Client Stories

Fran’s unique approach for creating compelling and authentic leaders has been engaged by some of the world’s most successful brands. ZONE METHOD clients include CEOs, White House appointees, IPO candidates, Fortune 500 leaders, launch teams, and rising stars. Scroll through the photos below to see who Fran’s worked with and see what they have to say about their experience with Fran.

  • Susan Black - Chairman of the Board, Pinnacle Bank

    "A ‘Zone Session’ marks the beginning of optimizing your personal and professional future. Fran can brilliantly ‘zone’ your world, but she makes sure you define who you are and where you want to be. Fran has a unique, uncanny ability to help you define your next chapter and gives you the tools to write it.”

  • Bing Yao - CEO + Chairman of the Board at ArriVent Biopharma

    “Fran has always been there to help me with my communication needs. She inspired my confidence and provided the tools to shape me into a leader.”

  • Ben Buelow - CEO and Co-Founder of 92Bio

    “Fran has been my mentor for five years, and has guided me to my true north for biotech leadership: Radical Transparency. Good ideas can come from anywhere. And that Innovation in Science must be wedded to Innovation in Business.”

  • Joe Nuzzolese - Corporate Vice President, Global Supply Chain & Quality, Edwards Lifesciences

    “Fran has been invaluable to me and my executive team. She personalizes her coaching to each individual’s strengths and opportunities, and I have seen growth in each of my leaders.”

  • David Goldstein - CSO, Chief Science Officer, Principia Biopharma

    “Fran’s mentorship transformed my communication style making it more memorable and compelling - translating a complex technical pitch into a cohesive story that resonated with investors during our roadshow and IPO! Thank you Fran.”

  • Chris Byrne - SVP Operations, Workday Ireland

    “Over a long career, there are individuals whose advice and mentoring take you to new levels of performance and career satisfaction. Fran Zone has been that person for me since 2004. Her unique and compelling approach pushes you to action. And with action comes results. Thank you Fran!”

  • Gary Yeung - CFO and President of Biopharma, xilis

    “Fran is an exceptional coach! She helped me communicate strategically and memorably within the Genentech/Roche organization. I have sent many of my best staff to Fran to help them realize their full potential. Her tools are also extremely helpful in my new role at Annexon.”

  • Mike Varney - Mike Varney Advisors

    “Fran is a great teacher, a great collaborator, and a great friend all in one. Working with Fran took my communication and leadership skills to the next level. Every day in my life I am reminded how important these skills are to success in this complex world.”

  • Niaz Jalal - Founder and CEO, Rainsphere

    “Fran is the most brilliant mentor, coach, partner, and friend any aspiring leader could have! Her methods and approach are on point, having inspired and transformed me to be the best I can be. I am exceptionally lucky to have her friendship, support, guidance, and mentorship as I continue my journey. Thank you, Fran!”

  • Martha Nelson - Editor, Brand Creator, and Digital Strategist

    “With voice, authority and the feeling of the fun of being me, let me say: Thank YOU! Your help was INVALUABLE.”

  • Carol Jenkins - Carol Jenkins Media

    “Fran Zone understands the world — and what it takes to succeed in it, no matter where you are entering. She beautifully helps you navigate your path — with corrections when necessary, and cheers when you’re victorious. Everyone should have Fran by their side. I’m sure glad I do.”

  • Wendy Young - Executive Partner, MPM Capital

    “Fran’s deft insights have inspired and propelled me to be my best ‘me’. Her friendship is a treasured gift.”

  • Jessica Valentin - Senior Director, Business-Based Human Resources, Johnson & Johnson

    “Working with Fran allowed me to bring the BEST VERSION of ‘ME’ into everything I do, every day. Instead of theoretical rhetoric, Fran uses authentic dialogue and pragmatic tools to inspire self-awareness, growth, and reflection – allowing the best you to SHINE.”

  • Jim Bourne - SVP, Global Planning, Sourcing, & Logistics, Edwards Lifesciences

    “I have worked with Fran personally and have also partnered her with many from my leadership team. If you’re looking for ways to increase confidence, speak in a more impactful manner, and become a better version of YOU, then reach out to Fran and get ZONED.”

  • Sharon Papa - Police Chief, Hermosa Beach

    “I first saw Fran Zone at the California Governor’s Conference and decided right then and there we needed her to bring The Zone Method to the LAPD. Her keynote for us was attended by over 700 LAPD personnel who gave her rave reviews, and, of course, want her to come back.”

