Allison Shapira is an Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, where she teaches leadership communication with a focus on helping leaders speak with confidence and clarity—particularly during times of complexity and change.
She is the founder and CEO of Global Public Speaking, an executive communication firm that has worked with leaders across government, business, and nonprofit sectors, including heads of state and Fortune 100 executives. Her practical approach integrates real-world experience with research-backed strategies. She is particularly committed to empowering women leaders globally, including through her work with the nonprofit Vital Voices Global Partnership.
A former opera singer, Shapira draws on her stage experience to help leaders speak with impact—not through performance, but through authenticity, presence, and connection. Her work also includes guiding leaders in the effective use of AI to enhance, rather than replace, their leadership voice.
Shapira holds a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School and a Bachelor of Arts in Italian Language and Literature from Boston University, with a minor in Vocal Performance. She is a professional member of the National Speakers Association and a past president of the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø DC Alumni Council.
She is the author of Speak with Impact: How to Command the Room and Influence Others (HarperCollins Leadership), which appeared on The Washington Post bestseller list. Her next book, AI for the Authentic Leader: How GenAI Makes Us More Human, is scheduled for publication in 2025. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review.
In 2017, she was recognized by the National Association of Women Business Owners (San Diego Chapter) as a finalist for Woman Business Owner of the Year.