Afleveringen
-
You can give a great presentation, get lots of compliments afterward, and still walk away with zero leads.
Why? Because most speakers approach their talks like teachers instead of marketers.
In this episode, Diane Diaz and I share how to create presentations that generate interest, build trust, and lead to clients, without feeling salesy or violating the dreaded "no selling from the stage" rule.
We talk about why audiences don't need more information, what they actually want from your presentation, and how to structure your talks so people understand not only your message, but also why you're the right person to help them.
If you've ever wondered why your speaking engagements aren't translating into business opportunities, this episode will help you rethink how you approach your talks.
In this episode, we discuss:
⢠Why giving audiences more information often reduces conversions
⢠The difference between a lead-generation talk and a paid workshop
⢠How our Signature Talk CanvasŽ helps speakers create demand without being pushy
⢠The critical role of Act One in building trust and audience buy-in
⢠How to plant "sales seeds" naturally through stories and client examples
⢠Why emotional connection matters more than tactics and tips
⢠Simple ways to capture leads and book conversations after your presentation
⢠Real-world examples of talks that generated immediate clientsIf youâre ready to work with us on creating or refining your signature talk, head to speakingyourbrand.com/contact/ to schedule a consultation and explore the best way for us to work together.
This episode originally aired as episode 457 on December 29, 2025.
About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/457/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Attend our 1-day Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 456: The Missing Piece of Your Marketing Strategy is a Signature TalkEpisode 449: Small Shifts That Make a Huge Difference in Your Presentation Impact & ResultsEpisode 362: Integrating Thought Leadership and Lead Generation in Your Signature Talk with Danielle Hayden -
Your marketing may not be broken. It may just be missing a signature talk.
In this episode, Diane Diaz and I share why speaking is one of the most effective marketing tools available today and why a well-crafted signature talk can become the foundation for your visibility, lead generation, and thought leadership strategy.
We talk about how speaking accelerates the know-like-trust factor in ways that social media and other marketing channels simply can't, why audiences are more engaged when they're experiencing your message live, and how your signature talk can be repurposed into everything from email campaigns and social media content to workshops, podcasts, and courses.
We also explore what makes a true signature talk, how it differs from simply giving presentations, and why clarifying your core message is often the missing piece that ties your entire marketing strategy together.
In this episode, we discuss:
⢠Why speaking builds trust faster than any other marketing channel
⢠How Diane generated new clients from a single speaking engagement
⢠The difference between a presentation and a signature talk
⢠Why your signature message should guide all of your marketing
⢠How to identify the real problem your audience needs solved
⢠Ways to repurpose your talk into content, workshops, and offers
⢠Why many experts struggle to translate expertise into thought leadershipIf youâre ready to build a signature talk that becomes the backbone of your marketing, visibility, and thought leadership, you can learn more about working with us inside the Thought Leader Academy, through a VIP Day, or at one of our in-person Orlando speaking workshops.
This episode originally aired as episode 456 on December 22, 2025.
About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/456/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Attend our 1-day Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 453: Why Your Best Talk is the One You Give Again (and Again)Episode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
How do you name a book, a framework, or even a business in a way that captures the essence of what you do?
After struggling with the title of my book for years, I turned to brand strategist and naming expert Rebeca Arbona for help. What happened next surprised me: in less than an hour, she found the title that had been hiding in plain sight.
In this conversation, we pull back the curtain on the art and strategy of naming. Rebeca shares why great names aren't created through random brainstorming, the biggest mistakes people make when naming their ideas, and why AI may be helpful for execution but falls short when it comes to original thought leadership.
If you've ever wrestled with naming a book, a keynote, a framework, a program, or your business itself, you'll come away with a new appreciation for the power of finding the right words.
