Experience Speaks Volumes
Get unique perspectives from Articulation’s coaches by viewing each of the videos below. Find out what’s important to Ruth, Acacia, and Blythe.
In this short video, Ruth shares what motived her to create Articulation.
Acacia talks about the genius she finds in every group learning experience.
Blythe thrives working on-on-one with executives in individual coaching offerings.
Ruth Milligan
Founder, Managing Partner & Executive Coach
As an executive speech coach and trainer, I live at the intersection where professionals from science, research, medicine, and data and analytics come to make their messages more engaging, compelling, and impactful. Helping leaders from these diverse fields meet their goals marks the culmination of my nearly 30 years practicing some form of communications.
I founded Articulation in early 2010 after hosting one of the first TEDx events — TEDxColumbus — which is also one of the longest-running TEDx programs in the world. Since then my team and I have coached over 750 people in TEDx or TED-style talks and trained thousands through my company’s classes on message method, storytelling, public speaking, executive presence and accessing science and coaching for rising executives.
My professional passion is to help organizations of all sizes create storytelling cultures that elevate the opportunities for associates and executives to practice and deliver great presentations. I believe that a great talk can come from a nervous, reluctant or beginning speaker, given the right feedback and development environment.
After ten years of curating, organizing and hosting TEDx events, I’ve also become a seasoned host, emcee and consultant to a wide range of events — everything from major donor events at universities to pitch events inside data and analytics teams. When my team and I are engaged to help with speakers, we also advocate for the best conditions that help make a speaker, and in turn, an event, successful.
I began my career as a speechwriter in politics after receiving a degree in Speech Communication from Miami University. I enjoyed a few years as a major gifts officer at United Way, learning how communication influences development and fundraising, but then returned to my roots to help launch a PR practice within a larger marketing agency. When that agency closed in 2001, I began my own marketing and communications practice, Milligan Communications, which I ran until 2009 before pivoting into a deep focus on training and coaching with the many clients at Articulation.
Articulation’s current client list includes but is not limited to Paula’s Choice, UnitedHealthCare, Ecolab, Huntington National Bank and The Ohio State University and Victoria’s Secret and I spend the majority of my time coaching executives for consequential oral pitches and presentations.
I’m a passionate supporter of causes that elevate women and girls. For two years I served as chapter chair for the Women President’s Organization Columbus Chapter and as a core team member of the Women in Analytics conference. Articulation’s philanthropy is devoted exclusively to helping women and girls elevate their voices and stories. I’ve also served on the board of the YWCA and the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland.
Email me here: www.linkedin.com/ruthmilligan.com
RUTH’S STORY SNIPPETS
Born in Columbus, Ohio
Graduated from Miami University
Acacia Duncan
Director of coaching & training
Acacia Duncan trains speakers to captivate their audiences with purpose, precision, and passion. She helps leaders, CEOs, and experts to transform complex ideas into communications that shift perspectives and inspire action.
In one-on-one coaching, small group settings, and workshops for 400+ people, Acacia equips professionals with tools for communicating confidently and persuasively. She also elevates company cultures by creating innovative training programs for businesses.
In addition to being the Director of Coaching and Training at Articulation, Acacia is a founding Company Member of Available Light Theatre. She is a professional director and actor who has performed in over sixty plays and three feature films. Her decades of experience–on stage and off–have taught her how to bring out the creativity in every collaborator.
Before joining Articulation in 2016, Acacia spent 14 years as a corporate coach and trainer in the retail sector. She graduated from Miami University with degrees in Theatre Performance and Economics, studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and received her coaching certification from Erickson Coaching International.
Acacia lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, Matt Slaybaugh. She is a hiker, a baker, a dog lover, and a lifelong Trekkie.
Email her here: acacia@articulationinc.com
ACACIA’S STORY SNIPPETS
Born in Lansing, Michigan
Graduated from Miami University
Favorite Talks:
TED: Benjamin Zander: The Transformative Power of Classical Music
TEDxColumbus: Liv Gjestvang: On Giving a Baby Away
Cats or Dogs: Dogs
Podcasts or Netflix: Podcasts while moving. Netflix while sitting.
