we have tech roots, but we dyed ‘em.
After a decade working as a comedian, actor, and professional coach in the Bay Area, Speechless founder and CEO Sammy Wegent did the unthinkable: he took a corporate tech job. But by far, the biggest adjustment wasn’t the khakis (or the kombucha)—it was the meetings. Having never set foot in an office, Sammy was blown away by how often people gave presentations and how painful they were for everyone involved (presenter and audience alike).
So, Sammy did what he does best, he started a comedy show. Sammy brought in Broadway producer/performer Anthony Veniziale to create Speechless Live, a show based on a format despised by exec and intern alike: The PowerPoint presentation. 5 comedians would perform completely improvised presentations based on topics suggested by the crowd, using 5, ridiculous slides they’d never seen before. The first show sold out. Then the one after that, and the one after that...
After packing rooms for nearly a year, they started producing Speechless Live on stages around the world, from Japan to Brazil.
They realized they were onto something. So, they teamed up with expert educators to create a highly-effective, highly-customizable curriculum that would help people advocate for themselves, whether in a presentation, a 1-1, or a networking event.
Now, Sammy and Anthony have a new corporate gig: Speechless Inc. — a company dedicated to helping people be themselves and be heard. Today, Speechless offers studio classes, and team workshops, individual coaching, and creative services based on the principles of improv thinking — and we still produce Speechless Live every single month. We’re committed to bridging the gap between technology, comedy, and creative expression — and pushing the boundary of how they inform each other.
We work with world-class researchers, coaches, and performers.
And most importantly, really great people.
Sammy Wegent
Chief Executive Officer & Co-founder
Susie Canright
Director of Operations
Anthony Veneziale
Chief Creative Officer & Co-founder
Vivek Venugopal
Director of Revenue
Fontana Butterfield
Learn Program Manager
Jamie Wright
Creative Director
Derek Orth
Producer
Stacie Blanke
Relationship Manager
Lindsey Quinn
Voice & Brand Manager
our core values
humor
A sense of humor and an attitude of playful positivity is essential to who we are and what we do. We aim to embody and share the connective power of comedy.
empathy
We believe in making others look and feel good. We debate ideas, assume best intent, and listen deeply to understand, not to be understood. We all make mistakes, and these are points of growth not punishment.
collaboration
An individual's value is realized when she knows her ideas are heard, valued, and considered in decision-making. We thrive best in empowered environments where communication and creativity are fueled by group support and trust.
authenticity
We are a stronger whole when individuals are welcomed to bring their unique perspective and truthful voice to the table. We aim to support and amplify that voice. Striving for equity and diversity is key to elevating our humanity.
innovation
With deep knowledge and science-based expertise as our foundation, we take bold and informed creative risks to create value for the world. We embrace and learn from failure and change along the way.
