The Speaker Lab Podcast

In this engaging discussion, leadership expert Marcy Grossman and networking specialist Michael Foreman share tips for elevating their speaking careers. Marcy emphasizes the need for clarity while balancing her diverse services, advocating for consistent outreach. Michael reveals how to tap into existing relationships to secure new gigs. Both guests receive coaching on revitalizing their pipelines by treating free gigs like paid ones, and the importance of nurturing their networks to turn one opportunity into many. Get ready for some actionable insights!

“I have a friend who used to call it putting the cookies on a lower shelf. And you want to say to the audience things that they can absolutely understand and they can take action on and that are not confusing.”What really sets the best speakers apart? This week on The Speaker Lab, host Grant Baldwin chats with Donald Miller, author, entrepreneur, and creator of the StoryBrand framework, about how to become the kind of speaker event planners and audiences remember.Donald’s golden rule? If you confuse, you lose. Rather than trying to sound smart or fancy, focus on making your message unmistakably clear. Simple, repeatable soundbites are the key to winning hearts and growing your impact. And instead of trying to be everything to everyone, Donald urges speakers to solve a specific problem. Dialing in on your area of expertise makes you the go-to choice and helps book more gigs, not fewer.In regard to feelings of imposter syndrome, speakers don’t need to know everything, just more than their audience. Donald reminds speakers that they’re not the hero, they’re the guide, and if they can help their audience win, they’ll stand out for all the right reasons. Packed with wisdom you can put into action today, this episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to master both the art and business of getting booked—and remembered—as a speaker. Don’t miss it!You’ll learn:Following proven communication principles over improvisationHow the StoryBrand framework clarifies and structures messagingDefining your niche as a speakerEstablishing authority by knowing your subjectPositioning your audience as the heroPrioritizing clarity over cleverness in communicationUsing both speaking and writing to refine your contentAnd much, much more!“The more niched down you get, the more likely you are to be on stages.”Episode ResourcesDonald’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet 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.

“When speakers communicate directly with the clients and leave me out of the communication, it can get fuzzy. And there have been times when that’s happened and logistical details have not occurred and it has cost somebody money.”Behind every outstanding speaking event is a world of logistics, relationships, and attention to detail that most audiences never see. On this week’s episode of The Speaker Lab, host Grant Baldwin chats with Lori Kennedy from Premier Speakers Bureau, an Advance Agent, who has mastered the art of making events run smoothly.Lori unpacks the critical steps that set the best speakers apart, from executing contracts and managing travel to handling last-minute changes with calm professionalism. Her candid stories from the field highlight the importance of flexibility, communication, and always having a Plan B.For speakers aiming to build strong, long-term relationships with event planners and bureaus, Lori emphasizes the power of simple habits like responding quickly to emails, keeping commitments, and always looping your team in on changes. She shares why being easy to work with is just as crucial as what you do on stage, and how thoughtful touches like thank-you notes or a quick text that you’ve arrived can make all the difference.Packed with actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen whether you’re just starting or looking to elevate your reputation. From pre-event preparation to making a lasting impression after the applause, Lori’s wisdom will help you become the kind of speaker event planners can’t wait to work with again!You’ll learn:The meaning and responsibilities of an advanced agentRisks associated with speakers handling logistics independentlyBest practices for booking travelRoles of agents in contract creation and executionTips for making event logistics smoother for everyone involvedThe importance of personalized connection before, during, and after eventsAnd much, much more!“I am doing logistics, or what we call advancing the event, and therefore the word advanced agent…and before you go to the venue, you have to have everything set up…and so advancing was always the part that happened before you arrived to make sure that they were ready when you arrived.”Episode ResourcesLori’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet 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.

“Content is still important, but content is much more of a commodity. So the premise has to be that we’ve got to create something…It has to include conversation, it has to include community, it has to include the idea that there’s going to be something that’s analog that happens.”In this week’s episode of The Speaker Lab, Grant Baldwin chats with Brad Lomenick about what truly makes speakers memorable. Brad’s big takeaway is that being great to work with matters even more than being the most dynamic person on stage.Brad shares that self-awareness is key: know your strengths, get feedback, and focus on the type of events where you shine. He also highlights the importance of personal touches like connecting with organizers, knowing your audience, and showing genuine kindness.Ultimately, it’s the offstage moments and relationships you build that lead to lasting success. Want to get booked again and again? Prioritize being a good human, not just a good speaker!You’ll learn:The value of feedback in improving as a communicatorPursuing growth without losing sight of strengthsHow to elicit helpful criticismThe difference between different types of feedbackNavigating the challenge of competing with digital contentBuilding community and trust as a speakerTips for making big rooms feel “smaller”The long-term effect of how speakers treat people off-stageAnd much, much more!“Sometimes our own personal emotions are not the best indicator because we look at [our talk] and go, oh, I crushed it, and the audience looks at it and goes, good intentions.” Episode ResourcesBrad’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet 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.

