ABOUT SWARM
At Swarm Consulting, we believe in the power of collective wisdom and the transformative power of effective communication. Our coaching services are built on proven human insights in psychology and neuroscience and are designed to unlock your leadership potential, leverage empathy to build lasting rapport, and foster a culture of collaboration.
The Swarm Story
Swarm was born out of a simple yet powerful realization I had over the course of nearly two decades working across diverse industries—from restaurant service and manufacturing to software development and financial asset management. I saw firsthand how the ability to connect deeply with others could either drive success or lead to missed opportunities. It wasn’t just about talking; it was about truly understanding and influencing on a level that goes beyond words.
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Driven by a relentless curiosity and a desire to elevate how people interact, I embarked on a journey to learn from the very best. I sought out training from a former U.S. president’s speech advisor, mastering the art of influential communication at the highest levels. I studied the negotiation tactics of a former FBI hostage negotiator, gaining insight into navigating high-stakes situations with both precision and empathy. I learned from body language experts who taught me how to read the unspoken cues that can change the course of any conversation. I even delved into communication strategies developed for NASA, strategies that continue to ensure success in some of the most challenging environments imaginable.
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But I didn’t stop there. I integrated cutting-edge research from Ivy League institutions like Harvard and UC Berkeley, blending academic rigor with practical experience to create a truly unique approach to communication.
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This foundation is what makes Swarm different. Swarm isn’t just another consulting firm—it’s a partner in helping business leaders and professionals elevate the way they connect with their clients and stakeholders. I believe that when you connect on a deeper intellectual and emotional level, you create a different kind of relationship—one that is more meaningful, more resilient, and ultimately, more successful.
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I created Swarm to help you transform your interactions into opportunities, empowering you to communicate with purpose and lead with influence. The journey started with my vision of deeper connections, and today, Swarm is making that vision a reality for businesses and professionals who are ready to make an impact.
What's to know about me?
Hey there, I'm Matthew Rodriguez. I was born in Hollywood, and grew up in Los Angeles, California. Yup, a real so-Cal native—a rarity in this town.
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As a natural born problem solver, I love to help solve the puzzles that unlock people's greatest inner self. I love connecting to people, and watching them grow. Two of my guiding inspirations are Hunter S. Thompson and Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. Both prolific and brilliant human satirists, both shared a powerful orientation toward human connection.
I take inspiration in this set of instructions delivered to a set of fictional newborns in one of Mr. Vonnegut's stories:
"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"God damn it, you've got to be kind.”
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When it comes to free time, I'm a dad, husband, a musician, a martial artist and a mountain biker. I love my family and my guitars, and can't get nearly enough time with either. When I'm not coaching people to be great communicators, I'm writing and singing as much as I can.
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