Member Bio

I spent my childhood in a leafy suburb outside of Philadelphia, and in 1971 I left for college first in DC and then the Midwest. When I graduated in ’75 the job market was in free fall so I decided to take my degree in political science, music and theatre and travel across country. I got as far as Santa Fe when my trusty Volvo broke down. Fortunately, it was a quick fix, and the next day it got me safely to Taos, where I lived for two years. That brief time was seminal in both my professional and personal development. I expanded my performing and directing expertise, and I proved that even a Jewish girl from Philly could chop wood. No small feat! In 1978 I moved to London to pursue graduate work at The Drama Studio and The Royal Academy of Music. When I came back to the states, I launched a career as an actor/singer and then moved into producing, directing and talent coaching for the major Hollywood studios and networks. Several years later, with my interest in sitcoms waning, I began coaching friends on Wall Street for media interviews and presentations. That work became the catalyst for creating Klaus and Associates, a global communications and leadership consulting firm. My work has produced two best -selling books, BRAG! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It! and The Hard Truth About Soft Skills: Workplace Lessons Smart People Wish They’d Learned Sooner. When I’m not working, I am an avid hiker, traveler, singer and audience member for the arts. I love entertaining and having rich conversation and laughter with beloved friends, family and, of course, my dog Ernie.