I help people become more intentional about how they lead, connect, show up, and create impact.
For the past 15 years, I have built Scarlet around a simple belief: leadership and confidence are not reserved for a particular title, age, personality, or position.
We all have the capacity to lead. Sometimes, we simply need the right tools, experiences, relationships, and encouragement to recognize it.
Hi, I'm Jacqueline M. Baker.
I'm a leadership strategist, keynote speaker, author, modern etiquette expert, and the founder of Scarlet. My work helps people prepare for important moments, step into new opportunities, and lead with greater intention.
Through The Scarlet Institute, I design and facilitate leadership development experiences that help emerging and established leaders strengthen their leadership identity, visibility, connection, and legacy. This work includes keynotes, fireside chats, leadership cohorts, executive education, coaching, assessments, retreats, and digital learning experiences.
Scarlet's modern etiquette work equips children, families, and professionals with practical skills that help them navigate social and professional experiences with greater confidence. From dining etiquette and communication to professional presence and relationship building, our work is grounded in preparing people for the moments that matter.
At first glance, leadership development and etiquette may appear to be two different worlds. I see them as deeply connected.
Both are about how we show up.
Both influence how we communicate, connect, and build trust.
Both can help us move through the world with greater confidence and consideration for others.
Leadership can begin before you recognize yourself as a leader.
I have always been fascinated by the moments that shape how people see themselves and what they believe they are capable of doing. Leadership does not always begin with a promotion or a formal invitation. Sometimes it begins with a mistake, an unexpected responsibility, a difficult conversation, or a decision to start something new.
That belief inspired me to write two books: The Unexpected Leader: Discovering the Leader Within You and Leader by Mistake: Becoming a Leader One Mistake at a Time.
It is also at the heart of my podcast, Just Start: Get Visible, where I explore the importance of starting new things, taking intentional action, and becoming more visible in ways that feel aligned with who you are.
Through my keynotes, workshops, coaching, leadership experiences, and modern etiquette instruction, I have reached more than 100,000 participants. I have had the opportunity to work with organizations including Nike, the Department of Defense, AARP, The Coca-Cola Company, and numerous corporations, associations, nonprofit organizations, and community institutions.
Whether I am addressing a conference audience, facilitating an executive leadership experience, or helping a child develop confidence at the dining table, my goal is the same: to make learning practical, personal, and actionable.
My experience extends beyond the classroom and the stage.
Before building Scarlet, I held leadership and management roles with AT&T, Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, and AAA of Michigan. I later served as Vice President of Startup Programming at AARP Innovation Labs, where I led work focused on identifying promising startups and helping founders move innovative ideas forward.
Today, I serve on the corporate board of Plastipak Packaging and its Compensation Committee.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and a Master of Education in Instructional Technology from Wayne State University. I am also a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington and hold a Six Sigma Green Belt certification in process improvement.
These experiences have shaped how I approach leadership development: with a respect for people, a commitment to thoughtful action, and an appreciation for the systems and relationships that allow individuals and organizations to grow.
And then there's the Jacqueline beyond the bio.
I was born, raised, and educated in Detroit, and I carry the city's resourcefulness, resilience, and sense of possibility with me everywhere I go.
I love traveling, mentoring leaders, watching James Bond movies, snowboarding, and hosting memorable dinner parties. I believe gathering people around a table for meaningful conversation, connection, and a great meal is its own form of leadership.
Whether you are preparing to lead differently, become more visible, strengthen your organization, navigate an important moment, or finally start the thing you have been considering, I hope my work helps you move forward with greater confidence and intention.
Because leadership does not always begin when someone gives you a title.
Sometimes, it begins when you decide to start.
READY TO EXPLORE WHAT WE CAN BUILD TOGETHER?