  • Diane Gomez-Thinnes - Chief Commercial Officer, Better Therapeutics

    “Fran is both a masterful coach and connector! She has helped to elevate my communications and leadership approach by encouraging me to find my authentic voice utilizing a set of proven tools. She has also linked me to others in her network aiding in valuable professional and personal relationships.”

  • Jackie Speier - Congresswoman Jackie Speier

    “Buckle your seat-belt. You are in for the ride of your life. Fran Zone is a phenomenon!”

  • Wendy Nicoson - VP, Plant General Manager

    “Working with Fran Zone has been life-changing. She has empowered me to become the best version of myself. Instead of auditioning, I now have the confidence and tools to be a great leader and communicator.”

  • Frank Maione - Executive Chairman at PerceptiMed, Inc.

    “Fran’s ability to naturally and comfortably move good performers into great performers helped energize and inspire my team.”

  • Cathy Clarke - Professor, First female Chair, UCLA Dept of Chemistry & Biochemistry

    “Our best commencement speaker ever was coached by Fran. She can make the message concisely moving and smart, and transform the messenger into a leader. So thankful to have met her, and to now have her as both a coach and a friend!”

  • Eric Wichems - Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vertos Medical

    “Fran brings an invaluable and unique skill set to a myriad of business situations that I have encountered over the last 3 years spanning conference organization, marketing strategy, & organizational optimization. She gave me the tools I needed to expertly handle any situation which not only led to superior business results but personal professional success as well.”

  • Linnette Torres - Senior Vice President of Quality

    “Fran is life changing through her executive coaching methodology and SMART resources. As a Hispanic with English being my second language, Fran has been instrumental in developing my confidence as a speaker and a leader. The exceptional service she provides has been an invaluable experience that has allowed me the opportunity to be my best self and in turn help others grow on their own professional journey.”

  • Bob Hambrecht - Partner, Allotrope Partners

    “Fran catalyzes transformation. She is able to customize communication strategies for success that help her clients achieve an exceptional level of leadership.”

  • Zakiya Thomas - President & CEO, ERA Coalition/ERA Coalition Forward

    “Fran’s no-nonsense approach and coaching have honed my communication skills and empowered me to be the leader I want to be. Whether strategizing ahead of important meetings or preparing for national television appearances, she has made me a better ambassador for my organization.”

  • Maggie Baxter - VP Programming at NBC10 Boston, NECN, and Telemundo Boston

    “Fran Zone brings a wealth of experience, personality, and loyalty to her business and clients. She has helped me and others grow as business leaders and inspired us to take on new challenges. The result is a top performance, leading to outstanding results. I would recommend Fran to anyone looking to be the best they can both at work and in life.”

  • Jen Treglia - Jen Treglia – Senior Director, Contract Management , Johnson & Johnson

    “Fran inspires greatness with an honest and collaborative approach, and creates tangible value through her mentorship and development of compelling leaders! Thank you Zone Method!”

  • Kevin Bingham - CPG Industry Expert, Strategist and Leader

    “Fran has a way of listening that fosters trust, actionable solutions, and inspired leader performance.”

  • Billy Harvill - President, Brookwood Investments

    “As a CEO it is great (and rare) to see such tangible return on our investment.Can’t say I’m surprised, though. Fran did such a good job!”

  • Kim Keller - Sr Manager, Corporate Contributions, Johnson & Johnson

    “Fran is a coach, friend, advocate and mentor – all rolled into a feisty, fun, lovable and truly amazing package. She helped me see the ‘manager ceiling’ and gave me the tools to break through it, within 6 months, as she predicted, yet still be me! Her network is now my network – being “in The Zone” is a powerful place to be.”

  • Maral Chalian - Director of Development, Hesperian Health Guides

    “I first heard Fran speak at the California Governor’s Conference for Women. A few months after that, I received an invitation to speak at the United Nations and knew that I wanted to work with Fran to prepare. As it happened, my talk was scheduled for the morning of September 11, 2001! I did not have a chance to give my presentation. On that historic day, I joined millions of New Yorkers to seek a safe haven. A year later, I was able to give my talk, with triumph and pride. Fran was with me at every step.”

