Amplify with Jess Ekstrom

If you’ve ever looked at confident people and thought, “That could never be me,” this episode might flip your whole narrative.This week, Jess sits down with Selena Rezvani a LinkedIn Top Voice, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author of Quick Confidence, to dismantle the myth that confidence is something you’re born with. Spoiler: it’s not. It’s something you build, one rep at a time.Selena shares the uncomfortable story of being pushed into public speaking before she was ready and how that terrifying blur of a moment unlocked a career she never saw coming. She talks about the hard truth of over-preparing, why winging it is a form of self-sabotage, and how to turn stage fright into fuel.You’ll also hear:How to make friends with your nerves instead of fighting themWhy theatrical body language can skyrocket your stage presenceThe unexpected power of your most embarrassing storiesWhat it really means to be your own best friend before a big momentAbout Selena RezvaniSelena is a speaker, author, and leadership consultant whose work focuses on helping women and marginalized professionals show up with more confidence and self-advocacy. She’s the author of Quick Confidence, Pushback, and a LinkedIn Learning instructor, reaching millions with her content on leadership, confidence, and communication.Resources & Links:Read Selena’s Book – Quick Confidence: https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Confidence-Authentic-Connections-Yourself/dp/1394160941  Watch her TEDx Talk – "Interrupting gender bias through meeting culture": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX3GuacF6l8 Catch her daily content – Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn @selenarezvaniAmplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

 In this episode, Jess Ekstrom is joined by Molly Fletcher, a former top sports agent and now one of the world’s most sought-after keynote speakers, to talk about what confidence really looks like behind the scenes. From protecting your energy to saying “yes” to the stage, Molly shares practical advice on how to step into your power and show up with purpose. (even when self-doubt creeps in!)  Molly Fletcher is a trailblazing former sports agent who spent nearly two decades negotiating contracts for the world’s top athletes and coaches, earning her the nickname "the female Jerry Maguire." Today, she’s a keynote speaker, author of The Energy Clock and Dynamic Drive, and host of Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Known for her powerhouse presence on stage, Molly speaks globally on peak performance, leadership, and building confidence through action. Resources & Links:Read Molly’s Book – Dynamic Drive: Achieve More by Doing LessMolly’s Podcast: Game Changers with Molly Fletcher Watch Molly’s TED TalkWatch the LinkedIn Live Connect with Molly:Website: mollyfletcher.comInstagram: @mollywfletcherLinkedIn: Molly FletcherTwitter/X: @MollyWFletcherYouTube: Molly FletcherAmplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

In today’s competitive workplace, being a standout means being a professional guru and making a memorable presence.In today's episode, Lorraine will share proven strategies to help you stand out, gain influence, and create a presence that makes you truly unforgettable.Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon, Zoom, Cisco, and McKinsey & Company, have adopted Lorraine's frameworks. With hundreds of thousands of LinkedIn followers and a reputation as a LinkedIn Top Voice in workplace communication, she knows what it takes to build influence and visibility in the modern workplace.Preorder Lorraine's book! -->https://a.co/d/5aXc1El Get Lorraine's freebies! --> https://bit.ly/4hzxyAxAbout Lorraine K. LeeLorraine K. Lee is an award-winning keynote speaker, best-selling author, and founder of RISE Learning Solutions. She specializes in helping professionals enhance their presence, influence, and impact in the modern workplace. With over a decade of experience as a founding editor at tech firms like LinkedIn and Prezi, Lorraine has developed a deep understanding of effective communication and leadership.Her book, Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career (Wiley, 2025), encapsulates her expertise in professional development. Lorraine is also a respected instructor at LinkedIn Learning and Stanford Continuing Studies, where she teaches courses on topics such as executive presence and virtual communication. Her insights have been featured in major publications, including CNBC, Forbes, and Fast Company.​Lorraine's journey into public speaking began in 2021, and following a layoff in 2022, she launched her own company, RISE Learning Solutions. Through this platform, she offers training and consulting services to organizations aiming to empower their teams. Her work has positively impacted professionals at companies like Zoom, Amazon, Cisco, and McKinsey & Company. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in workplace communication, Lorraine inspires individuals to take control of their careers and stand out.​Keep up with Lorraine!Website: lorraineklee.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lorrainekleeX (formerly Twitter): @lorrainekleeInstagram: @lorrainekleeFacebook: facebook.com/lorrainekleespeaking​To see the LinkedIn Live, check it out here! https://www.linkedin.com/events/creatinganunforgettablepresence7303073852949958657/theater/

