Podcasts about keynote speaking

How can you supercharge your creativity in an age when AI is reshaping everything — including how we write, edit, and market our books? What does it look like to use AI as a genuine creative partner rather than a shortcut? And could professional speaking become an income stream that complements your writing career? With James Taylor. In the intro, Audible's new royalty model; New royalty model details [ACX; Kindlepreneur]; Public Speaking for Authors, Creatives and other Introverts; Why Indie Authors Should Ignore the Market's Mood and Focus on their Mission [Self-Publishing with ALLi]; Lichfield Cathedral; This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors. This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn James Taylor is a nonfiction author, professional speaker, podcaster, and entrepreneur who helps people unlock their creative potential. He hosts the SuperCreativity Podcast and his latest book is SuperCreativity: Augmenting Human Creativity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes How to define creativity and why it's becoming the most valuable skill in the age of AI The five stages of the creative process — and the stage most people skip Three types of creative purpose: play, self-expression, and legacy How James used multiple AI tools alongside human collaborators to write, edit, and market SuperCreativity Bulk book sales, industry-specific editions, and revenue models for nonfiction author-speakers Practical tips for authors who want to break into professional keynote speaking You can find James at JamesTaylor.me. Transcript of the interview with James Taylor Jo: James Taylor is a nonfiction author, professional speaker, podcaster, and entrepreneur who helps people unlock their creative potential. He hosts the SuperCreativity Podcast and his latest book is SuperCreativity: Augmenting Human Creativity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Welcome to the show, James. James: Well, thank you for having me as a guest. I'm looking forward to this conversation today. Jo: It's going to be really good. First up— Tell us a bit more about you and how you got into writing and publishing. James: Well, today I'm a professional keynote speaker, so I deliver about fifty to a hundred keynotes per year in twenty-five-plus countries. Primarily I speak on creativity, innovation, and artificial intelligence. Go back into my deepest, darkest history—I actually used to manage rock stars. That was my old job. I used to be in the music industry for many, many years. I worked with members of The Rolling Stones, and for our listeners in the UK, I managed bands like Deacon Blue. Then I went to the dark side. In 2010, I moved to California to work in Silicon Valley, to work in the world of tech. That got me involved in artificial intelligence. Right about 2017, I was speaking at an event in San Francisco and someone came up to me and said, “You realise you could probably speak for a living, you could do this for a living.” So I thought, well, how does that work? And he told me. Then I embarked on the career that I have today, which is primarily as a speaker, with writing now coming a bit more to the fore. Jo: Wow, I remember Deacon Blue. James: Yes. Jo: “Dignity.” That's crazy. Very, very cool backstory there, but we'll come back to the career side of things. Let's get into super creativity, because my listeners are certainly creatives. Most of the listeners will have a book either on the way or they might even have lots of books. So we all do want to be super creative. How do you define creativity, and why is it important to keep focusing on this even if we do identify that way? James: For me, creativity is about bringing new ideas to the mind. Innovation is about bringing new ideas to the world, but without creativity, there is no innovation. So creativity is really the engine of innovation. Whether that is designing new products, new services, or creating new works of art and new books. The reason that creativity is becoming more important is because of what we're seeing right now in terms of artificial intelligence. AI is going to replace a lot of the non-creative tasks that we currently do in our jobs. If you look at things like the World Economic Forum, there was recently a study with a thousand global business leaders, and work from companies like LinkedIn—they all highlight that creativity is going to be one of the foremost important soft skills for this new future. So creativity, strangely, will actually become more important, not less important, as we go ahead. That's the creativity side. Probably for many of the listeners here, they'll consider themselves to be creative. That is not the norm. As I mentioned, I speak in about twenty-five countries a year, and if I ask the audiences—primarily corporate audiences—to put their hands up if they consider themselves to be creative, only between ten to forty per cent of the audience will raise their hands. So part of my job is to show them why they are more creative than they think they are and why we're all born with this creative potential. Then moving into the super creativity side, it's really to show them how they can augment that creativity by collaborating more deeply with other people or machines—things like artificial intelligence. So SuperCreativity, the book that I've written and the speeches I give on it, is really about how we can augment our individual creativity by collaborating more deeply with other people or artificial intelligence. For me, that's been the thing I've been fascinated by for the past few years, and probably for many of our listeners who are now using AI in their writing, their researching, and their marketing of their books, they're probably getting into this space as well. I really wanted to dive into that—both the collaboration with other people and with machines and AI. Jo: In terms of the super creativity then, do you have any practices or ideas? Before we get into collaboration, many of us authors work alone—and of course we can come back to the AI stuff in a minute—but in terms of super creativity, are there ways that we can even supercharge what we do already? Then, of course there are people listening who might not feel creative. So give us a few tips on how we can potentially change our mindset or become even more creative. James: In the book I talk about what I call the eight Ps of super creativity, which are purpose, personality, practice, people, process, place, product, and persuasion. Persuasion is really the marketing piece at the end. Probably the one that could be most useful to many listeners today is the practice piece—the practice or the process side of things. For many of us, what that usually consists of is just having some type of daily creative practice. Different people do it in different ways. Many of your listeners will know the works of people like Julia Cameron—the morning pages style of having some type of daily practice. Other people do it in slightly different ways. The process bit is really interesting. I talk about this creative process that we all have, and I talk about these five stages of the creative process. The first stage, let's say if we're writing a book, is really that preparation stage. That is usually the stage where we are trying to absorb as much information as possible about the thing that we're going to be writing about. The topic, if it's nonfiction, or going to the places, visiting the scenes that we're going to set certain things within for the book. So that preparation stage is really about absorbing as much information as possible from the outside. It's not going to look very creative. We're just absorbing at that stage. Now the mistake that a lot of people tend to make is they immediately try to jump from that preparation stage to looking to generate ideas. But what all the studies show us is we should spend a little bit of time in what we call the incubation stage. This is where it's often very useful if we've done some research, that we put things to one side for a little while, maybe a few weeks, move on to another project, think about something completely different. Your brain will continue to work in the background. Your unconscious brain will work on that content you've been absorbing. Then what often happens as a result of that is we come to this third stage, which is that insight stage—that aha moment. That happens for various different reasons and you can seed that in slightly different ways so you're more likely to get inspiration in your day-to-day work. Then as we know—as you are a writer of many, many books—many people think, “Well, that's it. I've done it. The idea for that book or that chapter has come to me.” That is really just the first five per cent of the process. The next stage is where we look at all the different ideas we have and decide which ones we want to pursue, which ones are going to make the grade. This is what we call the evaluation stage. Once we've done that, we move to that final stage, which is the elaboration stage. If it's a startup, this is when you're building your minimum viable product. As a writer, this is where you're actually doing the work, putting those words out onto the page. It's a very iterative process, so it's not necessarily linear. You'll go back and forth. Even as you're getting input from readers and audiences in that last stage, that is then giving you the material to move back to the preparation stage and think, “Oh, I wonder if this next book in this series, maybe I go in a slightly different direction with this character.” So each of those different stages, you can do different things to increase your levels of creativity. Jo: I love all of that, but can we go back to purpose? Because you mentioned that as one of the Ps and I think this is something that a lot of us need. As we are recording this in April 2026, the world is an interesting place. There are lots of things going on that have people worried. Well, we are not talking about politics, but I think one of the things that people struggle with is, what's the point in writing this story, for example, or what's the point in trying to get my words out there when things are difficult? I feel like coming back to purpose is perhaps the thing that helps people even take it into the process as you were talking about. And then of course, just from a practical angle— Is purpose about making money or reaching people? So maybe you could talk about the purpose side of things. James: Yes. So I talk about three different purposes, and it's not that there's just one that predominates, but usually there's one that maybe predominates on different projects. The first one is creativity as play. It's what we're basically, as humans, hardwired to do—this instinctive joy that we get just for creating for its own sake. There's nothing that really sits beyond that. We just have fun. We find pleasure in creating something. That could be a musician creating a piece of music, a sculptor creating a sculpture, an entrepreneur creating a new business or product or service. There's just this sense of play. One of the things I talk about in the book is this idea of being childlike, not childish. If you look at children, you see this very instinctively. If you see a three-year-old or a five-year-old, you give them some crayons and they will just naturally create. That's part of who they are and it's pretty abstract. Then what happens is they go to school and they're taught useful conventions—”this is how you should do it.” You even see their work start to change. You start to see them move from abstract paintings to more formal structures. Then you get your peer group, then you go to college or university and the world of work, and you're taught all these useful conventions. That's fine, but as adults, it is our responsibility to become what we call post-conventional, where we see these conventions as a useful signpost but we're willing to challenge them. We're willing to have a playfulness in what we do. So the first one is just this hardwired thing—creativity as play. The second one, and this is maybe for a lot of your listeners the reason that they are writers, is self-expression. It's a way of placing something out into the world. I was actually just in France recently, and I was talking to a young visual artist, a painter from Hungary, and she had to go up and give a speech. She really hated doing it. She was having to talk about her work and she was really uncomfortable. I could see the discomfort and my heart went out for her, because that is not the way she primarily expresses herself. She expresses herself through her art form, which is painting. For many of us, we might struggle to get on a stage, but we can express ourselves in the written word. We have something we want to say, a position we want to have, and we want to express that and get that out into the world. The final one is just this idea of legacy. That is not going to be for everyone. I can tell you, for me personally, legacy is not the reason that I write and do a lot of the stuff that I do. Maybe that changes—maybe as we get a bit older, we want to leave a body of work. So those are the three main purposes that we tend to see. Then you mentioned the financial side of what we do as well. This starts to come into that self-expression, because we need to be able to get people to buy our books or download our books and read our books in order to give us the ability to write new works and create new things. The financial side is an important component of it, but it is not the only one. I think there's a great question any writer should ask themselves. One of the first questions that I asked myself as a relatively new nonfiction writer is: why am I writing this book? What is the purpose of this book? For me, primarily it is a form of self-expression, and then you have to go, “Well, that's fine, but I also need it to have some type of financial basis for it.” It doesn't need to be the main driver of my income, but I need to have some type of revenue model. I'm happy to talk about revenue models, because probably the type of revenue model that I have as a writer is going to be different from other listeners. I tend to focus more on bulk selling of books rather than individual selling of books. Jo: Yes, I definitely want to come back to revenue models and business, but a few other things first. I want to circle back to collaboration, because I've certainly co-written with some humans, and I know a lot of listeners either have co-written or collaborated with other humans—and some of it works and some of it doesn't. You have some great information on human-plus-human creativity and collaboration. So maybe you could give us some tips on how we can be more effective collaborators with other humans. James: So there's a whole section about this idea of creative pairs. Often if you look at great creative work or innovative companies, very often when you strip it all back, you'll find at the core lots and lots of creative pairings. That is usually two different but complementary personalities who are willing to develop and challenge and improve each other's ideas. We think of Jobs and Wozniak in the world of business, or Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. For authors, often that relationship is the work with their editor. There was a documentary I saw—I think it was a New Yorker documentary that came out a while ago—talking with a writer of history books about his relationship with his editor. It was a really beautiful relationship. These were two very different personalities, but what worked was the fact that they were different. A core component of having these creative pairings is a sense of trust—or what some people today would call psychological safety—that you are willing to challenge someone's ideas, but in a space of trust. The Germans have a great phrase for it. In English it translates as “someone to steal horses with,” which I love. Hopefully our listeners have that person where you can go to them and say, “I had this idea for a book or a chapter or a character,” and that person is a “yes, and.” Like, “Yes, and have you thought about doing it this way?” or “What would happen if you did this?” They stress test your ideas. They make your ideas better. For many of us, maybe it's our husbands or wives, our partners. Some of us are lucky enough to have editors. When I started rewriting this latest book, I actually had someone like that—a human, not an AI—that I worked with, especially on taking all these random thoughts and ideas I've been expressing in keynotes and putting them into more of a book form. The format and the structures that we use for telling stories in a speech are quite different from the structure that we would use for a nonfiction book. I didn't have as much experience there, so I wanted someone who could say, “Have you thought about structuring it this way?” or “This is a great story arc you might want to think about.” So I don't know, for you, who is your creative pairing? Who is your “someone to steal horses with”? Jo: Well, it's funny. I really think since the arrival of Claude Opus 4.6, it is absolutely Claude. James: Yes, yes. Jo: All the way. I mean, so we could come onto that next in terms of how AI has changed, because I do still work with a professional editor for both fiction and nonfiction, but it is very much in the “make my finished work better” stage. It is not in the exploratory phase. I find particularly the latest reasoning models to just be fantastic at this. And my Claude is not sycophantic. The Opus 4.6—I'm sure you've been using it too—it just doesn't behave in the way that a lot of people think these AIs did. They did behave like that, and now it's changed. So let's talk about that. What are your thoughts on collaborating more effectively with AI tools, especially as they become more and more powerful? As we record this, Claude Mythos has not come out, but it's certainly rumoured to arrive. I'm pretty excited. James: So because I've been doing this AI thing for a little while, it's given me the ability to experiment with things—the early versions of what many people are using today. I'll give you an example. Even before I started writing the book, I decided to write a book proposal. Even though I could pretty much sense I wanted to independently publish this book through my own publishing company, I thought it's a good practice to put it down into a proposal form, even though I don't go to a traditional publisher or a hybrid publisher. One of the things I did within that was get a sense of who my ideal readers are. I used a very early version—this was a few years ago—of an IBM AI tool, creating what we call a psychometric map of my ideal reader. This basically tells me, over about seventy-two different factors, how this person thinks, how they feel, what their value system is, very broadly for my ideal reader. I pulled in different sources. I knew the kind of magazines and books they were reading and what their general worldview was. So I created this—going one step beyond just creating your ideal reader to really understanding their psychometrics. I do this in my keynotes too. Before I ever give a keynote or an important pitch or a presentation, I use AI to analyse the psychometrics of the audience I'm going to be speaking to. This might tell me, for example, this audience values humour a little bit more, or this audience values a bit more practicality so they want actionable next steps, or this audience is going to be a little bit authority-challenging so they're going to push back. So even in those very early stages, just starting to think about the book—who was I writing this book for, what was the purpose of the book—I was using AI to understand the psychometrics of my absolutely perfect, ideal reader. I gave her a name. It was a female reader. There was someone similar to her that I already knew. Probably for some of your listeners, they do this instinctively anyway. They maybe have a person or a few different people they think of in their head. Then from that stage, because I've been delivering lots and lots of keynotes—and this may be an important distinction in the way that I have decided to write books as opposed to how other people write books—my family were all jazz musicians. The difference between a rock musician or a pop musician and a jazz musician is this: a rock or pop musician will go into the studio, create this opus, this work, and then tour that for the next two years. A jazz musician, on the other hand, goes out and performs the songs and the things from the album that they're eventually going to create hundreds of times, thousands of times, to find out what works