Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast

Episode: Entrepreneur of the Month: Rachel Axelrod of Axelrod Consulting Chicago
Date: January 5, 2026
Host: Scott Becker
Guest: Rachel Axelrod, CEO & Founder, Axelrod Consulting

Episode Overview

In this episode, Scott Becker interviews Rachel Axelrod, founder and CEO of Axelrod Consulting, Chicago’s go-to speaking coach and event producer. As the Entrepreneur of the Month, Rachel shares her non-linear journey from attorney to TEDxChicago co-founder to speaker coach. The conversation explores the art of public speaking, why storytelling is foundational, the impact of coaching for business leaders, and how authentic connection is more critical than ever in today's high-tech, high-distraction world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rachel’s Career Journey (00:30–04:18)

• Rachel introduces herself as a “recovering attorney,” detailing her beginnings at Schiff Hardin and eight years at Much Shelist specializing in commercial litigation.

• Public speaking was central to her legal work, but her real pivot came as co-founder and executive producer of TEDxChicago.

• Co-founded TEDxChicago with Jessica Lederhausen and produced annual shows from 2017 to 2019, managing speakers and coaches—her “internship” in speaker coaching.

• When COVID-19 forced events online, former TEDx speakers sought her help adapting to Zoom—sparking the launch of Axelrod Consulting in 2019.

  "At first it started off doing it for friends and family and then eventually I realized I was really, really good at it from my legal years and from my TEDx Chicago years."
  — Rachel Axelrod (03:50)

2. Coaching Approach & The Importance of Storytelling (04:18–08:03)

• Rachel typically works with C-suite execs, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. Every coaching engagement starts with understanding the audience and context:

  • Who is in the room?
  • Is it colleagues, the public, or a blend?
  • Is it paid or voluntary?

• She reviews existing videos if available. A universal area for improvement: storytelling.

• Cites the lasting magic of TED Talks: stories provide the foundation for every good presentation.

  "The number one thing that everyone can improve on is making sure they tell stories... Storytelling is always the foundation for any good talk."
  — Rachel Axelrod (07:14)

3. In-Person vs. Virtual Speaking (08:03–09:50)

• Rachel strongly prefers the energy of a live audience, arguing it can't be replicated online.

• Same principles apply in-person and on Zoom: know your audience, use stories, but virtual talks lack the dynamic energy feedback.

• She warns that as AI and digital noise increase, authentic, in-person connection will only grow more valuable.

  "...the energy of a live audience is...something that you absolutely cannot replicate on a Zoom."
  — Rachel Axelrod (09:25)

4. Impactful Client Stories (10:26–13:01)

• Coaching is personal, and Rachel becomes close with clients due to the vulnerability and nerves that speaking entails.

• Client with dyslexia: Couldn’t read notes/slides. Solution was fully oral storytelling, no written material—successfully overcoming his challenge.

• Client with crippling stage fright: Avoided speaking opportunities. Rachel connected him with a breathing coach for meditation techniques and reframed his stories for engagement.

• Client in real estate: Thought his stories “weren’t interesting.” With tweaks in framing and detail, suddenly his stories resonated and engaged audiences.

  "They just needed a little tweaking, a little judging, if you will. And they really came alive with details..."
  — Rachel Axelrod (12:25)

5. Why Experienced Leaders Still Seek Coaching (13:01–15:41)

• Even seasoned speakers seek coaching for freshness, not just improvement—often feeling their material has become repetitive or rote.

• Some are open about hiring a coach (“personal trainer for speaking”), others keep it private.

• Rachel often helps them develop new material or refresh old stories, which is especially needed for leaders who speak frequently.

  "If the speaker himself or herself is sort of bored and has done it enough times...it takes so much coffee to get up to do the same speech again..."
  — Scott Becker (15:44)

6. Rachel’s Top Public Speaking Advice (16:42–18:26)

• “Less is more.” Avoid overloaded talks. Stick to a single strong idea or at most a few.

• Slides shouldn’t be crowded with data; keep everything simple and focused.

• The shorter, the better—respect short attention spans and audience overload.

  "Bring me your masterpiece, not your gallery. Don't tell me everything you've ever wanted to express to an audience. Let's stick with one or three things..."
  — Rachel Axelrod (17:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the power of simple messaging:
  "There should always be a singular idea with a through line...When clients come to me and they have seven lessons that they want to teach ... I absolutely cringe and say like, all right, we got to really pare it down."
  — Rachel Axelrod (17:05)

• On the limitations of virtual:
  "You don't feel the energy of the audience when you're giving a talk on zoom…It just doesn't have that same umph to it, that same energy and connection."
  — Rachel Axelrod (08:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Rachel’s Career Background: 00:30–04:18
• Coaching Philosophy & Storytelling: 04:18–08:03
• Virtual vs. In-Person Speaking: 08:03–09:50
• Client Success Stories: 10:26–13:01
• Motivations for Coaching: 13:01–15:41
• Signature Speaking Advice (“Less is More”): 16:42–18:26

Episode Tone & Style

The conversation is warm, collegial, and practical—Rachel combines deep expertise with encouragement and humor. Scott Becker’s questions draw out actionable insights for leaders, coaches, and anyone seeking to improve their public speaking impact.

Summary for Listeners

Rachel Axelrod’s journey from litigation attorney to TEDxChicago producer to sought-after speaking coach demonstrates the power of reinvention and following your interests. She emphasizes the importance of audience awareness, authenticity, and especially storytelling to elevate presentations—no matter how experienced you are. Rachel’s core advice? Keep it focused, keep it human, and never underestimate the power of a well-told story—especially in our digital-first world where real connection is ever more valuable.