“...hustle and hard work might get you past a certain project or deadline, but then habits will help you last over the long haul, right? So build a business that doesn’t ultimately break you over time.”What does it take to build a speaking business and a life that lasts? In this week’s episode of The Speaker Lab, host Grant Baldwin sits down with his longtime friend Chris Ducker, who just released his new book, The Long-Haul Leader. Together, they dig into the real strategies behind sustainable success, steering clear of the non-stop hustle that risks burnout.Chris shares candid insights from his entrepreneurial journey and research, emphasizing that while hustle is required in the early days, you can’t stay in high gear forever. Instead, he champions the power of habits, boundaries, and honest self-care, arguing that protecting your energy is more important than squeezing every last minute from your calendar.The episode is packed with valuable advice: how to recognize burnout before it hits, why recovery is a competitive edge, and how to make sure your business supports your life, not the other way around. If you’ve ever wondered how to chase big goals without losing yourself along the way, don’t miss this conversation, and check out Chris’s new book for even more practical wisdom on becoming a true long-haul leader!You’ll learn:Building lasting habits over perpetual hustleRedefining success to include health, relationships, and joyNavigating the nature of starting a businessAligning business priorities to support personal well-beingBig-picture thinking without neglecting current obligationsAbout Chris’ new book The Long-Haul LeaderReframing self-care as strategic, not selfishDistinguishing between busy seasons and burnoutThe importance of adaptabilityAnd much, much more!“What you have to understand is that success, even initially, should not cost you your health, it shouldn’t cost you your family, it shouldn’t cost you your relationships or your joy of the work that you’re doing.”Episode ResourcesChris’ WebsiteThe Long-Haul Leader Book2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet 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.

“A photo in general is not going to win you business, but bad photos are going to lose you your business all the time because it absolutely crushes.”Ever dread getting new headshots or wonder if your photos help your speaking business? On this episode of The Speaker Lab, Grant Baldwin chats with photographer John DeMato about what matters when it comes to imagery and visual storytelling for speakers.John’s best advice is that your branding photos aren’t for you; they’re for your audience. Every image should invite people into your world and show how you help them, building trust and credibility. This means going beyond stiff portraits and staged shots. John stresses having a strategy: your photos should tell the story of who you serve, how you solve problems, and what working with you looks like. Think candid behind-the-scenes moments, action shots, and authentic glimpses of your process, not just you on stage with a mic.Additionally, John advises focusing on natural, in-the-moment photos rather than stiff posing. And while iPhone snaps work for everyday social posts, invest in professionally captured images for your website or speaker kit. Bring outfits you’d wear on stage, choose simple backgrounds, and use natural light to keep things genuine. Most importantly, if your brand changes, refresh your photo library!You’ll learn:The purpose and power of speaker photosDefinition of visual storytelling for speakersStrategic approaches to speaker brandingCommon mistakes speakers make with photographyBuilding authenticity and comfort in photosDealing with skepticismCapturing genuine “magic moments”And much, much more!“[Branding] photos aren’t for you, they’re for them. They’re for the people that you serve.”Episode ResourcesJohn’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet 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.

Bill Blankschaen, the Founder of Story Builders, shares his expertise on impactful storytelling. He emphasizes that a compelling narrative should connect with the audience, solving their problems and helping them see themselves in your journey. Bill discusses the importance of clarity, crafting messages that matter, and understanding your audience. He offers practical tips to overcome self-doubt and navigate opportunities in storytelling. Tune in for valuable insights on building a meaningful platform around your story!

