mEet dR. kRistiNE sicKEls
spEaKer | AutHor | fouNdeR

Clarity Changes Everything

Your best people already have the answer. She spent her career watching what happens when they don’t say it.

She didn’t discover it in a research paper. She watched it happen for twenty years from the inside of some of the world's most recognized brands.

about kRistiNe

She knows exactly what it costs when the right voice goes unheard.

Every day, in organizations everywhere, talented people sit in meetings with the exact insight that's needed and say nothing. Not because they don't have the idea. Because they've learned to calculate the risk before they speak. Dr. Kristine Sickels calls this The Voice-Values Gap™. The cost runs in both directions: leaders carry the quiet weight of words they didn't speak, and organizations pay in unflagged risks, watered-down decisions, and strategies built on the loudest voice instead of the clearest one.

She knows that cost firsthand: the meeting where you held back, the decision that went sideways because nobody named the obvious, the strategy that quietly missed because the clearest thinking in the room never made it to the table. Kristine spent the second half of her career helping leaders close it.

sHe's Not spEaKing fRom tHeoRy.
sHe's spEaKing fRom tHe Room.

A Perspective Built from
Real Leadership Experience

Dr. Kristine brings a rare combination of executive experience, academic rigor, and practical application to her work.

Deep Corporate Leadership Experience

She understands the realities leaders face because she’s 
lived it.

A Clear, Practical Framework

Her approach gives people language and tools they can use immediately.

Direct, Grounded Delivery

Her style is clear and honest, without being harsh or performative.

A Focus 
on Real Outcomes

Better communication, stronger presence, and more effective teams.

dR. kRistiNe's oRigiN stoRy

Kristine rose through the ranks to SVP of Marketing for a $2 billion portfolio of household brands.

She revitalized legacy names for new generations and became known as an executive who led with curiosity, candor, and optimism. She also spent two decades watching brilliant leaders go quiet at the exact moment their voice mattered most. Watching their organizations pay for it. That is what she now teaches leaders and companies to overcome.

“SHe lEft tHAt caReER to solvE a pRoblEm sHe KEpt wAtchiNg HAppEn in EvERy Room sHE sAt iN. ANd todAy, sHE's goiNg to sHow you ExActly How to closE it."

Through her keynotes and The VOICE Framework™ at the heart of her book The Clearest Voice in the Room (Mic Drop Books, September 2026), Kristine gives leaders a practical method for saying what needs to be said in the rooms where it matters, with the confidence to make it land, and gives organizations a culture where the clearest voice wins.

A former executive turned entrepreneur, Kristine is CEO and Co-Owner of Mic Drop — founded by Jess Ekstrom — a company that develops women into paid public speakers. She is co-founder of C-Sweet, a multimillion-dollar consulting firm advising companies including Conair, BaBylissPRO, BIC, Vitamix, GoodCook, and Kimball International. She holds a doctorate in business administration from Georgia State University and an MBA from the University of Michigan.

tRustEd by lEadErs At

Kristine's Ventures & Companies

cEo & co-owNer

Mic Drop

Develops women into paid public speakers. Founded by Jess Ekstrom, bestselling author and Forbes Top-Rated Speaker.

co-fouNdeR

C-Sweet

Fractional executive advisory firm for consumer brands. Clients include Conair, BaBylissPRO, BIC, Vitamix, GoodCook, Kimball International, and more

co-cReAtoR with jess ekstrom

Mic Drop WorkFORCE

Corporate keynote and training program built on the proprietary M3 Method. Helps leaders present ideas that influence decisions.

co-owNeR

Lorraine's Retail Group

A mother-daughter retail business reflecting Kristine's belief in intergenerational empowerment and women building together.

co-fouNdeR & co-owNeR

Gift of College

Platform helping families and employers make college savings accessible and actionable.

PaRtneR with jess ekstrom

Shatter & Shift

Investment partnership focused on women-owned companies. Backing founders who are building something that matters.

Recognition

11th ANNual shorty award wiNNeR

Led Crock-Pot Brand · SVP, Marketing · #CrockPotIsInnocent crisis campaign · Hashtag & Real Time Response categories

5th ANNuAl shorty award

"Your Set by Calphalon" campaign ⋅ VP Marketing, Newell Brands

See Kristine in the Room

The VOICE Framework™

The five-part proprietary framework at the heart of the book and every keynote Kristine delivers.

V

vAluEs

When you know your values, you know what to say.

O

outcomE

Every powerful message guides people somewhere with intention.

I

ideNtity

Stories are your signature. Let people hear the real you.

C

coNsisteNcy

Authority is built one conversation at a time, every day.

E

eNeRgy

People hear you before you say a single word.

at A glANcE

Career Timeline

EaRly cAReeR

Joined Newell Brands

Began a Fortune 500 marketing career, managing some of the world's most recognized consumer brands.