Fear has a sneaky way of keeping us stuck. It takes many shapes and forms, like going after a new opportunity, negotiating a raise, or speaking up for ourselves. In this episode of Amplify with Jess Ekstrom, Jess sits down with author, speaker, and former Google exec Jenny Wood to talk about how to move through fear and unlock more success, joy, and courage in your career.Jenny shares stories from her 18 years at Google and her new book Wild Courage, including how chasing a stranger off the New York City subway helped her rethink what it means to take bold action. Jess and Jenny also discuss negotiation tips, communication tricks, and the hidden power in words we’ve been taught to shy away from—like "obsessed" and "manipulative."So, have you ever held yourself back with a “what if"? Or watered down your ask before you even sent it?---What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to reframe fear and take bold action anywayWhy women often pitch and then immediately pull back (and how to stop!)How to negotiate without negotiating against yourselfThe ping-pong strategy for pricing and salary conversationsCommunication swaps that instantly increase your confidence and clarityThe importance of saying no to the “Baltics” so you can go after the “Boardwalks”Resources & Links:Follow Jenny Wood: https://www.jennywood.com/Preorder Wild Courage: https://itsjennywood.com/bookLearn more about Mic Drop Club: https://micdropworkshop.com/club/Watch the full LinkedIn Live: https://www.linkedin.com/events/linkedinlivewithjennywood7285395759791763456/comments/Rate & Review: Enjoying Amplify with Jess? Rate us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and leave a review to help more people discover the show!Follow Jess on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-ekstrom-speaker-author/ - to stay up to date with her LinkedIn Live series, where these episodes originate.Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Public speaking can feel overwhelming, but small changes can make a huge impact. In this episode of Amplify with Jess Ekstrom, Jess sits down with keynote speaker and generational workforce expert Lindsay Boccardo to break down the subtle shifts that can take your speaking from good to great.Lindsay shares practical insights on how to engage your audience, bring the right level of energy, and avoid sounding like a phony game show host. They discuss how to turn up the dial on your presence in an authentic way, why confidence comes from preparation, and how even minor tweaks in gestures and posture can make a difference.If you’ve ever struggled with how to sound engaging without feeling like you’re putting on a performance, this episode is for you!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The difference between a “spotlight speaker” and a “lighthouse speaker”How to boost your presence without overdoing itWhy watching yourself on video can improve your speaking skillsThe surprising impact of hydration on your stage presenceHow to handle disengaged audience members without losing confidenceWhether you're stepping onto a keynote stage or leading a team meeting, these tips will help you show up with confidence, clarity, and authenticity.Resources & Links:Follow Lindsay Boccardo: https://www.lindsayboccardo.com/Learn more about Mic Drop Club: https://micdropworkshop.com/club/Watch the full LinkedIn Live: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jess-ekstrom-speaker-author_with-ai-front-and-center-soft-skills-are-activity-7289699709328240641-xaH9Rate & Review: Enjoying Amplify with Jess? Rate us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and leave a review to help more people discover the show!Follow Jess on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-ekstrom-speaker-author/ - to stay up to date with her LinkedIn Live series, where these episodes originate.Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Kelsey O'Connor was a D1 student-athlete at North Carolina State University until she suffered a traumatic brain injury that abruptly ended her athletic career. Her journey of recovery and overcoming immense was the basis of her commencement address that went viral on TikTok and Facebook with over 40M (million) views. In our season 3 finale, Kelsey tells her story and how it led her to become a sought-after public speaker---Kelsey O'Connor's Speech: https://www.kelseyoconnor.net/videos/v/beyondperformanceLife Beyond Labels Podcast: https://sportsepreneur.com/welcome-life-beyond-labels-podcast/---Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

I recently read a study on dopamine that completely changed how I look at my work and life.It initially shocked me, but then I realized why it makes sense.----Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

As a speaker, you always want to reach the point of high-flying careers that take you worldwide, but that also means taking you away from your family. This raises the question, "Can speakers really have it all?"Can we prioritize our careers, marriages, partnerships, and kids at the same time?Today, Dr. John Delony gives us his tips.---Dr. John Delony is a mental health expert who offers guidance on relationships, anxiety, and wellness.Dr. John Delony Show: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrJohnDelonyShowFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndelony/---Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

In our culture, "Making it" usually means being an Oprah or Sara Blakely, appearing on a reality TV show, or discovering a scientific formula that lets you speak to your dog.Most of us (including me!) won't make it big time. But I still have something to offer that people find value in. And so do you.So, how do we measure our progress to maximize our potential and the value we give others?----Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Therese Gopaul-Robinson knew it was time for a raise. She asked for a meeting, practiced her speech, and had her PowerPoint presentation ready to go. It was time to take the next step in her career.But she didn't get her raise in that meeting - she was let go instead.Today, Therese shares her journey to becoming a world-class keynote speaker, which was initially filled with rejection and fear of inadequacy but ultimately led to her finding her first gigs.---Therese Gopaul-Robinson is a Keynote Speaker and Healthcare Consultant who's obsessed with helping women in leadership.---Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop