Book Alisha Rao to Speak
Confidence Coach · Creator of the A.C.T. Framework™ · Speaker at UNC Chapel Hill, Triangle Non Profit & Volunteer Leadership Center, NSA Carolinas & more
Check AvailabilityAbout Alisha
Alisha Rao is the Founder of Breathe. Pause. Speak. LLC and creator of the A.C.T. Framework™ – a proprietary method for moving through impostor syndrome and speaking up confidence and authenticity in high-stakes moments.
With over a decade in corporate leadership and product management at companies like IBM, Infosys, and LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Alisha blends real boardroom experience with certified yoga and breathwork training (RYT 200, Rishikesh, India) to help professionals find their voice, without losing themselves in the process.
She has spoken at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at Innovate Carolina Junction, Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center, National Speakers Association Carolinas, Frontline Housing Non-Profit, Atlanta Tech Village and at multiple corporate All Hands events
Signature Talks
A.C.T. Through Imposter Syndrome
A highly practical framework for recognizing the physical and mental signs of impostor syndrome and moving through them with confidence, clarity and leadership presence.
From Nerves to Confidence
The science of the fight-or-flight response in public speaking, and how to shift from “How am I sounding?” to “What am I creating?” in real time.
Leadership Presence in High-Stakes Moments
Posture, pace, and breath techniques for staying grounded and clear when the room is watching — built for meetings, interviews, and the stage.
The Importance of Authenticity in the age of AI
When AI agents can automate hard skills and manual tasks, what sets you apart? Your Authenticity does.
Watch Alisha Speak
Excerpt from Alisha’s talk at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 2026. How to A.C.T. Through Imposter Syndrome
Past Engagements
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at Innovate Carolina Junction
- National Speakers Association (NSA) Carolinas
- Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center
- Frontline Housing Non-Profit
- Atlanta Tech Village
What Attendees Say
“Thank you for the session on acting through impostor syndrome. I learned a lot and am glad to now have the A.C.T. framework in my vault of strategies. I appreciate the work you’re doing, it’s needed.”
– Cale’f Mack, Founder, BrotherBuilt“This was the first public speaking workshop that resonated with me on a deep level. Unpacking the fight-or-flight response and shifting from ‘How am I sounding?’ to ‘What am I creating?’ gave me a framework I can use to prepare for meetings and to speak on the spot.”
– Jilian Palmer, Director of Program and Operations, DurhamCares“This was a great experience. Thank you.”
– Attendee & Nonprofit Leader, NC“I came in not feeling confident in my knowledge, skills, or credentials for a given situation. This session gave me a real shift – very helpful and insightful.”
Attendee & Nonprofit Leader