Live & virtual event speaker for continuing education & life-long learning programs, national conferences, community organizations, fundraisers & corporate wellness initiatives. Whether a keynote, workshop, or webinar —expect engagement & ongoing discussion on difference-making ideas that matter.Topics include: the impact of digital reliance, technology & current social norms on communication, relationships & connection, pandemic social impacts, singles & dating, loneliness epidemic… Show more Live & virtual event speaker for continuing education & life-long learning programs, national conferences, community organizations, fundraisers & corporate wellness initiatives. Whether a keynote, workshop, or webinar —expect engagement & ongoing discussion on difference-making ideas that matter.Topics include: the impact of digital reliance, technology & current social norms on communication, relationships & connection, pandemic social impacts, singles & dating, loneliness epidemic, political polarization, social & cultural trends, barriers & bridges in communication, fostering meaningful relationship & navigating transitions."In a very short amount of time, Heather was able to get these women to share things that were very personal. As someone who’s in the business of connecting with people, I was amazed by how quickly and deeply it happened."“Wonderful knowledge to share about building lasting relationships, and business connections…”“Her talks will encourage dialogue in your organization.”“Heather's excellent grasp of communication techniques paired with real life scenarios resonated with our audience. That's exactly what we aim for in continuing ed, is it not?”“She was an inspiration and a catalyst to help our staff articulate their own feelings of isolation. Since her talk, I have noticed a deliberate effort by our team to find connection and fulfillment in our “real time” experiences.” “Captivating, eye-opening and relatable.”“Heather, your content helped me to reframe thinking around communication and focus on what I can control as a listener and speaker. I particularly enjoyed the diluted communication piece.”“I’ve read her books but listening to her adds a dimension that enables the audience to behave differently leaving the room than when they assembled… more eye contact, a focused effort to meet the new person, even a more courteous exit from the parking lot.”“You are helping a lot of us Heather. Keep writing and talking.” Show less

Creating connection through engaging, well-crafted communication: Writing/editing, voiceover recordings (radio/TV, eLearning,videos...) and videos (on-camera spokesperson/actress, recording/editing). Sell it straight —or with a twist of humor. May 2007 - Present.Clients include: Salary.com * STMicroelectronics * OrthoAgility * Macy's * Frye Regional Medical Center * Nationwide • Honda of America • Cintas • Homecare Assistance • The Truberry Group • The Scotts Company * Adena Health… Show more Creating connection through engaging, well-crafted communication: Writing/editing, voiceover recordings (radio/TV, eLearning,videos...) and videos (on-camera spokesperson/actress, recording/editing). Sell it straight —or with a twist of humor. May 2007 - Present.Clients include: Salary.com * STMicroelectronics * OrthoAgility * Macy's * Frye Regional Medical Center * Nationwide • Honda of America • Cintas • Homecare Assistance • The Truberry Group • The Scotts Company * Adena Health Care • OrthoAgility • Value City Furniture • LensCrafters • Wendy's International • Ross Labs • OSU Hospitals • Cellular One / Air Touch Cellular / Verizon • The Columbus Dispatch • The Columbus Zoo • various politicalSee website for more information: www.heatherdugan.com Show less

We’ve grown disconnected. Many of us live amidst strangers as we tally up Facebook friends— the new collectible you don’t have to dust—and settle for “Soon!” It’s often easier for an adult woman to find an online date than a real-life friend in her own neighborhood. The Friendship Upgrade illuminates the growing issue of personal isolation and equips women to exchange clickable connection for real time, face-to-face friendships. Through the deeply personal stories of real women, it examines our… Show more We’ve grown disconnected. Many of us live amidst strangers as we tally up Facebook friends— the new collectible you don’t have to dust—and settle for “Soon!” It’s often easier for an adult woman to find an online date than a real-life friend in her own neighborhood. The Friendship Upgrade illuminates the growing issue of personal isolation and equips women to exchange clickable connection for real time, face-to-face friendships. Through the deeply personal stories of real women, it examines our varied routes to isolation—divorce, an emptied nest, increased mobility—as well as the impact of technology, over-efficient living, and the patterned choices that can root us in chronic loneliness. More importantly, this book provides both a roadmap to creating anchoring connections and a model for building community with the disconnected “you go first” women around us who are silently hoping for the same outstretched hand.Women need friendship. Not in an unhealthy, life preserver sort of way—but in the organically good capacity of illuminating grow lights. In the right light, solid female friendships counter-balance the uneven weight of major life transitions and help us to be our best selves—often, better people than we dreamed we might be."The Friendship Upgrade is refreshingly real and witty. Dugan shares savvy wisdom and insight about how to build communities one relationship at a time and craft a life with meaning and purpose."Caroline Dowd-HigginsExecutive Director of Career and Professional Development, Indiana University Alumni Association“Heather Dugan brings a rare combination of insight, passion, life experiences and exceptional communication skills to The Friendship Upgrade. It will be an excellent resource, not only for individuals hungry for meaningful connections but also for any organization that claims to care about people and the health and productivity of its work force.”Dennis Hetzel, Executive Director, Ohio Newspaper Association Show less