  • Rachelle Chong - CEO and Principal, R36 Solutions LLC

    “Fran worked powerful magic on me. She brought me from being a junior lawyer who was clueless on public speaking to the point a decade later that my speaking style as a senior government official was described as ‘charismatic’ by the D.C. press.”

  • Ned Desmond - Chief Operations Officer at TechCrunch and Engadget

    “When it comes to discovering the great communicator in all of us, no one surpasses Fran Zone. She is a force of nature.”

  • Michael Penn - Healthcare and Biotech STEM Diversity Expert, Author, Speaker

    “I love The Zone Method. There is no better way to fast-track your ability to define yourself professionally. Fran is your own personal private investigator–superbly talented in helping you locate your authentic voice and leadership style. She helped me remember that my career is only limited by how spectacularly I can imagine it.”

  • Robert Gentleman - Executive Director at Harvard Medical School

    “Fran is a fantastic coach. She helps you focus on the image you project and on how to best present your ideas to achieve success.”

  • Tim Partridge - President and CEO of 32Ten Studios

    “Fran is a unique individual who once met is never forgotten. Her Zone Method for executive communication is fun, challenging and provides effective techniques that you can use every day, and you should!”

  • Robin Sitver - Founder/CEO, SitverStrategy

    “Fran has an amazing ability to identify small, simple and easy to implement changes that have a major impact in how you are perceived as a leader. While it may seem obvious looking back, it clearly is not as no one that I have worked with over the years has been as insightful and effective as Fran. It is such a pleasure and a privilege to work with Fran, as her business acumen and communications skills are second to none.”

  • Ulrich Honighausen - President, Hausenware

    “Fran is anything but boiler plate, cookie cutter or predictable. She’s the rare pro at revealing what makes you tick and presenting yourself naturally and confidently.”

  • Joana Ferraz - Joana Ferraz – Principal Scientist, Johnson & Johnson

    “Meeting Fran gave me a new perspective on how I could lead in my role. It was amazing to understand how simple techniques and smart planning can result in positive outcomes and improved business connections. I believe her success comes from the fact that her focus is on building on people’s strengths and making them stronger. Her encouragement has most definitely contributed to my growth in the company.”

  • Aimee Cuniglio - Head of North America, Succession and Leadership Development at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies

    “Since I met Fran, I am ROCKING it! I have been promoted to a role leading development and creating strategies for hi-potential talent acceleration for 65,000+ employees and still use her tools. The time spent with Fran and her team was deeply impactful.”

  • Dr. Colleen Riley - SVP & Chief Technology Officer, embecta

    “Fran’s executive coaching insights are invaluable. The dialogue we share enables me to be a more strategic leader while employing her techniques for transforming our mission into accomplishments.”

  • Shehnaaz Suliman - CEO and Board Member, ReCode Therapeutics

    “Fran is a tour de force. She has a unique ability to provide keen insights about key decision-maker behavior in corporations/organizations and how to translate this into opportunity. I have learned how to enhance and optimize my effectiveness as a leader as a result of these insights and her coaching.”

  • Lynda Grindstaff - Vice President, McAfee

    “I lead a very senior team of technical engineers working on our security product line and still benefit from Fran’s influence – especially what she taught me about planting a word garden, seeking strategic witnesses, and using 'can do' language.”

  • Richard Boismenu - VP Development Program Leadership, Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc.

    “Fran has taken me on a journey through the barriers that impede good communication and opened my mind to simple yet powerful habits to create better impressions and outcomes… I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone ready to bring their game to the next level.”

  • Tara Glasgow - Senior VP Global Beverages R&D, PepsiCO

    “Fran has helped me be myself smartly in any light, including the limelight. Being myself in real time has been key to my joy in life whether at home or at work.”

  • Tom Roberts - VP Cardiovascular at Abbott

    “I have received tremendous benefit from my experiences in working with Fran. The Zone Method and Fran’s insights into the power of words has contributed to my strengths as an organizational leader. I have garnered tremendous appreciation and respect for the power of words and how they can influence and affect constituents to do great things…things they did not believe could be accomplished. The ability to influence and inspire through compelling language is something that simply cannot be underestimated by leaders.”

  • Tim Yang - Head, Program Management Organization at Tesseract Health

    “Fran has been instrumental in getting me to that next level. Her steadfast guidance helped me recognize my leadership potential, enable my confidence, and prove it through my presence.”

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