: January 21, 2010, 11:15-1:30
    • Where:The Polo Fields Golf and Country Club. 5200 Polo Fields Drive, Ann Arbor, 48103.
    • To Register: Visit www.wxwbusiness.com. Fee is $30.00
    • Please arrive by 11:15 AM. Workshop will begin promptly at 11:30 AM. Lunch will be served during this workshop.

    Get ready to connect with your true potential and accomplish marvelous things in 2010 by attending this intensive visioning and goal-setting workshop. WXW offered this interactive seminar at the 2009 WXW Forum in May and received such great feedback from participants that facilitators, Eleni Kelakos and Carrie Hensel, have agreed to do it again!

    During this 2 hour workshop, participants will assess the vision and goals for their company, team, or career. They will learn how to articulate the vision in inspiring ways, set strategies and goals, and measure progress toward those goals. Participants will complete a visioning and goal-setting workbook and leave the session with plan to accomplish their goals for 2010.

    Here are a few testimonials from previous workshop participants:

    "One of the best events/presentations I have ever attended! Carrie & Eleni were superb!"

    "Visioning was great! Practical and inspiring at the same time. Carrie & Eleni rock!"

    "Interactive, fun, informative."

    "Amazing & so inspiring."

    "I can not help but reflect on the WXW forum and how impressed I was with the turn out and presentations for an event that is only in its second year. Well done! I am not sure what compelled me to participate in the "Creating and Executing Your Vision" but I could not have made a better choice. Meeting both of you (workshop facilitators Eleni Kelakos and Carrie Hensel) had a profound impact on me and made me realize what I need to do in order to succeed personally."

  • Eleni speaks again to Entrepreneurs at Techtown's FastTrac to the Future!

    Repeating her July 25th performance, Eleni will again present her motivational keynote "TOUCH THE SKY for Entrepreneurs: In Celebration of Reinvention and Resilience" at TechTown's "Fast Trac to the Future --The First Day of Your Enterpreneurial Future" day-long conference at the McGregor Memorial Conference Center at Wayne State University on Tuesday, August 18, 2009. FastTrac to the Future is a program created by the New Economy and the Kauffman Foudnation to provide a jumpstart down the road to entrepreneurs through mentoring, training and resources. The conference, which is completely booked, is free. For information, visit http://wayne.edu/fasttrac/ or write to Rene Kelly at rene.fasttrac@techtownwsu.org.

  • New Enterprise Forum Battle of the Pitches: Eleni adds to the fun (again)!

    Eleni will join the festivities for the third year in a row at the 3rd Annual Entrepreneurial Improv/ New Enterprise Forum Battle of the Pitches, Thursday, May 21st at the Holiday Inn on Plymouth Road. Last year Eleni played Lovey from Gilligan's Island and hogged the mike at every opportunity; the year before that, she added to the general madness by giving a senseless, spontaneous improvised pitch based on a Dr. Seuss Story wearing a silly yet disarming coonskin cap. What on earth will she do THIS year? Come and find out, and support New Enterprise Forum, one of Michigan's greatest developers of talented entereupreneurs! For more information, visit www.newenterpriseforum.org.

  • Eleni to Lead Visioning Panel with Carrie Hensel at WXW Forum

    Eleni will join Inner Circle Media and Women's Exchange of Washtenwaw founder, Carrie Hensel, in facilitating a two-hour workshop on Visioning at the Women's Exchange of Washtenaw Forum 2009 on Friday, Mary 15, 2009. Through discussion, and a series of creative, written exercises, workshop participants will leave with a more defined idea of their vision and mission, purpose and path.

    The WXW Forum is a day long event designed to engage the business community and to work through the common issues women business leaders face in their efforts to grow and improve their companies. This day long event provides an interactive and lively experience with regional speakers, workshops, exchange sessions, and networking activities. Location: Kensington Court Ballroom, 610 Hilton Blvdl, Ann Arbor. From 9:30-7pm. Cost: $129 full day/$79 afternoon only. Visit wxwbusiness.com to register and for additional information.

  • Eleni Kelakos profiled in Ann Arbor Business Review!

    Eleni was profiled by Nathan Bomey in the March 5-11, 2009 Ann Arbor Business Review. To read the article, click the following link:

    http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2009/03/executive_profile_eleni_kelako.html

  • Eleni presents at March 14th National Speakers Association of Michigan Seminar!

    Eleni will be presenting a seminar called "Creating a Powerful Presence" for the National Speaker's Association of Michigan on Saturday, March 14th. She'll be be sharing the speaking platform with fellow National Speakers Association (NSA) member, and media and gossip expert, Shawne Duperon. Eleni and Shawne will teach you how to:

    • Use tools and techniques to help you think like an actor as you prepare to present or interview.
    • Be ready and stay ready for presentations and interviews
    • Learn secrets of media interviews
    • Have free publicity increase your business

    NSA Michigan is the recognized voice of the speaking profession throughout Michigan, exemplifying leadership and platform excellence. Its bi-monthly seminars are open to both NSA members and anyone interested in developing their speaking business.

