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Waters Edge Co

where we co-create thriving workplaces through intention-based communication and collaboration

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At Waters Edge Co, we help leaders and teams communicate with intention, clarity, and care — especially under pressure.Through research-grounded training, coaching, and consulting, we strengthen communication excellence using a powerful combination of subject-matter expertise, original and customizable content, exceptional facilitation, and practical tools that transfer learning beyond the training room.

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How We Work

TRAINING
Interactive, experiential learning that strengthens communication excellence and leadership effectiveness. Programs are highly engaging, adaptable, and designed to translate insight into real-world behavior change.COACHING
Personalized development plans that help clients master skills essential for success, including executive presence, emotional intelligence, public speaking, conflict navigation, and high-stakes conversations.CONSULTING
Human-centered needs assessments that surface root causes, clarify challenges, and deliver practical, actionable recommendations to improve communication, trust, and alignment.KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS
Energizing, insight-rich keynotes that inspire and delight audiences of 30 to 3,000 — blending research, storytelling, and practical takeaways leaders can use immediately.

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Signature Programs

UNFLAPPABLE UNDER PRESSURE™
Choosing how you show up when it matters mostA leadership framework that helps leaders stay aligned with who they want to be — even in high-stakes, emotionally charged moments. Rather than teaching people to suppress reactions or “stay calm,” Unflappable Under Pressure equips leaders with practical tools to create choice, select aligned responses, and protect trust when pressure is high.Available as training, keynote, and leadership coaching.⸻KINDFUL COMMUNICATION™Rooted in emotional intelligence and wrapped in intention, identity, and authenticity, Kindful Communication embeds empathy, awareness, and clarity into everyday interactions. This practice reduces defensiveness, increases connection, and strengthens relationships — even in the toughest conversations.

TRUE NORTH TEAM ALIGNMENT (TNTA)Every high-performing team has a compass. This program helps teams clarify shared purpose, appreciate differences, navigate communication challenges, and move forward with greater unity, trust, and commitment. Forget tired team-building performances, TNTA provides plenty of opportunities to strengthen team cohesiveness without embarrassment or wasting time.⸻HERO™ SERVICEIn an era of increasing automation and declining human service quality, HERO service providers stand out. This program strengthens the customer experience by developing four essential service capabilities: Helpfulness, Empathy, Reliability, and Openness.Unflappable Under Pressure™ Kindful Communication™ and the 4 Knows™ are also delivered as customizable keynotes.

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Meet Michelle Waters

Founder & Principal Consultant
at Waters Edge Co

I help people communicate with intention, clarity, and care.

For more than 25 years, I’ve researched, written about, and taught human communication — and I absolutely love my work. I’ve partnered with leaders and teams across the globe, including organizations in the Netherlands, Australia, Morocco, Mexico, and Spain. No matter the setting, my goal remains the same: to help people communicate in ways that build trust, strengthen relationships, and drive meaningful outcomes.My work is research-grounded, audience-focused, and heart-centric. Together, my clients and I co-create transformative learning experiences that deepen leadership capabilities, finesse collaboration, and strengthen organizational culture.Let’s explore what’s on the horizon in 2026!

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PROVEN STRENGTHS
✔ Creating dynamic, high-trust learning experiences that are engaging, inclusive, and content-rich
✔ Moving people from awareness to real-world application of key communication concepts
✔ Reading room dynamics and adjusting facilitation in real time
✔ Communicating effectively with all levels of an organization — from C-suite to frontline teams
✔ Co-authoring award-winning college communication textbooks

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TESTIMONIALS

"I had the pleasure of working with Michelle to deliver training, and I was impressed by her energy, flexibility, and content expertise. We were looking for an experiential learning program that would engage our team through interactive activities, focusing on effective business communication skills for all levels. Michelle truly delivered, incorporating our specific goals and objectives into a comprehensive program that met our needs."A. Levie, Workplace Experience Director, CBRE

“Participating in the Manager Essentials program facilitated by Michelle Waters (of Waters Edge) in Spain was a standout moment in my leadership journey. Her ability to create an inclusive, high-energy, and deeply reflective learning space was impressive. What struck me most was her agility in adapting to a multicultural audience, making everyone feel seen and valued — all while delivering strong, actionable content with grace and clarity. A true facilitator in every sense.”O. El Qacemi, SEI Manager of Morocco, Former Senior HRBP and Talent Manager, Driscolls