with audiences, and then they go into the studio and record the stuff that works best. So I created a book more like a jazz musician. I'd delivered keynote versions of the book hundreds of times before I ever decided to actually write the book. So it had been stress-tested with real people to a certain extent. Then, getting into it, I thought—well, what works as a keynote is not necessarily going to work as a structure for a book. So what I did was start using ChatGPT models at that point to think about the structural edit of the book. What was the structure going to be? What was great is you can basically feed it every single keynote you've given over the years, all the notes, everything you've done, and it could start to give me something to riff with and really get into thinking about how I was going to create this. I was using it a little like that creative pairing we spoke about earlier. Then once I'd done that—so I've now got an idea of a structural edit essentially—I then go back and speak to some humans about it. “What do you think about this?” “What do you think about that?” And try some things out over dinner conversations. “I'm thinking about doing this—what do you think?” Then once I did that, I just did the thing that I really didn't want to do, but I guess you absolutely have to do: sit in a seat for multiple weeks and just get that crappy first draft done. That was just me writing, from my voice, in my way of doing things. Every so often I would use an AI to research a particular thing, but I didn't want to slow down the pace too much. I was focused on getting that word count done. Once I had the first draft, I then brought the AI back in. In this case, I was still using OpenAI at this stage, to act more like an editor. To tell me what was weak about the book. At this point I was starting to give it the overall framing. What was weak, what chapters needed to be improved. I then went back, started reworking each of the chapters, and worked chapter by chapter using that AI as a sparring partner. But once again, the AI is not really writing my words for me. It's maybe saying, “This part could be said better. You might want to think about doing it this way,” or “You are missing a really powerful case study or example here,” or at the very end of each chapter, I have actionable next steps, and “You're missing some things here.” So I've gone through that entire process of writing, and now I'm essentially at the second draft. At this point, what I'm doing is using another AI tool—Claude, in this case—to have a different perspective on it. I gave it the work. I mentioned a couple of editors that I really respect and different writers I respect and said, “I'm going to create a virtual beta readers group. Give me feedback on this now.” For someone that's listening to this, and we're recording this in April 2026, here's some good news for you. There are now a bunch of tools out there that use AI swarms, as we call them. You can basically feed it your book and it will create synthetic readers—thousands and thousands of synthetic readers that read your kind of style of book—and it will then give you feedback from these synthetic readers. Essentially, I was just doing an early version of that. So I got the feedback from the synthetic readers, the AI readers, and then reworked a little bit. Some of the stuff I just decided not to do because it didn't align with what I was trying to say in the book. Then the next stage was I had a beta reader group of about thirty human beta readers—my ideal readers. I sent the book to them, they gave me feedback. I then used AI to give me an overview report of all their feedback, and then I was able to go back into reworking the book. That's still really just draft three of the book, not the final book at this stage. But just to give everyone a sense of opening up the process: you could see how the human and machine were working together. Jo: Yes, I love that. I also often say to people who are speakers first that you can, if you have recordings of your talks or if you use your slide decks to record them as MP3s and then just use that transcript as the basis of a draft. Obviously it's not the book or a chapter, but it can actually preserve your voice—your speaking voice—which I think can be really effective for speakers. I like your multi-step process there. And then of course, if you have audience avatars in AI, that can help you design your book marketing. So take this into book marketing and how you're doing that. James: So I still decided to go old school with a human editor—a book editor that someone had recommended to me. I used that human book editor just to go through the book. At that point we're talking about style, some stylistic things that we wanted to do, and they can pick up other things as well. So I've got that book, and then I'm obviously starting to use AI to understand what tags, what kind of copy do I want to have in terms of putting it onto Amazon, putting it onto IngramSpark, and all these other platforms I want to put it out into. I'm using Claude here in particular—and with Claude, you have something called Cowork. It wasn't quite fully happening at that point, but there were early versions of it and Claude Code—to almost start working with and creating a virtual marketing team. I give it the book and then they could start thinking about: what is the marketing strategy for this book? What does the campaign look like? What are the things that we need to do? That was then starting to break it down. We're now three months out or so before the book is due to get released, and I'm starting to deploy that particular campaign. So for example, I'm on a podcast right now, and we try different versions. We have a human going out and reaching out to potential shows for me to be a guest on, but I also have an agent. There's also one going out and finding and researching podcasts and reaching out to those podcast hosts to have me as a potential guest. So they're doing some of the tactical work there at the same time. One mistake I made—and I don't know if you've experienced this as well—if I was to go back, one thing I would do differently is this: I decided to record the audiobook version after the physical book was already committed and ready to go out. Jo: Mm-hmm. James: And I noticed so many small errors or things I would change after having spent two days in a studio recording the voice for the entire book—changes I would have made. This is something other people did ask me: why are you not using ElevenLabs or an AI clone of your voice to read the script? There are some things I feel quite personal about, and my voice is one of those things. As a professional keynote speaker, I decided I wanted to keep that and have it in there. So it's going to be different for everyone which things they decide to offload to AI, which things they decide to give to a human member of their team, and what they decide to keep to themselves. Jo: Yes, I mean, I human-record my nonfiction, but I have an AI voice clone with ElevenLabs for my fiction now. But obviously, for people listening, you can't put an ElevenLabs voice-cloned audiobook on Audible, and a lot of your sales will be on Audible, especially for a book like this. So I think that's also important. I agree with you on doing the audio edit. There's always things you want to change. But as you mentioned, you're self-publishing this, so you can just go in and change your files. James: Yes, and that was the other reason, and this was part of the marketing—now we're moving into the marketing and the business model behind the book. For me, the book doesn't have to be a financial driver in its own sense. The way that I sell books, and usually people like myself—professional speakers—is we bulk sell books to our clients. Let's say I'm speaking at four different events this month. Each has about a thousand people at them. Those organisers will buy, say, a thousand copies of the book. So at the end of that month, you might have sold four thousand copies—not individual copies. Anything that sells on Amazon or in other places is almost like a positioning piece. Obviously you want people to buy the book and learn things from the book, but in terms of the distribution model, it's slightly different because I'm primarily selling through bulk sales. Now, here's a little twist you can do on this, and this is a decision I made even before we released this version of the book. I speak to lots of different industries. There was a speaker and author—I've forgotten his name now, I think he was from Florida—and what he decided to do was to write a slightly different version of his main book every year, but for a different industry. So what this allows him to do is, let's say in my case, I'm doing a version of the SuperCreativity book just for legal professionals because I speak to a lot of law firms and legal groups. I've already started working on a version of the book which is a little bit more attuned to that audience. As a speaker, it allows me to go to all these law firms and legal associations and bar associations and say, “Hey, I've just written the book on creativity and artificial intelligence for the legal industry.” That makes you a very bookable proposition for a client. And then obviously you can sell books from that as well. And that's before we get into the foreign language versions. That's just a model that happens to work pretty well for my part of the industry, but obviously it's going to be very different for other types of authors. Jo: No, I think that's great. For nonfiction authors, as you say, there are different revenue models. Your income, I guess, would be what, eighty, ninety per cent speaking revenue? Or do you have other things as well? James: Yes, primarily it's the keynote speaking, and anything that comes from the back of that. Sometimes it's boardroom advisory work that I do as well. But primarily it's the speaking side. So really the book is just the simplest form to get my ideas out and the most affordable form. Jo: Mm-hmm. James: Because the other thing is, you want as many people getting your ideas as possible, and there is no better, more affordable way of getting someone's ideas out there than in the form of a book. I think it's just the most unbelievable transmitter of knowledge—a book. That's why I love to write the book as well. A lot of my friends say, “Listen, books are old hat. You don't need to do a book any more. You can do these other things, other forms, online courses.” I've done lots of online courses in the past and membership sites and all those things, but there's just something that is great about a book—to be able to summarise your ideas at a particular point in time. It's also a great transmitter of value to other people. And it is affordable. Any book, someone can download a book on Audible or wherever they want—that's just an affordable way of absorbing that content. Jo: Yes. Well, of course we are all fans of books here. I do speak—I don't tend to do keynote speaking. I do more content speaking at conferences. For people listening, keynote speaking is where you tend to get the higher revenue. So if people listening have books already—let's say they have nonfiction books or even fiction books that could be turned somehow into different topics—if people want to get booked for speaking gigs, preferably ones that pay— How would you recommend authors think about moving into speaking if that's something they want to do? James: So obviously it's much easier for nonfiction authors to do that. I mean, I'll give you an example. I was speaking at an event last week in New York for L'Oréal, the hair care and cosmetics company. They had six different speakers. One of them was a speaker on macroeconomics and geopolitics. Another was an expert on communications. Another was an expert on AI. Another was an expert on storytelling. So you have to think: does my topic have value for that type of audience—that corporate audience? An easy way of finding that is if you just go onto any of the speaker bureau websites, type in “speaker bureaus,” look for the speaker bureaus, and then type in your topic area—emotional intelligence or whatever the topic area is—and look at the other speakers. See if there is obviously a number of speakers talking on this area. Importantly, look at how busy they are and look at their fee levels as well. I did an online summit a few years ago called the International Speakers Summit, where I interviewed a hundred and fifty of the world's best professional keynote speakers. I interviewed Sally Hogshead, who's an author and a speaker, and she said to me, “James, you're going out speaking about creativity, but if you just twisted it a little bit and spoke more in terms of innovation rather than creativity, you would earn an extra five thousand dollars per keynote.” So creativity and innovation—an extra five thousand dollars. That's just a simple thing that, as you get to understand the industry, you learn. Then once you do that, it's like any business—you have to treat it like a business, obviously. What makes someone a great storyteller on stages is not the same as what makes a great storyteller on the written word. So depending on where you're at, you might need certain training and skills development. If you are listening to this from America, there are things like the National Speakers Association, the NSA. If you're living in the UK, the Professional Speakers Association. These are great ways just to develop your skill set and learn from other professional speakers. Here's the good news, I didn't know anything about professional speaking until 2017–18, and it was only from having a conversation with someone who said, “Listen, you have some original thoughts. You can get paid to speak about this on stage.” Then I spent the next year really researching and understanding and looking at how to do it and creating a minimum viable product—a speech—that was a very short period of time, a year. Most of the listeners here have gone through that process of writing a book, which takes many, many months. So you have the stamina to do this type of work. You just need to find out where you fit. I thought I was going to be a speaker in marketing. I thought that was going to be my thing. And it turns out that's not what the market wanted from me. They wanted me to talk about creativity and artificial intelligence. So you have to listen to the market, like you have to listen to your readers. Jo: Yes, I think that's really interesting. I was also a member of the PSA here, and I learned in Australia with the NSAA as it was. James: Yes. Jo: And that thing about who you speak to—I mainly speak to author conferences, who, I just want to be frank, don't pay very well, if at all. So exactly what you said there— If you want to be a highly paid speaker, you have to pick the audience who's going to pay, as well as a topic that works with them. It is a very different thing to writing a book, I think. James: It is a different model. This is what was interesting when I interviewed those hundred and fifty professional speakers—the thing that came back loud and clear is there is a model to suit everyone. Jo: Mm. James: So the model that works for me—getting paid high fees to go and travel around the world, speaking on stages to primarily corporate audiences—that is not the only model. There is another model, which is called the “sell from the stage” model, where you maybe don't get paid anything to go and speak on the stage, or very little, but what you're doing is you're selling your consulting, your online course, your books, your other products from the back of the stage. That's another model as well. I have friends who have young families and they are writers and they don't want to schlep on planes like I do. I know one speaker in particular who never leaves his own city. He is a very successful professional speaker. He happens to live in Orlando, Florida, which is one of the busiest cities for conferences. So literally, he's home with his kids every night. He gets to do all this cool stuff he wants. He never has to step on a plane if he doesn't want to. That just shows you the range. I remember I once interviewed a person whose title was a Buddhist monk, French speaker, and author. He figured out he could live very affordably by living in Thailand. So he lives in Thailand for part of the year and he's very into meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and writing. He figured out he only had to give two keynotes per year to pay for his entire lifestyle. That was it. So that gives him a lot of freedom. He does those two corporate keynotes a year and for the rest of the year he's doing his yoga, his meditation, his writing, and surfboarding, whatever he's into as well. So you can see there's a whole range of different ways you can design that life. Jo: Yes, we talk a lot about definition of success and it's great to hear those different examples. So before we finish up, I just want to come back to your journey into the writing side, into books and self-publishing. We all understand, me and the listeners, how hard it is to write a book and also to market a book, but we've got the bug. So we wonder: how much have you got the bug? Do you plan on doing more writing, more books, or do you still want to lean more heavily into speaking? James: Primarily the income for me will still come from speaking. I remember listening to Elizabeth Gilbert once when she talked about her writing. She said she always wanted to have other things, so she never had to push onto her writing that it had to be the income stream for her. If it was successful, great, that's fantastic. So I have a little bit of a similar view to that. In terms of my own writing, I've got about five different nonfiction book ideas I'm now looking at. Some of them relate to speeches that I already do. Some don't. I'm looking at different versions of the SuperCreativity book, so there'll be other versions coming out—different industries, different languages. That gives you a few years of work. The other side that I want to develop is the fiction writing side. I'm already starting to work on a fiction book at the moment—a little bit like this idea of one for them, one for me. Jo: Mm-hmm. James: So one for them is for the corporate audience, that world that I live in, and the other one is for me, for my own creativity. My hope—and I don't know, maybe we need to speak in a year's time when I've written and published it—is that by doing the fiction side, it will make me a better storyteller on stages as well for my corporate audience. It will help me understand story arcs, slightly different ways of expressing stories, building emotion, building the anti-hero characters within a book, for example. So I'm hoping that they both feed off each other. But we will see. Jo: Yes, we will. All the best with that. So where can people find you and your books and everything you do online? James: The easiest place to go is JamesTaylor.me, and you can find the book, which is called SuperCreativity, there. Or just go to wherever you buy your books—your local independent bookstore—and get a copy of SuperCreativity. The audiobook may already be out by the time you're listening to this as well. If you want to learn a little bit more, we also have a podcast called the SuperCreativity Podcast, where I interview lots of wonderful guests talking about this area of super creativity. Jo: Well, thanks so much for your time, James. That was brilliant. James: Thank you, Joanna. Thanks for having me as a guest on the show.The post SuperCreativity And KeyNote Speaking With A Non-Fiction Book With James Taylor first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Warum macht Dein Wording Dich unsichtbar?Und warum entscheidet genau das darüber, ob Deine Keynote wirkt – oder vergessen wird?In dieser Folge gehen wir in den ersten Teil der WAVE-Formel: Wording.Ich erlebe es immer wieder auf Bühnen:Menschen haben unglaublich viel Wissen – und trotzdem keine Wirkung.Warum?Weil sie das Falsche sagen.Oder es falsch sagen.Ein schwacher Einstieg.Kein klarer Hook.Geschichten, die nicht greifen.Zu viele Gedanken, zu wenig Struktur.Und genau dadurch verliert Deine Keynote an Kraft.In dieser Folge erfährst Du:• warum Dein Einstieg über Erfolg oder Misserfolg entscheidet• wie starkes Storytelling wirklich funktioniert• warum Deine Keynote wie ein Kinofilm aufgebaut sein muss• und warum Du ohne klares System nicht überzeugstIch nehme Dich auch mit in meine Arbeit:Wie wir mit klaren Bausteinen, Struktur und Komposition Keynotes entwickeln, die nicht nur gehört, sondern gespürt werden.Denn eines ist klar:Worte entscheiden, ob Deine Keynote wirkt – oder vergessen wird.

