Meet Patrick of Communicating with IMPACT

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The Bridge Builder: Patrick Donadio’s Mission to Make Every Word Count

The Origin: From the Sunday Table to the Airwaves My story doesn’t begin in a boardroom; it begins at a Sunday dinner table in Niles, Ohio. I grew up in a family where food and conversation were the glue that held everything together. My grandparents brought more than just recipes from Southern Italy; they brought a philosophy that “family is everything” and that showing up for people matters. I watched them lead with a service-first mindset, and that foundation of connection stayed with me as I headed to Ohio University to study communications.

I initially thought my path was in broadcasting—I loved the magic of reaching people through a microphone as the host of AM Athens. But while I was trade-marked by a “voice for radio,” I soon realized that while many people were talking, very few were truly communicating. After earning my MBA and serving as an administrator at OU, I saw firsthand how even the most brilliant leaders struggled to engage their teams. I realized my “change-maker” moment wasn’t going to be on the airwaves; it was going to be in helping others find their voice.

The Pivot: The Master’s Path In the 1990s, I took the “rebel” path and launched my own consulting and training practice. At the time, “executive coaching” wasn’t a household term, but I saw that the biggest barrier to progress was a breakdown in communication. I spent the next 30 years refining the art of the message. I didn’t just want to be a speaker; I wanted to be a master of the craft. I eventually became one of the few in the world to earn both the Certified Speaking
Professional (CSP) and Master Certified Coach (MCC) designations—a dual feat achieved by a tiny fraction of professionals worldwide.

The Change: Turning Words into Results Today, I work with leaders ranging from Fortune 500 CEOs to nonprofit directors to help them communicate with IMPACT©. While I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with legends like Lou Holtz and “Magic” Johnson, the real “change” happens in the quiet coaching sessions, helping a CEO communicate transparently with their board, coaching a college President to deliver a message that inspires or leaders who communicate everyday with their teams.

I call Upper Arlington home, where I serve as a Communication Strategist and Master Coach. My work is focused on helping organizations drive measurable results by applying my IMPACT© process. Currently, I am expanding my process to help even more leaders communicate, present, and lead more effectively, continuing my mission to ensure every word counts.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“The road was anything but linear. Launching an independent practice in the 90s was a bit of a ‘rebel’ move—at the time, ‘executive coaching’ and ‘professional speaking’ weren’t exactly household terms. Moving from the stability of a non-profit executive director into the entrepreneurial wilderness was a massive leap of faith.

The real challenge, though, wasn’t just starting the business; it was the rigorous path to mastering the craft. Earning both my CSP and MCC designations required years of intense peer review and constant self-correction. But looking back, those obstacles were essential; they became the forge for the “IMPACT© Process.” I realized that the biggest barrier to progress isn’t a lack of talent; it’s the absence of a clear system to communicate that talent to the world.”

(covered a little in the last question)

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a Communication Strategist and Master Coach. I work with leaders who want to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and drive stronger results. I specialize in executive coaching and keynote speaking and professional leadership development workshops.

What sets me apart: I am one of the few professionals globally to hold both the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and the Master Certified Coach (MCC) designations. This dual lens allows me to offer clients both the performance art of the stage and the deep psychological strategy required for long-term leadership behavioral change.

What I am most proud of: I’m incredibly proud of the IMPACT© Process. It’s a proprietary six-step system that takes the guesswork out of communication for everyone from Fortune 500 CEOs to leaders at all levels communicate, present, and lead more effectively in today’s rapidly changing landscape.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
“While I’m usually seen in a classroom or on stage, people are often surprised to learn I’ve traveled to six of the seven continents—Antarctica is the only one left!

My passion for connection is truly global; I’ve participated in Goodwill Exchanges to Japan and hold Italian citizenship. As someone who loves authentic Italian food, I often say my foundation for communication wasn’t built in a seminar but at my family’s Sunday dinner table. Whether in Tokyo or Ohio, I’ve found that a shared story is the best way to build a bridge.”

Pricing:

• Keynote Speaking: Up to 90 minutes.
• Executive Coaching: Engagement packages from 1 – 12 months
• IMPACT© Workshops: Half-day and full day sessions
• IMPACT© Book Bulk Orders: Special pricing available for teams and events
• Programs range from $1,950–$11,950 (plus expenses), based on length, format, customization, and pre/post engagement. Let’s discuss the best fit for your group/budget

Contact Info:

• Website: https://patrickdonadio.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickdonadio/
• Soundcloud: https://patrickdonadio.com/training-seminars/
• Other: Communicating with IMPACT© book: https://tinyurl.com/vh9a7em