Rebeca and I talk about:⢠Why naming is far more strategic than most people realize
⢠The process Rebeca uses to create names that resonate and endure
⢠Common naming mistakes that keep people stuck
⢠Why great names often feel both surprising and obvious at the same time
⢠How Rebeca helped me finally name my book after five years of trying
⢠The difference between a name and a descriptor and why both matter
⢠Why AI struggles to generate truly original thought leadership ideas
⢠How the right title can clarify the entire structure and direction of a book
⢠The connection between ideas, thought leadership, and public speakingAbout Our Guest: Rebeca Arbona is a brand strategist, strategic namer, and founder of BrandTrue, where she helps organizations uncover and communicate the truths at their core. A lifelong word geek who once read the dictionary for fun, Rebeca found her professional sweet spot in naming, where language, strategy, and creative intuition all collide. Since her first appearance on Speaking Your Brand, Rebecaâs work has expanded to include teaching Branding at the University of Cincinnati, mentoring emerging strategists, supporting mission-driven organizations, and developing a book rooted in resilience, meaning, and hard-won life lessons. Through it all, she remains obsessed with the same essential question: how do we tell the truth in a way people can feel, remember, and act on? Follow Rebeca and BrandTrue on LinkedIn for her insightful, quirky takes on naming, brand strategy, and why the truth matters to brands that want to mean something.
About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/477/
Rebecaâs website: https://www.brandtrue.com/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRebeca Arbona (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecaarbona/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 179: The Deep Truths You and Your Brand Need to Say with Rebeca Arbona -
You may be closer to your next speaking opportunity than you think.
With so many people submitting speaker applications and using AI to generate proposals, standing out has become harder than ever. But there's one thing AI can't replicate: genuine relationships.
In this episode, Diane Diaz and I talk about why some of the best speaking opportunities, keynote invitations, media appearances, and client referrals come not from cold pitches, but from the trust you've built over time.
We share stories from our own experiences, examples from Speaking Your Brand clients, and practical ways to build relationships that can lead to speaking engagements and visibility opportunities.
If you've been relying on social media posts, conference applications, or waiting for opportunities to find you, this conversation will give you a different perspective on where your next opportunity may already be waiting.
Why relationships matter more than ever in today's speaking landscapeHow AI is making speaker applications easier and more competitiveWhat event organizers are really looking for when selecting speakersWhy authenticity and personality help you stand outReal examples of clients who turned one speaking engagement into many more opportunitiesThe difference between networking and relationship buildingHow local organizations, associations, and community groups can open doorsPractical ways to reconnect with people already in your networkWhy speaking is a long-term strategy that creates opportunities beyond the stageThree simple actions you can take this week to build momentum toward your next speaking engagement
We talk about:Whether you're an aspiring speaker or an experienced professional looking to increase your visibility, this episode will help you think differently about where your next opportunity may come from.
About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/476/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Attend our 1-day Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in Awe with Julia KornEpisode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities with Cherlette McCulloughBooked Without Burnout series -
What if the stories youâve dismissed as ânot important enoughâ are actually the ones your audience needs most?
Erin Mark and I explore why storytelling is the bridge between expertise and transformation and why audiences connect far more deeply with emotion, struggle, and humanity than with information alone.Erin shares how she took her deeply personal experience living with cystic fibrosis and transformed it into a keynote message about resilience, uncertainty, identity, and moving forward through change.
We also talk about the surprising challenge many women face: not recognizing the power of their own stories because theyâve lived with them for so long.
How to âuniversalizeâ your personal story so others see themselves in itWhy many women struggle to identify their most impactful storiesErinâs âStory, Struggle, Solutionâ frameworkHow coaches can help uncover stories and themes you canât always see yourselfWhy you do not need a dramatic life story to become a compelling speakerHow storytelling can improve podcast interviews, presentations, and thought leadershipThe importance of becoming the messenger your audience needs at exactly the right moment
In this episode, we discuss:We also share details about our new Story Scoping coaching package and our upcoming in-person workshop in Orlando!
About My Guest: At 35, Erinâs life was coming to an end. She had entered end life stage cystic fibrosis: her lungs were failing, she was dying, and time was running out. While most people were training for their next promotion or milestone, she was training to die. And then, at the very last moment, everything changed â a breakthrough medication saved her life. That moment forced Erin into her most important pivot yet: learning how to live again. Her identity had been built around survival. Now, she had to rebuild her purpose, reshape her career, and discover what it meant to truly live. What she discovered is this: pivoting isnât a one-time act, itâs a repeatable skill. Whether itâs a reorg, a layoff, a leadership shift, or a personal loss, every âbefore and afterâ moment is a pivot point and it requires a new kind of leadership. Perfect for corporate teams, associations, and leadership conferences, Erinâs keynotes are more than inspiration. Theyâre a mindset reset and a tactical playbook for anyone navigating change or facing an uncertain next chapter.
About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/475/
Erinâs website: https://erinmark.com/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Work with Erin to scope your story: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/story-coaching/
Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Attend our 1-day speaking workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxErin Mark (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmark/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 462: Speaking Strategies That Create Lasting Impact: Live Signature Talks from TLA Grads -
In this episode, I sit down with Teri DeLucca for a candid conversation about what really happens behind the scenes in the speaking industry, from getting your first speaking engagements to negotiating fees, navigating âpay-to-playâ conferences, and building the confidence to take bigger stages.
Teri shares how she went from feeling intimidated and unsure if she belonged on stage to becoming an in-demand speaker traveling across the country.
We talk openly about the realities many speakers face but few discuss publicly: speaking for free, undercharging, the gender pay gap in speaking fees, networking with other speakers, and learning to see speaking not as performance â but as service.
We also dive into Teriâs new AI platform, Luma, a human-centered AI âthinking partnerâ designed to support educators and leaders with communication, stress management, organizational culture, and decision-making. Plus, she shares exciting news about becoming a finalist for a grant funded through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation focused on women and AI innovation.If youâve ever wondered:
How speakers actually get bookedWhen to speak for free (and when not to)How to raise your speaking fees with confidenceWhat event organizers donât tell speakersHow AI is changing leadership and workOr whether you really have what it takes to speakâŚâŚthis conversation is for you.
About Our Guest: Dr. Teri DeLucca is a developmental psychologist and the founder of Impact Early Education, which equips leaders with strategies that improve outcomes for children, teams, and businesses. She holds a dual PhD and previously worked as a research scientist specializing in teacher-child interactions and early intervention in neurocognitive and social-emotional development. Dr. DeLucca has successfully operated schools, reducing staff turnover, strengthening school culture, and driving sustainable growth. In addition to her work in education, she speaks nationally to corporate organizations and womenâs groups on personal leadership, communication, resilience, and coaching strategies. She is a published author, award-winning researcher, speaker, and recognized leader in the industry.
About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/474/
Teriâs website: https://impactearlyed.com/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxTeri DeLucca (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-teri-delucca-46b296200/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 338: Escaping the Expert Trap: From Academic Presenter to Sought-After Speaker with Teri DeLucca -
I love when I stumble across someone I know doing something bigâand thatâs exactly what happened with todayâs guest.
I spotted one of our Thought Leader Academy grads Kim Foster on YouTubeâŚwith a video that had over 1.5 million views. Naturally, I wanted to know how she did it!
In this episode, Kim and I dig into what it really takes to grow a YouTube channel that drives visibility, trust, and clients.
She shares how consistency, smart content strategy, and paying attention to your audience can completely change the trajectory of your brand.We also talk about her recent TEDx talk, her upcoming book, and why identity, not willpower, is the real key to transformation.
If youâve been thinking about YouTube, speaking, or stepping more fully into your thought leadership, this conversation will give you a lot to think about.About Our Guest: Dr. Kim Foster is an MD-turnedâreinvention expert, author, and TEDx speaker who helps people change their lives by changing who they believe themselves to be. After 20 years practicing medicine, Kim left her career to build a global platform teaching the science of identity transformation. Her work blends behavioral psychology, personal development, and wellness, and she develops digital education programs that help people redesign their inner blueprint and build lives that actually reflect the person theyâre becoming. Her thriving YouTube channel has grown to more than 250,000 subscribers and her forthcoming book, Redesigning You (June 2026), explores how to shift the beliefs and stories that shape behavior and destiny. Kimâs mission is to empower people to reinvent themselves at any age and step into who they were meant to become.
About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/473/
Kimâs website: https://drkimfoster.com/
Kimâs YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KimFosterMD
Kimâs book: https://drkimfoster.com/book
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxKim Foster (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkimfoster/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 357: Create Real Change by Shifting Your Identity to Who You Want to Be with Kim Foster -
What makes a motivational talk actually stick, long after the applause?
In this audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, youâll experience powerful, real-time signature talks from three of our recent Thought Leader Academy grads Kimberly Brock, Susana Alvarez, and Teresa Phillips.
Each blends personal story, practical frameworks, and a clear message that moves beyond inspiration into action.
Uses personal turning points to create emotional connectionTranslates their experiences into clear, teachable frameworksBalances heart + strategy so the audience feels and learnsInvites the audience into reflection and real change
Hear how each speaker:If youâre working on your own signature talk or want your message to resonate more deeply, this session will show you what âmotivational speaking with substanceâ actually looks like in practice.
