Leslie Rhode
Leslie Rhode is a storyteller, expert media trainer, and strategic communications consultant who empowers leaders to confidently share their stories through various channels including news media interviews, public speaking and social media videos.
As a strategic communications consultant, she specializes in advising clients to craft and control their messages within the expanding media landscape. Through public relations efforts, she helps companies and individuals get their messages in front of the right audiences.
Rhode is the co-founder of ATX Good News, a media outlet highlighting positive and uplifting, community stories in Central Texas. She spent more than 20 years as a television news journalist, anchoring and reporting in Washington, D.C. for five years at WJLA-TV. She also worked two stints at KXAN-TV in Austin for a total of 13 years where she has always been passionate about community involvement. Rhode has a Masters of Science degree in Communications.
She volunteers alongside her son as a member of the Young Men’s Service League and served on the state Advisory Board of the Texas Advocacy Project which provides free legal services for victims of domestic violence. She was a Community Ambassador for the Dripping Springs Independent School District and has volunteered with the Tourette Syndrome Association Texas Chapter, her church and other community groups. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two children and two hound dogs, Luke and Leia.
I’m a storytelling expert who empowers leaders to confidently communicate their stories through news media interviews, public speaking and social media videos.
“Leslie Rhode’s knack for storytelling shines bright in her media spokesperson workshops. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her over the past years as she trained several senior leaders and executives at organizations I have worked at. Each client walked away with increased confidence, more knowledge of news media, and original ideas for storytelling. She intuitively tailors her approach to each individual and their training needs."
Mariette Hummel
Formerly at Capital Metro and Meals on Wheels Central Texas
“Leslie Rhode is an excellent instructor, providing practical applications and experiential learning methods to create a powerful transformation of the attendees view of media relations. She emphasizes the development of relationships with local news media and encourages a proactive approach to delivering successful and effective media interviews. Rhode is a joy to work with and the attendees respond and engage with her interactive style. She is always rated very highly on attendee responses.”
Haley Click
Sr. Education and Event Services Manager
Texas Association of Counties
“As usual, you were efficient, skilled, personable, and put everyone at ease immediately, contributing to the training’s success.”
Lynda Shanblum
Senior Referral Relations & Community Relations Specialist
Austin Regional Clinic