Impactful Communication: Erin Pash Of Pash Company On Communications On 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator
An Interview With Athalia Monae
Know Your One Thing Every time you communicate, ask yourself: If people remember only one thing, what should it be? I learned this the hard way when I gave a presentation early in my career and tried to cover everything. Afterward, someone asked me what my main point was, and I realized I didn’t have one. Now, I build everything around a single, clear message. For my book Everybody Sucks Sometimes, the one thing is this: You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy. Everything else supports that.
In an age dominated by digital communication, the power of articulate and effective verbal communication cannot be understated. Whether it’s delivering a keynote address, leading a team meeting, or engaging in a one-on-one conversation, impactful speaking can open doors, inspire change, and create lasting impressions. But what truly sets apart an effective communicator? What techniques and nuances elevate a speech from mundane to memorable? As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Erin Pash.
Dr. Erin Pash, DBA, LMFT is an award-winning mental health executive, licensed therapist, and founder of Ellie Mental Health, which she scaled from a single clinic to over 260 franchise locations across 42 states. As a practicing therapist and clinical supervisor, she has spent thousands of hours on both sides of the couch — treating clients, training clinicians, and doing her own therapeutic work. Beyond her clinical work, Erin is the Principal of Pash Company, an incubator for social health initiatives that blend AI and EQ to solve some of humanity’s biggest problems. Her international consulting work has helped mental health systems across multiple countries improve access to care. She’s a sought-after keynote speaker, bringing her signature blend of clinical expertise, entrepreneurial insight, and refreshingly honest humor to audiences nationwide. Erin is also the author of the How to Stop Freaking the %#$@ Out! series and the forthcoming book Everybody Sucks Sometimes: A Therapist’s Guide to Being Flawed, Feral, and Figuring Life Out (BenBella Books, Fall 2026).
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about communication, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
I’ve always been fascinated by why people do what they do — especially when what they’re doing makes absolutely no sense from the outside. I started my career as a marriage and family therapist because I loved sitting in the mess with people and helping them figure out how their patterns got them stuck. But the more I practiced, the more I realized the mental health system itself was stuck. Access was terrible, stigma was everywhere, and good therapists were burning out left and right.
So I started Ellie Mental Health with a simple idea: what if we built a mental health company that actually worked for therapists AND clients? What if we made therapy accessible, affordable, and — dare I say — fun? Turns out, when you solve real problems with creativity and heart, people notice. We went from one clinic to over 260 locations, and suddenly I wasn’t just a therapist anymore — I was building systems, leading teams, and speaking on stages about how we change healthcare from the inside out.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
Early in Ellie’s national growth, we were trying to secure a major national payer contract that would make a huge difference for our franchisees. I walked into this boardroom full of executives in suits, and I was the only woman, the only therapist, and definitely the only person who showed up with a hot pink suit and the audacity to tell them their reimbursement model was broken.
Halfway through my presentation, one of the executives interrupted me and said, “Your concept, this is never going to work. “ And I just looked at him and said, “Well, it’s a good thing I didn’t ask your permission before I built it because with or without you doing the right thing, it’s already working.” The room went silent. Then another executive started laughing and said, “I like her. Let’s keep talking.”
We got the contract. And I learned that sometimes the most effective communication isn’t about being polished — it’s about being unapologetically yourself and backing it up with results.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Resilience: When we were scaling Ellie, I hit a point where I was working 80-hour weeks, managing a massive P&L, raising capital, and trying to be present for my six kids. I was exhausted. I actually went to my own therapist and said, “I don’t know if I can keep doing this.” And she said, “You don’t have to keep doing it the way you’re doing it.” That shift — realizing resilience isn’t about pushing through, it’s about adapting — changed everything. I restructured my leadership team, delegated differently, and stopped trying to be superhuman.
Radical Honesty: I’ve built my entire brand on being honest about how hard things are. When I speak at conferences or lead my team, I don’t sugarcoat it. I tell people that entrepreneurship is messy, that I’ve made terrible decisions, and that half the time I’m figuring it out as I go. That honesty creates trust. People follow leaders who are real, not perfect.
Curiosity: I’m obsessed with learning. Whether it’s AI, policy, international mental health systems, or why my teenager is suddenly obsessed with a new app — I want to understand it. That curiosity has led me to build an incubator that blends technology and mental health, consult globally, and constantly evolve how I think about solving problems. The moment you think you know everything is the moment you stop growing.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that we are all on the same page. How would you define an “Effective Communicator?” What are the characteristics of an effective communicator?
An effective communicator is someone who can take a complex idea, make it accessible, and inspire someone to feel, think, or do something differently. It’s not about using big words or sounding smart — it’s about connection.
The best communicators have a few things in common: they’re clear (they know what they want to say and don’t bury it in jargon), they’re empathetic (they understand their audience and what matters to them), they’re authentic (they sound like themselves, not a corporate robot), and they’re adaptive (they can read the room and adjust on the fly).
Oh, and they listen. True communication is a two-way street. If you’re just talking at people, you’re not communicating — you’re performing.