We also have a roundtable discussion about what theyâve learned from being in the Thought Leader Academy and whatâs next for them as speakers and thought leaders.
You can watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/dzS1lEkZu-k.
About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/472/
Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/dzS1lEkZu-k
Kimberlyâs website: https://www.kimberlybrock.com/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Apply for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxKimberly Brock = https://www.linkedin.com/in/startwithkimberlybrock/ Susana Alvarez = https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanaalvarezsrprojectmanager/ Teresa Phillips = https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-phillips-01249720b/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You -
What separates a good talk from a true thought leadership talk?
Itâs not just the story; itâs what you do with it.
In this audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, youâll hear powerful 10-minute signature talks from two of our recent Thought Leader Academy grads Heather Beebe and Lauren Yankoff, each transforming personal experience into clear, actionable frameworks.
Turn real-life challenges into compelling audience entry pointsReveal the deeper problem most people are missingIntroduce simple, memorable frameworks that guide actionMove from story â insight â transformation
Hear how they:If youâve ever wondered how to go from âtelling your storyâ to delivering a talk that positions you as a thought leader, this session will show you exactly how itâs done.
We also have a roundtable discussion about what theyâve learned from being in the Thought Leader Academy and whatâs next for them as speakers and thought leaders.
You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5XgfQgtW5s.
About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/471/
Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5XgfQgtW5s
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Join our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediazLauren Yankoff = https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-yankoff/ Heather Beebe = https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbeebe/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You -
Weâre pulling back the curtain on the speaker industry. If youâve been scrolling lately, youâve probably seen the promises: guaranteed TEDx talks, booked-out speaking calendars, five-figure fees overnight. Itâs tempting. Itâs also where a lot of people get burned.
We share the biggest red flags weâre seeingâfrom âguaranteedâ results to high-pressure sales tacticsâand why those shortcuts rarely lead to the outcomes you actually want.We also break down the truth about paying to get a spot on a TEDx stage (including what the rules actually say), speaker bureaus, and those offers that land in your inbox sounding just a little too polished.
But this isnât just about what to avoidâitâs about what actually works.
We talk about how to build a speaking platform thatâs aligned, sustainable, and profitableâwithout chasing every opportunity or outsourcing your voice.
This includes how to think about visibility, why relationships matter more than cold outreach, and how to focus on the quality of speaking engagements instead of just the quantity.
If youâve been wondering whether youâre âmissing somethingâ or if thereâs a faster way to grow your speaking, this episode will give you clarity - and probably save you some money too.Because the real path to becoming a sought-after speaker isnât a shortcut, itâs a strategy.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/470/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Our Become Bookable workshop: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable/
Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Attend our 1-day Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 468: What TEDx Organizers Look for When Selecting SpeakersBooked Without Burnout seriesEpisode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities -
Iâm thrilled to have back on the podcast my client Tammy Lally, TEDx speaker, author, and money coach, whose talk has reached millions of people around the world. But what makes her story so powerful isnât just the visibility; itâs the vulnerability behind it.
Tammy shares what really went into creating her TEDx talk, the emotional aftermath of sharing such a personal story, and how that one talk didnât just impact audiences. It transformed her life and business in ways she never expected.We also dive into why honesty, not perfection, is what truly connects with audiences, how shame shows up in our relationship with money, and why your story might be the exact thing someone else needs to hear.
If youâve ever felt the pull to share more of your story but hesitated, this conversation will give you a new way to think about whatâs possible on the other side of that courage.
What made her TEDx talk resonate with millions and the deeper reason it spreadThe âvulnerability hangoverâ and why itâs a normal part of sharing your storyHow telling the truth (not impressing people) creates real connectionWhy your past struggles donât disqualify you - they make you relatableThe surprising ways speaking can transform you, not just your audienceWhat sheâs learned about speaking fees and why women need to stop underpricing themselvesHow shame around money impacts individuals, families, and even entire generationsWhy now is the time to share your story and how to know if youâre ready
Tammy and I talk about:About My Guest: Tammy Lally is a published author, TED speaker, and Certified Money Coach (CMC). She helps others master their finances by first conquering their emotions around money, then by creating a comprehensive financial plan. She brings decades of experience and endless love to her bulletproof process for money mastery.