“The mistake I’m seeing a lot of companies make is they’re racing to shove it into a product where they’re trying to drive costs down before the leaders making the call have become AI-driven leaders.”Feeling overwhelmed by AI and unsure how it fits into your speaking business? In this value-packed episode of The Speaker Lab, Grant Baldwin chats with Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven Leader, for a refreshingly practical look at embracing technology without losing your human edge.Geoff shares how speakers should treat AI as a tool, focusing on using it to drive real results and streamline the work that matters most. He introduces straightforward frameworks, like his CRIT method (Context, Role, Interview, Task), to help you get more out of AI, whether you’re prepping your next keynote or brainstorming business strategy.What shines through is the focus on human strengths and meaningful connections. Rather than fearing that AI will make us obsolete, Geoff sees it as a chance for speakers to elevate their unique value and creativity, freeing up more time for what only humans do best.The best strategy for implementing AI is to start small, use it to enhance, not replace, your skills, and keep your conversations, follow-ups, and business development rooted in authenticity. Give the episode a listen and learn how to turn today’s technology into tomorrow’s new opportunities!You’ll learn:The role of AI for speakers and entrepreneursThree core business areas impacted by AIUtilizing AI for high-impact, strategic decisionsUsing AI as a “thought partner, not a thought leaderLeveraging AI for analyzingHow technology changes the skill sets for jobsImportance of adaptability and learning over fear of changeAnd much, much more!“I have a very simple framework for communicating with AI called CRIT: Context, Role, Interview, and Task.”Episode ResourcesGeoff’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet 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.

“The act of you and I exchanging contact information raises the standard that there is going to be a follow up…You want to make that connection and set the expectation right then and there.”Ever left a conference buzzing, only to watch that excitement fizzle when it comes to follow-up? This live coaching session from The Speaker Lab pulls back the curtain on how pros turn event momentum into real speaking business.Facilitator Erick Rheam teams up with speakers Bridget Quigg and Shannon GaNun for a candid conversation about what works and what doesn’t in post-event follow-up. Bridget shares her frustration when promising leads go silent, and Erick offers simple, practical advice: always exchange contact info in person, set clear expectations for next steps, and don’t rely on LinkedIn or mass attendee lists. Real business starts with real, personal connections.Shannon’s question on breaking into corporate gigs leads to another golden nugget: you don’t need a hard pitch. Just mention that you’re available for future engagements. Those off-the-cuff invitations can turn warm applause into future bookings.Above all, this episode is a reminder that success as a speaker lies in small tweaks, human conversations, and showing up consistently. Don’t overcomplicate it, be approachable, follow up promptly, and seize opportunities. Listen in and learn how to make every gig and every follow-up count.You’ll learn:Using a consistent methodology various length talksAuthentic, conversational human interactions on stageOvercoming fear of forgetting points during live presentationsLeaning into your professional background and network for focus areasEffective follow-up strategies after eventsTurning custom items into repeatable assetsOn-stage call-to-action practicesThe SPARK framework (Statistic, Picture, Anecdote, Real-life story)The importance of practicingAnd much, much more!"I believe everybody was created for a unique purpose. And until we learn how to communicate clearly, concisely and confidently, we’ll never be able to fulfill that purpose.”Episode ResourcesErick’s WebsiteBridget’s WebsiteShannon’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet 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 know there's a lot of benefits to automation, but when it came to [outreach], I felt it was very important for me to send personalized emails to each person in my network to tell them what I was doing and ask if I could help."If you’ve ever considered leaving a stable corporate career to pursue something more meaningful, Tania Will Jeppesen’s story is essential listening. On this week’s episode of The Speaker Lab podcast, host Grant Baldwin sits down with Tania—a former operations and HR leader who took the leap from a secure job and steady paycheck to launch her own consulting business, “The Prepared Leader.” It’s an episode full of practical advice and heartfelt honesty for anyone wrestling with the tension between comfort and calling.After nearly two decades in the trenches of supply chain and operations, Tania recognized a gap: frontline managers were often overlooked in leadership development. Driven by a blend of professional experience, a supportive family, and her own faith, she finally acted on a decade-old dream. Tania brings listeners behind the scenes of that decision—sharing candidly about the fears of risk, being the main earner, and modeling courage for her daughters.What makes Tania’s journey so relatable is her willingness to focus on what she can control: hard work, authenticity, and showing up for others. Rather than trying to appeal to everyone, she leans into her unique strengths, guided by a clear framework and her deep understanding of her niche. Through every challenge, she keeps her priorities in check—aiming for both business impact and quality time at home.Whether you’re dreaming of your own entrepreneurial leap or just searching for courage to act, Tania’s story is a timely reminder that the most meaningful success is building a life (and business) that’s truly yours.You’ll learn:Weighing risk aversion against entrepreneurship dreamsDecision-making and positive-outcome mindsetsHelping organizations level up frontline leadersConsulting as a viable career-pathInitial networking stepsIncorporating family into the entrepreneurial journeyMarket validation through direct-network outreachLeveraging industry knowledgeAnd much, much more!"I really wanted to go into [consulting] with a mindset of not what's the worst that could happen, but what's the best that could happen if I do this?"Episode ResourcesTania’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet 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.