How can one tailor their communication style to different audiences or situations?
It starts with asking yourself: Who am I talking to, and what do they care about? A room full of investors doesn’t need the same message as a room full of therapists. The investors want to know about ROI and scalability. The therapists want to know how this will make their lives better and help their clients.
I also adjust my tone and energy. If I’m giving a keynote, I’m big, funny, and high-energy because I want to wake people up and make them feel something. If I’m consulting with a government mental health department in another country, I’m more measured, data-driven, and collaborative because they need to trust my expertise.
The key is flexibility. You don’t change who you are — you adjust how you deliver the message so it lands.
Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your communication style to reach a particular audience successfully?
I was invited to speak at a legislative hearing about mental health policy. The room was full of politicians, policy wonks, and advocates — all with very different agendas. I knew that if I came in with a bunch of clinical jargon or sob stories, I’d lose them.
So I led with data: the cost of untreated mental illness, the ROI of preventative care, and how expanding access would save the state millions. Then I told one very brief, very human story about a client who couldn’t access care until it was almost too late. I ended with a clear, actionable policy recommendation.
The data got their attention. The story made them care. The recommendation gave them something to do. We got the legislation passed. That’s the power of adapting your message to your audience.
How do you handle difficult or sensitive conversations while maintaining open and effective communication?
I lean on my therapy training for this. In therapy, we call it “leaning into discomfort” — you don’t avoid the hard stuff, you go straight at it with compassion and clarity.
First, I name the elephant in the room. If it’s awkward, I’ll say, “This is awkward, and that’s okay.” If someone’s upset, I’ll acknowledge it: “I can see this is hard for you.” That immediately diffuses some of the tension because people feel seen.
Then I get curious instead of defensive. I ask questions: “Help me understand what’s going on for you.” “What would make this better?” “What do you need from me right now?”
And finally, I stay grounded in my values. If I know I’m coming from a place of integrity and good intent, I can handle the discomfort. Not every conversation will end perfectly, but it can end honestly — and that’s what matters.
In your experience, how does storytelling play a role in impactful speaking? Why do you think stories are effective in communication?
Stories are everything. Data tells you what’s happening. Stories tell you why it matters.
When I’m speaking, I can throw out statistics about mental health access all day, but the moment I tell the story of the single mom who drove two hours to our clinic because we were the only place that took her insurance — that’s when people lean in. Stories activate empathy. They make abstract concepts real.
The best stories also give people permission to see themselves in the narrative. When I share my own struggles — like going to therapy, making mistakes as a leader, or feeling like a hot mess — people think, “Oh, she’s human. Maybe I’m allowed to be human too.” That’s when real connection happens.
What are your “5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
1. Know Your One Thing Every time you communicate, ask yourself: If people remember only one thing, what should it be? I learned this the hard way when I gave a presentation early in my career and tried to cover everything. Afterward, someone asked me what my main point was, and I realized I didn’t have one. Now, I build everything around a single, clear message. For my book Everybody Sucks Sometimes, the one thing is this: You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy. Everything else supports that.
2. Start with a Hook You have about 10 seconds to grab someone’s attention — use them wisely. I never start a talk with “Hi, my name is Erin.” I start with something unexpected: a question, a bold statement, or a story that makes people think, “Wait, what?” For example, I’ll open with: “Raise your hand if you’ve ever Googled ‘Am I a sociopath?’ at 2 a.m.” Half the room raises their hands, and suddenly everyone’s laughing and paying attention.
3. Make It About Them, Not You Even when I’m telling my story, I’m always connecting it back to the audience. I’ll say, “Here’s what happened to me, and here’s what it means for you.” People don’t care about your resume — they care about how you can help them solve their problems or feel less alone. When I consult with mental health organizations internationally, I don’t lecture — I ask them what’s keeping them up at night and build my advice around their reality.
4. Use the Rule of Three The human brain loves patterns, and three is the magic number. Whether it’s three main points, three examples, or three action steps — it’s memorable and digestible. In my How to Stop Freaking Out series, I break everything into three parts. It’s simple, it’s clear, and people actually remember it.
5. End with a Call to Action Never leave people inspired with nowhere to go. Tell them exactly what you want them to think, feel, or do next. When I finish a keynote, I don’t just say “Thank you.” I say, “Here’s what I want you to do this week: Stop apologizing for being human. Start one messy conversation you’ve been avoiding. And remind yourself that everybody sucks sometimes — and that’s okay.” Give people a next step, and they’ll take it.
How do you integrate non-verbal cues into your communication? Can you provide an example of its importance?
Non-verbal communication is huge — sometimes it’s more important than the words you’re saying. I’m very intentional about my body language, tone, and energy.
Here’s the thing: I’m like a golden retriever puppy. Non-verbals radiate from me whether I’m trying or not. I’m expressive, energetic, and you can read everything I’m feeling on my face. When I’m on stage, I move. I use my hands, I make eye contact, and I let my facial expressions reflect what I’m saying. If I’m talking about something vulnerable, I soften. If I’m fired up, you can see it.
