Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrianna Sekula and Jo Newell
Hi Adrianna and Jo, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
What part of the city are you (or your business) in?
Adrianna Sekula: We serve professionals around Central Florida and the country, and wherever there’s an internet connection. We love meeting with our one-on-one clients in their offices, on Zoom, or wherever professional development is most convenient for them to access.
Jo Newell: Our in-person cohort is based in Central Florida. We have a 6-month public speaking program that meets monthly at the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center, which is located near Camping World Stadium, in downtown Orlando.
Which of the following areas are you or your business/organization closest to? (Not necessarily exactly where you are, but which are you closest to)
A: We love our cohort location in the downtown neighborhood of West Lakes. The area has seen significant community investment and is central to every region in the Orlando area.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
J: Before we founded DROP THE MIC Coaching, I was an executive leader supporting the business community and fueling Orlando’s economy. Because I love fostering collaboration and innovation within our community, I founded Monday Strategies, an independent firm specializing in strategic planning and business growth. From a young age there have been two things that have always been important to me, teaching others and being an entrepreneur.
A: Jo and I first connected through our previous professional roles. My background in public affairs led me to found Solidarity Partners, a government relations firm where I advocate on behalf of organizations to municipal governments and elected officials on issues related to transportation, development, tourism, and sustainability.
As business owners and nonprofit board leaders, we saw a need in the community for communication coaching in professional settings. Teaming up with an executive leader I admire to share our vision has been incredible. Together, we are helping people speak with impact and master their message.
J: Being strong public speakers helped us both stand out in our careers. We know how important it is to be able to clearly convey your message – whether in a board meeting, to a client, your boss or colleagues, or the community at-large.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
A: It has been a pretty smooth road with some learnings along the way. Running two businesses calls for a lot of planning and prioritizing, but we’ve both made it work.
J: We did not set out to launch a cohort in 2024, but we received feedback from business owners and executives that this was needed. People wanted their teams to learn in a group setting and to gain perspective from other professionals. So, we quickly adapted to launch and it’s been a great success.
As you know, we’re big fans of Drop The Mic Coaching. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Please select one of the questions from below and tell us more about your professional life and career.
Business/Practice/Firm
A: Public speaking is something I’ve loved and worked at for a long time. I began debate at a young age, competed in Toastmaster® competitions as a young professional, and have publicly represented and spoken on behalf of national homebuilders, regional associations, statewide nonprofits, publicly-traded companies and Fortune 500 organizations throughout my career. Engaging an audience on stage for a good cause is where I find the most joy!
J: When I’m speaking, I try to use a blend of expertise, passion and storytelling. Whether it’s commanding the energy of a large audience or connecting in a more intimate setting, public speaking is where I thrive. It’s not just something I do – it feels like I was born for this. I’ve spoken on more stages than I can count: numerous conferences, seminars, workshops and events.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to you? Why?
J: Communication is the bridge between personal and professional success. I’m passionate about what we’re teaching because I’ve seen too many talented, hard-working people miss out on opportunities simply because they weren’t effective communicators. Beyond work, we all have a unique voice, yet so many people lack the confidence to use it. I truly believe we’re here to lift each other up, and that means using the skills we have—especially our voices—to make a difference.
A: My family, my friendships, and connecting people are what matter most. Fostering relationships and meaningful connections leads to powerful collaborations, shared knowledge, and the ability to positively impact the places where we live, work, and play.
In the bigger picture, connecting people is about building a sense of belonging and purpose within a community making it a place where my family can thrive, new connections are formed, and friendships can grow.
Pricing:
- We create customizable packages based on the needs of our clients. You can find our lesson plans and offerings on our website www.dropthemiccoaching.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dropthemiccoaching.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dropthemiccoaching/