About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/469/
Tammyâs website: https://tammylally.com/
Tammyâs TEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/tammy_lally_let_s_get_honest_about_our_money_problems
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Work With Speaking Your Brand = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxTammy Lally (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammylally/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 468: What TEDx Organizers Look for When Selecting SpeakersEpisode 464: Why Your Story Matters - Even When You Donât Feel ReadyEpisode 361: How to Land a TEDx TalkEpisode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation -
TEDx is one of those stages that so many people aspire to.
After being part of the speaker curation and coaching team for TEDxOrlando, I can tell you that thereâs a lot that happens behind the scenes that most people never see.
In this episode, Iâm joined by experienced TEDx organizers Nick Rogers and Liam Rogers, who have spent the past decade reviewing applications, selecting speakers, and shaping talks that make it onto that iconic red dot.
We take you behind the scenes of what actually happens when your TEDx application is reviewedâwhat stands out, what falls flat, and what separates the speakers who make it to the red dot from those who donât.
If TEDx is on your vision board, this conversation will give you a much clearerâand more honestâpicture of what it really takes.
We talk about:
Why originality matters more than expertise (and what that really means)The biggest mistakes speakers make in their applicationsâespecially with AIHow to balance your personal story with a powerful, idea-driven messageWhat TEDx organizers are actually listening for in interviewsThe surprising role of coachability and why it can make or break your chancesAbout My Guests: Nick Rogers and Liam Rogers have been organizing TEDx events for the past ten years, first in the UK and now for TEDxOrlando. Liam is a creative entrepreneur and founder of Story Circle, a storytelling-led company spanning live events, consultancy and original productions, from podcasts to films to video games. Nick is a communicator, strategist and operator with a career that spans politics, crisis management and creative leadership.
About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/468/
TEDxOrlando website: https://tedxorlando.live/
Nickâs TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/AaKsb9UhZuo?si=nYRcUGT2Vyd3prH1
Story Circle: https://storycircleconsulting.com/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Work with Speaking Your Brand to develop your TEDx application and signature talk = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/tedx-coaching/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxNick Rogers (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickrogersldn/ Liam Rogers (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamrogershq/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 361: How to Land a TEDx TalkEpisode 352: 7 Things the Best Speakers Do: My Takeaways from TEDWomenEpisode 329: From Compelled to Take Action to TEDx SpeakerEpisode 98: Expanding Your Personal Story into a Universal Message -
Iâve worked with a lot of speakers over the years, but Andy Nunn brings something truly unique to the stage. Heâs a mentalist turned keynote speaker who knows how to captivate an audience.
In this episode, Andy and I talk about what it really takes to evolve from entertaining an audience to transforming them.
Because getting laughs, applause, and âthat was amazing!â is one thing⌠but creating a keynote that actually changes how people think and act is a completely different skill.
Andy shares his journey from performing magic and mentalism to working together to build a thought leadership keynote, including what surprised him, what challenged him, and what finally clicked.We also get into the behind-the-scenes of shaping a talk thatâs not just engaging, but structured, clear, and impactful (and yes, still includes some mind-blowing moments).
If youâve ever wondered how to go from being âgood on stageâ to being truly bookable as a keynote speaker, this conversation will give you a whole new perspective.
Andy and I talk about:
Why being entertaining isnât enoughâand what audiences actually need from a keynoteThe biggest mindset shift from performer to thought leaderHow to turn audience engagement into meaningful transformationWhat it takes to structure a keynote that works at 30, 45, or 60 minutesThe role of storytelling and personal experience in building a powerful talkAbout My Guest: Andrew (Andy) Nunn is a sought-after speaker for leading organisations including Google, Amazon, SAP, Sony, and Ralph Lauren, where he delivers interactive keynotes that spark self-awareness, connection, and change. Andyâs reputation as a speaker grew from his acclaimed TEDx talk, âSeeing Is Believing,â which explored how perception shapes trust, decisions, and performance. His sessions arenât lectures. Theyâre immersive experiences where audiences donât just learn about mindset and bias, they feel them in real time. A professional mentalist with over 20 years on stage, Andy has performed and spoken for thousands across Australia and internationally. His talks fuse science with storytelling to reveal how tiny shifts in perception can create massive results in leadership, communication, and culture.
About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/467/
Andyâs website: https://www.andrewnunn.com/
Andyâs TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/BZWzcuIkD0c?si=KXqJEGD6wvaXbgvJ
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Work with us to develop your keynote talk = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxAndy Nunn (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/andythementalist/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in Awe with Julia KornEpisode 361: How to Land a TEDx Talk with Carol CoxSpeak with Confidence series -
Resilience isnât something you build in the momentâitâs something you build long before you need it.
