Bridgett McGowen

Bridgett McGowen is an international professional speaker, author, and publisher known for her high-energy, humor-filled presentations in the fields of communication and professional development. With more than two decades of experience, McGowen has delivered presentations across the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally, equipping leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals with skills to command attention and communicate with confidence. She collaborates with organizations seeking to improve team performance, boost confidence, and enhance effectiveness, focusing on communication, sales, and marketing strategies.

McGowen has shared programs alongside figures such as Barack Obama, Deepak Chopra, Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, Amy Cuddy, Stacey Abrams, Mae Jemison, Common, and Katie Couric. Her expertise has been sought by companies, post-secondary institutions, and organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fifth Third Bank, Vanguard Investments, McGraw-Hill Education, LinkedIn Local, the Association for Talent Development, and New York University. McGowen delivers presentations that blend humor, storytelling, and actionable strategies, addressing topics such as publishing, women’s empowerment, and building cultures of confident communication.

As an author, McGowen has published several recognized books in the business communication space. Her works include "Show Up and Show Out: 52 Communication Habits to Make You Even More Unforgettable," which received an Award of Distinction from The Communicator Awards; "Own the Microphone," a collaboration with 50 professional speakers; "Rise and Sizzle: Daily Communication and Presentation Strategies for Sales, Business, and Higher Ed Pros"; and two editions of "REAL TALK: What Other Experts Won't Tell You About How to Make Presentations That Sizzle," which earned a silver BookFest Award, a Best Indie Book Award, and was a Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist. "Show Up and Show Out" sold out at the Think Better Live Better event hosted by Marc and Angel Chernoff, while "REAL TALK" sold out at the Association for Talent Development's International Conference and Exposition in Washington, D.C.

McGowen is the founder of Press 49, a hybrid publishing company focused on amplifying diverse voices and making publishing accessible to experts, coaches, and professionals. She has contributed to Forbes Coaches Council and Entrepreneur online magazine, and her expertise has been featured by Forbes, Medium, and other global media outlets.

Her accolades include an Award of Distinction from The Communicator Awards, a Master Presenter Award from the University of Texas at Austin, and two Fearless Woman Awards from One Woman. McGowen has taught at Prairie View A&M University, Lone Star College System, and University of Phoenix, integrating her academic background with a practical approach to communication. McGowen continues to influence the professional speaking and publishing industries through her work in business communication, leadership development, and publishing.