Influential Woman · Leadership Communication | Executive Coaching
Kristy Mandour, PCC
Founder & CEO, Sow To Speak
Upstate NY, 13502
Resilience isn't about bouncing back quickly, it's about staying connected to yourself and keep showing up before you feel ready, without abandoning yourself.
Kristy Mandour, PCC · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Kristy
Kristy Mandour, PCC, is the Founder and CEO of Sow to Speak, a leadership communication consultancy specializing in executive presence, leadership communication, and public speaking. With more than 15 years of professional experience, including over eight years leading her own firm, she partners with executives, emerging leaders, and organizations to help them communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Through executive advising, coaching, workshops, keynote presentations, and customized leadership development programs, she equips professionals with practical strategies to navigate high-stakes conversations, strengthen their leadership presence, and foster meaningful workplace communication. Kristy's career began in the performing arts, where she developed expertise in storytelling, presence, and audience engagement before transitioning into leadership development. She previously served as Director of Training and Programs for the Women's Employment & Resource Center, designing and facilitating workforce development, leadership, and communication training for individuals reentering the workforce. She holds a Master of Arts in Theatre Education from Emerson College, studied Communications at Ithaca College, completed professional acting training at the Stella Adler Conservatory and Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, and earned certification through iPEC Coaching. She also holds the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation. Dedicated to helping leaders communicate with confidence while remaining true to themselves, Kristy advocates for authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, and sustainable professional growth. She is particularly passionate about empowering women to increase their visibility, strengthen their confidence, and embrace leadership opportunities with courage. Looking ahead, she plans to expand her national speaking platform, publish her first book, and continue inspiring leaders through practical, human-centered communication. Her work is guided by the values of authenticity, self-expression, trust, freedom, integrity, and courageous risk-taking, and she actively supports organizations including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Abraham House, and the Center for Family Life and Recovery.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to continually learning from experience, remaining resilient through challenges, and approaching every opportunity with humility. Throughout my career, I have transformed personal experiences into lessons that resonate with others, allowing me to serve leaders in a meaningful way. I believe every stage of my journey has contributed to the work I do today, and I feel deeply aligned with my purpose of helping others communicate with greater confidence and authenticity.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned came from my background in acting, where I discovered that rejection is never a reflection of personal worth. Another piece of advice that has shaped my leadership philosophy came from Marie Forleo: "I'm not your sage on the stage; I'm your guide on the side." That perspective reminds me to empower others rather than position myself as someone with all the answers, allowing people to develop confidence in their own voice.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to develop a deeper trust in themselves by regularly checking in with their own intuition and values before seeking external validation. Confidence grows through self-awareness and experience. I also recommend finding a mentor who serves as a guide rather than someone who dictates your path—someone who helps you strengthen your own judgment instead of creating dependence. Authentic leadership begins with trusting your own voice.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe one of the greatest challenges facing leadership communication today is the rise of artificial intelligence and the growing difficulty of distinguishing authentic human communication from automated content. At the same time, the increasing number of self-proclaimed coaches makes it more important than ever to demonstrate genuine expertise and real-world experience. The opportunity lies in creating meaningful, human-centered communication that prioritizes depth over volume, simplicity over complexity, and authentic connection over performance. I also see tremendous opportunity to expand these conversations onto larger stages, publish meaningful work, and continue helping leaders communicate with greater clarity and confidence.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are self-expression, authenticity, freedom, trust, integrity, and courageous risk-taking. I believe meaningful leadership begins with genuine human connection, and I strive to help others communicate in ways that are grounded, honest, and aligned with who they truly are rather than performing a version of themselves.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.