But I’ve also learned to regulate that bigness. I actually blend my time between being out front and behind a podium to help manage the energy. Sometimes the audience needs all of me — full golden retriever mode. Other times, they need me to ground the energy and create space for them to process. The podium helps me do that without losing connection.
There was a time I was in a tense negotiation, and the person across from me was clearly frustrated. Instead of matching their intensity, I leaned back, softened my voice, and slowed down. That non-verbal shift signaled, “I’m not your enemy. Let’s solve this together.” Within minutes, the energy in the room changed, and we found a solution.
Your body language either reinforces or undermines your message. Make sure it’s working for you, not against you.
How has digital communication changed the way you convey your messages? Are there any specific challenges or advantages you’ve encountered?
Digital communication is both a blessing and a curse. The advantage is reach — I can consult with a mental health organization in another country via Zoom, post a message on LinkedIn that reaches thousands, or create content that lives forever. The challenge is that you lose so much nuance. There’s no body language in an email. There’s no energy in a text.
I’ve learned to over-communicate in digital spaces. I’ll use voice notes instead of long emails. I’ll hop on a quick video call instead of going back and forth in Slack. And when I post online, I try to bring the same warmth and personality I’d have in person — I’m not afraid to be casual, use humor, or show up imperfectly.
The other challenge is that digital communication can feel performative. Everyone’s curating their best self online, and it’s easy to lose authenticity. I fight that by being real — sharing the messy, the hard, and the unfiltered.
Public speaking is a common fear. What techniques or strategies do you recommend to manage and overcome stage fright?
First, know that even seasoned speakers get nervous. I still feel butterflies before I walk on stage — but I’ve reframed it. That nervous energy isn’t fear; it’s excitement. It means I care.
Here’s what helps me:
Prepare, but don’t over-prepare. Know your content inside and out, but don’t memorize it word-for-word. You want to sound natural, not robotic.
Build in safety nets. I make sure that every third slide has content or a reminder of things I really know — like a personal story or an anecdote I’ve told a hundred times. That way, if I get tripped up or have a brain lapse, I know how to get right back on track. Those familiar anchors keep me grounded and confident.
Focus on service, not performance. When I’m nervous, I remind myself: This isn’t about me. It’s about the people in the audience and what they need to hear. That shifts the pressure off me and onto the message.
Start with a story or a question. It breaks the ice and gets the audience engaged right away. Once you see people nodding or laughing, the nerves fade.
Breathe. Seriously. Take three deep breaths before you start. It calms your nervous system and grounds you.
And finally, give yourself permission to be imperfect. The most memorable talks aren’t the polished ones — they’re the ones where the speaker is real, vulnerable, and human.
What additional resources do you recommend for individuals looking to improve communication skills?
Books:
- Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler — essential for handling difficult conversations.
- Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo — great for public speaking and storytelling.
- Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg — foundational for empathetic communication.
Practice:
- Join a Toastmasters group or take an improv class. Both will force you out of your comfort zone and teach you to think on your feet.
- Record yourself. Watch it back (yes, it’s painful) and notice what works and what doesn’t.
Feedback:
- Ask people you trust to give you honest feedback on your communication style. What lands? What doesn’t? Where do you lose people?
And honestly, therapy. Communication is relationship, and therapy teaches you how to navigate relationships with clarity, empathy, and honesty.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I’d start a movement called “Everybody Sucks Sometimes” — because let’s be honest, we all do, and pretending otherwise is exhausting.
This movement would be about calling out how absolutely absurd we sound when we’re trying to be inauthentic. You know that voice you use in emails when you’re pretending you’re “circling back” instead of saying “I forgot”? Or when you post about your “perfect morning routine” when really you spilled coffee on your shirt and yelled at your kids? That fake stuff doesn’t make us look better — it makes us sound ridiculous and feel worse.
The Everybody Sucks Sometimes movement would celebrate showing up as exactly who you are — messy, flawed, still figuring it out — while also teaching people the guardrails and communication skills they need to do it well. Because authenticity without boundaries is just chaos, and we don’t need more chaos.
We’d teach people how to say, “I messed up” without spiraling into shame. How to set boundaries without feeling guilty. How to be vulnerable without oversharing. How to communicate honestly while still being kind. And most importantly, how to build real self-esteem — not the fake Instagram kind — by accepting that being imperfect doesn’t make you broken. It makes you human.
Imagine workplaces where people actually admitted when they didn’t know something instead of nodding along in meetings. Imagine families where kids learned that mistakes are part of learning, not something to hide. Imagine a world where “I’m struggling” was met with “Me too” instead of judgment.
Because here’s the truth: Everybody sucks sometimes. And the sooner we own that, laugh about it, and learn how to human better together, the sooner we can stop wasting energy pretending and start actually living.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Website: www.erinpash.com | www.pashcompany.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-pash
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinkellypash/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@outloudwitherin
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Impactful Communication: Erin Pash Of Pash Company On Communications On 5 Essential Techniques for… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.