In this episode, Iâm joined by one of my clients, Wendy Romeu, founder and CEO of Alluvionic, to talk about what happened when her business was suddenly put to the ultimate test.
But this isnât just a conversation about leadership; itâs about story.
Wendy shares how she took a deeply personal and emotional experience and turned it into a powerful talk that resonates with audiences.We unpack how to know when youâre ready to share a story, how much detail to include, and why the specificsânot just the summaryâare what create real connection.
We also talk about the internal shifts required to step into your voice: trusting that your story matters, allowing yourself to be seen, and delivering your message in a way that truly moves people.
If youâve been holding back from sharing a personal storyâor wondering how to turn your experiences into thought leadershipâthis episode will show you whatâs possible.Wendy and I talk about:
How to know when youâre ready to share a personal story on stage or in your contentWhy the details of your storyânot just the headlineâare what create connection and impactHow to turn a real-life experience into a compelling, structured talkWhat it takes emotionally to share vulnerable stories with an audienceHow storytelling transforms your message from information into true thought leadershipLinks:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/466/
Wendyâs companyâs website: https://alluvionic.com/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Work With Speaking Your Brand = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxWendy Romeu (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyromeu/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 464: Why Your Story Matters - Even When You Donât Feel Ready with Tiffany HawkEpisode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation with Karen Keene -
What if the thing that makes you most effective as a leader and speaker⌠isnât perfection, but authenticity?
That itâs not about having all the answers, but being willing to tell others that you donât have all the answers?My guest is Judith Smelser, President and GM of Central Florida Public Media, and she shares her journey from journalist to leading a major public media organization and what sheâs learned about using her voice along the way.
We explore why local journalism matters more than ever, how the stories we tell shape our communities, and the responsibility of amplifying voices that often go unheard.
But what I especially loved about this conversation is Judithâs perspective on authenticity over perfectionismâand how letting go of needing to have all the answers has made her a stronger, more effective leader.We also talk about imposter syndrome (yes, it still shows upâeven at the highest levels) and why the real growth comes from stepping in before you feel 100% ready.
If youâve ever held yourself back because you thought you needed to be more polished, more certain, or more âreadyââthis episode is your reminder that your voice matters now.Judith and I talk about:
Why local journalism is a public goodHow stories shape communities and decisionsFinding your voice as a leader and spokespersonAuthenticity vs. perfection in speakingA real talk on imposter syndromeAbout My Guest: Judith Smelser is president and general manager of Central Florida Public Media, previously named WMFE, the only local nonprofit news organization serving the nine-county Central Florida region. She began her journalism career in Washington, D.C., before moving to Central Florida in 2004 to join the newsroom at WMFE. Over nearly eight years, she excelled as an award-winning reporter and later as news director. In 2011, she left for Colorado Public Radio, where she held several newsroom leadership roles. In addition to leading Central Florida Public Media, Smelser serves on the Executive Committee of the Board for Florida Public Media. In recognition of her contributions, Smelser was honored as one of ONYX Magazineâs 2025 Women on the Move, Orlando Magazineâs 2024 Women of the Year and one of the Orlando Business Journalâs 2024 Most Influential Leaders.
About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/465/
Central Florida Public Media = https://www.cfpublic.org/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Work With Us = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxJudith Smelser (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/judithsmelser-cfpm/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 454: Your Voice Can Shape Policy: Communicating Science with Influence and Clarity with Deborah StineEpisode 406: Authenticity and Owning Your Story as Women with a Public Voice with Jennifer Adams and Sarah Henry -
Today Iâm joined by returning guest Tiffany Hawk - author, book coach, and longtime collaborator - to talk about why sharing your story matters, especially when you donât feel ready.
We explore how many accomplished professionals get stuck in what I call the âexpert trapâ, relying on expertise and credentials while holding back the personal stories that actually create connection.
Tiffany shares insights from her work helping women write meaningful books, along with her own journey of returning to writing after years of self-doubt.
We also talk about the messy reality of creativity, why the first draft is rarely pretty, and how community and accountability can make all the difference when youâre working on a book, talk, or other thought leadership project.
This conversation is especially meaningful during Womenâs History Month, as we reflect on the power of women using their voices to tell the stories that shape culture and create change.
