Dr. Iain Lampert
Chief Operating Officer (COO) at ModernBrain; Founder of Authentalk
Integrating AI into speech and debate coaching while completing an Executive MBA at Kellogg and scaling Authentalk.
Intro
I'm Dr. Iain Lampert, the COO of ModernBrain and the founder of Authentalk. My career has been dedicated to the art and science of communication, moving from directing speech and debate programs to leading organizational operations and coaching world-class speakers. I’ve had the privilege of training 28 national championship teams and am the first person to receive an eminence credential in my field from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. I am deeply passionate about democratizing debate through AI and helping leaders find their authentic voice. Whether I'm coaching executives to nail a keynote or researching how physical recovery impacts high-stakes performance, my goal is to help people build the 'communication muscle' necessary for success. I’m always looking to connect with experts who want to elevate their public presence and fellow alumni from Kellogg or UCLA who are building something brilliant.
Networking
What I can offer
- ›Executive keynote and media appearance coaching
- ›Corporate training in public speaking and charisma
- ›Organizational development and leadership strategy
- ›Curriculum design for communication programs
What I'm looking for
- ›Executives and experts needing high-stakes communication coaching
- ›Prospective students for ModernBrain programs
- ›Collaborations within the Kellogg and UCLA alumni networks
- ›Opportunities to support peer-led ventures and startups
Best fit for
Focus
Current interests
Core competencies
Background
Career
Progressed from Speech and Debate Director to Regional and Senior Director roles at ModernBrain, eventually becoming COO. Simultaneously founded Authentalk and serves as a Public Speaking Coach and Kellogg Graduate Assistant.
Education
Executive MBA in Project Management, Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management (2024–2025); Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, Vanderbilt University (2018–2021); Master’s in Organizational Leadership & Learning, George Washington University (2016–2017); BA in American Government and Politics, UCLA (2010–2014).
Achievements
- ›Trained 28 national championship teams and won 8 national titles personally.
- ›Coached over 1,800 public speaking contest champions.
- ›First person to receive a California eminence credential for speech, debate, and mock trial.
- ›Maintained a 4.0 GPA at Vanderbilt and George Washington University.
- ›Won three professional national championships at the IPDA national tournament (2024/2025).
Opinions
- Communication should be viewed through the lens of athletic training and 'building muscle.'
- Leadership requires confidence, charisma, and authenticity over just technical skill.
- AI should be used to democratize debate and lower barriers for smaller programs.
- Physical stamina and stress management are as vital to professional success as strategy.
Personality
Communication style
Highly professional, encouraging, and achievement-oriented, balancing high-performance authority with vulnerability regarding health and growth.
Formality — 8/10
Vocabulary