Aileen Zumstein
I build, advise and communicate | Founder, strategist & board member | 14 years as entrepreneur, 20+ in business
About Me
I'm co-founder of v-oice.com and lead the company. As a sparring partner and communications advisor, I also work selectively with founders and leaders navigating phases of growth, change and transformation. Alongside that, I serve on several boards. My background spans journalism, strategic communication, positioning and leadership. Before founding my first company, I held leadership roles in communications, worked as a radio journalist, and spent over 25 years as a moderator and panel host. Along the way, I've launched and co-developed several other business ideas, not all of them succeeded, but each one sharpened my instincts as an entrepreneur. I know from experience how demanding build-up phases, decision-making and leadership can be. Today I bring that experience together to help founders and leaders gain clarity, position themselves effectively and shape their next steps with intention.
Specializations
Company building & entrepreneurship, Strategic communications & executive advisory, Board membership & advisory roles, Leadership
Services offered
- 1:1 Get to know
- 1:1 sparring
- 1:1 consulting
- 1:1 coaching
My Strengths
I combine strategic and entrepreneurial thinking with empathy and a clear eye for what matters. I can grasp complex situations quickly, structure them, and translate them into clear options for action. My strength lies in giving you orientation during challenging phases, strengthening you in your role, and encouraging you to communicate effectively and make decisions with confidence. I work pragmatically, with appreciation, positivity, and on equal footing.
What You'll Gain
You gain clarity, structure and concrete next steps. You'll learn to look at your situation from a new perspective, set priorities and sharpen your communication with intention. Conversations often lead to concrete wording, decision-making frameworks or strategies you can put into practice right away. At the same time, you'll build more trust in your own decisions and in your role as a founder, decision-maker, or simply as a person.
Topics I Cover
Founding and building companies including pivoting, strategic communication (leadership, change, crisis and internal communication), positioning, moderation and public appearances, leading teams both locally and remotely, growth as a founder, and the role of board member and advisor.
What to Expect
You can expect a structured, focused and at the same time personal conversation. We'll work on your specific question and get to the heart of it quickly. I ask targeted questions, bring in input from strategy, communication and leadership, and help you gain clarity and develop options. The goal is for you to leave the conversation with concrete next steps, more confidence and a clear direction.
Questions & Answers
What does it really take to build a company from scratch?
Clarity on your why, resilience when things don't go to plan, and people around you who believe in the vision before the numbers do.
How do you lead a distributed team effectively?
Clear communication rhythms, radical trust, and a shared culture that doesn't depend on being in the same room.
When should a founder pivot, and how do you know it's the right moment?
When the market consistently tells you something your original idea didn't account for — listen before you're forced to.
How do founders and leaders communicate authentically without losing credibility?
Say what you mean, mean what you say. And when things go wrong, say that too.
What's the most common communication mistake leaders make?
Communicating too late, too little, and only when things are already going well.
What are your top 5 tips for handling a communication crisis effectively?
1. Get ahead of the narrative, acknowledge early 2. One voice, one message. Align internally first 3. Separate facts from assumptions, only communicate what you know 4. Choose the right channel for the right audience 5. Plan the recovery, not just the response
How do you position a brand or person in a crowded market?
Stop trying to appeal to everyone, clarity and a strong point of view are your best differentiators.
What's the value of having a communications expert on a board?
Reputation is built in years and lost in days. A communications lens at board level helps prevent the avoidable.
What would you tell a young founder or leader who feels stuck?
Talk to someone who has been there, most breakthroughs start with one honest conversation.
Why did you launch v-oice.com?
AI can answer almost anything today, but my biggest leaps and best decisions have always come after honest conversations with people who had been there. Finding that access isn't always easy, that's the gap v-oice closes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most important questions
How do I choose the right expert?
Look at profiles carefully: Read the description, check the specializations, and use the search and filter functions. If you have questions, you can also contact experts before booking.
How do I book a session?
On the expert's profile page, select an available time slot and your desired duration (20, 40, or 60 minutes). Then register or log in, pay, and receive a confirmation with the link to your online conversation.
What session lengths are available?
You can choose between the standard 30-, 45-, or 60-minute sessions, or any other available session. 30 minutes are suitable for 1-2 specific questions. For an initial meeting or brief consultation, we recommend 45 minutes. For an in-depth coaching session, 60 minutes are ideal.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept all major credit cards through our secure payment provider Stripe. Payment is made immediately upon booking.
How can I cancel or reschedule an appointment?
To reschedule your appointment, go to the My Meetings section on your dashboard and use the Reschedule button. Please note that rescheduling is only available more than 24 hours before the scheduled meeting. If you wish to cancel an appointment, please contact us by email at hello@v-oice.com. We'll work with you and the expert to find the best solution.
What platform are the conversations on?
The online conversations take place via Google Meet or a similar video platform. After booking confirmation, you'll receive a link to join easily.