Tiffany and I talk about:
Why expertise alone doesnât create connectionThe role of vulnerability in thought leadershipWhy you shouldnât wait until your ideas feel perfectHow storytelling helps audiences see themselves in your messageThe creative process behind writing a bookWe also share details about our Story to Spotlight writing and speaking retreat in Spain this Fall 2026, where weâll help women develop their ideas, stories, and thought leadership in a supportive environment. Learn more and apply at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/spain/
Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/464/
Get the details and apply for our Story to Spotlight Writing & Speaking Retreat in Spain this Fall 2026: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/spain/
Tiffanyâs website: https://www.tiffanyhawk.com/intensive/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxTiffany Hawk (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyhawk/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 407: Building Your Speaking Platform as an Author (Even If You're an Introvert!) with Tiffany HawkEpisode 257: Writing a Book Gives Your Ideas Depth and Longevity with Tiffany HawkEpisode 461: Storytelling as Resistance: Finding and Using Your Voice with Janice Gassam AsareEpisode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World with Carol Cox -
Many accomplished women already have the expertise, experience, and authority their audiences need. The missing piece is rarely more knowledge â itâs connection.
Story is what bridges the space between expert and audience. It humanizes ideas, creates emotional resonance, and allows insight to truly land. When expertise is combined with purposeful storytelling, a talk doesnât just inform â it connects, influences, and stays with people long after it ends.This episode is the audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, where three recent grads of our Thought Leader Academy each delivered a 10-minute version of the signature talk they developed with us, designed to transform expertise into meaningful connection through purposeful storytelling.
How to turn expertise into a compelling narrativeHow to embed your unique perspective and lived experience into your messageHow story creates trust, meaning, and emotional connectionHow to structure ideas so they are clear, memorable, and actionableWhat they learned from the Thought Leader Academy and whatâs next for them
As you listen, youâll learn how powerful talks are built, including:Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/463/
Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/4s1LX8sGk7s
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Apply for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediazAllison Greco = https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisongreco/ Brittany Sadlouskos = https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanysadlouskos/ Cam Dunson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/camdunson/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You -
Whatâs the difference between a presentation people forget in five minutes⌠and a talk that quietly reshapes how someone thinks, decides, and acts for months afterward?
Itâs not more information and itâs not prettier slides (although pretty slides are nice!).
This episode is the audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, where youâll experience two powerful examples of what happens when purposeful storytelling meets clear, actionable frameworks - the core of every transformational signature talk.
Erin Mark and Deborah Stine, recent graduates of our Thought Leader Academy, each delivered a 10-minute version of the keynote signature talks they created during their VIP Day with us and refined throughout the program.Youâll hear:
Two real signature talks delivered by our Thought Leader Academy graduatesThe difference between informational speaking and transformational speaking, especially important for keynotesHow your message can position you as a thought leaderWhat makes a talk memorable and actionableWhat they learned in the Thought Leader Academy and whatâs next for themLinks:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/462/
Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/TKkEHY0rRXw
Erinâs website: https://erinmark.com/
Debbieâs website: https://scitechpolicyacademy.com/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Apply for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxErin Mark = https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmark/ Deborah Stine = https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-stine/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You -
Your story is not just your story. It's part of a larger narrative about whose voices are heard and whose are erased.Iâm thrilled to have Janice Gassam Asare back on the podcast. She's an organizational psychologist, equity consultant, and author of the new book Rise and Resist - and this conversation went places I didn't expect.
What struck me most is how Janice reframes resistance. Not as something dramatic or career-ending, but as the small, daily choices we make: amplifying someone else's idea in a meeting, speaking up when it's uncomfortable, refusing to let an important story quietly disappear. Those aren't small acts. They're how culture actually changes.
We also get into what it takes to develop your voice when you've spent years being rewarded for staying in your lane. If that hits close to home, this episode is for you.
