An Interview with LaQuita Cleare Founder of Clear Communication Academy

Meet LaQuita Cleare, a communication expert and trailblazer who has helped politicians, royal families, CEOs, and entrepreneurs transform into engaging storytellers. As the founder of Clear Communication Academy, LaQuita’s expertise in public speaking and communication has made her a trusted advisor to leaders seeking to elevate their influence. She masterfully blends storytelling with science, empowering others to become impactful communicators and leaders, positioning her as a true game-changer in the field of communication and leadership development. 

As the U.S. Ambassador for Out As Humans, LaQuita is deeply committed to fostering authentic human connection in professional spaces. Out As Humans will host their first NYC-show at 92Y’s Kaufman Concert Hall on March 19^th, featuring an immersive experience designed to break down barriers and reintroduce leaders as their most honest selves, aligning perfectly with LaQuita’s mission of empowering individuals to communicate with confidence, clarity, and authenticity. Out as Humans was founded by Gerardo Segat, CEO, and member of YPO Young Presidents’ Organization, the premier leadership organization uniting the world’s top executives to innovate and shape global business trends. 

“Your voice is the biggest business tool you have.” – LaQuita Cleare

Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us, in your own words, about your inspiring story? 

I’ve been fascinated by storytelling and movies from a young age, and all I could think about was moving to Hollywood when I got old enough. 

I remember showing up, excited to get my shot, but I spent years trying to fit into a box, constantly shifting who I thought I should be on any given day. In my speaking career, I felt like I had to be serious to fit in with top-level male business leaders. In Hollywood, I thought  I needed to study others, figure out what was working for them, and try to copy that. 

One day, a friend and I spent two hours on the phone, looking people up, analyzing why they were successful, and why we weren’t. I wasted precious time running on a hamster wheel, chasing vs being. I had so many gifts I wasn’t even using because I was too busy trying to be someone else. 

Then one day, I was sitting in a crowded audition waiting room, and something was different. I wasn’t nervous—I was excited. I couldn’t stop smiling. I felt powerful, realizing all the unique things I was bringing to the table. 

From that moment, I brought that energy to Hollywood and to my clients. Those early experiences taught me the value of showing up as myself, and that lesson helped me build a global company and career, taking me to more than 50 countries. 

What are the three most important habits for being a successful entrepreneur?

A. Blocking out the noise: Whether it’s the negative soundtrack running in your own head or the naysayers who chip away at you little by little, you have to filter it out. 

B. Knowing where you want to go: We often think we know, but we don’t always give it enough thought. It’s not just about business, it’s about the kind of life you want to create. If I  had understood this better early on, it would have saved me a lot of time and made sure my actions aligned with my overall vision. 

C. Perseverance: If you have this, you can figure out everything else. 

Every entrepreneur has a goal and a problem they’re trying to solve. What was the inspiration that started your journey?

Stories and watching people communicate. I realized early on that actors had something powerful that many business people struggled to access—emotions and human connection. I wanted to help companies and leaders communicate in a more impactful way instead of just delivering information. To help them tell their stories, motivate their teams, and inspire action. 

What would you consider your biggest accomplishment, and why?

Years ago, I would’ve mentioned an award or working with a celebrity or high-profile figure. 

Today, I feel very different. My biggest accomplishments are the thousands of students and businesses we’ve helped. Whether it’s seeing someone find the courage to speak confidently in a workshop, watching a client shine on stage, or helping an entrepreneur raise money—these are the moments that make me feel accomplished. 

Recently, I also became the U.S. Ambassador for the show Out as Humans, which highlights leadership through authenticity and human connection. Watching them touch leaders worldwide feels like an accomplishment. 

Can you share some of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your successes and failures in business?

 Don’t take everything so personally. Hollywood taught me this the hard way. The amount of rejection you face there is unimaginable for most people, but it made me a better speaker,  a better leader, and most importantly, a happier human. 

How do you set your business apart from others in your industry? 

We’re unique because of the combination of methods we use, which actually get people results. Our trademarked method, The Engagement Code®, combines Psychology,  Hollywood storytelling, and Theatre techniques to help people achieve success in public speaking and storytelling. 

We’ve also launched Public Speaking Zone, a one-stop shop for public speaking training that’s designed to help people master their communication skills. 

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