Financial wellness shapes leadership, clarity, and the health of an organization. Dr. Darla Bishop is a keynote and corporate speaker, public health expert, and financial wellness strategist who helps leaders and teams reduce financial stress, build confidence, and perform at their best. For more than 15 years I have worked at the intersection of public health, behavior change, and financial well-being and have seen how financial stress affects retention, productivity, and workplace culture. She partners with companies, universities, nonprofits, and financial institutions to deliver research-backed, actionable keynotes that help people transform how they make decisions with their money, their time, and their energy. Who Dr. Darla serves: Corporate teams, associations, financial institutions, universities, K–12 districts, libraries, and youth-serving organizations. Her signature keynotes: Financial Literacy as the New Leadership Currency A data-informed talk on how financially well employees become stronger leaders and more resilient contributors to organizational success. Reinventing Yourself A transformational experience for teams navigating change, uncertainty, identity shifts, and new seasons of leadership. Across every stage and audience, my goal is to help people gain the clarity and confidence they need to lead stronger lives at work and at home. Additionally, Dr. Darla is the author of How to Afford Everything, the co-author of the bilingual children's book Madeline's Money Adventure, and the founder of Piggy Bank Pathways, a financial literacy program for children and families. Organizations bring her in when they want to: • Strengthen leadership and decision-making • Improve employee financial confidence and stability • Reduce burnout and turnover • Equip managers with tools for leading through change • Build cultures of resilience and clarity • Design and implement financial literacy curriculum aligned with K–12 standards and family engagement Specialties Financial Wellness, Leadership Development, Public Health, Behavioral Science, Employee Well-Being, Financial Literacy Education, CRA Partnerships, Curriculum Design, Change Management, Keynote Speaking, Corporate Workshops, Strategic Storytelling If your organization is ready to strengthen financial well-being and leadership from the inside out, I would love to connect. You can reach me at hello@darlabishop.com. ______________________________________________________________________ The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education BusinessYou've spent years in the classroom, leading PD, designing curriculum, and transforming how students learn. Now, it's time to leverage that experience and build something for yourself. The Edupreneur isn't just another book; it's the playbook for educators who want to take their knowledge beyond the school walls and into a thriving business.I wrote this book because I've been where you are. I know what it's like to have the skills, the passion, and the drive but not know where to start. I break it all down: the mindset shifts, the business models, the pricing strategies, and the branding moves that will help you position yourself as a leader in this space.Inside, you'll learn how to:✅ Turn your expertise into income streams, without feeling like a sellout✅ Build a personal brand that commands respect (and top dollar)✅ Market your work in a way that feels natural and impactful✅ Navigate the business side of edupreneurship, from pricing to partnershipsWhether you want to consult, create courses, write books, or launch a podcast, this book will help you get there. Stop waiting for permission. Start building your own table.Grab your copy today and take control of your future.Buy it from EduMatch Publishing https://edumatch-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-edupreneur-by-dr-will

Message me your 'Takeaways'.Most morning routines for men are designed for Instagram, not real life. They are 2 hours long, require perfect conditions, and collapse the moment something goes wrong.I built my morning routine while running 58 marathons in 58 consecutive days across different cities, climates, and physical states. It had to work when I was exhausted, travelling, and breaking down. It had to take 30 minutes or less. And it had to actually make me perform better, not just look productive.In this video, I walk you through the exact 30-minute morning routine I still use today, built around my Core 4 Life Performance Framework: Strong Body, Calm Mind, Clear Purpose, and Confident Life. I also share what I deliberately do not do, and how to build a routine that survives when life falls apart.Take the free Life Performance Scorecard to find out where you stand: https://lifeperformance.scoreapp.com/Explore coaching programs: https://www.lachlanstuart.com.au/coachingConnect on Instagram: @lachlanstuartSupport the showTake the "Life Performance" Scorecard: HERE Follow Lachlan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lachlanstuart/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lachlanstuart91Website: https://themanthatcanproject.com/Newsletter: https://lachlan-stuart-tmtcp.ck.page/profileDo Something Today To Be Better For Tomorrow

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, former Marine counterintelligence operator and Paralympic silver medalist Dennis Connors joins Marcus to discuss the true meaning of perseverance beyond grit. Dennis shares insights from his time in special operations, his journey through PTSD and stroke recovery, and how vulnerability, discipline, and community create sustainable high performance in leadership and life. Episode Highlights [2:31] The Intelligence Behind Special Operations - Dennis explains his role in human intelligence collection for special operations and why keeping servicemen safe was the number one priority—not just gathering information. [26:30] The Four Pillars of Perseverance - Dennis breaks down why grit alone isn't enough for long-term success and introduces his framework: vulnerability, self-love, disciplined action, and community. [46:00] Leading Leaders: The Transition from Operator to Mentor - A powerful discussion on what it means to lead leaders, the importance of empowering your team, and why asking for help is one of the most powerful leadership tools. [57:54] The Road to LA 2028 - Dennis shares his goal to win Paralympic gold at the 2028 LA Games and the challenges Paralympic athletes face in funding their Olympic dreams while maintaining careers. Dennis Connors is a Paralympic silver medalist, two-time para cycling world champion, and former Marine counterintelligence operator who served with special operations forces. After suffering strokes that left him paralyzed, Dennis rebuilt his life through adaptive sport and now works as a keynote speaker and leadership coach. He's a TEDx speaker whose talk on redefining perseverance challenges the traditional "grit mentality" and offers a more sustainable framework for overcoming adversity. Dennis helps military, corporate, and athletic organizations translate high-performance lessons into practical leadership insights. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode the host delves into the Law of Detachment, highlighting how the principle of releasing attachment to specific outcomes can help in achieving your wildest dreams. The episode emphasises the importance of clarity, identity work, and emotional intelligence in manifesting success and fulfillment. Real-life examples and actionable steps are provided to help listeners embody the identity of their desired future self and attract the outcomes they seek. A personal story of how Marcia landed her dream keynote speaking gig, illustrates how surrendering to the process can bring unexpected opportunities, demonstrating the power of trust, intention, and receptivity. 00:00 Introduction: Creating Your Dream Life 01:28 Understanding the Law of Detachment 03:09 Defining Your Desires and Identity 05:49 Embodying Your Desired Identity 07:18 The Power of Emotional Intelligence 08:02 A Personal Story of Manifestation: Keynote Speaking Opportunity  11:01 The Importance of Identity Work 19:41 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Your Potential 21:36 Conclusion: Trusting the Process IG: @marciacolosi | TikTok: @marciacolosi LI: @marciacolosi | FB: @marciamiatke  Ready to take your life and relationships to the next level? Follow The EQ Academy Official where you'll learn to optimise your emotions, leverage your feminine and masculine energies and show up your most confident and radiant self!

