“The speaking industry is one that has been around for generations…And it has survived wars, depressions, recessions, 9/11, pandemics, and it’s not going anywhere.”Navigating the speaking industry can seem daunting with its ever-shifting trends and economic uncertainties. So this week, drawing from his extensive experience in the field, Shawn Hanks offers his seasoned perspective on how speakers can thrive amidst these changes.Shawn discusses the current optimism in the event market despite past economic caution as a result of the pandemic. Event planners are investing wisely in speakers who offer real strategic solutions, not just entertainment. This reinforces the importance of aligning speaking content with what organizations seek. The episode also highlights the enduring value of live events. While virtual events gained traction, they haven't supplanted the critical face-to-face human interaction that live gatherings offer.Additionally, Shawn advises speakers to balance staying current with trends like AI, without losing sight of timeless topics such as leadership or innovation. Authenticity remains crucial—chasing trends for the sake of visibility may backfire, but sticking to your core passions ensures long-term success. This adaptability while staying true to your message is key to maintaining a successful speaking career. For speakers, whether new or seasoned, Shawn's insights offer guidance on crafting a fulfilling and enduring career in the speaking industry!You’ll learn:The nature of public speakingThe state of the speaking industryGrowth and trends in the speaking industry for 2025How economic considerations impact speakersThe future of the speaking industryContent evolution for speakersAnd much, much more!“Event planners aren’t booking a speaker, they are solving a problem and the speaker is the avenue to solve that problem.”Episode ResourcesShawn’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

“We use visual tools and common language, so we share tools as if they’re mirrors so that the mirror does the heavy lifting and you get self awareness through looking at the mirror.”Navigating the world of speaking and building a unique brand can be daunting in the early stages of your career. So this week on The Speaker Lab Podcast, Jeremie Kubicek joins Grant Baldwin to shed light on the strategic integration of speaking into a broader mission. Jeremie's journey into the content space began with a strong focus on vision, aiming not just for individual fame, but for a transformative impact on leadership culture worldwide.Throughout the episode, Jeremie highlights the importance of aligning speaking with your overarching vision and mission. He discusses the unique business model he's built, which involves seven hundred coaches and consultants speaking on his content, enabling a scalable impact without the sole reliance on his personal speaking engagements. This model fosters long-term partnerships and creates sustainable revenue streams beyond the traditional cycle of publishing and promoting books. However, being at the forefront of this innovative model comes with its own set of challenges, prompting Jeremie to share insights into the balance between content creation and personal engagement.Jeremie and Grant’s conversation offers invaluable lessons in creating content that transcends individual endeavors. By focusing on building a lasting enterprise, speakers can find a path that aligns with both personal and professional goals. With a new book on the horizon, Jeremie exemplifies how to harness speaking as a pivotal component of a larger, mission-driven business strategy. This episode is packed with guidance for those looking to innovate and grow their speaking careers, whether they are just starting out or seeking the next level of impact!You’ll learn:Strategies for leadership cultureRole of speaking in spreading contentModel of licensing contentDifferentiating personal vision from competitionJeremie’s personal journey into speakingBuilding and managing major eventsBest practices for speakersUsing AI in content creationAnd much, much more!“I want to take more time on the front end to really, really know and understand what [speakers] are trying to accomplish.”Episode ResourcesJeremie’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I knew it was important for me as I built my business to develop markers of credibility, and that would make everything easier. Like the wind is at your back when you have enough credentials that people can say, ‘I'll listen to her.’”In this episode of The Speaker Lab Podcast, host Grant Baldwin is joined by Dorie Clark to talk about an important topic for every speaker — establishing yourself as a thought leader. Dorie breaks down how she manages the tension between choosing a niche and maintaining her broader interests, as well as her primary strategy of letting the market decide for her.The episode also explores the three pillars of thought leadership, as outlined by Dorie: content creation, social proof, and networking. Dorie shares her experiences with building social proof, including the rigorous process of cold pitching to prestigious business schools and publications, a key step on her journey to gaining credibility and establishing authority.Grant and Dorie also discuss the importance of balancing immediate financial needs with long-term strategic goals. They emphasize the necessity of dedicating time to long-term projects while managing day-to-day responsibilities, drawing on principles like the manager and maker day framework to optimize productivity.Throughout the conversation, Dorie provides actionable insights into the practice of thought leadership, such as the importance of nurturing influential connections and choosing a content medium that aligns with personal strengths and interests. This episode is packed with valuable advice for speakers and entrepreneurs looking to elevate their careers through strategic thought leadership and effective brand positioning.You’ll learn:Why you should create intellectual propertyThe importance of building multiple revenue streamsThe concept and components of thought leadershipStrategies on niching and market choicesCold pitching and building social proofHow to balance immediate revenue needs with long-term planningAnd much, much more!“The upshot of all these situations where people said send me some stuff and then didn’t respond, meant that I had this reservoir of pitch ideas.”Episode ResourcesDorie’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jon Acuff, a renowned speaker and author, dives into the intricacies of excelling in the speaking industry. He shares insights on transitioning from a solopreneur to a business owner, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and community engagement. Jon discusses his successful speaking model, the balance between keynote speeches and longer training sessions, and how pushing beyond comfort zones fosters growth. He also addresses the challenges of honest self-assessment and shares strategies for creating engaging content, including live events that enhance audience interaction.

