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Next Level Presence

Next Level Presence (NLP) is a career and public speaking coaching firm founded on the idea that one should not have to abandon their essence to build a presence in the corporate world or anywhere else! NLP is also driven by a desire to support companies build the conditions for equitable workplaces; organizations where the fullness of society's diversity is represented and leveraged at all levels, including the senior ranks. 

Next Level Presence was founded by Naki Osutei, an award-winning leader, executive and Co-Actively (CTI) trained coach based in Toronto. Naki has worked with leaders across North America, Africa and Europe, representing a range of industries and varying levels of seniority including but not limited to: legal, tech, financial services, management consulting, manufacturing, academia, healthcare, arts and culture, entertainment, policing and various entrepreneurs. 

Prior to founding NLP, Naki supported the development of hundreds of leaders through coaching and innovative and practical programs in the private, not-for-profit and public sectors. Notably, she is the co-creator of the DiverseCity Fellows program, North America's first 'civic MBA'. 

Her personal experiences as a racialized executive in the private sector gives her a nuanced understanding of the challenges associated with this journey. She has applied this knowledge in her work with both established executives and rising leaders. 

A sought-after public speaker and public speaking coach (TEDxToronto), she is called upon regularly to speak to both local and international audiences. In 2020 Naki was named to the WXN Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada and in 2021 she was appointed Executive-in-Residence at the Rotman School of Management.

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Testimonials

Testimonials

"So I did a TEDxToronto talk with Naki. And really, I can't express how much she helped shape that talk, and helped me through the process of really deciding what it was going to be; more so than just having 'a talk' itself on stage. When I really had the epiphany of what needed to change in the piece, she knew immediately that it was important, that it was something we should do. She just had the right instincts the whole time, and really guided the process in a way that made everything so much stronger. And it was really important to have her around. She's magnetic, and I don't know what that process would have been like without her. “

— Director X, Director and Filmmaker

“Naki Osutei demonstrates the qualities of a visionary and innovative leader. She is a masterful connector, uniting unlikely allies through unique partnerships, a generous mentor and a skilled storyteller and orator. She is a leader connected to arts, culture and current affairs, which makes her an integrative thinker and a leader of the future. She does all of this with a sense of nuance, style and skilled composure.”

— Law & Policy Executive

“Naki Osutei makes an “IMPACT”....impact on advancing a progressive agenda through her personal passion and her lived experience in her work at the City Summit Alliance/CivicAction...impact on driving needed diversity, inclusion and equity results at TD...impact in enabling people like me to find their voice and tell their story in her work as a TedX Toronto coach.”

— Policing Executive

“At the time that Naki and I began our executive coaching relationship, I stood at a crucial juncture in my career trajectory. I had taken on an executive level leadership role in a public institution while also navigating my first pregnancy. Working with Naki helped me reimagine the way I showed up as a system leader. Prior to our sessions my schedule was unsustainable - I worked with the aim of being the lynchpin on my team. Her coaching refocused my efforts to ensure my health and ultimately the health of my unborn child, came first. Together we identified, planned, and tracked high impact priorities for my role.

When I found myself overthinking and drowning in a list of tasks during the unrelenting crisis cycle of the pandemic, she was the lifeboat that gave me permission to set my own pace. Proactive, peaceful, and determined – I was able to rebuild my department and set my team up for success ahead of my maternity leave. For whatever challenge you are looking to overcome in your executive leadership, I can’t recommend Naki enough. She provides a thoughtful, understanding, and safe space for your professional growth.”

-Tiffany Gooch

“Naki is a remarkable human being and this translates into her talents as a coach and mentor. I first worked with her as a coach when I was preparing for my Ted Talk. In our time together, I found Naki to be incredibly supportive, generous, rigorous and astute. She listens deeply and transforms that understanding into action by drawing out the unique qualities of the person she is working with. She encouraged me to step into my power and that is something that has stayed with me and for which I will always be grateful.”

—Michelle Latimer

“Naki was an absolute pleasure to work with. From our first meeting - she was warm, inviting and took a genuine interest in helping me grow. Naki took a very personalized approach to our workshops. She started by taking the time to learn more about my goals and objectives, then curated the content to suit my needs. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her and walked away feeling inspired with a concrete framework for public speaking and actionable feedback on how to improve my delivery. I would highly recommend Naki for her Public Speaking coaching!.“

—Fiona Engineer (Marketing Manager)

“I've had the opportunity to be coached by Naki over a two year period while I've been on a quest to find my next role. She has a way of coaching you to be clearer, more focused version of yourself. She has helped me uncover my personal gravitas, quite timely as I've recently taken on my first executive role.”

— Executive leader in health innovation