Mike Acker: From Speech Barriers to Executive Influence
Mike Acker’s journey from overcoming a speech impediment to becoming a TEDx speaker and executive communication coach shows the power of mastering communication to unlock professional success.
By
Nov 26, 2025
Mike Acker’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the undeniable power of effective communication. As an executive communication coach, speaker, and founder of Uplevel Communication, Mike has made it his life’s work to help professionals, leaders, and speakers break through the communication barriers that limit their influence and career potential.
But Mike’s journey to success was not a story of natural-born talent. In fact, his early years were defined by a speech impediment that made it difficult for him to express himself clearly. Growing up in Mexico, where Spanish was his second language, he had to grapple with language barriers, speech struggles, and insecurities. These experiences, however, became the bedrock of his unique approach to coaching communication skills today.
From Struggling to Speak to Leading with Influence
Early on, Mike faced many challenges in communication. A speech impediment in childhood made speaking a source of stress. In college, he realized that years of bad communication habits, including mumbling and speaking with insecurity, were holding him back. “I had to unlearn everything I knew about communication, starting from the basics,” says Mike. “It was about finding my voice, literally and figuratively, and learning how to express myself with clarity and confidence.”
Despite these challenges, Mike persevered. Through coaching, dedicated practice, and a willingness to learn, he gradually transformed into a confident speaker. Today, he stands as a TEDx speaker, the author of Speak With No Fear (which has been translated into 10 languages), and a respected executive communication coach. Mike's story exemplifies that communication barriers, whether related to speech, confidence, or language, do not define a person’s future.
The Power of Communication for Career Growth
Through his coaching business, Uplevel Communication, Mike works with managers, directors, and executives, helping them improve their executive presence, enhance their public speaking, and refine their communication skills to propel their careers forward. "Most professionals are not held back by a lack of talent," Mike explains. "They’re held back by communication blind spots. The ability to articulate your value is often what determines your access to opportunity."
Mike’s coaching isn't about abstract theory; it’s rooted in real-world results. His clients frequently report breakthroughs in their career trajectories after improving their communication. One senior professional, who had long been passed over for promotion, worked with Mike to hone her executive communication. Within a year, she was promoted to a leadership position and now confidently presents to senior executives. “Mike’s coaching helped me break through the career plateau I had been stuck in for years,” she shared. “I was able to speak with clarity and confidence in high-stakes situations, which changed my career.”
The Intersection of Culture and Communication
One of the unique aspects of Mike’s approach is how his upbringing in Mexico, learning to communicate in both Spanish and English, shapes his teaching style. "Growing up in Mexico, I understood the struggle to communicate in a second language. I learned early on what it feels like to fight for the right words and to express myself with confidence,” he says. "That experience taught me the importance of clarity, and it deeply informs how I help clients break through communication barriers."
This perspective gives Mike a rare empathy that many communication coaches lack. He understands firsthand how challenging it can be to find your voice, whether due to language, culture, or insecurities. He leverages that empathy to help clients build the confidence they need to communicate with authority, no matter their background or circumstances.
Bridging the Gap: Coaching Both Professionals and Speakers
What sets Mike apart from other communication coaches is his dual expertise. Not only does he help professionals advance their careers by improving their executive presence and communication skills, but he also trains speakers to grow their platforms, refine their messages, and increase their speaking income. Mike is a true player-coach, he doesn’t just teach communication in the abstract; he still speaks on stages and works with clients in real environments.
"I help my clients not only advance in their careers but also build their speaking brands," says Mike. "For those who want to become professional speakers, I teach them how to craft a compelling keynote, create a strong personal brand, and generate consistent income from speaking engagements."
Mike’s unique ability to bridge both worlds, executive communication and professional speaking, has earned him a place among the top coaches in his field. One professional speaker, who struggled to get consistent bookings, enrolled in Mike’s speaking program and, within six months, refined her keynote, clarified her positioning, and secured multiple paid speaking engagements. She credits Mike's coaching for the significant boost in her speaking career.
Communication as a Leadership Skill
Mike is a firm believer that communication is not just a "soft skill," but a vital leadership skill. "In today’s world, the ability to communicate effectively is one of the fastest paths to career acceleration," he explains. "Leaders who communicate clearly are able to inspire action, foster collaboration, and make better decisions. In short, communication is power."
Mike's coaching focuses on empowering his clients to communicate with influence. Through personalized coaching and workshops, he helps leaders improve their messaging, enhance their credibility, and learn how to command the room, skills that are essential for any executive or aspiring leader.
Take the Next Step: Unlock Your Potential with Uplevel Communication
Mike Acker’s approach to communication coaching is transformative. Whether you're a professional looking to enhance your executive presence or an aspiring speaker eager to grow your influence, Mike’s insights can help you unlock your potential.
Ready to elevate your communication skills and accelerate your career? Visit Uplevel Communication or MikeAcker.com to explore coaching services, books, and valuable resources. Connect with Mike on social media for ongoing tips and inspiration:
