COLUMBUS, GA (June 9, 2021) – Today’s business climate is marked by unrelenting pressure, increased speed and technology use, and unfortunately, impersonal interactions. Many experience today’s business world as one of decreased civility and kindness, lacking respect and understanding. That’s why Valley-area resident Jackie Dudley founded Professional Etiquette and Protocols (PEP), a Columbus-area business that blends the best traditions and modern-day innovation into dynamic training to help leaders and employees elevate their professional presence, gain confidence, project courtesy, and ultimately, cultivate stronger business relationships through respectful interactions.
PEP helps businesses, associations, and individuals hone the skills to develop and maintain a more polished, professional presence which can lead to improved relationships, revenue, and results. The organization offers in-person training in business etiquette and protocol, dining etiquette, intercultural and cross-cultural protocols, professional presence, and other related areas. Area businesses such as Synovus, Columbus State University, and the Alabama Forestry Association have engaged PEP to strengthen their teams and their organizations.
“People are missing out on so many critical personal interactions due to the speed at which we’re moving and our reliance on technology, not to mention the pandemic,” said Dudley. “Professional Etiquette and Protocols trains businesses and individuals to focus on the importance of our daily interactions with one another. We help our clients exhibit excellence through appropriate actions and interactions which strengthen relationships and yield positive bottom-line results.”
In addition to leading PEP, Dudley serves as the area director with the National League of Junior Cotillions (NLJC), Greater Columbus Chapter, High School Cotillion Program, and the East Alabama Pre-Cotillions Chapter. In this role, she manages programs and enriches the lives of more than 200 young people each year through etiquette education, social confidence training, dining etiquette, and basic dance instruction. It was through the NLJC’s youth development programs that she received numerous requests for sharing her expertise and curricula with adults.
Dudley seized the opportunity and gained additional knowledge, certifications, and licensing in intercultural and international etiquette from the Protocol School of Washington, the only nationally accredited business etiquette and protocol school. Added to that are real-life experiences from business, being the mother of four sons, and extensive volunteer involvement that meld together to create relevant context and training for today’s fast-paced, technology-infused world.
Prior to starting Professional Etiquette and Protocols, LLC, Dudley worked with Columbus Regional Tennis Association (CORTA) and W.C. Bradley / Char-Broil. She holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Troy University. In addition, she currently serves the community through numerous organizations including board leadership with Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia and the local Alabama Extension Office.
About Professional Etiquette and Protocol, LLC
Professional Etiquette and Protocols, LLC (PEP) helps enhance interpersonal skills, civility, and cross-cultural awareness—for people of all ages. PEP works with individuals, businesses, and associations to deliver professional etiquette and protocol training including business and dining etiquette—and with children and young people through our youth programs, Columbus Junior Cotillion (grades 5th-12th) and Pre-Cotillion East Alabama (grades K-4th). Learn more at professionaletiquetteandprotocols.com