In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni tackle one of the biggest questions every professional speaker faces: how much should I charge? Drawing on decades of experience as a bureau owner, Maria explains how to set your keynote fee, when to raise it, and why you should never discount. James shares insights from his own speaking business — including how he tests price levels, manages international vs. virtual fees, and negotiates without losing value. Together they explore the psychology, strategy, and market realities of pricing yourself in the global speaking industry. Whether you're just starting out or ready to move into a higher fee bracket, this episode is packed with real-world advice on finding your sweet spot, building fee integrity, and communicating your value with confidence.     Key Takeaways Value, not time – Your fee reflects outcomes and expertise, not minutes on stage. Know your market – Corporate, education, and government sectors have very different budgets. Location matters – Fees vary across regions; the U.S. and Middle East typically pay more than the U.K. Profile sets price – Seniority, credibility, and positioning determine perceived value. Don't publish your fees – Keep flexibility to tailor pricing per client and market. Raise fees when there's no pushback – If you're closing 75% of inquiries, your fee is too low. Virtual vs. in-person – Treat virtual strategically; it can be equal or higher depending on effort and impact. Never discount — negotiate – Exchange value (video footage, PR, introductions) instead of lowering price. Fee integrity matters – Keep consistency across bureaus and direct clients to avoid confusion. Strategic pricing evolves – Adjust fees as your demand, reputation, and market position grow.     Memorable Quotes "Your fee isn't for 45 minutes on stage — it's for everything that got you there." – Maria Franzoni "If 75% of people are saying yes, your fee's too low." – James Taylor "Never discount. Negotiate." – Maria Franzoni "Make your website look like a $10,000 speaker even if you charge $5,000." – Maria Franzoni "Relevance, reliability, and results — that's what earns higher fees." – James Taylor     Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and catching up (dogs, weather, and winter settings) 02:41 – Why fee setting is like finding your temperature sweet spot 03:30 – What determines your starting keynote fee 05:08 – Industry and market differences in speaker pricing 06:59 – Global markets: U.S., U.K., Europe, Middle East, and Australia 07:49 – Profile, credibility, and client type as key price drivers 08:45 – Which industries pay best (and which don't) 10:10 – Using event clues (like hotel choice) to gauge budget 11:25 – Should you publish your fees online? 13:12 – Pricing psychology: how travel, time, and opportunity cost affect value 14:05 – Website positioning and showreel strategy 16:07 – When and how to raise your fees confidently 17:23 – The "75% rule" and psychological pricing mindset 18:31 – Fee communication and working with bureaus 20:23 – Virtual vs. in-person fees: strategy, value, and structure 23:45 – Hybrid models: longer, interactive virtual formats 25:49 – International pricing strategies and personal preferences 27:24 – The post-pandemic fee landscape 28:22 – Net vs. gross fees and bureau commissions 31:01 – Why the "D-word" (discount) is banned forever 31:45 – How to negotiate extra value instead of discounting 33:24 – Creative negotiations: travel perks, intros, and even gambling chips 33:57 – Final tips: researching competitors and bureau listings 34:35 – James' Blue Ocean strategy for finding pricing gaps 35:48 – Wrap-up and next episode preview     Have a question or topic suggestion for James and Maria? Email hello@speakersu.com

In this candid episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni tackle one of the most dangerous traps for professional speakers — ego. While confidence is essential to step on stage, unchecked ego can sabotage client relationships, damage reputations, and even end careers. Maria shares shocking true stories of “speakers behaving badly,” from diva demands and drunken disasters to midnight tantrums over hotel rooms. James reveals how cultural differences, gender perceptions, and even microphone preferences can blur the line between professionalism and arrogance. Together they explore how to stay grounded, easy to work with, and respected — even when success and attention start to inflate your self-image. If you've ever wondered where confidence ends and ego begins, this episode offers hard-won lessons, cautionary tales, and practical ways to keep your feet firmly on the ground.     Key Takeaways Confidence ≠ arrogance – A healthy ego gets you on stage; an inflated one gets you blacklisted. Be easy to work with – Kindness to AV teams, organisers, and staff is remembered (and shared). Do your own briefing calls – Never outsource relationships that build trust with clients. Ego destroys reputations fast – Word travels quickly among bureaus and event planners. Cultural context matters – What reads as confidence in the US may look like arrogance in the UK. Boundaries vs. bad behaviour – Riders and technical requests are professionalism, not ego. Stay grounded – Family check-ins, gratitude, and humility keep you level when success rises.     Memorable Quotes “Speakers need ego to get on stage — but when it tips into arrogance, it can destroy your career.” – Maria Franzoni “Our job is to be champions for our craft, not divas of the greenroom.” – James Taylor “Do your own briefing calls — if Neil Armstrong could, so can you.” – Maria Franzoni “Confidence is caring about the craft; ego is caring only about yourself.” – James Taylor “You can't control how others treat you, but you can control how you treat everyone around you.” – Maria Franzoni     Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and playful banter about podcast “coolness” 01:20 – Why ego deserves its own chapter in The Bookability Formula 03:07 – When ego makes speakers inflexible on stage timings 04:18 – The ripple effect of bad behaviour on AV and event teams 06:29 – How negative energy travels fast between events and bureaus 07:15 – “Speakers behaving badly” – examples from Maria's agency days 09:07 – Do your own briefing calls (and why Neil Armstrong did his) 10:45 – Cultural and gender differences in how ego is perceived 12:13 – When high standards aren't arrogance but professionalism 13:20 – Midnight hotel tantrums and balcony meltdowns 14:08 – Respect the client's exhaustion – empathy over entitlement 16:42 – Drunken speeches and recycled stories: reputations ruined 18:04 – Tracking your material to avoid repetition and mistakes 19:44 – Cultural nuances: big intros that work in the US flop in Europe 20:24 – Crossing ethical lines: relationships and reputation at events 21:56 – Zig Ziglar's “five calls a day” rule to stay grounded 23:20 – Tips & tools of the week: elected-office speaking practice and portable AI recorders 27:25 – Future of AI speaker assistants — “Digital Maria Franzoni?” 27:52 – Wrap-up, humour, and listener invitation     Have a question or story for James and Maria? Email: hello@speakersu.com

In this inspiring episode, I'm joined by Dr. Laura Penn, international keynote speaker, four-time TEDx speaker, and founder of the Leadership Speaking School in Switzerland. Laura believes that speaking is a performing art, one that requires craft, discipline, and heart. She shares how the world's best speakers approach their work like artists, creating every talk with intention and soul. From building rituals around preparation to rehearsing like a dancer or musician, Laura lifts the curtain on what it takes to deliver a talk that connects deeply with your audience. If you've ever wondered how to turn your presentations into performances that truly come alive, this one's for you.

In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni dig into one of the least glamorous but most important parts of every speaking business — speaker contracts. Whether you're new to professional speaking or a seasoned pro, understanding how to protect your intellectual property, ensure timely payment, and manage client expectations can make or break your business. Maria explains why every speaker should have their own agreement rather than signing the client's, outlines the three most essential contract clauses, and shares tips learned from decades of managing high-profile speakers. James discusses real-world examples, from green riders and recording rights to payment terms and handling last-minute “scope creep.” Packed with practical templates, cautionary tales, and negotiation tactics, this episode will help you get paid on time, protect your content, and build lasting professional relationships with clients and bureaus.     Key Takeaways Have your own contract – Don't rely on the client's; be in control of your terms. Three must-have clauses – Payment terms, cancellation terms, and recording/IP rights. Scope creep is real – If the client adds panels, dinners, or extra work, renegotiate. Never travel without payment – Aim for full balance 30 days before the event. Use “firm offer” forms – Simplify admin and confirm all details before committing. Protect your recordings – Approve edits, restrict public use, and get a copy of all footage. Green riders matter – Add sustainability or ethical clauses that reflect your values. Be clear on travel and security – Define who pays, how you travel, and what safety steps apply. Weird rider stories – From “no journalists allowed” to 10 a.m. wine, the industry has seen it all.     Memorable Quotes “Speakers should have their own contract — not the client's.” – Maria Franzoni “The date is the contract. If it changes, renegotiate.” – Maria Franzoni “Don't step on stage until 100 percent of your fee has been paid.” – James Taylor “You can't control when a client pays, but you can control when you travel.” – Maria Franzoni “Add the day of the week next to the date — it saves endless confusion.” – Maria Franzoni “Keep your contracts simple enough to understand, but strong enough to protect you.” – James Taylor     Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & catching up on dogs, lunches, and life balance 01:47 – Why contracts matter (and the legal disclaimer) 03:22 – What hasn't changed in speaker contracts for 25 years 05:14 – The three essential clauses every speaker needs 06:52 – Payment schedules and why balance should be due 30 days before 08:09 – Firm offer forms vs. booking forms and confirmation letters 11:07 – Common negotiation points and dealing with slow-paying clients 12:35 – Accepting credit cards – yes, but add the surcharge 14:27 – Late-payment clauses and procurement headaches 15:58 – Scope creep: when clients add panels, dinners, or sponsor meetings 17:22 – Recording and IP rights: how to protect your material 20:21 – What to allow (and not allow) for public or internal use 23:19 – Editorial approval and licensing fees for wider distribution 25:50 – Using a bureau's contract to simplify client onboarding 27:03 – Travel clauses and buyout options 29:34 – The rise of the Green Rider and sustainable speaker travel 32:17 – Security clauses – from former heads of state to practical travel safety 36:08 – Craziest contract clauses: no journalists, no competitors, no flashes 39:15 – Funny (and alarming) rider requests from celebrity speakers 42:12 – Templates, tips, and the “add the day of the week” trick 43:56 – Digital signatures: Hello Sign, Echo Sign, and Google Docs e-signing 45:00 – Wrap-up and listener invitation for contract questions     Resources & Links Free Speaker Contract Template: speakersu.com/contracts (example placeholder) Email questions or ideas: hello@speakersu.com Follow James Taylor & Maria Franzoni on LinkedIn for daily speaking tips    

"We will never, ever outperform our self-image."Today on the podcast, Ron Alford joins Bradley to discuss leadership, vision, and mindset of an owner. Ron is a Senior Partner, Vice President of Recruiting, and Executive Coach for Southwestern Consulting. What if the secret to business success isn't just about strategy, but about getting your head AND heart right before you even open your laptop? In this powerful episode, Ron Alford—a 32-year veteran of Southwestern Consulting who's coached more top 1% producers than anyone in the company's 150+ year history—reveals why mindset is truly "the beginning and the end" of everything we do. From his unconventional start selling books door-to-door instead of joining the Marine Corps, to his current role transforming businesses and leaders worldwide, Ron shares battle-tested wisdom on crafting crystal-clear vision, leading remote teams authentically, navigating difficult conversations, and why "our endurance in life is tied directly to the clarity of our vision." Whether you're crushing your goals or facing a bumpy road heading into 2026, this conversation will challenge you to slow down to speed up, move from anxiety to impact, and remember that true wealth isn't measured in trophies—it's measured in the lives you touch. Get ready for a masterclass in servant leadership that will shift how you show up every single day.With over 32 years with the Southwestern Family of Companies, Ron has an extraordinary track record in sales and leadership development. He is a company record holder, having personally achieved the highest level of sales 70 times with Southwestern Advantage, and is a leadership record holder, coaching and training more top 1% producers than any other manager since Southwestern Advantage was founded in 1868.Connect with Ron Alford and Southwestern ConsultingWebsite: southwesternconsulting.comServices Offered:One-on-one Sales, Leadership, and Executive Coaching (12+ month programs).Team Training and Workshops.Keynote Speaking.Special Offer: Tell Southwestern Consulting about your needs and get started with a free consultation. Whether you're looking to increase sales, improve time management, develop leadership skills, or enhance your team's performance, their certified coaches can create a personalized plan tailored to your goals.Visit southwesternconsulting.com or check out their coaching programs at southwesternconsulting.com/coaching,Thanks to our sponsors...BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks. Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass when you visit www.blueprintos.com!Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial...

ABC-TV's "Secret Millionaire" star ~ From Joan Rivers series, "How Did You Get So Rich", has delivered over 2,200 motivational presentations at conferences and meetings worldwide, and has been named Consummate Speaker of the Year by Sharing Ideas professional speakers' magazine. He has appeared in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and several hundred other publications. James began his sales career right out of college as a stockbroker with a major Wall Street Investment Firm and was awarded Most Outstanding Performance (twice) and #1 in New Account Openings (twice). While in his twenties, James became a partner in a company that handled the investments for many famous entertainers, authors and professional athletes. Currently, James owns three businesses, has authored eight books, and has read and researched over 1,500 books on personal and professional development. He is a Contributing Author to, and serves as Associate Editor for, the #1 New York Times Best-Selling book series Chicken Soup for the Soul,® with his own personal stories published in Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul and Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul. James is the Co-Author of the upcoming book, Chicken Soup for the Athlete's Soul. https://bigmoneyspeaker.com/ ,http://www.malinchak.com/ © 2025 Building Abundant Success!!2025 All Rights ReservedJoin Me on ~ iHeart Media @ https://tinyurl.com/iHeartBASSpot Me on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yxuy23baAmazon Music ~ https://tinyurl.com/AmzBASAudacy:  https://tinyurl.com/BASAud