    To register for this event, call Amy Jones # 800-990-7726 or download registration form at www.nsamichigan.org Click on "meetings and events." Networking begins at 8:30, with breakfast provided. The session is from 9-2pm, with lunch included. Guests: $75; NSA members and Pro-track Affiliates $45.00.

  • Eleni present TOUCH THE SKY at Women Business Owner's Annual Awards Banquet Nov. 11th

    Eleni is the featured speaker, presenting TOUCH THE SKY at the Women Business Owner's of Southeast Michigan Awards Banquet on Tuesday, November 11th. The evening begins at 5pm with Hors D'oevres and Networking, followed by dinner. Eleni will speak from 7:30-8:30 pm, with dancing following. WBO members, guests, spouses and significant others are invited to attend. For details, call 734-332-9300, or visit www.wbo-mich.org.

  • Eleni to speak Oct. 28th at Ann Arbor Chamber Seminar

    Eleni will present "BE HERE AND BE HEARD: Theatre Techniques to Help You Think Like an Actor and Speak Like a Leader" as part of the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce's Seminar Series. WHEN: October 28th, 3-5pm. WHERE: Ann Arbor Chamber, 115 West Huron, 3rd Floor, Ann Arbor. Free for chamber members, $20 for non-members. To register, or for more info, write to lindsay@annarborchamber.org or call 734-214-0109.

  • Register Now for Eleni's March 29th BE HERE & BE HEARD Public Speaking workshop!

    Don't miss out on Eleni dynamic and interactive one-day workshop, BE HERE AND BE HEARD: A Public Workshop on Public Speaking. From 10-4 pm on Saturday, March 29th in Ann Arbor, MI. $150 early-bird registration deadline by March 7th . Snacks and a lite lunch included. For detailed information and a registration form click here! Or write to booking@elenispeaks.com.

  • Eleni presents TOUCH THE SKY! at Relay For Life Volunteer Leadership Summit!

    Eleni presents TOUCH THE SKY, her musical motivational keynote, at the American Cancer Societys Relay for Life Volunteer Leadership Summit, Huron Valley Area Service Center, at 12:30 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2008. The event will take place at the Holiday Inn- North Campus, at 3600 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI. Eleni's presentation will include a new song called "Hope Begins With Me," which she wrote in honor of the occasion.

  • Eleni in Concert, November 9th!

    Eleni will perform an evening of her music:

    • Time: The concert will begin at 8, with doors opening at 7:30. on Friday, November 9th.
    • Location: at the BlackCrystalCafe in Ann Arbor
    • The BlackCrystalCafe is an extraordinary private venue-elegant and beautiful, with a great sound system, stage and lighting-perfect for an intimate concert experience. Suggested donation is $15. Wine and other beverages provided and included, plus some fabulous munchies. For reservations and more information the Black Crystal Cafe visit . To learn more about Eleni's history as a singer and songwriter, buy her CDs, read her lyrics or listen to her songs, visit the "Concert" link on this website!

  • Eleni Presenting at Comerica Bank Women's Brunch!

    Eleni will present a brief version of her TOUCH THE SKY presentation at a special brunch for women hosted by Comerica Bank:

    • Time: 10:00am - Noon on Saturday, September 29th
    • Location: 1969 W. Stadium Blvd. in Ann Arbor, MI.
    • Robin Black, owner of Curves for Women, and Cheryl O'Brien, from the Ann Arbor Chamber, are also part of the lineup.
    • For more information call 734-930-2441 or write to dlbennett@comerica.com.
  • Eleni Speaking at Chelsea Community Hospital Health and Wellness Center's National Women's Fitness Day Event!

    Eleni will be presenting "TOUCH THE SKY: Staying on the Path to Wellness, with Passion and Purpose" as part of a special event at Chelsea Community Hospital Health and Wellness Center's honoring National Women's Fitness Day.

    • Time: The event runs from 6:pm - 8:30pm, on Wednesday, September 26th. Eleni will present twice, at 6:15 and at 7:30. Pre-registration is open to the first 100 women. To pre-register, call 734-475-4100.
    • Location: Chelsea Community Hospital Health and Wellness Center, Chelsea, MI
    • For more info, visit www.chelseawellness.org.
  • TOUCH THE SKY! keynote at Flint Journal Women's Expo!

    Eleni will present her TOUCH THE SKY! musical motivational keynote at the 10th Annual Flint Journal Women's Expo.

  • Eleni presents BE HERE AND BE HEARD-A Public Workshop on Public Speaking.

    Back by popular demand, Eleni presents "BE HERE AND BE HEARD, a Public Workshop on Public Speaking."

