From Google Exec to Speaker: A Story of Courage and Perseverance with Jenny Wood
Mar 25, 2025
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Jenny Wood, a former Google executive turned public speaker and author of "Wild Courage," shares her remarkable journey of transformation. She discusses the emotional challenges of leaving a secure job to embrace entrepreneurship. Jenny highlights the importance of persistent self-improvement and the battle against imposter syndrome. She also emphasizes using her book as a tool for engagement and meaningful connections. Listeners gain insights into personal branding, pricing strategies, and the power of authenticity in both speaking and writing.
Jenny Wood's transition from a stable corporate role to public speaking showcases the power of authenticity and courage in pursuing one’s passion.
Continuous improvement and self-reflection are crucial strategies for speakers, as demonstrated by Jenny's dedication to refining her craft through feedback and practice.
Deep dives
The Power of a Unique Marketing Asset
A unique marketing asset can significantly enhance a speaker's ability to secure lucrative speaking engagements, as demonstrated by Dan Irvin, who booked over $36,000 in gigs without a website or social media presence. This asset serves as a foundational tool that can be created quickly and effectively, allowing aspiring speakers to promote themselves and attract opportunities. The discussion emphasizes the value of understanding how to utilize this tool in the speaking business, suggesting that even without traditional marketing strategies, success is achievable. Free training on building and employing this asset is available, highlighting its accessibility for newcomers to the speaking industry.
Diversified Revenue Streams in Speaking
Diversifying income sources is essential for speakers like Jenny Wood, who operates in multiple capacities, including keynote speaking, corporate consulting, and one-on-one coaching. This approach not only provides financial stability but also enriches her brand by showcasing expertise across various platforms. Jenny notes that while books can act as a business card to attract speaking gigs, they often do not generate direct income but serve as a valuable tool for promoting her speaking services. This diversified strategy allows her to engage with different audiences and adapt her offerings to meet various client needs.
Transforming Corporate Experience into Speaking Success
Jenny Wood's extensive experience at Google has significantly shaped her speaking career, transitioning from internal presentations to external engagements. Her journey began with a well-received internal training that attracted 2,000 attendees, igniting her passion for public speaking and mentorship. Utilizing her corporate background and the credibility it brings, she now focuses on sharing insights about navigating workplace politics and leadership development. This foundation allows her to connect authentically with audiences outside of Google, as she leverages her unique insights and experience.
Continuous Improvement and the Challenge of Imposter Syndrome
Jenny emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement in her speaking craft, dedicating time to review her performances and gather feedback for enhancement. This meticulous approach includes watching recordings of her talks multiple times, assessing elements like pacing and audience engagement. Despite her success, she often experiences imposter syndrome, questioning her credibility and impact on diverse audiences. By striving for personal growth and relying on positive audience feedback, she balances her self-doubt with the encouragement she receives from attendees and peers, reinforcing her commitment to her craft.
“If you are thinking about doing something long term, test it internally, be an intrapreneur, right? Go create something amazing for your company and see if you enjoy doing it.”
Jenny Wood's transition from a high-flying Google executive to an influential public speaker is nothing short of inspiring. After spending eighteen years at Google, Jenny chose to follow her passion for public speaking, resulting in a story of passion, relentless improvement, and the power of authenticity. She joins us today to share her experiences, the nitty-gritty of making it as a speaker, and the wisdom she’s garnered along the way.
One crucial element of Jenny’s approach is her dedication to constantly improving her craft. By working with a keynote consultant and continuously analyzing her presentations, she shows that learning and adapting are key to success in speaking. Jenny is also candid about dealing with imposter syndrome and the challenges of leaving a secure job, demonstrating that courage is essential when facing the unknown.
Furthermore, a significant part of Jenny’s strategy has been leveraging her book, Wild Courage, as a tool to establish her voice in the market. She uses it not just as a revenue source, but as a means to spark meaningful conversations and draw connections with her audience. Understanding the business side of speaking, from setting fees to engaging with speaker bureaus, is another area where Jenny offers valuable insights.
Jenny’s journey highlights the importance of embracing one's unique voice. Her story teaches us that success is about being true to oneself, learning from failures, and continually striving for excellence. For those starting out in speaking, Jenny’s experience is a beacon, showing that with dedication and strategic planning, a fulfilling speaking career is within reach.
You’ll learn:
Jenny’s speaker pricing strategy
About Jenny’s book launch
Multiple revenue streams and book profitability
If books are necessary for personal branding
Jenny’s transition from corporate to speaking
Challenges of entrepreneurship
Overcoming fear and uncertainty
Combating imposter syndrome
And much, much more!
“There was some level of high net freedom that was appealing to me of just being on my own.”