Taylorr Payne, co-founder of SpeakerFlow, is an expert in simplifying business strategies for speakers and entrepreneurs. He discusses the power of simplicity in crafting a successful speaking business, focusing on mastering one core product and resisting distractions from new technologies. Taylorr highlights the importance of aligning business ventures with personal passions and the necessity of adapting to challenges. Listeners are encouraged to embrace simplicity, prioritize their goals, and build a business that fits their lifestyle, avoiding the endless chase for growth.

“It’s your vision that influences which way you go. Because you’ve already thought about it ahead of time.”In this episode of The Speaker Lab podcast, Erick Rheam joins us to talk about what it takes to navigate the chaotic and often overwhelming journey of being a speaker and entrepreneur. You've probably heard Erick on the show before, but today he's sharing a different side of things with candid advice drawn from his own rock-bottom moment and the life-changing principles he discovered to rise above the chaos.Erick's journey is a compelling blend of personal and professional growth, underscored by moments of introspection and dramatic change. From his early struggles in 2005—marked by personal and professional setbacks—to discovering his 'why' and taming the inner beast, Erick provides a riveting narrative that is both inspiring and practical for anyone looking to succeed in the speaking industry. He touches on the importance of living with clarity, leveraging encouragement, and mastering human dynamics, all essential tools for rising above life's challenges.Through Erick's story, listeners gain valuable lessons on embracing their spiritual journey, managing their energy and priorities, and building meaningful connections. Erick underscores the idea that significance and peace come not from a lack of chaos but from rising above it with intention and purpose.Whether you're a new speaker or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt anecdotes that encourage you to chart your path to significance. So tune in, and equip yourself with the wisdom to rise above the chaos and live a life of meaning and influence!You’ll learn:Erick's rise above chaos frameworkEmbracing your spiritual journeyTaming your inner criticHow to leverage encouragementIgniting your influenceMastering communication and human dynamicsAnd much, much more!“Ask yourself what makes you come alive and do that.”Episode ResourcesErick’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brittany Richmond-Roberts, a teen mental health speaker, shares her transformative journey from counseling to captivating youth audiences. She emphasizes the power of personal storytelling and the growing acceptance of mental health topics in schools. Brittany reveals how she leverages social media to connect with decision-makers and build relationships. Plus, she discusses using AI, like ChatGPT, to streamline her speaking business. Ultimately, she inspires listeners to value the journey of building a speaking career, focusing on authenticity and growth.

Brandon Edmonson, Sales Director for Premier Speakers Bureau, shares his wealth of knowledge on booking speaking gigs. He emphasizes the need for speed in responding to inquiries to secure opportunities. Brandon talks about asking strategic questions to unlock client needs and expectations. He highlights the importance of building strong relationships with event planners and adding value in interactions. Additionally, he covers the nuances of setting consistent speaker fees and managing travel expenses effectively, all crucial for career growth in public speaking.

In this engaging discussion, Arel Moodie, a talented speaker known for his strategies in finding paid gigs, shares invaluable insights on growing a speaking business. He emphasizes the importance of 'spinoff business' and building a solid reputation. Arel discusses the significance of networking, nurturing relationships, and leveraging tools like Talkadot to enhance audience engagement and feedback. Plus, he shares personal challenges and practical tactics to create lasting opportunities. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their speaking career!