CONFIDENT COMMUNICATION: “I am seeing more people who want and need to sharpen their communication skills. Confident communication is not merely about eloquence; it’s the foundation upon which leadership is built,” says Priya Kartik, founder and CEO of Enspire Academy. “The transformative power of effective communication and purpose-driven leadership is not just a belief — it is the cornerstone of our philosophy.”

By Jean Stratton

Expressing oneself clearly, sharing ideas easily, concisely formulating and presenting your thoughts: all of these are important to avoid misinformation and misunderstanding. Valuable both in one’s professional and personal life, they are essential tools to acquire.

Helping people to develop such communication skills is the mission of Enspire Academy. Founded by Priya Kartik 20 years ago, the Academy is located at 4 Market Street in Plainsboro Village Center, Plainsboro.

Inspiring individuals to gain confidence and hone their communication skills has been Kartik’s goal for many years. Growing up in India, she focused on education, initially receiving a degree in mechanical engineering, and in 1997, she began her career in the manufacturing industry.

Her ability to communicate easily inspired her to assist others, she recalls. “I enjoyed helping other people to communicate better. At first, it was a hobby. I could help my colleagues when they had to give a presentation at work, go to an interview, or if they had to speak at a conference.”

Communication Focus

Over time, she increasingly recognized the power of clear and confident communication as necessary to leadership skills, and helping people to develop their potential became her focus. She went on to earn an MBA degree and certification as a life coach.

Her journey from the structured world of mechanical engineering in India to the dynamic realm of coaching and business management in the U.S. validated her belief that “the right words can unlock new worlds.” And as her communication focus became more important, she opened Enspire Academy in 2003.

“The heart of Enspire Academy lies in transforming people into leaders,” she explains. “It’s about unlocking the path to success, which truly unfolds when you discover your own ability to lead and communicate with impact. Whether you are an executive explaining company objectives, an entrepreneur pitching an idea, or a student presenting a project, the crux of success lies in clear, confident, and compelling communication, which paves the way for effective collaboration.”

Her experience influenced her to create a curriculum that focuses on the needs of young people and adults. It includes weekly sessions throughout the year, offering a blend of practical exercises, group activities, and personalized feedback in which each student emerges as “a purpose-driven leader.”

Necessary Tools

”Each class, whether it is for a timid middle-schooler or a seasoned CEO, is an incubator for transformation,” points out Kartik. “Our youth groups mainly consist of middle and high school students. Parents see the value in sharpening their children’s abilities in communication, public speaking, and leadership — even beyond just academic success.

“Today, the life of youth looks pretty challenging. The highly competitive education system expects them to excel in order to enter the top universities. As a result, they enroll in many curricular and extra-curricular activities, creating an overwhelmingly fast-paced lifestyle that makes them stressed and anxious. The innumerable distractions in the form of the internet, video games, daunting peer pressure, and hormonal fluctuations make their lives a whirling tornado.”

How to help them succeed in the midst of these challenges? Kartik believes that “It all starts with actual internal development, which occurs when youth discover the intrinsic desire to succeed and master the route to achieving success. Enspire Academy offers programs with strategies to improve time management and study skills, conversational and interview techniques, and equip them with the necessary tools to carve their path to success.

“Our adult clients include people from all walks of life — executives, physicians, teachers, lawyers, and others. Take, for instance, the CEOs we coach. They come to us ready to transition from confidently addressing a room of 20 to captivating an audience of 200. We guide them through strategies to enhance their presence and command a larger stage. At Enspire Academy, we have a dynamic team dedicated to guiding our clients through their learning journey, whether it’s in a group setting or personalized one-on-one sessions.”

Speaking in public is scary for a lot of people, and many avoid it at all costs. Confidence and public speaking are closely linked, believes Kartik.

“When people speak before a group, there is the fear of being judged, with a negative result,” she explains. “This is where we step in. Enspire Academy directly addresses this fear through practical training in a supportive setting, fostering growth. With interactive small group activities, role-playing, and targeted feedback, participants develop their true style of speaking, and improve upon their communication strengths and weaknesses. In our positive environment, people can be willing to take risks in expressing themselves, and our critical analyses of their communication skills are focused on guiding them to success.”

Common Goal

Enspire Academy’s programs involve several stages, customized to the student, reports Kartik. The diverse student body includes individuals looking for improved communication skills for various reasons, she adds, reflecting on the wide array of individuals who walk through the Academy’s doors.

“They are all united by a common goal: to make success a habit! Professionals on a sabbatical, gearing up to return to the workforce, or pivot to a new path come to us to refine their executive presence and communication skills.

“Entrepreneurs at various stages learn game-changing strategies to improve their pitch and their potential to seek funding from investors. Organizations, from small to large, benefit from our customized corporate training to sharpen their teams’ communication skills, help them understand their mission and objective, and transform them into high-performing teams.”

Of course, there is also communication between friends and family, and this is no less important than communication within a professional setting. As Kartik points out, “Let’s not forget that the art of communication transcends the professional realm. The bonds we foster with friends and family are just as crucial, and at Enspire Academy we place great value on the human connection.

“Our focus is always on the human experience — how do we function and contribute within our communities, not just in our careers or educational pursuits? It is about crafting a holistic approach that includes empathy and concern for others. This is part of being a good leader.”

Kartik has carefully devised her curriculum over the years, and as she says, “Our curriculum is rooted in scientific principles and constantly refreshed with new ideas. It is notable, too, that our programs have proven effective at such institutions as Rutgers University and Rowan University.”

Positive Relationships

Underlying so much of what she hopes to instill in individuals is confidence.

”Confidence in communication leads to confidence in leadership, and helps to create strong positive relationships,” she says. “Mastering communication is the first step toward leadership. Our graduates leave not just with improved skills, but with the confidence to engage, speak up, and make an impact. According to our annual survey, 95 percent of our clients credit Enspire Academy with their enhanced communication skills.”

Also, she continues, “With the completion of the course, clients don’t just receive certificates, some go on to impart their new-found knowledge as mentors at the Academy.”

Helping to make a positive difference in people’s lives continues to inspire Kartik. “At Enspire Academy, we are in the business of turning visions into victories.

Remember, it’s about the journey, not just the end goal. It is a step-by-step evolution. Watching my clients succeed and witnessing their growth is fulfilling. I enjoy our interactions; our clients are all unique, coming from across New Jersey, and through our virtual classes, from all over the country.

“Helping people break through their barriers and actualize their dreams is what fuels my passion. It’s not merely about teaching — it’s about sparking transformative journeys. Join the ranks of confident communicators and transformative leaders! Discover how Enspire Academy can elevate your potential!”

For further information, call (609) 937-6804. Visit the website at enspireacademy.com.