    For new and experienced speakers alike, this workshop will give participants the tools to face their "podium panic" fears and present with power and authenticity. Participants will have the chance to present not once but twice during the course of the day. Class size is limited to 15.

  • Eleni to present Mega Session at 2007 National Speakers Association National Conference

    Eleni will present a mega-breakout session entitled "Surrender to the Stage: Awakening the Performer Within" at the National Speakers Association's 2007 National Conference on July 11 in San Diego, California. In addition to the breakout session, Eleni will have the honor of performing her song, THE TALLEST POPPY, on the conference's main stage, joined by a chorus of NSA youth leaders.

  • Eleni featured on Michigan Radio

    Eleni featured in an article entitled "Silly Solutions For A Troubled Economy" in Michigan News section of the Michigan Radio. Click here to read the article.

  • Eleni and Chris Wucherer host "WHAT'S NEXT?" Retreat Feb. 2-4

    Eleni joins Christine Wucherer, psychotherapist/life and business coach in facilitating “WHAT’S NEXT?” a playful retreat for women serious about living life to the fullest.

    The retreat will take place at Chris Wucherer’s beautiful lake house in Manistee, MI.
    The purpose of the retreat is to bring together a select group of fifteen women to talk, to think, to ponder and to create their LifeTracks towards a really nice future; to take time away from the everyday routine to ask some seriously important questions about living life on purpose—so that you can live the best possible life and give back to others; and to use group and individual creative exercises (arts and crafts, written, sung and spoken word) to catalyze growth, thought and inspiration.

    DATES:  February 2-4, 2007
    COST:  $395, plus $30 materials fee
    LODGING:  Manistee National Golf Course, Manistee, MI
    RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION:
    Chris@centerforworkandlife.com, 734-669-7207 or eleni@elenispeaks.com, 734-622-0522.

    • What will YOUR LifeTracks look like? We’re curious… Are you?
    • Life Tracks… living life one purposeful step at a time towards the future you design.
    • Life Tracks… leaving imprints for others to follow.
    • Life Tracks… sometimes wobbly, sometimes heartfelt, but always important…
  • Eleni Kelakos Mentioned in New York Times Business Section

    In an article entitled  “Um, Like Call in the Speech Coach,” that appeared in business section of the New York Times on Thursday, January 11, Eleni is mentioned in the context of a discussion on the importance of speech and presentation coaching.  To quote the article:  “Sharon McRill, founder of the Betty Brigade, a concierge company in Ann Arbor, MI, hired a coach, Eleni Kelakos, after agreeing to deliver a Chamber of Commerce breakfast speech in 2005.  Ms. McRill said that while she was comfortable one-on-one, she felt sick addressing a group. After learning breathing and relaxation techniques, her ums stopped, confidence soared, and she was able to stay on message.”

    Click here to read the full article (pdf)

  • News Flash!  Eleni is among a handful of Ann Arbor area business owners featured in the November Business Review, in an article written by Joel Seguine entitled "Close Relationships." 

    The article examines the role of networking in the business community. "I like people, and I look for any opportunity for face-to-face contact… at numerous networking events." Eleni is quoted as saying, "Community is a vital and powerful concept.  As a performer, I’m used to an active community being a primary source of information… that same element is present in the Ann Arbor business community."

  • Eleni Kelakos's TOUCH THE SKY! musical performance:

    Eleni Kelakos will be presenting her interactive and inspirational TOUCH THE SKY! musical motivational keynote performance on Friday, Nov. 17 at 8pm at Curves for Women, Ann Arbor, 2535 Jackson Road (in the Westgate Mall). Admission is free. For more information, call 734-622-0522.

  • Announcing the launch of Eleni's new website:

    The new website www.elenispeaks.com allows Eleni to disband and absorb the content of two other websites (Eleni's music site, and the site for her Tallest Poppy motivational programming for young people). This synthesized site, under the banner of Eleni Speaks, is a reflection of Eleni in all her facets as a charismatic and colorful keynote speaker who dips into a bag of tools acquired from over 20 years of professional performing as an actress and touring singer - songwriter.

    The site was designed by the talented creative team at Ann Arbor's Inner Circle Media.

    For those of you who are aware of Eleni as a presentation and communication coach, please note that her SPEEK (Speaking Powerfully and Effectively, with Eleni Kelakos) website remains at www.s-p-e-e-k.com .

  • Eleni Kelakos officially becomes, well, Eleni

    For those of you who know Eleni as Eleni Kelakos, please note that, effective immediately, Eleni would like to be referred to as, simply, Eleni. In her words, "It's worked for Cher. And Madonna. And J-Lo! But, seriously, I just think one name will be easier for people to grasp."

  • Eleni profiled in Michigan Small Business & Technology Center Newsletter

    Writer and Entrepreneur (Delta Possibilities) Beth Stone, profiled Eleni for her Fast Thinker column in the MI-SBTDC September 2006 Newsletter. To read the article, click here (pdf).

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