 

RisiNg tHRougH tHe RaNKs

SVP, Global Marketing $2B Portfolio

Led a 200-person global team managing Rubbermaid, Calphalon, Mr. Coffee, Oster, and Crockpot. Key retail partnerships with Target, Walmart, Williams-Sonoma, Costco, and Amazon.

EducAtioN

MBA, University of Michigan

Stephen M. Ross School of Business. Advanced strategic and leadership skills applied immediately to her Fortune 500 career.

doctoRAl woRK

DBA, Georgia State University

Earned her doctorate in business administration while working full-time, a story she tells in the book about what happens when you speak up for what you need.

 

ENtREpRENEuRsHip

Founded C-Sweet, Joined Mic Drop

Left corporate to co-found C-Sweet (fractional executive advisory firm) and became CEO and Co-Owner of Mic Drop, a company that develops women into paid public speakers.

booK LAuNcH

September 23, 2026: The Clearest Voice in the Room

Published through Mic Drop Books. The culmination of two decades of executive experience and the book behind every keynote.

Credentials & Expertise

education

  • DBA, Georgia State University
  • MBA, University of Michigan

co-founded & created

  • C-Sweet
  • Gift of College
  • Shatter & Shift
  • Nexus Project
  • Mic Drop WorkFORCE

corporate leadership

  • SVP Marketing
  • Newell Brands
  • $2B Portfolio, 200-person global team
  • Crockpot
  • Calphalon
  • Mr. Coffee
  • Oster
  • Rubbermaid

speaking & teaching

  • Emory Goizueta Business School
  • Georgia State Robinson
  • Georgia Tech ATDC
  • Kimball International
  • RaceTrac

clients & partners

  • Conair
  • BaBylissPRO
  • BIC
  • Vitamix
  • GoodCook
  • Kimball International
  • Owens & Minor
  • Bradshaw Home

author

The Clearest Voice in the Room: How to Speak with Power and Intention at Work. Mic Drop Books, September 23, 2026

wHat pEoplE sAy About kRistiNE sicKEls

The People Who've Been in the Room With Her

Every executive who wants a stronger, more values-driven organization should read it and put copies in the hands of the people they are lucky enough to lead.

"I have known Kristine for more than two decades, as a colleague, a teammate, and a friend, and the voice you'll encounter on these pages is the same one I've watched shape rooms, teams, and entire organizations. Kristine has an extraordinary ability to help women find the words they've been searching for, and The Clearest Voice in the Room captures that gift on every page. Every executive who wants a stronger, more values-driven organization should read it, and put copies in the hands of the women they are lucky enough to lead."

Kristie Juster
President and CEO, Conair

For Years now, kristine has helped leaders speak with clarity and confidence while staying true to who they are and what they believe.

"Insecurity doesn't wait for a bad day. It often shows up the moment we start to communicate. It's why Kristine's book is such a helpful resource. For years now, she has helped leaders speak with clarity and confidence while staying true to who they are and what they believe.

Years of coaching communicators taught me one thing — the right coach at the right moment changes everything. Kristine is that kind of coach."

Jeff Henderson
Author of What to Do Next

Kristine has a unique way of expanding what leaders, especially women leaders, believe is possible.

"Kristine has a unique way of expanding what leaders, especially women leaders, believe is possible. I've seen the confidence and clarity she brings into organizations and the impact it has on teams and culture. The Clearest Voice in the Room captures that same inspiration and practicality. It's a powerful reminder that when women lead with their voices, organizations benefit."

Tony Hair
CEO, Bradshaw Home

Kristine shows that in environments steeped in tradition, a woman using her voice doesn't just change meetings; she can change cultures.

"I worked with Kristine for much of my career, and her voice, and the voices of many other strong women leaders, shaped the leader I am today. The Clearest Voice in the Room is an essential tool, not just for women navigating corporate environments, but for leaders trying to break the thinking in rooms where everyone has historically looked and thought the same. Kristine shows that in environments steeped in tradition, a woman using her voice doesn't just change meetings; she can change cultures. This book is a reminder that leadership is better when more voices are heard. I've seen firsthand the impact of women who speak with clarity and conviction. This book captures the challenge of breaking through the status quo and the undeniable clarity that follows when you finally do."

Dave Lew
Chief Marketing Officer, American Cancer Society

Kristine names what women are feeling at work and gives them the language, and the courage, to act on it.

"I've seen so many women doubt whether their voice belongs in the room. The Clearest Voice in the Room meets them right there. Kristine names what women are feeling at work and gives them the language, and the courage, to act on it. This isn't about being louder. It's about being clearer and more confident and trusting yourself. Every woman who knows she has more to say should read this book."

Jess Ekstrom,
Founder, Mic Drop Workshop, TEDx and Forbes top-rated speaker

Kristine understands that speaking up isn't about confidence alone—it's about culture, clarity, and courage. This book gives women permission to use their voice and gives organizations a roadmap for why that matters.