Janice and I talk about:
Why storytelling is preservation and power, not just communicationHow personal stories build connection that expertise alone never canThe everyday acts of resistance that shape workplaces and culture more than we realizeHow to find your voice when you were taught not to rock the boatWhat to do when you speak up and face criticism or pushback for itAbout My Guest: Janice Z. Gassam Asare, Ph.D. is a Ph.D.-trained organizational psychologist and the founder of BWG Business Solutions, an award-winning consultancy designed to help organizations create cultures built on equity. Dr. Janice provides consultations, facilitates workshops, provides guidance, delivers keynote speeches and âAwareness Talksâ to spark important dialogue about equity in the workplace. Dr. Janice has had the opportunity to collaborate with Google, Amazon, Yale University, Nordstrom, H&M, and Paypal/Venmo among many others. Dr. Janice is the author of three best-selling books, including her latest âRise and Resist: How to Reclaim Workplace Equity and Justiceâ coming in February 2026. She is a senior contributing writer for Forbes having authored over 500 articles, a Harvard Business Review contributor, a LinkedIn Learning and Udemy Business instructor and EBSCO Learning facilitator. In 2022, Dr. Janice was recognized as a LinkedIn #1 Top Voice in Racial Equity. In 2023 she was recognized by Gusto as one of the 25 Top Workplace Experts to Follow. She is a 2-time TEDx speaker, the host of the Dirty Diversity podcast and an adjunct professor at Columbia University. During her free time, Dr. Janice enjoys volunteering as a job coach for the Coalition for the Homeless.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/461/
Janiceâs website: https://www.drjanicegassam.com/
Get Janiceâs new book âRise and Resist: How to Reclaim Workplace Equity and Justiceâ: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/808352/rise-and-resist-by-janice-gassam-asare-phd/
Forbes article by Janice: âHow Carol Cox Is Helping Women Speakers Get Paid What They Deserveâ = https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2019/12/01/how-carol-cox-is-helping-women-speakers-get-paid-what-they-deserve/#1f5c3921533f
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Apply for our Thought Leader Academy = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxJanice Gassam Asare (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicegassamphd/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 156: Visibility Strategies That Get You Noticed with Janice GassamEpisode 257: Writing a Book Gives Your Ideas Depth and Longevity with Tiffany HawkEpisode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World with Carol Cox -
This episode is a rich and timely conversation about how we relate to what we know in an age of constant change and AI.
My guest is Dr. Laila Marouf, a former academic who spent more than two decades researching and teaching knowledge management before having a powerful realization during the early months of the pandemic: the systems and structures sheâd been focused on were designed for stable times, not for the uncertainty and disruption weâre all living through now.
Out of that insight, she developed the concept of knowledge mindfulness - a more human, integrated approach that connects what we know (our âknowingâ) with how we show up (our âbeingâ) and the choices we make (our âdoingâ), all within the real context of our lives and work.
In this episode, youâll hear:
The difference between traditional knowledge management and knowledge mindfulnessWhy knowledge isnât something to hoard as an asset, but a living system that needs to be nurtured and sharedHow to navigate the âfogâ of uncertainty with small, thoughtful steps instead of searching for one big, perfect answerThe role of trusted others, wisdom, and unity in a world where AI can outperform us on information and efficiencyWe also talk about what this means for your leadership, your business, and your life, especially if youâve been feeling like youâre on a treadmill, craving more meaning, spaciousness, and alignment in how you work and live.
About My Guest: Dr. Laila Marouf is Founder and Chief Knowledge Officer of Knowledge Mindfulness LLC. , an organization dedicated to evolving leaders' knowledge maturity to achieve holistic success through the use of Knowledge Mindfulness approach and strategy. Dr. Marouf has a PhD in information science with a focus on knowledge management. From there, she has embarked on a long career as a professor, researcher, consultant, and academic leader. In her book âKnowledge Mindfulness: The Interconnections that Help Leaders Transform Their Business and Life,â Dr. Marouf presents a transformative new approach to knowledge management for both individuals and organizations. Applying cutting-edge research from the worlds of business, economics, psychology, neuroscience, and the social sciences, she reveals more holistic, effective, and humane ways of harnessing knowledge to build trusting relationships and drive positive and responsible impact.
About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/460/
Lailaâs website: https://knowledgemindfulness.com/
Lailaâs book âKnowledge Mindfulness: The Interconnections That Help Leaders Transform Their Business and Lifeâ: https://www.amazon.com/Knowledge-Mindfulness-Interconnections-Transform-Business-ebook/dp/B0CFGBWZ75/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Apply for our Thought Leader Academy = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect on LinkedIn:
Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDr. Laila Marouf (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/laila-marouf/Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 458: Same Message, Different Medium, Different StrategyEpisode 392: Why I No Longer "Teach from the Stage"Episode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public Speaking - Laat meer zien
