Peter Novak

Peter Novak is a renowned communications training expert and public speaker who brings broad business expertise and unique insights to our executive search and advisory services. He has served as an advisor and coach to C-suite executives, senior leaders and teams at some of the world’s most influential companies, enabling them to cultivate a powerful presence and drive stellar business outcomes.

Professional Focus

Nearly 30 years’ experience in higher education, executive consulting, coaching and training
Successful track record of training executives across all industries to excel in high-stakes presentations and media appearances
Thought leader in a linguistic approach to leadership development with extensive experience teaching native and non-native English speakers to develop clear, compelling speech
Creator of online course “Public Speaking for Non-Native English Speakers,” cited in LinkedIn Learning’s 2023 Most In-Demand Skills List
Champion of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and its application to linguistic features
Research on language and culture published by Cambridge University Press, Palgrave/Macmillan, and Gallaudet University Press, among others
Professional working knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL); author of “Signing Shakespeare (ASL)” chapter, The Cambridge Guide to the Worlds of Shakespeare

Business Expertise

CEO and Founder of Strictly Speaking Group, a communication training and consulting firm specializing in executive speaker coaching as well as collaborative team workshops
Professor at University of San Francisco; tenured full professor and Co-Founder and Chair of the Performing Arts & Social Justice Program; served as Vice Provost for Student Development, and Associate Dean for Arts and Humanities
Dean of Yale University’s Trumbull College; served as Andrew W. Mellon Faculty Mentor; Correspondent with the British Marshall Commission; Chair, Truman Scholarship Selection Committee; Provost’s Committee on Resources for Students and Employees with Disabilities; Freshman Orientation Committee; and Provost’s Committee on Lesbian and Gay Studies

Additional Expertise

Communications
Higher Education
Social Impact
Arts and Culture

Areas of Expertise

Education & Certifications

Doctor of Fine Arts, Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism from Yale University
Master of Arts, English Language and Literature/Letters from Loyola University of Chicago
Master of Fine Arts, Acting from American Conservatory Theater
Bachelor of Arts, Theater from Marquette University
Executive Education, Crisis Leadership in Higher Education at Harvard Kennedy School
Cultural Intelligence Certification, Cultural Intelligence Center
MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Instrument) Certification, The Myers-Briggs Company

California

4000 Bridgeway
Suite 201
Sausalito
United States

Case Studies

View All

Growth, Change and Executive Team Effectiveness

Guiding a Family-Owned Manufacturer Through a Private Equity Transition

With Boyden’s support, a private equity–backed organization appointed its first HR leader to formalize people operations and navigate cultural and structural transformation during a pivotal ownership shift.

Empowering Future Leaders: A Tailored Talent Development Program

Alpine One GmbH, partner of Boyden Germany for leadership consulting, developed and executes a 2-year talent program for a leading European defense company. Designed for high-potential professionals, it helps them explore specialist, project, or leadership roles. Through personality diagnostics and highly interactive, modern workshops, Alpine One enables talents to align their strengths with business goals—driving individual and organizational growth.

Thought Leadership

View All

Blog Post

Leadership Isn’t a Retreat—It’s a Journey Forward

Discover why it's time to rethink leadership retreats. Learn how "Forwards" foster purpose, connection, and strategic growth, transforming offsite team gatherings into powerful leadership experiences.

Articles & Papers

How Leaders Drive Value Creation in Private Equity

Executives are under pressure to quickly drive value creation in private equity. These leaders need specific qualities and priorities to achieve success.

Blog Post

Talent Management: Leaders as Master Carpenters

Kevin Keegan explores how mastering talent management, like carpentry, requires precision, strategic planning, and nurturing potential for organizational success.