In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni tackle one of the most common dilemmas for speakers: should you ever speak for free? From the early days of building your career to strategic opportunities later on, there are times when waiving your fee can make sense—and times when it's a clear no. James and Maria share their own experiences, including James' infamous “Ham Salad Tour” of free Rotary talks, Maria's love of prospecting, and why speaking for peers rarely pays. They also explore when unpaid gigs can serve as marketing, help you perfect your craft, or provide valuable assets like video footage, networking access, or bulk book sales. If you've ever been asked to “speak for exposure,” this episode will give you the tools to decide whether to say yes, no, or “yes, but on my terms.”     Key Takeaways Get your reps in – Early in your career, free gigs help you practice, refine material, and build confidence. Peers don't pay – Speaking to your own industry or colleagues rarely results in paid bookings. Make it part of your marketing – Free gigs targeting your ideal audience can lead to paid work. Negotiate value beyond fees – Ask for video footage, attendee lists, association memberships, or bulk book sales. Positioning matters – Your website, testimonials, and branding can either attract paid gigs or signal you'll work for free. Give back strategically – Schools, associations, and podcasts can be the right places to serve without charging. Always set boundaries – Say “I normally charge X, but I'm waiving my fee” to reinforce your value.     Memorable Quotes “Peers don't pay. If you're speaking to your own industry, don't expect a fee.” – Maria Franzoni “Don't fall in love with the stage—fall in love with the audience that can book you.” – James Taylor “If you're converting every inquiry, your fees are too low.” – James Taylor “Speaking for free can be smart—but only if you're clear why you're doing it.” – Maria Franzoni     Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and Maria's targeted outreach experiment 01:56 – Introducing today's topic: speaking for free 04:01 – Maria's “I will speak for biscuits” mug and first perspectives 04:56 – Why free gigs are valuable for beginners (reps & stage time) 06:18 – James' first paid music gig vs. 40 free Rotary talks 07:41 – Speaking for free as part of your marketing budget 09:47 – The “Ham Salad Tour” and the moment free gigs led to paid bookings 09:57 – Why podcasts, peer events, and associations are worth doing unpaid 11:05 – Giving back: Speakers for Schools and pro bono speaking 13:01 – Schools as a paid speaking market (School Speakers example) 15:01 – How your positioning and testimonials attract (or repel) free requests 16:45 – Negotiating non-fee value: video, access, booths, memberships 18:20 – The myth of “sharing the stage with…” 20:22 – Free gigs as leverage for podcasting, YouTube, and influencer deals 23:41 – Digital twins, AI, and future revenue opportunities 24:28 – Tools & tips: Otter.ai for transcriptions and positioning your website 28:06 – Wrap-up and invitation for listener questions    

Keith Sampson has built his career around one belief: our hardest moments can also be our greatest teachers. In this heartfelt conversation, Keith shares his personal story of loss, the lessons he learned from his father, and the decision that has guided him ever since—to grow through life, not just go through it. Together we talk about what it means to root your life in gratitude, to fall in love with the process of growth, and to embrace the influence you have in every relationship. Get ready to be inspired to see your own challenges in a new light.Join our exclusive email list and unlock even more valuable insights, expert advice, and bonus content to enhance your relationship superpowers. —sign up HERE today!Connect with Barb BettsInstagram: @barbbettsFacebook: @barbarambettsYouTube: youtube/@barbbettsWebsite: www.barbbetts.comLet's Stay in Touch!https://www.liinks.co/barbbettsBarb Betts is a sought-after keynote speaker, seasoned real estate expert, passionate educator, and the CEO of The RECollective, a thriving boutique brokerage in Southern California. Barb has delighted countless stages including, Inman Connect, WomanUP!, and at the National Association of REALTORS® Annual Conference. Whether she's teaching on referrals, authenticity or leveraging relationships, Barb brings an honest, compassionate, and transparent approach to every single stage. As a real estate professional, with over 20 years experience, Barb has mastered the ever changing real estate landscape and the balance of running a vibrant brokerage. Through her signature course, Real Estate By Relationship®, Barb educates business builders on the exact systems, proc...

In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni unpack the power of building a portfolio speaking career. Too many speakers rely solely on keynotes, but the most resilient and profitable speaking businesses diversify their income streams. From workshops and retainers to books, advisory roles, online courses, and even AI-powered products, a portfolio approach helps you weather the feast-or-famine cycle of the industry. James shares how he applies Ray Dalio's “All Weather Portfolio” strategy to his speaking business, while Maria explains how to identify client problems and design solutions that add value beyond the keynote. Together, they highlight real-world examples of speakers generating millions through recurring services, and why thinking like an “expert with a product suite” is more powerful than being “just a speaker.” Whether you're an established speaker or just starting out, this episode will give you practical ideas to expand your offering, increase client loyalty, and future-proof your career.    

Who truly shapes the impact of a professional speaker—the person on stage or the team guiding them behind the scenes? Reflecting on purpose, legacy and kindness, Nick Gold, MD of Speakers Corner, shares his realisation that while he and his team may not be the ones delivering the message on stage, their role in ensuring the right speaker reaches the right audience carries both privilege and responsibility. Nick explores how fun, genuine connection and challenging traditional measures of success inform his approach to business and life. By embracing uncertainty and change with intuition and curiosity, Nick demonstrates his focus on creating meaningful indelible impacts.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘Through the business, we have an indelible impact on people's lives and that's a responsibility but also that's the purpose.'   ABOUT THE GUEST – NICK GOLD Being a dynamic entrepreneur and business leader is at the heart of everything Nick does. From founding, scaling and growing multiple successful ventures across the speaking industry, he has established a strong track record and he thrives on challenging the status quo, embracing bold ideas and driving innovation to create impactful businesses that inspire and deliver lasting value. Together with his business partner and brother Tim and his other business partner, Michael, they're building businesses which go beyond the transactional nature of booking a speaker. They believe in forming partnerships with their clients, whether they be companies or speakers, to drive meaningful event experiences and deliver tangible value, learning and return on investment.  As an entrepreneur and a speaker industry pioneer, Nick has built and scaled several successful businesses including; Speakers Corner, Speaking Office and Future Voices.  * Speakers Corner is an award winning international speaker bureau that connects organisations with world class talent.  * Speaking Office innovates speaker representation  * Future Voices is a platform designed to help speakers understand the business of speaking and how to improve their speaking through coaching, bureaux insights, positioning and promotion as well as creating a speaker community so that they can grow together.  Nick has been president of the International Association Speaker Bureaus as well as Chair of the European Association of Speaker Bureaus.  CONNECT WITH NICK https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickgold/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/speakers-corner/posts/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-voices-speakers/   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (2025 Business Book Awards Finalist) Focus on Why* by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.  

Message me your 'Takeaways'.Discover your blind spots across the 7 Domains of Life with the Man That Can Scorecard. Just 14 questions, instant results. I wish I had this earlier. It would've fast-tracked my success. Take the quiz now: TAKE QUIZ Support the showTake the "MAN THAT CAN" Scorecard: HERE Follow Lachlan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lachlanstuart/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lachlanstuart91Website: https://themanthatcanproject.com/Newsletter: https://lachlan-stuart-tmtcp.ck.page/profileDo Something Today To Be Better For Tomorrow

Unlock the secrets of standing out and getting chosen in sales with expert Christian Hansen. In this episode, we break down how neuroscience and emotional intelligence can transform your approach and accelerate your results. - Why people choose or reject the perception of you—not you personally - The science-backed “Influence Mindset” and 7 EQ brain hacks for sales success - How to combine competence with connection for maximum influence - The “value bridge” concept and closing the perception gap with clients - Real-world examples, memorable keynote tactics, and tools for making your value obvious   Tune in and learn actionable strategies that top sales leaders use to rise above the noise!

Actionable TakeawayLearn how to build real confidence instead of just looking the partDiscover the simple shift that makes your presence felt the moment you walk into a roomStop “winging it” and master the preparation habits that set leaders apartUnlock the secret to crafting stories that grab attention in the first 10 secondsFind out how to break free from limiting beliefs and silence imposter syndromePractise authenticity without oversharing by knowing who has earned the right to your storyConnect the dots of your own career journey and turn it into a powerful leadership narrativeAlign your body, mind, and relationships so you can show up with clarity, influence and impact Connect with Liz Brunner:Learn more about Liz BrunnerLiz on LinkedInLiz on InstagramLiz on FacebookConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you're listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

Actionable TakeawayStart small and make one intentional act that creates a ripple of impact.Practise the five human qualities that build trust and connection.Choose kindness over being “nice” by having the conversations that matter.Identify and remove micro-frictions that quietly slow your team down.Apply the “next shot” mindset to recover quickly after setbacks.Slow down intentionally to create space for trust and connection.Use everyday moments to show vulnerability while strengthening authority.Ask “If you really knew me…” to open deeper trust with your team. Connect with Chris Rollins:Learn more about Chris RollinsChris on LinkedInChris on Instagram Connect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you're listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

What if the most important management skill you need today isn't a tool or strategy? But the ability to read and respond to the people around you? In a world shaped by AI and constant disruption, emotional intelligence has become the competitive edge for leaders and managers.Thankfully, today's guest brings practical and research-backed ways to build that edge. Jamelle Lindo is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence specialist who has helped thousands of leaders increase their effectiveness through a proven emotional empowerment process.In this episode, Jamelle explains what emotional intelligence really is, why it matters more than ever, and which EQ skills (empathy, assertiveness, self-awareness, and stress tolerance) drive results in leadership. He shares concrete tools, from structuring feedback so it lands to using simple reflection practices that build self-awareness, to help you lead with clarity and confidence.In the extended members-only conversation, Jamelle goes deeper into building self-awareness, using the emotion wheel, balancing empathy and assertiveness, and embedding EQ skills into daily leadership practices.✨ Podcast Plus members get access to an extended conversation with Jamelle, guest bonuses, and more. Become a member at themodernmanager.com/more and get free mini-episode guides delivered to your inbox each week.Join the conversation now!Conversation Topics (Subscribers)(00:00) Introduction(02:20) Why emotional intelligence matters more now(04:33) What emotional intelligence is (a practical definition)(05:53) Key EQ skills that matter: empathy, assertiveness, self-awareness, stress tolerance(09:19) Building assertiveness(16:03) Receiving feedback and reframing toward learning(24:15) A great manager story: asking, “What does great leadership look like for you?”(26:02) Keep up with Jamelle & Closing(27:08) [Extended Episode Only] Self-awareness research: internal vs. external self-awareness and why most people miss it(33:17) [Extended Episode Only] The emotion wheel and 30-day reflection practice for building awareness(35:23) [Extended Episode Only] Balancing assertiveness & empathy through presence Additional Resources✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ ✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ ✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle ✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation= ✨Read the transcript hereKeep up with Jamelle- Follow Jamelle on LinkedIn here- learn more on his Website here- Watch his speaker reel on Vimeo hereGuest bonus: 10% off All Services1. Emotional Intelligence Assessments & Debriefs We use scientifically validated EQ assessment reports (such as the EQ-i 2.0®) to identify individual or team emotional intelligence strengths and gaps. The debrief process (60-90 minute virtual debrief session) translates the results of the EQ report into practical, real-world insights and action steps for improved leadership and workplace effectiveness. 2. Executive & Leadership Coaching Our one-on-one coaching supports leaders in building emotional intelligence skills that drive influence, decision-making, and resilience. Each engagement is customized using our Emotional Empowerment Process™ to ensure measurable behavior change. 4. Keynote Speaking & Thought Leadership I deliver inspiring, science-based keynotes on emotional intelligence, emotional empowerment, and leadership in the age of AI. Each session is designed to spark awareness and motivate audiences to unlock their full potential. 5. Workshops & Training Programs Our experiential workshops help participants develop practical EQ skills in areas such as self-awareness, empathy, and conflict resolution. Programs are designed for all organizational levels and are fully customizable to strategic priorities.

My mind is blown by NotebookLM.... again!The viral AI tool by Google just released an extremely impressive new update to its popular tool in Video Overviews. If you haven't used these yet, you won't want to miss this show. On Wednesdays, we put AI to work for you and your business with practical and actionable walkthroughs. This new release from Google couldn't have come at a better time.Newsletter: Sign up for our free daily newsletterMore on this Episode: Episode PageJoin the discussion: Thoughts on this? Join the convo and connect with other AI leaders on LinkedIn.Upcoming Episodes: Check out the upcoming Everyday AI Livestream lineupWebsite: YourEverydayAI.comEmail The Show: info@youreverydayai.comConnect with Jordan on LinkedInTopics Covered in This Episode:NotebookLM Video Overviews Feature LaunchHow NotebookLM Video Overviews WorkUpdates to NotebookLM Studio InterfaceCustomization and Personalization in Video OverviewsPulling Visuals from Uploaded PDFs in NotebookLMCreating Multiple and Multilingual Overview VersionsNotebookLM vs Google Gemini vs ChatGPT ComparisonFive Practical Uses for NotebookLM in BusinessTimestamps:00:00 "Everyday AI Livestream & Newsletter"05:09 New Paid Account Feature Details08:21 Keynote Speaking and Trainings Overview12:41 Dynamic Content Creation Tools14:25 "Personalized Onboarding with Notebook LM"20:11 "Interactive Audio-Visual Learning Benefits"21:41 Customizable Content for Diverse Teams26:26 Studio Panel Features Overview28:42 "AI Hype: Agent or Illusion?"30:53 Daily Content Review ProcessKeywords:NotebookLM, Google, NotebookLM video overviews, AI-powered video summaries, generative AI, video overviews, audio overviews, NotebookLM Studio, Google Gemini, AI learning tools, AI at work, business leaders AI tips, personalization features, customizable AI video, PDF uploads, AI keynote presentations, onboarding videos, HR onboarding AI, multilingual AI content, research analyst, team training AI, briefing docs, study guides, FAQs, mind maps, timelines, multitasking in AI tools, content sources, workspace accounts, sharing AI notebooks, visual AI summaries, global collaboration tools, Gemini 2.5 Flash, AI model grounding, AI content personalization, AI content creation, onboarding automation, pitch deck AI, industry-specific overviews, knowledge sharing, productivity tools, user interface updates, AI-powered presentations, lead magnets AI, pre-sales AI toolsSend Everyday AI and Jordan a text message. (We can't reply back unless you leave contact info) Ready for ROI on GenAI? Go to youreverydayai.com/partner

