We were lucky to catch up with Deronda Aiken recently and have shared our conversation below.
Deronda, so great to have you on the platform and excited to have you share your wisdom with our community today. Communication skills often play a powerful role in our ability to be effective and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your communication skills.
Looking back, I believe it started in childhood. As an only child, I was always communicating with adults. My father never talked down to me, and from my earliest memories, we’d have meaningful conversations because we both loved learning and sharing ideas. Our family were avid readers, and by the time I was eight, I had read nearly every book in our local library, which made it hard to find new material!
As the years went on, I enjoyed discussing ideas with others but didn’t develop much need for formal public speaking until I started my third business. That’s when I found myself presenting more frequently—giving my elevator pitch or delivering longer presentations. While I was comfortable one-on-one, speaking to groups or going live on Facebook felt unnatural, almost forced. Even with well-meaning advice from business friends to “just talk like you’re speaking with us,” I struggled to feel truly at ease.
That led me to explore solutions, and I discovered a neuroscience-based system designed to rewire women’s brains and reduce the discomfort of speaking up. It wasn’t just for public speaking, but also for situations like leading board meetings or presenting on the spot without preparation. I decided to undergo the training myself, and it made such a remarkable difference that I was inspired to share it with others. I went even further, expanding on what I’d learned to develop my own approach that taps into the power of joy. Neuroscience shows that joy neurons grow with practice, and by incorporating joy into communication, it unlocks authenticity and clarity—whether in prepared speeches or spontaneous moments.
Through this journey, I’ve had the honor of witnessing incredible transformations in the women of the JoyTalks Circle. Watching them grow personally, professionally, and authentically has been deeply rewarding. Today, I am grateful to communicate with confidence in whatever setting I find myself, knowing I can show up as my truest self.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Deronda Aiken, known to many as the “Joy Ambassador,” and my mission is to empower women to find their voice and communicate with confidence. Through Neşe International, LLC, I’ve developed a space where women can embrace their personal growth and transform the way they speak—whether in the boardroom or everyday conversations—by using the neuroscience techniques I share through my signature program, JoyTalks Circle.
Helping others has always been at the heart of my work. I have a passion for guiding women who may struggle with shyness or self-doubt to harness their nervous energy and turn it into positive, powerful communication. JoyTalks isn’t just about learning to speak—it’s about learning to speak authentically, with confidence, in any situation.
I’m especially excited about expanding my offerings through The Joy of Great Discovery platform, which provides access to over 100 language translations. I’m doubly excited because this platform allows me to deepen my long-standing connection with the beautiful country of Turkey. I lived in Istanbul for five years, teaching Business English as a Second Language, while continuing my own learning of the complex Turkish language. From that experience, I truly understand the importance of receiving information in our native language to absorb the full impact of what’s being shared. With automatic translations available, I can now offer the JoyTalks techniques globally, ensuring the same powerful message reaches people in the language that speaks most clearly to them.
My approach to coaching is rooted in mutual respect and inclusivity. I celebrate diversity in all its forms, ensuring that each woman I work with feels valued, heard, and seen. This ethos extends throughout my business ventures, including online courses and affiliate programs, making it easier than ever for women around the world to connect, learn, and grow.
For me, empowering others isn’t just a career—it’s my legacy. Through my coaching, online platforms, and public speaking, I aim to leave a lasting, positive impact on the lives of women entrepreneurs and corporate professionals, helping them step into leadership roles and communicate effectively.
I’m driven by honesty, integrity, and positivity, and I believe in celebrating the unique gifts every woman brings to the table. My goal is to foster a culture of growth and understanding, and I’m grateful to witness the transformations that happen when women unlock their full potential.
If you’d like to learn more or join me on this journey of personal and professional growth, I invite you to explore JoyTalks.co and see how we can grow together.
Check out https://joytalks.co
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Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three things stand out as being the most impactful in my journey: curiosity, resilience, and the ability to connect with others on a meaningful level.
Curiosity has been a constant companion throughout my life. I’ve always had a love of learning—whether it was through conversations with my father, diving into books as a child, or learning Turkish while living in Istanbul. Staying curious opens the door to personal growth and keeps us moving forward, even when we don’t know all the answers. My advice? Stay curious. Never stop learning. Ask questions, explore new ideas, and allow yourself the freedom to grow beyond what you think you already know.
Resilience has been key, especially as I navigated the ups and downs of running multiple businesses and learning how to communicate effectively in different settings. There were times when speaking in public felt overwhelming, but I kept at it, doing the inner work necessary to show up authentically. For anyone just starting, I’d say: challenges will come, but resilience isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning from it and showing up again with even more clarity and purpose. Build habits that strengthen your mindset, and surround yourself with people who support your growth.
Lastly, the ability to connect with others has been transformative. Building authentic connections—whether through personal conversations, coaching sessions, or even public speaking—creates a sense of trust and belonging. That’s where real impact happens. My advice here is to listen more than you speak. Pay attention to people’s stories, respect their perspectives, and always approach conversations with empathy. Connection isn’t about perfection; it’s about being present and genuine.
To anyone starting out: develop these qualities step by step. Curiosity will keep you moving, resilience will help you bounce back, and authentic connection will open doors. It’s a lifelong process, so give yourself grace along the way. Your journey will unfold beautifully if you stay true to who you are and remain open to the lessons along the way.
And as the Joy Ambassador, I encourage you to look for Moments of Joy every day—they are there, if we just take the time to see them!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I’m always open to meaningful partnerships and collaborations! I love working with individuals and organizations who are passionate about empowering women, fostering personal and professional growth, and creating positive change. Whether you’re a coach, educator, business leader, or part of an organization that aligns with these values, I believe collaboration is one of the best ways to amplify impact.
I’m particularly interested in partnering with those who focus on women’s leadership, communication skills, or personal development—especially those who value inclusivity, authenticity, and growth. If you have an idea that could benefit women entrepreneurs or corporate professionals, or if you’re interested in collaborating through The Great Discovery platform, I’d love to explore how we can make it happen together.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Yes, that sounds like me!”—let’s connect. You can reach me through any of the platforms below, or visit my website to learn more about my work. I’d be thrilled to see what we can create together!
Connect with me here:
– Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/deronda.aiken/)
– Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/joytalksco/)
– LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/derondaaiken/)
– Website: (http://www.joytalks.co)
– Website: (https://thegreatdiscovery.com/?affiliate=joy)
Together, we can make a positive impact and help more women find their voice, grow with confidence, and unlock their full potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joytalks.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joytalksco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deronda.aiken/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derondaaiken/
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