Cabernet Coaches® is a growing social connection resource for over 260 central Ohio women. Group activities include a weekly Wednesday happy hour, quarterly open-to-all social events, and member-led athletic, cultural, social, and community-service pursuits. Face-to-face friendships grow organically through regular real-time connection opportunities, enriching the lives of members and enabling them to be their own best selves. "All ages; all stages." Life lives better, together. Connect with… Show more Cabernet Coaches® is a growing social connection resource for over 260 central Ohio women. Group activities include a weekly Wednesday happy hour, quarterly open-to-all social events, and member-led athletic, cultural, social, and community-service pursuits. Face-to-face friendships grow organically through regular real-time connection opportunities, enriching the lives of members and enabling them to be their own best selves. "All ages; all stages." Life lives better, together. Connect with us: www.cabernetcoaches.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cabernetcoaches/ Show less

Finalist at both the USA Book Awards and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Non-fiction/Relationship books, "Date Like a Grownup: Anecdotes, Admissions of Guilt & Advice Between Friends"​ examines the impact of loneliness and social obsolescence on men and women in their second single lives and provides punctuating proof that looking for love from a place of isolation is as unwise as grocery shopping on an empty stomach.Unlike many other relationship manuals, this book will not… Show more Finalist at both the USA Book Awards and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Non-fiction/Relationship books, "Date Like a Grownup: Anecdotes, Admissions of Guilt & Advice Between Friends"​ examines the impact of loneliness and social obsolescence on men and women in their second single lives and provides punctuating proof that looking for love from a place of isolation is as unwise as grocery shopping on an empty stomach.Unlike many other relationship manuals, this book will not guide the reader through game-playing and winning temporary partners. Instead, relationship seekers will develop a personalized strategy for building a life foundation that facilitates growing a "right fit"​ relationship. Topics include: effective filtering, social media and online dating, how to avoid isolation and strategically building a larger social network. Engaging narratives such as "The Percocet Proposal"​ and "Need Meets Greed"​ affirm that none of us are immune to bad choices and underline specific dating principles outlined in the book. With at least half of the adult population attempting a "do-over"​ on their most committedrelationship--and many getting it wrong yet a second time--these proven "do's and don'ts"are first date gold for men and women navigating midlife dating and vicarious entertainment for thankful sideline observers. Show less

Private event speaker on topics related to dating, relationships, and better interpersonal connection. Comments: “What a great night! Heather was interesting to hear from and generated some fascinating and revealing conversations.” "It’s obvious from the strong turnout that many of us realize there are numerous speed-bumps and false-starts encountered at this stage of life, but at least we now have Heather’s excellent advice…” "She transforms the complexities of new tools such as Match.com,… Show more Private event speaker on topics related to dating, relationships, and better interpersonal connection. Comments: “What a great night! Heather was interesting to hear from and generated some fascinating and revealing conversations.” "It’s obvious from the strong turnout that many of us realize there are numerous speed-bumps and false-starts encountered at this stage of life, but at least we now have Heather’s excellent advice…” "She transforms the complexities of new tools such as Match.com, Google Search and social media into opportunities, teaching us to identify our mistakes, perhaps laugh about them, and then move on." Show less

Freelance voice and on-camera talent/spokeswoman for a wide variety of clients. Work has included: radio/TV advertising, corporate videos, print advertising (billboards, newspaper, magazine...), narration, runway modeling, on-hold and voice-mail phone messages, cellular phone system messages, voice message systems, and more.

Contributing writer on topics related to relationship and connection: Divorce, dating, friendship, marriage and family.www.eyesonnews.com

Contributing writer on a variety of business-related topics, conveying relevant information with a twist of humor. Advice Columnist: "Boost Your Work/Life Balance" -Tips from the tightrope.

Developed new client relationships and generated radio sales for a double-format radio station. Created cross-over campaigns for long-term clients, wrote and produced radio ads; voiced ads and occasional live remote broadcasts.Generated training material for sales team and conducted weekly training sessions.

Developed print media, promotional advertising and in-store displays for retail clients. Consulted on special projects (writing, idea generation and development) with other public relations firms.