Cook or Carryout: Cook
Favorite Superhero: Captain Marvel
Real Book or Kindle: Real book
Favorite Podcast: RadioLab
Blythe Coons
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION COACH & TRAINER
Blythe Coons is a communications coach who loves helping clients uncover their powerful stories. She coaches cohorts of influential conference speakers, leads masterclasses to unlock clear, concise communication, and elevates individual clients to bring their best selves to important keynotes and presentations. At Articulation, she is dedicated to helping others amplify their voices, connect authentically, and deliver messages that inspire action.
Across professional roles, Blythe has always been focused on clarifying complex messages. Armed with a BA from Haverford College and an MA from Middlebury College, she taught high school students English literature before completing an MFA in Acting. For a decade, Blythe connected with audiences from the stage in professional theaters throughout the US, including the American Shakespeare Center.
Blythe has served in leadership roles across steel fabrication, hospitality, and legal and financial services. She also devotes time to non-profit organizations that use storytelling to convey their mission.
Blythe enjoys baking the perfect treat for friends and family, running every morning, and hiking beautiful trails with her husband and two teenage stepchildren.
BLYTHE’S STORY SNIPPETS
Born in Columbus, OH
Graduated from Rutgers University, Middlebury College, Haverford College
Cats or Dogs: Neither, though if I have to choose, I choose dogs
Podcasts or Netflix: Podcasts on my feet, Netflix on my seat
Cook or Carryout: Depends on the day
Favorite Superhero: Black Panther
Real Book or Kindle: Book during daylight, Kindle in the wee hours
Favorite Podcast: Revisionist History
Helmut Berthold
Finance Coordinator, Project Manager
As a certified Project Management Professional, I have over 17 years of experience in the management of small to mid-size IT projects and more than 20 years’ experience in event management. My passion and dedication to continuous improvement and professional development made me a perfect fit for Articulation, whose growth called for my consultancy skill set and insight.
I completed a traditional apprenticeship program as an industrial salesman in Germany before earning my undergraduate and master’s degree in Business from the University of Baltimore. After graduating, I joined Catholic Relief Services as Assistant Treasurer, my first full-time position in the States. Eventually, my wife’s roots and family brought me to Columbus, Ohio, where I found work as an IT consultant for a startup company focused on tech services for small and in-home businesses. I was during my time there that my passion for helping small businesses began to blossom. In 2003, I was recruited to launch and manage the Central Ohio office for a printer service company. Then In 2017, I started my own consulting company, providing project management services to small to mid-size businesses.
In my spare time, I am an active rower, I play the occasional recreational ice hockey game, and I coach an adaptive rowing program.
HELMUT’S STORY SNIPPETS
Born in Wuerzburg, Germany
Graduated from University of Baltimore
Favorite Talks: Every TED and TEDxColumbus talk – learn something every time.
Cats or Dogs: Dogs
Podcasts or Netflix: Netflix
Cook or Carryout: Carryout
Favorite Superhero: Gromit
Real Book or Kindle: Kindle
Favorite Podcast: RadioLab
Favorite Hockey Team: Blue Jackets
(felt the need to report this)
Kim Goldsmith
Client Services Director
I first joined Articulation as its Client Services Coordinator and first employee in 2015 before assuming my current role as Client Services Director. It’s a position my career and life experience prepared me for in spades.
After graduating from the Ohio State University in 1986 with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising, I joined The Columbus Dispatch Marketing Department, where I worked for 11 years before resigning to raise my daughter and son. And while I resigned, I didn’t really leave but became a consultant organizing The Dispatch Spelling Bee and Scholar-Athlete Program. The Dispatch eventually cut funding for these programs, allowing me to I throw myself into my children’s school-related activities.
My children’s education and experience led me to become a passionate advocate of girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and to ensure that all students have a positive educational experience.
