Sergei Zalesov works at the intersection of communication, leadership, and global business. With more than 15 years of experience, he has helped international professionals communicate clearly and confidently in English-speaking professional environments.

His background includes roles as a Professional & Academic Communication Instructor at Columbia University and a Language and Communications Consultant at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where he was selected to write and deliver a speech to the UN Secretary-General.

Sergei is a Fulbright Scholar, a graduate of Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and an Ambassador for the Gies iMBA program.

Through FounderSpeak, Sergei advises founders and international business leaders on high-stakes communication — from boardroom presentations and investor pitches to leadership messaging, executive presence, culturally aware communication, and precise pronunciation — helping leaders deliver their ideas with clarity, confidence, and strategic impact in global business environments.