Guest Bio:Rising to notoriety with his most-viewed TED Talk (top 200 out of 60,000), “What I Learned from 100 Days of Rejection,” which became the basis for his bestselling book and #1 audio book, Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible Through 100 Days of Rejection, Jia Jiang has become the world's foremost expert on rejection. A top-booked speaker, Jia is the sought-after authority on empowering confidence and resilience, overcoming one's fear of rejection, and daring to be bolder in both life and career. His upcoming book, The Art of Achieving Ambitious Things (Simon & Schuster, May 2026), expands on his mission to help anyone overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams and goals by adopting his breakthrough One Action Goal system.Takeaways:Jia Jiang's 100 days of rejection therapy helped him overcome fear.Humor plays a crucial role in dealing with rejection.Rejection is a natural part of the speaking industry.It's important to not reject yourself after external rejection.Aim for high goals to elevate your pursuits.Rejection can be turned into a learning opportunity.Creating momentum is key to achieving goals.Persistence and adaptability are both necessary in facing rejection.Life should be open to new experiences, not confined by lists.Building relationships can help turn rejections into future opportunities.Chapters:00:00 - The Journey of Rejection Therapy02:47 - Transforming Fear into Expertise06:09 - The Power of Humor in Rejection08:52 - Navigating Rejection in the Speaking Industry12:06 - Turning Rejection into Learning17:01 - Persistence vs. Adaptability in Rejection21:46 - Creating Momentum in Your Journey28:05 - Living Life Without a Rejection Bucket ListResourcesLearn more about Jia Jiang:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramYouTubeFacebookLearn more about Josh Linkner:WebsiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagramXFacebookABOUT MIC DROP:Hear from the world's top thought leaders and experts, sharing tipping point moments, strategies, and approaches that led to their speaking career success. Throughout each episode, host Josh Linkner, #1 Innovation keynote speaker in the world, deconstructs guests' Mic Drop moments and provides tactical tools and takeaways that can be applied to any speaking business, no matter its starting point. You'll enjoy hearing from some of the top keynote speakers in the industry including: Ryan Estis, Alison Levine, Peter Sheahan, Seth Mattison, Cassandra Worthy, and many more. Mic Drop is sponsored by ImpactEleven.Learn more at: MicDropPodcast.comABOUT THE HOST:Josh Linkner — a New York Times bestselling author — is a rare blend of business, art, and science.On the business front, he's been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which created over 10,000 jobs and sold for a combined value of over $200 million. He's the co-founder and Managing Partner of Muditā (moo-DEE-tah) Venture Partners - an early-stage venture capital firm investing in groundbreaking technologies. Over the last 30 years, he's helped over 100 startups launch and scale, creating over $1 billion in investor returns. He's twice been named the EY Entrepreneur of The Year and is the recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award.While proud of his business success, his roots are in the dangerous world of jazz music. Josh has been playing guitar in smoky jazz clubs for 40 years, studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and has performed over 1000 concerts around the world. His experiences in both business and music led him to become one of the world's foremost experts on innovation. Josh is the co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global research, training, and consulting firm. Today, he's on a mission to help leaders Find A Way™ through creative problem-solving, inventive thinking, and ingenuity.Learn more about Josh: JoshLinkner.comSPONSORED BY AMPLIFY PUBLISHING GROUP:Partnering with CXOs, keynote speakers, change makers, and other visionary leaders, Amplify Publishing Group (APG) is a leader in the hybrid publishing space with more than twenty years of experience acquiring, producing, marketing, and distributing books. Passionate about ideas and voices that need to be heard, they're known for launching books that start engaging and timely conversations. At each turn, they have been at the forefront of innovation and have spearheaded a critical disruption of the publishing industry.Learn more at: amplifypublishinggroup.comPOWERED BY IMPACTELEVEN:ImpactEleven is a speaker training, development and accelerator Community working tirelessly to develop and serve thousands of voices with infinite influence to transform lives and the world for the better.Learn more at: impacteleven.com

Are you a nonprofit leader wrestling with a board that's less than thrilled about fundraising? Then grab your favorite mug and tune into this episode of "Sipping Tea with Sabrina," where Sabrina Hernandez (Dream Team Architect) chats with Jayme Dingler (nonprofit consultant) about How to Get Your Volunteer Board Excited About Fundraising-and it's not one size fits all! Jayme Dingler is a nonprofit consulting expert, an international keynote speaker, and the owner of "What's Good LLC." Jayme is here to spill the tea on why your board might be hesitant and, more importantly, how to turn things around. Get ready for a lively discussion packed with actionable strategies, but even better, you will not be able to miss Jamie's five punchlines in particular: If you're ready to transform your board into a fundraising powerhouse, this is the episode you don't want to miss.

Meet Anthony McLean—keynote speaker, screenwriter, and long-time youth advocate. We unpack why mental fitness is “everything you do so you can be at your best for the longest, with the least wear and tear.”  Show Notes Why “your authentic self is your superpower” and how to use it at work Mental fitness vs. hustle culture—Mr Beast as cautionary tale The “big-rocks” calendar hack for protecting creative time Fun as a non-negotiable productivity tool Parenting teens & first-year university students without losing influence Using AI as a creative co-pilot (and where the human stays irreplaceable) Rapid-fire takeaways: breathwork, journaling, therapy, and micro-recovery   **** ✨ Personal Socrates is on SALE! >>> Use UPGRADE20 at baronfig.com for 20% off through May and June.    Release details for the NEW BOOK.   Connect with Marc >>>  Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Drop a review and let me know what resonates with you about the show! Thanks as always for listening and have the best day yet! * A special thanks to MONOS, our official travel partner for Behind the Human! Use MONOSBTH10 at check-out for savings on your next purchase. ✈️ * Special props

Liebes Team, ich hoffe, ihr habt euren Wetsuit dabei und eure Sonnenbrille, weil heute nehme ich euch einmal mehr mit in die Welt des Surfens. Sie hat auf dem Wasser fast alles gewonnen, was man so gewinnen kann und hat sich dann gleich doppelt selbständig gemacht: einerseits mit einer Company, die Rapid Surfboards herstellt (Rapid Surfen ist das auf stehenden Wellen) und andererseits mit Keynote-Speaking. Also ganz breit aufgestellt, alles selber aufgebaut - dafür schon mal riesen Respekt. UND es gibt noch einen Funfact, sie hat nämlich verhältnismäßig spät erst mit dem Surfen angefangen (mit 20 Jahren nämlich) und möchte deshalb mit ihrer Story inspirieren: man kann alles schaffen, wenn man sich nur reinhängt. In diesem Sinne: ganz viel Spaß mit der Geschichte von: Valeska Schneider! **Schnitt und Postproduktion: Andy Aksen** https://www.aksenmedia.de/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyaksen/

Stories aren't just for books and movies—they're the secret to making your presentations, conversations, and videos relatable and unforgettable. Whether crafting your brand, pitching an idea, creating social media reels, networking, or guesting on a podcast, storytelling is your most powerful tool for connection.On this episode of Delight in the Limelight, I'm joined by speechwriter and story consultant Susan Lovett, who studied storytelling at Disney University and worked with clients ranging from NASA to Nordstrom, National Geographic to PBS, and the US Army to Woman's Day.Listen to this episode to learn:- The key elements of a great story- The different formats for stories—through speech, writing, and visuals- The biggest storytelling mistakes—and how to avoid themIf you want to make your brand, presentations, or business communications more engaging, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!Click here to check the full show notes.

When we first met Lia Bliss at a business conference, she captivated the room with her LinkedIn expertise, delivering insights so valuable that attendees could barely keep up with their note-taking. Behind this polished presentation style lies a story of persistence and transformation that began with 20-hour shifts split between retail and bartending while supporting herself as a single mother.The turning point came when Lia invested in a business coach despite financial constraints, finding support from an unexpected source who believed in her potential. Then COVID hit. Rather than seeing disaster, Lia recognized opportunity. She began creating content about working from home, which caught the attention of her father, a career CMO needing help with corporate training during the pandemic lockdown. For a year, Leah delivered multiple 90-minute sales trainings weekly, receiving intense camera training and feedback after each session. Simultaneously, she worked with professional speakers, published a book, and built the foundation for her future business. When both positions ended abruptly on the same day, she faced the ultimate pivot: fully embracing entrepreneurship. Today, Leah delivers memorable keynote presentations and thrives on connecting with inspiring professionals. Guest Bio:Lia Bliss transforms digital engagement into measurable business growth. As a LinkedIn strategy expert with algorithm intelligence that cuts through the noise, she operationalizes social selling for Fortune 500 executives and high-growth entrepreneurs alike. Beyond traditional platform tactics, Lia's systematic approach converts digital presence into revenue through her Executive Thought Leadership programs, Enterprise Training for sales teams, dynamic Keynote Speaking, and exclusive Entrepreneurs Mastermind. With a background in sales enablement and a reputation for delivering results, she brings both strategic vision and tactical precision to professionals navigating the digital landscape. When corporate leaders need digital engagement that performs, they turn to Lia for the systematic advantage their competition hasn't seen before.Connect with Lia:TheBlissMagic.com Connect with Theresa and Ivana:Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: tsc-consultants.com LinkedIn @treeconti, Insta @tscconsultants Ivana, Courageous Being: courageousbeing.com LinkedIn @ivipol, Insta @courbeingSITP team, Step Into The Pivot: stepintothepivot.com LinkedIn @step-into-the-pivot, YouTube @StepIntoThePivot

At some point in your speaking career, you will have to travel…sometimes overseas…and it's important to be prepared. Proper preparation includes getting ready for your presentation, and more. Darren and Mark break down their preparation process and provide tools to help any speaker prepare for their unforgettable presentation.    SNIPPETS:   • Prepare tech tools for your presentation   • Prepare to be present   • Create a TRAVEL CHECKLIST   • Bring travel adapters/chargers   • Pack for at least one extra day   • Keep a travel event folder with contact info, travel and event itinerary, etc.   • Make copies of your passport   • Learn about your audience, get an attendee list, connect on LinkedIn   • Make sure you have the correct visa for specific international locations   • Secure a Letter of Invitation if required for international events   • Use gift cards and your books as gifts for the tech team, drivers, event staff   • Do venue walkthrough post-event to ensure you have chargers, cables, drives   • Prepare your unforgettable presentation   Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com  

This one's got range. We're talking through how to actually show up when your big goals finally land, what to do when your CRM system crashes your vibe, how we balance side hustle cash vs. W2 safety, and why Alexis now swears by micellar water on planes. Plus: the wildest melatonin travel fail. You asked, we answered—rapid fire, bestie-to-bestie. In between a big decision? Need advice? Drop a voice message and we'll answer it live on the podcast. Or submit a written question here if voice notes aren't your thing. //@inbetween.pod//@astridjohanaphoto//@alexisteichmiller

He Built An $80 Million Disaster Response In 60 Days Without the Government Adam Smith's Story When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, one man stepped up—without orders, without funding, and without waiting for permission. Former Green Beret Adam Smith shares how he led a volunteer force of thousands, delivered over 5.5 million pounds of aid, and created an $80 million impact in just 60 days—all while government agencies scrambled. This raw and unfiltered conversation with Jeff Dudan breaks down the failures of federal disaster response, the rise of the "Redneck Air Force," and what real leadership looks like under pressure.

He Built An $80 Million Disaster Response In 60 Days Without the Government Adam Smith's Story When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, one man stepped up—without orders, without funding, and without waiting for permission. Former Green Beret Adam Smith shares how he led a volunteer force of thousands, delivered over 5.5 million pounds of aid, and created an $80 million impact in just 60 days—all while government agencies scrambled. This raw and unfiltered conversation with Jeff Dudan breaks down the failures of federal disaster response, the rise of the "Redneck Air Force," and what real leadership looks like under pressure.

