Speakers
Maisha Beard-Johnson
Coordinator of Business Asset Development, Mayor's Office of Financial Empowerment
Maisha Beard is a transformational speaker who teaches entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals how to speak with clarity, confidence, and presence. A former speechwriter in the Mayor’s Bureau of Communications and currently the Coordinator of Business Asset Development and Kiva Capital Access Manager within the Mayor’s Office of Financial Empowerment, she works closely with entrepreneurs navigating moments where their voice, message, and first impression truly matter.
With a master’s degree in English and Creative Writing, Maisha brings both language mastery and lived leadership experience to her work. Through The Maisha Experience, her speaking and storytelling platform, she supports audiences in releasing over-explaining, introducing themselves with intention, and communicating in ways that are clear, concise, and effective.
She is the creator of The Clarity Shift, a signature teaching experience designed to help people say what matters, say it clean, and allow their words to land with impact. Her work centers clarity, connection, and confidence, helping people show up, speak up, and be understood.
A two time Emcee for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, an Ambassador for Voices of Black Women with the American Cancer Society, and an Inaugural Woman of Impact and Inclusion Honoree with the Rochester Business Journal, Maisha’s voice moves rooms and builds trust, one clear conversation at a time.
Amit Chitre
Founder, R3 Communications
Amit Chitre is the founder of R3 Communications, where he helps leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact—especially in moments that matter most. With more than 30 years of experience across journalism, public relations, and executive leadership, Amit has seen firsthand how the right words can build trust, influence decisions, and accelerate careers.
He began his career as a television news reporter before moving into senior communications roles at an award-winning PR agency and a national nonprofit, where he led high-profile initiatives at both the regional and national levels. Today, Amit partners with individuals and organizations on crisis communications, media training, public relations, and internal communications—coaching them to navigate tough conversations, speak up with confidence, and lead in any room.
Amit is also the Amazon best-selling author of The Other Playbook: Brand Lessons Every Student-Athlete Needs (But No One Teaches), where he helps individuals build authentic personal brands for success in sports, school, and life.
His mission is simple: help professionals find their voice—and use it to make an impact.
Herb Escher
CEO, Dale Carnegie of Upstate NY
With a career spanning over two decades in leadership development and corporate training, Herb Escher is renowned for his unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential. As the CEO of Dale Carnegie of Upstate NY, and the Greater Boston Region, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Long Island, he has catalyzed transformative change in the business landscape.
Herb's journey into the realm of professional development began with a passion for understanding human behavior and psychology. He embarked on a mission to leverage his knowledge to drive meaningful change in the corporate world.
Herb has held various executive positions throughout his career, each contributing to his holistic understanding of organizational dynamics and leadership principles. His relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the field of leadership development.
Under Herb's visionary leadership, Dale Carnegie of Upstate NY, and the Greater Boston Region, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Long Island, have experienced unprecedented growth and success. His strategic insights and ability to adapt to evolving market trends have positioned the organization as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and foster a culture of excellence.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Herb is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He actively volunteers his time and expertise to mentor aspiring leaders and support initiatives to empower underprivileged individuals.
Herb Escher's dedication to inspiring positive change and driving organizational success is a testament to his unwavering passion for leadership development and his firm belief in every individual's potential to make a difference.