Impactful Communication: Samantha Gold Of Motette On 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator
An Interview With Athalia Monae
Lead with Empathy — Whether I’m talking to a team member or a customer, I always consider: What does this person need right now emotionally? That lens helps me stay human — even in difficult moments.
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 Samantha Gold.
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?
Absolutely! My path has been multifaceted, but each step has led me to exactly where I’m meant to be. I spent over a decade at Salesforce, where I served as both an individual contributor and a leader — developing a deep understanding of systems, sales, and team dynamics. After that, I began consulting for emerging brands, blending my tech background with a passion for business-building.
Eventually, I became the CEO of a women’s clothing label based in Charleston, which gave me a crash course in leading creative teams and navigating wholesale, retail, and direct-to-consumer simultaneously. But it wasn’t until I became a mom that everything truly shifted. I couldn’t find stylish, functional clothing for my kids that felt modern and elevated — so I created it. That’s how Motette was born. It’s a bamboo-based clothing line for babies and toddlers, designed with the details moms care about and in prints that actually feel chic.
Through that journey, I realized I could help other product-based founders avoid the mistakes I made early on. With The Samantha Gold, I now coach female founders around the world on how to scale quickly — leveraging offshore talent, AI, and streamlined systems without needing massive capital. I show them how to set up repeatable processes, automate the things that don’t need their time, and focus their energy where it truly moves the needle.
It’s all come full circle: from building and leading inside Fortune 500 tech to now helping women create the kind of momentum that’s smart, lean, and sustainable.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of the most powerful and unique parts of launching Motette has been building what I call my Inner Circle — a growing community of over 2,000 moms who have been co-creating this brand with me since day one. A full year before launch, I began building Motette publicly on Instagram, sharing every step of the process in real time — from my initial name exploration (which had to change due to a trademark issue), to crowd-sourcing logo options, brand colors, and even choosing prints and silhouettes for our debut collection. Moms weighed in on everything from what styles they wanted to see, to new additions like Mommy & Me sets (coming this summer), and even how we should approach wholesale. It’s been collaborative at every stage. This past month was a full-circle moment. I opened up wholesale opportunities, and within just a few weeks, 20+ boutiques had signed on. Why? Because moms from my Inner Circle shared the names of their favorite local children’s boutiques. With their permission, I reached out to those stores, introduced Motette, and referenced the connection. The response was overwhelmingly positive — because it wasn’t cold outreach. It was personal. It was trusted. It was community-driven communication in action.
This grassroots approach — treating customers as collaborators and weaving connection into every touchpoint — isn’t just part of how I market. It’s the foundation of my brand-building strategy. And it’s proven that when you truly invite people into your process, they don’t just buy from you — they help you grow.
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?
1. Curiosity — I’m constantly asking, What if we did it differently? Whether it’s launching Motette without outside funding or reimagining what wholesale looks like with offshore support, I never assume the status quo is the only way.
2. Resilience — I’ve had to rebuild, shift strategies, and keep going through personal challenges, including postpartum and moving internationally. Staying grounded in purpose has helped me push through moments when quitting would’ve been easier.
3. Clarity — Whether I’m writing copy for a product page or coaching a founder, I obsess over making things clear and digestible. It’s how I’ve built trust in both of my businesses. When people feel understood, they lean in.
How would you define an “Effective Communicator?” What are the characteristics of an effective communicator?
An effective communicator creates clarity, connection, and forward momentum. It’s not just about saying the right thing — it’s about saying it in a way that makes people feel seen, inspired, and aligned. It’s equal parts empathy and precision.
How can one tailor their communication style to different audiences or situations?
It starts with listening. You need to understand not just what someone needs — but how they need to hear it. Whether I’m talking to a boutique buyer, a customer with a return question, or a team member in the Philippines, I always ask: What will make this feel simple, supportive, and clear to them? That shapes everything from tone to format.
Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your communication style to reach a particular audience successfully?
When I started working with offshore talent, I quickly realized that what felt “clear” to me wasn’t always clear to them. I started recording Looms instead of writing long instructions, and began asking questions like What would make this easier for you to own? That shift in format and tone created a stronger relationship — and better results.
How do you handle difficult or sensitive conversations while maintaining open and effective communication?
I approach hard conversations with honesty and warmth. I’ll usually say, I want to share something that might be hard to hear, but I care about your success and this is important. Setting the tone with respect and care opens the door for accountability without shame.
In your experience, how does storytelling play a role in impactful speaking? Why do you think stories are effective in communication?
Storytelling creates context, emotion, and connection. People don’t just want information — they want to feel something. When I share how I started Motette after struggling to find good clothes for my own kids, that story instantly connects with other moms. It’s not a sales pitch. It’s a shared experience.
What are your 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator?
1. Lead with Empathy — Whether I’m talking to a team member or a customer, I always consider: What does this person need right now emotionally? That lens helps me stay human — even in difficult moments.
2. Simplify the Message — Clarity wins every time. I avoid jargon and speak plainly. For example, I rewrote all of Motette’s product descriptions to feel like they were written by a mom, for a mom.
3. Use Visuals to Support the Message — I use Loom, Canva, or screenshots constantly. Sometimes a quick visual says more than paragraphs ever could.
4. Be Consistent Across Touchpoints — Consistency builds trust. Whether someone hears from me on Instagram, in an email, or through our website copy — it should all sound like me.
5. Make Space for Feedback — Good communication is a two-way street. I regularly ask customers, What do you love? What could we do better? That openness has fueled product improvements and deepened our community trust.
How do you integrate non-verbal cues into your communication? Can you provide an example of its importance?
Even digitally, tone and body language matter. When I record a Loom for my team, I smile, use my hands, and pause intentionally. It makes everything feel more human — even if we’re on opposite sides of the world.
How has digital communication changed the way you convey your messages? Are there any specific challenges or advantages you’ve encountered?
It’s faster and more scalable, but easier to misread tone. That’s why I use emojis, bullet points, and visuals liberally — especially in places like WhatsApp or Klaviyo. I want every message to feel intentional, not robotic.
Public speaking is a common fear. What techniques or strategies do you recommend to manage and overcome stage fright?
Start by imagining you’re speaking to one person who really needs to hear what you have to say. Ground yourself in service. And practice using your own voice — not the version you think you’re supposed to use.
What additional resources do you recommend for individuals looking to improve communication skills?
I love the book Made to Stick for storytelling and messaging, and Building a StoryBrand for clarity. Also — practice voice notes! They’ve helped me hear how I sound and where I can soften or simplify.
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?
I’d start a movement that helps moms return to themselves after motherhood — not just as parents, but as leaders, creators, and communicators. Because when women feel supported, confident, and clear in their voice, they build things that change the world.
How can our readers further follow you online?
You can find me at @shopmotette and @thesamanthagold on Instagram. For brand support and strategy, visit thesamanthagold.com.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Impactful Communication: Samantha Gold Of Motette On 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.