Better Said
Meet Claudia Costabile, the owner of Better Said™.
Website: https://www.bettersaid.studio/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-said-comms
Tell us about your business.
“At Better Said™, we combine communications expertise, content strategy, and multilingual services to help people and organizations share their story authentically. From digital campaigns to translation and voiceover, I want to make sure their message is heard and understood.”
What inspired you to start your business?
“While I search for my next role in communications, I decided to reactivate and expand my personal venture. I used to have a translation/localization company, and with the experience I gained over the years, I felt it was time to offer other organizations services that they cannot easily source in-house.”
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
“I'm a multilingual communicator with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of science, policy, and public engagement, I specialize in building communications strategies, leading high-stakes digital media outreach, shaping thought leadership for executives, and translating complex health and research topics into compelling narratives. I'm originally from Brazil, but a Maryland resident for 23 years. I have two masters' degrees (one in translation/interpretation and another in contemporary communication), and I'm also a voice actor/narrator.”
What was your role at NIH?
“In my most recent position, I directed social media and media relations for the National Eye Institute (NEI). From securing coverage in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Reuters to growing our LinkedIn community more than sixfold, I’ve helped elevate NEI’s visibility and voice across platforms. Part of my day-to-day activities included supporting our science communications branch, writing news releases, featured articles and media briefs highlighting NEI's research. I also supported NEI's public health and education functions with campaigns like ‘Healthy Vision Month’ and ‘Eye on the Future’.”
How has your NIH experience influenced your business journey?
“My years at the National Eye Institute were foundational in shaping how I approach communications for the public sector, especially in understanding how to better shape technical research into clear, compelling narratives for both specialized and general audiences. That experience honed my ability to distill complexity into messages that resonate, which is at the core of the services I now offer. Working within the federal system also taught me how to operate with precision, accountability, and diplomacy in high-stakes environments. Those same principles now guide my business. NIH gave me the discipline of rigor and clarity; my company gives me the freedom to apply those skills in innovative and client-focused ways.”
What is something you're proud of or excited about right now?
“I'm just excited to start building my client base and establishing Better Said™ as a trusted business.”