My husband and I recently became empty nesters, with the exception of three very needy cats, and we are looking forward to seeing where our kids land in the next few years.
KIM’S STORY SNIPPETS
Born in Columbus, Ohio
Graduated from The Ohio State University
Favorite Talks:
TED: Al Gore, Sir Ken Robison, James Vetch
TEDxColumbus: Austin Channell, James A. White, Sr., Ken Lee
Cats or Dogs: Cats! But I like dogs too.
Podcasts or Netflix: Podcasts in the car.
Cook or Carryout: Carryout – Sushi
Real Book or Kindle: Kindle, it’s backlit.
Favorite Podcast: How did this get made? and Smartless.
Favorite Superhero: Elastigirl
Eden Sulzer
Executive Speech Coach and Trainer
After 20 years in PR, communications and marketing roles in agency and corporate settings, I decided to shift gears and dedicate my career to coaching. Using my expertise in personal brand and my a background in leadership communications, I work with my clients to tell their stories in an authentic, yet compelling way — building reputation and boosting credibility.
I spent more than a decade at Cardinal Health in marketing and communications roles. Recognizing the gender gap in pharmacy ownership, I founded Cardinal Health Women in Pharmacy, which grew from a grassroots initiative for pharmacy students to a nationally recognized program featured at the 2014 United Nations International Women’s Day forum. (Best day ever!) I also led Cardinal’s internal communications team, providing counsel to senior leadership and driving companywide communication to 34,000 employees worldwide.
Before joining Cardinal Health, I was vice president at Dix & Eaton, a communications consultancy, where I specialized in CEO communication and employee engagement.
I started my career at NCR Corporation in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio. I am accredited through the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and was awarded the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Rising Star award.
A graduate of the Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, I am a certified Birkman® coach, and I completed The Gallup Organization’s Great Manager training program. I live with my husband and two children in Columbus, Ohio, where I volunteer with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association and will serve as an a Chapter Chair for the Women Presidents Organization.
EDEN’S STORY SNIPPETS
Born in Dayton, Ohio
Graduated from Ohio University
Favorite talks: TED Talk by Sheryl Sandberg — Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders
Cats or Dogs: Dogs, especially fluffy ones (like my sheepadoodle)
Podcasts or Netflix: Netflix
Cook or Carryout: Carryout (unless someone is cooking for me)
Favorite Superhero: Wonder Woman as played by Linda Carter
Real Book or Kindle: Real book (I’m so old school)
Favorite musicians: Paul Simon, Maroon 5, John Mayer, and James Taylor
Rowan Winterwood
Production Manager
I graduated from Wellesley College with a dual degree in Theatre Studies and Cognitive & Linguist Sciences, then worked in the Boston area before returning to Columbus in 2018. Here I quickly made connections and found a home in the Columbus theatre scene. I have worked as a lighting designer, director, stage manager, sound engineer and educator.
Skills I learned backstage like critical thinking, resourcefulness, and of course an eye for audience perception are a perfect fit for my role at Articulation. I’ll be behind the scenes with a focus on speaker slide management, live event sound and light design, direct to video coordination, post production editing reviews, final video distribution, and more.
Just to keep things interesting, I’m also the Associate Artistic Director of Actors’ Theatre of Columbus and the Master Electrician at The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio. And in addition to my work, I’m an amateur aerialist!
I live in the Discovery District with my cat Nell Gwyn and an ever-growing collection of potted plants.
ROWAN’S STORY SNIPPETS
Born in Columbus, Ohio
Graduated from Wellesley College
Cats or Dogs: My very fluffy cat, Nell Gwyn.
Podcasts or Netflix: Podcasts
Cook or Carryout: I love to cook when I have a night off.
Favorite Superhero: Spiderman
Real Book or Kindle: Real Book
Favorite Podcast: The Allusionist
Favorite Musicians: Christine & The Queens, Little Busy
The assumption is that ’this doesn’t look hard’ – until you have to do it yourself.
That’s when you realize this takes discipline and creativity.