"I spend my life inside organizations watching what happens when people feel seen, heard, and valued... and when they don't. The Clearest Voice in the Room is exactly the kind of book workplaces need right now. Kristine understands that speaking up isn't about confidence alone—it's about culture, clarity, and courage. This book gives women permission to use their voice and gives organizations a roadmap for why that matters. Kristine doesn't just teach voice—she models it. Reading this book feels like being coached by someone who has actually lived in the rooms she's writing about. If work is going to be better, it has to be better for everyone, and this book helps make that possible."

Lindsay Boccardo
Keynote speaker and leadership trainer

Kristine has an extraordinary gift for helping others find the courage to speak with truth and intention.

"In my meetings, I keep a stuffed moose on the table as a reminder to say the thing everyone is thinking but no one has said yet. That kind of courage doesn't come from being the loudest voice in the room; it comes from being the clearest—and that is exactly what The Clearest Voice in the Room teaches so powerfully.

Kristine has an extraordinary gift for helping others find the courage to speak with truth and intention. Our work together has been equal parts rigorous, reflective, and joyful—and that same spirit lives on every page of The Clearest Voice in the Room. This book gives women the language and confidence to put their own moose on the table, every single day. I believe there are souls in our lives who are meant to ride along, and what a fun—and impactful—ride it has been."

Delphine Francois
President, Beauty Division, Conair and BaBylissPRO

The Clearest Voice in the Room is equal parts practical playbook and permission slip, and it gives women the tools to do what I've watched Kristine do at the highest levels: lead, decide, and communicate with unmistakable clarity.

"In branding, I've spent my career helping leaders and organizations find the words that truly sound like them—and almost no one starts out with that level of clarity. Kristine is the exception. Having partnered with her on multiple rebrands, I can say with confidence that the voice you hear on these pages is her real voice—and it's powerful.

As a founder, I work with leaders at every stage of growth, and the ones who truly cut through are always the ones who know exactly what they stand for and say it out loud. That's the heart of what Kristine teaches in this book. The Clearest Voice in the Room is equal parts practical playbook and permission slip, and it gives women the tools to do what I've watched Kristine do at the highest levels: lead, decide, and communicate with unmistakable clarity. I'll be recommending it to every woman in my network who's ready to stop shrinking her voice and start using it."

Kate Wadia
Founder, Mrs&Mr; Inc. Female Founders 500 honoree

Too many women enter important rooms overprepared but under-voiced—editing themselves in real time.

"After years of advising executives and developing leaders, I've learned that capability is rarely the issue. Voice is. Too many women enter important rooms overprepared but under-voiced—editing themselves in real time. Kristine gives language to that tension and provides a practical path forward. The Clearest Voice in the Room is a timely resource for women ready to lead with greater conviction."

Jackie Parker
Former Chief Talent & Diversity Officer, Global Payments; Founder, The Assignment Room™

Kristine has a rare ability to translate complex thoughts into clear, compelling communication, and this book brings that same insight to every page.

"Kristine has a rare ability to translate complex thoughts into clear, compelling communication, and this book brings that same insight to every page. It's practical, direct, and immediately applicable in real work environments. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to show up with more clarity and influence. In fact, I believe it's a book you'll read more than once!"

Heather Hall
Founder, Three Oaks Media; keynote speaker and cancer/wellness advocate

This book belongs on the desk of every woman navigating a corporate room, and in the curriculum of every program serious about developing the next generation of women leaders."

"I spent much of the last decade of my career teaching and mentoring future women leaders. In our WomenLead program, we emphasized “being at the table.” Kristine is the rare scholar-practitioner who provides the explicit tools to make that possible. In The Clearest Voice in the Room, she names something I've watched hold brilliant women back for decades — the Voice-Values Gap™ — and then hands them a practical framework to close it. This book belongs on the desk of every woman navigating a corporate room, and in the curriculum of every program serious about developing the next generation of women leaders."

Dr. Pam Scholder Ellen
Associate Professor of Marketing Emeritus and Associate Director, WomenLead Program, Georgia State University (retired)

speaking

Speaking. Workshops. Book. Consulting.

Dr. Kristine helps leaders and teams bring clarity to their communication through her clear framework + practical tools that you can use immediately.

speaking

Schedule Dr. Kristine to Speak at Your Next Event

For conferences, leadership events, and company-wide moments

workshops

Practical Application Sessions for Leaders and Teams

For deeper skill-building and practical application

read the book

The Clearest Voice in the Room by Kristine Sickels

A practical guide to communicating with clarity

c-sweet

Marketing, Strategy, & Consumer Insights

For leadership teams and organizations

trainings

Building Stronger Communicators

Empowering women to speak confidently in the workplace

Author of The Clearest Voice in the Room

Dr. Kristine's book expands on her core framework for communicating with clarity, confidence, and intention.

It provides leaders with practical tools and language they can use to navigate real workplace situations – from high-stakes conversations to everyday interactions that shape culture and influence.