Trudi Bresner
Trudi is the founder of TBresner Associates, a New York-based executive communications training and messaging firm. She has over 40 years of experience coaching executives for presentations to the Board of Directors, investors, prospects, employees, strategic partners, and industry conferences. In addition, Trudi crafts clear and compelling messages for IPO/M&A roadshows and sales and marketing materials. Select clients include Kelso, IPG, Fundamental Advisors, HPS, Renaissance Re, New Mountain Capital, Baird, and CAIS Group. M&A prep for fireside chats and management presentations.
She is passionate about helping each executive find their voice and the confidence to speak it.
Julia Bresner
Senior Coach and Partner. Co-creator of SpeakUP Academy
Julia Bresner is a senior coach at Tbresner & Associates, where she has spent the past ten years helping professionals communicate with confidence, clarity, and control across a wide range of settings — from high-stakes conversations to presentations and large audiences.
Julia leads the SpeakUP Academy and facilitates the majority of the firm’s virtual communication workshops for corporate clients, working closely with mid-level professionals and leaders to strengthen their presence, messaging, and impact. Her coaching focuses on developing an authentic executive presence, enhancing verbal and nonverbal communication, and helping clients organize their thinking quickly so their messages are clear, credible, and effective.
At the core of her work is a belief that strong communication builds trust — and that confidence, clarity, and presence can be learned through intentional practice.
Outside of her work, Julia enjoys health and wellness, spending time with her husband and toddler, and exploring the mountains of Colorado.
Julia Bresner
Senior Coach and Partner. Co-creator of SpeakUP Academy
Julia Bresner is a senior coach at Tbresner & Associates, where she has spent the past ten years helping professionals communicate with confidence, clarity, and control across a wide range of settings — from high-stakes conversations to presentations and large audiences.
Julia leads the SpeakUP Academy and facilitates the majority of the firm’s virtual communication workshops for corporate clients, working closely with mid-level professionals and leaders to strengthen their presence, messaging, and impact. Her coaching focuses on developing an authentic executive presence, enhancing verbal and nonverbal communication, and helping clients organize their thinking quickly so their messages are clear, credible, and effective.
At the core of her work is a belief that strong communication builds trust — and that confidence, clarity, and presence can be learned through intentional practice.
Outside of her work, Julia enjoys health and wellness, spending time with her husband and toddler, and exploring the mountains of Colorado.
John Watkis
Head Coach, SpeakUP Academy
John Watkis works with professionals at all levels—from emerging leaders to senior executives—who want to speak more persuasively to inspire trust, reduce resistance, and move ideas forward. He is an international speaker, author, presentation and communication skills coach, and voice actor with nearly three decades of experience delivering keynotes and workshops across seven countries and four continents. John is an instructor for the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard Kennedy School and the author of two books. A salsa dancing champion and the first Canadian actor to play Mufasa in The Lion King, he brings inspiration, education, and energy to every experience.
Dana Blankenbaker
COO
Dana is our chief operating officer with extensive experience in overseeing day-to-day operations that support high-impact strategic consulting work. Responsible for all scheduling and coordination of client meetings, workshops, and training sessions, ensuring seamless execution and efficient use of time. Oversees accounting tasks including invoicing and billing, with a focus on staying organized and on top of the details. Known as a trusted partner to leadership and a steady presence behind the scenes.
When not working she enjoys exercising, traveling, reading and spending time with her husband and two boys, ages 18 and 16.
Dana Blankenbaker
COO
Dana is our chief operating officer with extensive experience in overseeing day-to-day operations that support high-impact strategic consulting work. Responsible for all scheduling and coordination of client meetings, workshops, and training sessions, ensuring seamless execution and efficient use of time. Oversees accounting tasks including invoicing and billing, with a focus on staying organized and on top of the details. Known as a trusted partner to leadership and a steady presence behind the scenes.
When not working she enjoys exercising, traveling, reading and spending time with her husband and two boys, ages 18 and 16.
Hunter Blankenbaker
Director, Capital Markets Communication
Hunter is an investor relations and strategic communications executive with more than 20 years of experience advising public and private companies across technology, SaaS, communications infrastructure, and consumer sectors. He has led IR functions through critical periods of transition, including IPO readiness, M&A, activist engagement, capital allocation strategy, and business model change.
He has held senior IR leadership roles at Verizon, Vonage, and Barnes & Noble Education, helping define and communicate investor narratives during periods of significant strategic change. In advisory roles, Hunter partners with executive teams and boards on M&A, investor days, and key capital markets events, shaping equity stories, strengthening disclosure, and managing investor and analyst engagement.
Lee Skoblow
Lee is a dynamic and results-driven executive with 25+ years of experience driving revenue growth through strategic planning, relationship management, and exceptional sales and communication skills. Proven track record of exceeding sales targets, fostering client loyalty, and building lasting business partnerships.
Prior to joining T.Bresner, Lee owned his own IR firm, connecting firms seeking funding to his network of investors specializing in early-stage, small and mid-cap companies across a wide range of industries.
Outside of work, Lee enjoys exercising, staying on top of the news, playing the piano and spending time with his family, including his new granddaughter, Melody!
Lee Skoblow
Lee is a dynamic and results-driven executive with 25+ years of experience driving revenue growth through strategic planning, relationship management, and exceptional sales and communication skills. Proven track record of exceeding sales targets, fostering client loyalty, and building lasting business partnerships.
Prior to joining T.Bresner, Lee owned his own IR firm, connecting firms seeking funding to his network of investors specializing in early-stage, small and mid-cap companies across a wide range of industries.
Outside of work, Lee enjoys exercising, staying on top of the news, playing the piano and spending time with his family, including his new granddaughter, Melody!
Exceeding Expectations
Scott Adelson CEO - Houlihan Lokey
“Houlihan Lokey is a Global Investment Bank dominated by highly educated. Extremely bright, driven individuals who rarely feel they can learn much ...
Steve Squeri Senior Vice President - American Express
“t. bresner associates, is the outside counsel I depend on for tailoring our message. They’ve worked one-on-one with many of my 200 colleagues at American Express...
John Berger FORMER CEO, THIRD POINT RE - Ascot Re
“We’re constantly giving major presentations to various audiences. I went to Princeton, I have an MBA, and I speak a number of foreign languages. I can say unequivocally...
FrankLoverro Co-CEO Kelso
“Whether we have a senior level executive who needs presentation skills training or a group of associates, we always call t. bresner associates...
Other Notable Clients
- Jane Pauley
- Billy Jean King
- Dan Marino
- George Foreman