Denise Thomas

Denise Thomas is the founder and owner of The Effective Communication Coach, a consultancy focused on transforming professionals from entry level to C-suite executives into extraordinary leaders by mastering the art of effective communication, driving advancement in their career and innovation across their businesses.

With twenty years of experience within Fortune 100 companies, Thomas has honed the ability to deliver and receive messages across language, cultural, and communication-style barriers. Her portfolio of clients includes Associated Bank, GE Healthcare, Kraft Heinz, Northwestern Mutual, Stanley Black & Decker, St. Norbert College and Thurgood Marshall College Fund. She has supplied her expertise to the National Urban League, Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee. She consults for R.W. Baird, Southern Company and Northwestern Mutual, amongst other highly regarded employers.

Thomas has been recognized with multiple awards by the Milwaukee Business Journal, including 2019 Woman of Influence and Top 100 Power Brokers. She also received Milwaukee Magazine’s 2019 Women of Distinction, and BizStarts Inspiring Entrepreneur award. The Milwaukee Times Newspaper recognized Denise for her “Excellence in Business” during their 35th Annual Black Excellence Awards.

Thomas is a Facilitator at St. Norbert College as part of the School of Business’ Center of Exceptional Leadership and co-hosts the “Truth Be Told” morning talk radio show on The Truth 101.7FM – Milwaukee. She serves on numerous non-profit organization’s Board of Directors and Advisory Councils, including Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, The Milwaukee Ballet, TEMPO Milwaukee, the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County’s Women United Leadership Council.