In this episode, I'm joined by stand-up comedian and public speaking expert, Jenn Lederer, and we delve into the fascinating parallels between stand-up comedy and business presentations. Jenn shares how lessons from stand-up comedy—like structure, timing, and audience connection—can be applied to business and keynote speaking, and how those skills translate in both directions. We also explore how to find your own authentic voice, how boundaries can be a springboard for creativity, and the importance of reading the room to understand your audience. Jenn also offers insight into how anyone can tap into their creativity and craft a unique story that resonates.  Whether you're speaking in front of a crowd or delivering a business pitch, this episode will help you refine your delivery, own your story, and connect with your audience in a meaningful way. These skills can help you build your personal brand or make a stronger impression during a presentation or networking event. Tune in for a deep dive into creativity, authenticity, and the art of public speaking and presenting! About our guest:  Jenn Lederer is a comedian, keynote speaker, and consultant known for blending humor with business insights. Jenn specializes in helping individuals and businesses master the art of storytelling to create authentic connections and make an impact on their audiences. Whether performing on stage or advising clients, she empowers people to embrace their unique voices, foster creativity, and build meaningful relationships.  Using her signature COMEDIAN'S FORMULA, she helps clients master the art of effective communication and become go-to experts in their fields. Jenn's unique blend of comedy, business insights, and coaching has made her a sought-after speaker and consultant, delivering impactful workshops on effective communication. Lederer's work has been featured by SiriusXM, Forbes.com, The Huffington Post, Inspiring Lives Magazine, and comedy clubs throughout New York City. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HLuZGTNz3xw  Connect with Jenn Lederer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennlederer/  Learn more: https://www.jennlederer.com/  Jenn's Google Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC20zO2BFR8&ab_channel=TalksatGoogle   

In this episode of Speakernomics, the official podcast of the National Speakers Association, host Kenneth Kinney, also known as Shark, sits down with Ty Bennett, a CSP, author, entrepreneur, and leadership speaker redefining high performance. Ty Bennett shares his expertise on integrating research into keynote speeches and building audiences effectively. In this session, Ty will: Evaluate the importance of integrating research into keynote speeches to add credibility and engage both buyers and audiences effectively. Illustrate strategies to enhance speaker performance through continuous desire for improvement, drawing inspiration from influential members of the NSA community. Demonstrate methods to make presentations more experiential and engaging, ensuring that audiences see the value and connect deeply with the content by using storytelling and humor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if I told you that the difference between a $10,000 and a $10 million idea often isn't the idea itself, but how it's presented? In boardrooms and pitch meetings across the globe, brilliant entrepreneurs are watching their dreams slip away, not because their innovations lack value, but because they can't communicate that value effectively. This episode features Juanita Wheeler, a master of persuasive communication and the driving force behind TEDxBrisbane, to share her revolutionary approach to presentation strategy. With an Executive MBA, four master's degrees, and a track record of transforming over 100 thought leaders into compelling TEDx speakers, Juanita is here to show us why strategic storytelling isn't just a skill – it's the ultimate superpower in today's business landscape.   Episode Highlights: 01:38 Juanita Wheeler's Background and Journey 02:54 The Skill of Persuasive Speaking 05:37 The TEDx Talk Difference 07:32 Keynote Speaking vs. TEDx Talks 09:11 Challenges in Coaching Speakers 16:54 The Importance of Strategic Intent 19:55 Crafting a Memorable Message 23:59 How to Connect with Juanita Wheeler Show Links:   fullandfrank.com/tools Email: juanita@fullandfrank.com

In this episode of The Macro Hour, Nikkiey Stott is joined by Caleb Campbell, a former West Point graduate turned NFL athlete who has since become an inspirational speaker on mental health, burnout, and personal growth. Caleb shares his journey of internalizing success and self-worth, only to realize that his identity had been tied to external achievements.After stepping away from football, Caleb embarked on a self-discovery journey to redefine his worth beyond the game. He unpacks the misconceptions of burnout, how learning to let go created more ease in his life, and the shift that redefined his view of success and lasting growth. Tune in for an insightful conversation on mental resilience, personal transformation, and more.Follow Caleb on Instagram for more insights: @caleb_campbellLearn more about Caleb's work:Keynote Speaking: www.calebcampbell.me/keynote-speakingCoaching Programs: www.calebcampbell.me/deepeningClick To Watch A Free Macro TrainingClick To Apply For Our ProgramsIf you've got a story about how The Macro Hour Podcast has positively impacted your life, we'd love to hear from you! Fill out this short form for a chance to be featured!Wanna collaborate with WarriorBabe? Click HERE! Follow Nikkiey and WarriorBabe's Socials:WarriorBabe - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | WebsiteNikkiey - Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Welcome to The Macro Hour Podcast, where we talk about mindset, methodology, and tactics that will help you lose body fat, build muscle, be strong, and feel insanely confident. We've got a no-bullshit, no-nonsense approach with a lot of love and heart to help you reach your goals.

Gregory Offner is the Founder and CEO of Global Performance Institute, an award-winning keynote speaker, and the author of The Tip Jar Culture: How to Re-Engage and Reignite Your Workforce.In this conversation, we explore his journey from dueling pianist to professional speaker, the career-altering vocal cord injury that forced him to pivot, and how he now helps leaders drive workforce engagement. We also dive into the evolving role of AI in workplace culture and discuss strategies for creating a more fulfilling employee experience.EPISODE LINKS:Gregory Offner's Website: https://www.gregoryoffner.com/meeting-planners/Gregory Offner on Twitter: https://x.com/gregoryoffnerjrGregory Offner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryoffnerjr/TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Intro and background00:01:18 The Art of Dueling Pianos00:12:52 Transition to Keynote Speaking00:16:43 The Power of Strangers and Seeking Help00:18:00 Taking the Leap: From Idea to Action00:21:00 Virtual Piano Bar: Innovating in Crisis00:22:00 Networking, Support and Authenticity00:25:00 Creating Impact: Speaking and Beyond00:27:00 Strategies for Keeping Employees Engaged00:30:00 ClosingCONNECT:Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurrayYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurrayTwitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurrayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurrayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurrayRSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Anthony and Alex are back at the helm of another Bollotta-FIDE and they had the pleasure of bringing back Speaker, Leadership Coach and Best Selling Author, CEO of MindShift Labs MIKE LEE. On Mike's first appearance we learned about his Keynote Speaking and how emotional challenges lead to the start of his business journey (See episode 73. A Shift of Mind(fulness) with Mike Lee) and now Mike returns as author on his new book, "New Rules for the Future of Leadership". The group get deeper into what his experiences have blossomed into now. Taking the stress of the world and pushing forward and creating success and quieting down all the noise (like from smart phones) and creating a higher level of awareness and leading with intention. Shift in and Listen Up.Submit questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcastFollow @BollottaEntertainment on InstagramConnect with Mike Lee at www.mindshiftlabs.com

ABOUT OUR GUEST:  Bose Akadiri is a Motivational Speaker, Corporate Trainer and founder of Goal and Grind LLC where she partners with high achievers to turn their dreams into their reality using her 5 step Vision and Goals Method(™). Renowned for her dynamic corporate workshops where Bose empowers dreams, elevates teams and transforms organizations. In addition to Goal and Grind, she has led a distinguished career in Corporate Social Responsibility at Boeing, Salesforce, and JPMorgan Chase.  Bose is an IMPACT Fellow with the Chicago Urban League, Ladies of Virtue Board Member, She Shines Honoree by Girls Inc. of Chicago, 40 under 40 honoree by OKC Biz Magazine, Leadership Oklahoma City alumnae and was named by ionOklahoma Magazine as a 30/30 Next Generation of Leaders.    TO GET YOUR COPY OF THE ROADMAP: https://talk.ac/bose?code=EWPODCAST2025 CONNECT WITH BOSE & GOAL AND GRIND Website: https://www.goalandgrind.com Keynote Speaking & Corporate Workshop Topics: https://www.goalandgrind.com/speaking Email: bose@goalandgrind.com IG Page: @goalandgrind LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boseakadiri/LinkedIn Company Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goalandgrind/ YouTube Channel: @goalandgrind EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKSBCG Work: Enjoying Work Matters More Than You May RealizeEmpowering Women in Industry MembershipEmpowering Women in Industry MagazineEmpowering Women in Industry WebsiteEmpowering Women in Industry Virtual Events (Including Book Club and Membership Circles) QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS“I am building the business case for joy.”“Bring more joy, goals, and purpose to the world.”“I believe goal crushing is a team sport.”“Joy is the foundation of goal setting not just the reward.”“I attribute my tenacity and being able to go after it to my mother. She's my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, and my biggest advocate.  She has never asked me ‘why'; she has always said ‘how'.”“We're not trying to place external expectations onto our lives. We are focused on inner joy.”Four Areas of Life:  Personal, Professional, Health, and Financial“Vision and Goals method helps people to be strategic with their life, productive in their career, consistent with their health, and intentional about their finances.” BCG Finding:  Employees who enjoy their work are 49% less likely to be looking for outside employment. Where Bose finds joy:  “I have to pour into myself. Focusing on wins on a regular basis.”

Mindset Guru and NBA/WNBA Trainer "JD" shares what he is learning from keynote speaking to teams, businesses and organizations!

Robin Waite, founder of Fearless Business, coach, bestselling author, and speaker takes us on his journey from university side hustles to leading a successful web design agency, and ultimately finding his passion in coaching and mentoring business owners. Robin dives deep into the game-changing lessons every entrepreneur needs: Why selling time for money limits your potential. How to master pricing and shift your money mindset. The power of communicating your value with confidence. Discover practical strategies to double your income with half the clients, improve your business approach, and make your shot count—in both life and entrepreneurship! If you're ready to level up, this episode is your roadmap to success. Don't miss it! 00:00 Introduction to Money-Back Guarantees 00:14 Meet Robin Waite: Entrepreneur and Coach 00:45 Robin's Entrepreneurial Journey 01:34 Transition to Coaching 03:14 The Importance of Pricing and Money Mindset 09:46 Effective Sales Conversations 18:00 The Concept of Fearless Business 22:11 Balancing Family and Business Ambitions 23:25 Facing Mortality and Taking Your Shot 23:55 Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care 26:06 Keynote Speaking and Business Insights 29:18 Entrepreneurial Mistakes and Lessons Learned 30:37 Hiring Strategies and Revenue Generation 33:47 Final Thoughts and Resources 35:21 Reflecting on Fearlessness and Ambition

“...And the reason for five degrees is that 5 % of our behavior is self-regulated willpower, which means 95 % is habit. The only way that we can create lasting change is through incremental steps.”   Episode summary | In this final episode of 2024, Shannon Cassidy introduces the Five Degree Principle, a framework designed to facilitate meaningful change through small, incremental steps. She discusses the importance of sustainable change in leadership and announces the launch of her new online course, 'The Power of Five Degree Change,' which aims to provide actionable lessons for personal and professional transformation.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | The Five Degree Principle helps leaders create meaningful change. 95% of our behavior is driven by habit, not willpower. Small intentional adjustments can lead to significant results. The new online course offers a comprehensive learning experience. Sustainable change is achievable through incremental steps. Celebrating small changes can lead to a more impactful leadership journey. Host Bio | Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of Bridge Between, Inc. a boutique leadership development firm specializing in generous leadership, behavioral change, executive presence, effective  communication, collaborative teamwork, and conflict resolution. She provides Executive Coaching, Facilitation (team sessions, mentoring programs, leadership retreats, executive workshops, mediation services) and Keynote Speaking (conferences, annual events, ceremonies) all custom designed. This is her podcast, R.O.G. Return on Generosity focusing on how to be a corporate generous leader by sharing time, talent and gratitude.  Shannon combines her keen ability to get to the heart of every matter with a proven track record as a corporate leader. Before founding Bridge Between, Inc. she spent years building profitable businesses and driving innovation and leadership initiatives. This real-world experience formed the bedrock of her success. She equips her clients with the strategies, tools, and inspiration to thrive during organizational change and to lead with vision, purpose, and generosity.  Shannon has authored several articles and books including Discover Your Inner Strength (2009), The Five Degree Principle: How Small Changes Lead to Big Results (2013), V.I.B.E. A Self-Discovery Journey to Authentic Leadership (2014) and Grounded in Gratitude a one-line-a –day, five-year gratitude journal (2015-2023). Her current efforts focus on the benefits of Generosity at Work.   Resources: Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  Free Generosity Quiz  YouTube  Bridge Between, Inc.  The Five Degree Principle by Shannon Cassidy V.I.B.E. by Shannon Cassidy  R.O.G. on Apple Podcasts  R.O.G. on Spotify  Credits: Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 214, Special Guests, Jeff Benton and Brett Weinroth.

"While letting out a curse or cuss word might feel harmless in the moment, it can leave unintended impressions and even disrupt the professional culture we work so hard to build. I am guilty and need this lesson more than anyone." Host Bio: Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of Bridge Between, Inc. a boutique leadership development firm specializing in generous leadership, behavioral change, executive presence, effective communication, collaborative teamwork, and conflict resolution. She provides Executive Coaching, Facilitation (team sessions, mentoring programs, leadership retreats, executive workshops, mediation services) and Keynote Speaking (conferences, annual events, ceremonies) all custom designed. This is her podcast, R.O.G. Return on Generosity focusing on how to be a corporate generous leader by sharing time, talent and gratitude.  Shannon combines her keen ability to get to the heart of every matter with a proven track record as a corporate leader. Before founding Bridge Between, Inc. she spent years building profitable businesses and driving innovation and leadership initiatives. This real-world experience formed the bedrock of her success. She equips her clients with the strategies, tools, and inspiration to thrive during organizational change and to lead with vision, purpose, and generosity.  Shannon has authored several articles and books including Discover Your Inner Strength (2009), The Five Degree Principle: How Small Changes Lead to Big Results (2013), V.I.B.E. A Self-Discovery Journey to Authentic Leadership (2014) and Grounded in Gratitude a one-line-a –day, five-year gratitude journal (2015-2023). Her current efforts focus on the benefits of Generosity at Work. R.O.G. Takeaway Tips: Before swearing,  Acknowledge your reaction and identify the emotion behind it.   Get creative with substitute words.   Use empowering phrases like, ‘Alright, let's figure this out.'   Pause before you react. Resources: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ShannonCassidybb  Bridge Between, Inc. https://bridgebetween.com The Five Degree Principle by Shannon Cassidy V.I.B.E. by Shannon Cassidy  R.O.G. on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r-o-g-return-on-generosity/id1508207492  R.O.G. on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1L9UnWdoiAX8MtRKXjdPY3  Video of this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/PNfiBD-2PLI  Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/  Free Generosity Quiz https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/  Credits: Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 211, Special Guest, Susan McPherson.

In this electrifying episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond, we sit down with the dynamic Erica Rooney—author, speaker, coach, and podcaster. Erica is on a mission to equip leaders and change-makers with the tools they need to shatter limitations and toxic behaviors, fostering infinite possibilities in their lives and careers. Lou Diamond gets to the heart of Erica's journey, from her early days in the health and wellness sector to her pivot into HR, climbing to the C-suite, and ultimately stepping into entrepreneurship. Expect to hear about her empowering book and podcast, Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, as well as her science-backed SNAP method, a transformative tool designed to help you identify and break free from limiting beliefs. Erica opens up about her own sticky floors and how she took the brave step of leaving her corporate job to pursue her passion. She shares invaluable insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and toxic relationships, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to snap out of their limiting mindset and thrive. Highlights include: Erica's journey from personal training to the executive suite. An in-depth look at the SNAP method and how it can change your life. Discussions on breaking glass ceilings and the little-known sticky floors that hold us back. Personal anecdotes and actionable advice on self-worth and courage. Join Lou and Erica as they delve into the strategies and mindsets that can help you break free from your limiting beliefs and thrive louder than ever. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation! Tune in to this episode now and get ready to Thrive LouD! Links and Resources: Connect with Erica Rooney: www.ericaandersonrooney.com Follow Erica on LinkedIn: Erica Rooney Follow Erica on Instagram: @ericaandersonrooney Check out Erica's podcast and book: Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors Remember to subscribe, rate, and review Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us bring you inspiring content every week! ***CONNECT WITH LOU DIAMOND & THRIVE LOUD***

"...you can increase the potential of having a visit that respects everyone's needs and isn't a letdown." Host Bio: Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of Bridge Between, Inc. a boutique leadership development firm specializing in generous leadership, behavioral change, executive presence, effective communication, collaborative teamwork, and conflict resolution. She provides Executive Coaching, Facilitation (team sessions, mentoring programs, leadership retreats, executive workshops, mediation services) and Keynote Speaking (conferences, annual events, ceremonies) all custom designed. This is her podcast, R.O.G. Return on Generosity focusing on how to be a corporate generous leader by sharing time, talent and gratitude.  Shannon combines her keen ability to get to the heart of every matter with a proven track record as a corporate leader. Before founding Bridge Between, Inc. she spent years building profitable businesses and driving innovation and leadership initiatives. This real-world experience formed the bedrock of her success. She equips her clients with the strategies, tools, and inspiration to thrive during organizational change and to lead with vision, purpose, and generosity.  Shannon has authored several articles and books including Discover Your Inner Strength (2009), The Five Degree Principle: How Small Changes Lead to Big Results (2013), V.I.B.E. A Self-Discovery Journey to Authentic Leadership (2014) and Grounded in Gratitude a one-line-a –day, five-year gratitude journal (2015-2023). Her current efforts focus on the benefits of Generosity at Work. R.O.G. Takeaway Tips: Birds returning to the nest? Have visitors this holiday? Here are some tips:  Set Clear Expectations Together Respect Their Newfound Independence Create Moments for Connection Without Pressure Resources: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ShannonCassidybb  Bridge Between, Inc. https://bridgebetween.com The Five Degree Principle by Shannon Cassidy V.I.B.E. by Shannon Cassidy  R.O.G. on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r-o-g-return-on-generosity/id1508207492  R.O.G. on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1L9UnWdoiAX8MtRKXjdPY3  Video of this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/PNfiBD-2PLI  Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/  Free Generosity Quiz https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/  Credits: Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 209, Special Guest, Van Lai-DuMone.

Kim Groshek is the founder and CEO of Dynamic (Lifeful) Habits, a platform dedicated to empowering high achievers and C-suite leaders to maximize their potential through intentional living, self-love, and genuine human connections.Kim's clientele includes global C-suite executives, change-makers, and top speakers seeking strategic innovation and transformative growth.Dynamic (Lifeful) Habits provides a range of services aimed at fostering personal and professional development, including:- Keynote Speaking and Workshops in which Kim empowers audiences with actionable insights on achieving success without burnout, leveraging AI tools for efficiency, and embracing strategic simplicity.- Mentorship and Coaching with provides personalized programs designed to help individuals and organizations optimize their performance, enhance leadership skills, and navigate complex challenges with resilience.and-Community Building and Networking in which Kim facilitates connections among like-minded leaders and fosters collaboration and support for achieving mutual goals and aspirations.Here's where to find more:Pause==> https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicepauseRevitalize==>https://www.facebook.com/groups/top100leadersinrevitalizegloba…Exclusive Elite Network==>https://www.facebook.com/groups/exclusiveelitenetworkhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kgroshekhttps://revitalizeglobal.com___________________________________________________________Welcome to The Unforget Yourself Show where we use the power of woo and the proof of science to help you identify your blind spots, and get over your own bullshit so that you can do the fucking thing you ACTUALLY want to do!We're Mark and Katie, the founders of Unforget Yourself and the creators of the Unforget Yourself System and on this podcast, we're here to share REAL conversations about what goes on inside the heart and minds of those brave and crazy enough to start their own business. From the accidental entrepreneur to the laser-focused CEO, we find out how they got to where they are today, not by hearing the go-to story of their success, but talking about how we all have our own BS to deal with and it's through facing ourselves that we find a way to do the fucking thing.Along the way, we hope to show you that YOU are the most important asset in your business (and your life - duh!). Being a business owner is tough! With vulnerability and humor, we get to the real story behind their success and show you that you're not alone._____________________Find all our links to all the things like the socials, how to work with us and how to apply to be on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/unforgetyourself

"Take a mindful pause." In this episode of the ROG Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy discusses the habit of judging others and offers practical steps to reduce judgment and foster a more generous mindset. The conversation emphasizes the importance of curiosity, mindful pauses, reframing judgments, and setting intentions to cultivate empathy and understanding in our interactions with others. Host Bio: Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of Bridge Between, Inc. a boutique leadership development firm specializing in generous leadership, behavioral change, executive presence, effective communication, collaborative teamwork, and conflict resolution. She provides Executive Coaching, Facilitation (team sessions, mentoring programs, leadership retreats, executive workshops, mediation services) and Keynote Speaking (conferences, annual events, ceremonies) all custom designed. This is her podcast, R.O.G. Return on Generosity focusing on how to be a corporate generous leader by sharing time, talent and gratitude.  Shannon combines her keen ability to get to the heart of every matter with a proven track record as a corporate leader. Before founding Bridge Between, Inc. she spent years building profitable businesses and driving innovation and leadership initiatives. This real-world experience formed the bedrock of her success. She equips her clients with the strategies, tools, and inspiration to thrive during organizational change and to lead with vision, purpose, and generosity.  Shannon has authored several articles and books including Discover Your Inner Strength (2009), The Five Degree Principle: How Small Changes Lead to Big Results (2013), V.I.B.E. A Self-Discovery Journey to Authentic Leadership (2014) and Grounded in Gratitude a one-line-a –day, five-year gratitude journal (2015-2023). Her current efforts focus on the benefits of Generosity at Work. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Generosity and Judgment 02:53 Shifting from Judgment to Curiosity 04:47 Mindful Pauses and Self-Reflection R.O.G. Takeaway Tips: Judging others is a natural habit we can learn to reduce. Approaching situations with curiosity fosters empathy. Mindful pauses can help us catch judgments before they escalate. Reframing judgments into neutral observations opens up understanding. Setting intentions for generosity is a conscious choice we must make daily. Judgment can hinder effective leadership and connection with others. We often judge in others what we struggle with ourselves. Treating others as we wish to be treated can transform interactions. Small shifts in mindset can lead to significant changes in behavior. Every act of kindness contributes to a more generous world. Resources: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ShannonCassidybb  Bridge Between, Inc. https://bridgebetween.com The Five Degree Principle by Shannon Cassidy V.I.B.E. by Shannon Cassidy  R.O.G. on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r-o-g-return-on-generosity/id1508207492  R.O.G. on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1L9UnWdoiAX8MtRKXjdPY3  Video of this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/PNfiBD-2PLI  Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/  Free Generosity Quiz https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/  Credits: Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 207, Special Guest, Rashida Ricketts.

Today we explore the extraordinary journey of becoming an Olympic athlete and the fine line that separates good from great. Discover the intense dedication, mental toughness, and strategic planning required to reach the pinnacle of sports. But the insights don't stop there—these principles are equally applicable to the world of real estate. Tune in to learn how the discipline, perseverance, and commitment of Olympic athletes can inspire realtors to elevate their careers. Whether you're aiming to close more deals or build stronger client relationships, this episode offers invaluable lessons to help you achieve greatness. Don't miss out on these powerful strategies that can take your real estate game to the next level. What It Takes to Become an Olympic Athlete Dedication and Discipline: Olympic athletes commit to rigorous training schedules, often practicing multiple times a day, seven days a week. This level of dedication requires significant personal sacrifices, including time away from family and friends and foregoing other interests Mental Toughness: The psychological aspect of training is just as important as the physical. Athletes must develop resilience to overcome setbacks and maintain focus under pressure. Mental training, including visualization and meditation, is a crucial part of their regimen Support System: Success in the Olympics isn't achieved alone. Athletes rely on coaches, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and a supportive network of family and friends. This team helps manage all aspects of their training and recovery Adaptability and Continuous Improvement: Athletes constantly analyze their performance and make adjustments to improve. They are adaptable, learning from each competition and evolving their techniques and strategies to stay ahead of the competition Applying These Methods to Real Estate Dedication and Discipline: Realtors need to adopt a similar level of dedication to their craft. This means setting aside time for continuous education, staying updated with market trends, and dedicating time each day to prospecting and client follow-ups. Mental Toughness: The real estate market is competitive and can be unpredictable. Realtors must develop resilience to deal with deals falling through, difficult clients, and market fluctuations. Techniques like stress management, meditation, and maintaining a positive outlook can help. Support System: Building a strong network is crucial. Realtors should surround themselves with mentors, join real estate groups, and foster relationships with other professionals like mortgage brokers, inspectors, and lawyers who can provide valuable support and referrals Adaptability and Continuous Improvement: Just like athletes, realtors need to continuously analyze their performance and seek ways to improve. This could involve taking new courses, seeking feedback from clients, and staying adaptable to new technologies and marketing strategies By adopting the methods and mindset of Olympic athletes, realtors can elevate their careers from good to great, achieving success in the competitive world of real estate. For Real Estate Agent Coaching and Keynote Speaking  email: info@gorealestatemastery.com For more about our Coaching offers visit our website https://www.gorealestatemastery.com/coachingoffer

Have you ever heard a presentation (or speech) that made you feel like you were listening to your favorite throwback—simply because your head was continuously nodding in agreement?If so, I'm gonna guess you felt yourself immersed in the stories the speaker was telling. And guess what? That wasn't by accident.In this short-n-sweet episode, I'm going to teach you how to do exactly THAT. Get ready to learn the secrets behind crafting a speech that captivates, resonates, and leaves your audience nodding along every step of the way.Click play to hear all of this and…(00:00:50) How to grab your audience's attention from the very beginning.(00:05:20) My advice on organizing the “main content” of your speech or presentation.(00:07:15) The best way to insert facts, statistics, and personal stories (to build credibility and strengthen your main points.)(00:09:18) The importance of smooth transitions (and how to apply them!) to guide listeners from one subject to another and help them digest the information.(00:10:14) My favorite engagement techniques to connect with the audience.For full show notes, visitjasminestar.com/podcast/episode442Join Social Curator >HERE< before doors close (Friday, June 21st at 5pm PT) to get $100 off and start participating in LIVE classes, workshops, and coaching sessions. You'll also get access to Dottie - your digital social media manager - who quickly understands your business and creates customized content in your voice using the proven Social Curator framework for engagement.