I’m thrilled to be joined by Maria Flynn, a graduate of our Thought Leader Academy and now the founder and CEO of Ambiologix, a consulting and training company that helps entrepreneurs advance their innovation, grow their potential, and build their businesses.

Maria’s journey from the CEO of Orbis Biosciences, which had a successful acquisition, to becoming an Amazon bestselling author and keynote speaker, is nothing short of inspiring.

We delve into her innovative framework on maximizing T.I.M.E. to make opportunities happen and the delicate balance between patience and urgency.

Maria shares her practical tips on attracting speaking engagements, including paid ones, and the strategies that helped her launch her book successfully.

Key Takeaways:

• Maximizing Time: Learn about Maria’s framework on balancing urgency and patience, and how these concepts apply to entrepreneurial success.
• Visual Storytelling: Discover the engaging visuals Maria uses in her presentations to illustrate the spectrum of urgency and patience.
• Book to Keynote: Understand how Maria transformed the rich content of her book into impactful keynotes and workshops by working with us in the Thought Leader Academy.
• Speaking Engagements: Get insights into Maria’s approach to securing both free and paid speaking engagements and leveraging them for further opportunities.
• Writing Journey: Maria’s discussion about her book writing and launch process, including the importance of community and support.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/403/

Maria’s website: https://makeopportunityhappen.com/

Get a free copy of Maria’s book “Make Opportunity Happen”: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ez9n4ludh6

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/carolcox
• Maria Flynn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasflynn/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 383: Using Their Voices: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads [Part 2]
• Episode 363: From Burned Out to Lit Up: How Cara Houser Turned Her Signature Talk into a Best-Selling Book

If your ideas feel a bit - or a lot - messy and muddy, you’re far from alone.

This is the #1 challenge I hear from women we work with.

We're too close to our own ideas so we're not sure what our audiences will be interested in.

We feel self-doubt or resistance that causes analysis paralysis.

We try to put too much information into our talks (hello, expert trap!).

This is why we are your idea whisperers.

In this episode, I share:

• Why it’s hard to get clarity on our own ideas
• Why you need a clear throughline that’s a palm tree and not an oak tree
• The biggest reason why all of your ideas feel overwhelming
• Specific things you can do to get clarity
• The purpose of resistance and vulnerability in your idea formation

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/402/

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 for Impact in-person workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 354: Finding and Developing Your Big I.D.E.A.

• Episode 343: Why YOU are the Messenger for Your Idea and Audience

• Episode 341: Unearthing Your Unique Message: Discovering What Makes You Stand Out

If you want to get more speaking engagements, this episode is packed with specific strategies you can use, no matter where you’re at in your speaking journey.

Our guest is Cindy Rowe, a professional speaker, owner of a marketing company, and a graduate of our Thought Leader Academy.

Cindy has been on fire with her speaking for the past two years, so we invited her back on the podcast to share how she’s been getting momentum on the speaking circuit.

Our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz and Cindy talk about:

• How Cindy transitioned from speaking on marketing to becoming a sought-after speaker on kindness
• Specific strategies Cindy uses to secure a steady stream of speaking engagements
• The power of Google Alerts and LinkedIn for uncovering speaking opportunities
• The importance of connecting with other speakers to expand your network and find speaking gigs
• Tailoring one signature talk to fit different audiences and event themes
• How Cindy leverages her speaking engagements to book more gigs, including some already lined up into 2025!
• The crucial role the Thought Leader Academy played in shaping her signature talk

If you're ready to build your momentum on the speaking circuit, apply for our Thought Leader Academy at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy. We’re here to help you craft your thought leadership message and signature talk, create a visibility plan, and set you on the path to becoming a sought-after speaker.

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/401/

Cindy’s website: https://thecindyrowe.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/carolcox
• Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/
• Cindy Rowe (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyrowe-publicspeaker/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 284: Connecting Your Ideas into One Message with Cindy Rowe
• Episode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities with Cherlette McCullough
• Episode 367: Steps for Creating Your Speaking and Visibility Plan

Are you an introvert? If so, do you wonder if you are at a disadvantage as a speaker?

There’s a common misperception that most speakers are extroverts. But, from my admittedly very unscientific survey, many speakers I know are introverts.

We think that as introverts we won’t be as engaging or charismatic or energetic. Perhaps we’ve seen speakers we admire and we assume they’re extroverts.

I’m an introvert and I grew up quite shy, yet I found that public speaking was a great way for me to connect with other people.

In this episode, Diane Diaz and I talk about:

• Why we became public speakers even though we’re introverts and we were shy as kids
• What being an introvert teaches you
• The strengths you have as an introvert as a speaker
• Why speaking feels like a better fit than social media for many introverts
• Our tips for attending and speaking at conferences as an introvert

We’re wrapping up the podcast series we’ve been around executive speaking.

This is the 400th episode of the Speaking Your Brand podcast! Thank you so much for being a listener.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/400/

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 for Impact in-person workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop/

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 390: Impromptu Speaking: How to Prepare and Feel Confident in Any Situation
• Episode 370: Overcome Speaking Nerves & Anxiety: How to Develop Confidence on Stage
• Episode 208: Being an Introvert and a Speaker with Katherine N. Johnson

We’re continuing our new podcast series on Executive Speaking!

This episode is full of inspiration and practical insights if you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, embrace transformation, and make meaningful connections.

Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the importance of showing up.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your career, her wisdom will resonate and empower you to take bold steps towards your own greatness.

Dr. Crumpton-Young is an award-winning engineer, academic leader, and transformational coach. From her impressive journey as the first African American woman to earn a PhD in engineering at Texas A&M University to her pivotal role as a university president, Lesia shares her profound insights on leadership, transformation, and the power of showing up.

Tune in to discover:

• The power of showing up, exemplified by how I met Lesia (you’ll love this story)
• The essential qualities of a transformational leader and how to cultivate them
• The significance of authentic and transparent communication in fostering strong relationships and driving change, including the one thing leaders and speakers must do
• Practical tips on overcoming challenges and making impactful decisions
• The exciting launch of a fashion line dedicated to empowering women and inspiring greatness

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/399/

Lesia’s website: http://www.greatnessgurus.com/

Lesia’s podcast “Heart to Heart: Transformation Conversations with Dr. C-Y”: https://www.wecareradio.net/

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/carolcox
• Lesia Crumpton-Young, PhD (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesia-l-crumpton-young-ph-d-mba-8a4a04b/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 397: Speak to Lead: Elevating Your Executive Presence
• Episode 392: Why I No Longer "Teach from the Stage"
• Episode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap

We’re continuing our new podcast series around Executive Speaking!

Today we’re diving into storytelling for leaders, especially in a business, corporate, or academic environment.

We’ve been led to believe that stories aren’t appropriate in “professional” business or academic environments.

But, that’s when stories can be the most impactful!

This episode is truly value-packed with actionable insights to elevate your leadership and executive presence through the art of storytelling, as I’m joined by Diane Diaz and Joy Spencer, two of our speaking coaches.

Whether you're preparing for a corporate presentation, a keynote, or a TEDx talk, this episode provides the tools you need to captivate your audience and drive action.

We talk about:

• Why storytelling is not just an add-on but a core component of effective leadership communication
• How leaders can build trust and credibility by being vulnerable and authentic in their storytelling
• Using structured frameworks like Public Narrative and Challenge-Choice-Outcome to craft inspiring and persuasive stories
• Applying our I.D.E.A.L. storytelling ingredients to bring your stories to life
• Tips for turning personal experiences into compelling metaphors
• Lots of examples of using stories in business, academic, and political contexts

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/398/

Joy’s podcast “Reframe to Create”: https://reframetocreate.com/

Public Narrative: https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/30760283/Public-Narrative-Worksheet-Fall-2013-.pdf

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/

Check out our trainings for companies and organizations: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/trainings/

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz
• Joy Spencer = https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-spencer/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 397: Speak to Lead: Elevating Your Executive Presence
• Episode 339: Creating Compelling TED-Style Talks Based on Academic Research with Tanya Golash-Boza, PhD
• Episode 297: Integrating Your Story Into Your Talks
• Episode 194: How to Structure a Movement-Making Speech Using Your Story with Joy Spencer

Have you ever been captivated by a speaker who seems to effortlessly command the room, inspiring everyone with their words and presence?

That’s the magic of executive presence combined with powerful public speaking.

Whether you're leading a team or an organization or a workshop, whether you're presenting to 20, 200, or 2000 people, your ability to communicate your ideas clearly, get buy-in from your audience, and deliver with energy and confidence can make all the difference.

But here's the thing: Executive presence doesn't simply materialize overnight. Nor is it the exclusive domain of the naturally charismatic. It's an art that can be cultivated, and one of the most powerful tools for doing so is honing your presentation and storytelling skills.

In this new podcast series on executive speaking, we'll explore how you can elevate your executive presence through impactful communication.

This series is perfect if you work at a company and are looking to enhance your leadership skills.

If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ll also get a lot out of this series by learning how to effectively convey your vision and inspire your team and your audiences.

We know that we want to see more women in positions of influence on boards, on leadership teams, in politics, and in business. Executive presence matters.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/397/

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/

Check out our trainings for companies and organizations: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/trainings/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 394: Getting Buy-In from Your Audience on Your Message: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads
• Episode 395: The Power of Storytelling: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads
• Episode 390: Impromptu Speaking: How to Prepare and Feel Confident in Any Situation

• Episode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public Speaking

Are you ready to elevate your speaking game and attract lucrative speaking engagements?

Diane Diaz, our lead speaking coach, sits down with one of our clients, Cherlette McCullough, a licensed marriage and family therapist, to delve into the keys to crafting a compelling signature talk that not only resonates with audiences but also leads to paid speaking opportunities.

Key Highlights:

• Cherlette’s Journey: Discover how Cherlette transitioned from community speaking to landing high-paying gigs by refining her presentations and focusing on impactful delivery.
• Signature Talk Breakdown: Learn the components of Cherlette’s successful signature talk, “From Selfie to Self-Reflection,” and how her engaging approach and relatable content captivated her audience.
• Audience Engagement Tips: Get inspired by Cherlette’s innovative strategies to involve the audience, making her talks memorable and actionable.
• Visibility and Media Appearances: Understand the importance of visibility in the speaking world and how Cherlette leveraged media opportunities to expand her reach.
• Coaching and Growth: Hear firsthand how working with a speaking coach can transform your presentations and boost your confidence, leading to more significant opportunities.

You’ll learn:

• How a single talk led to multiple paid engagements for Cherlette
• The unique activity Cherlette used to captivate her audience and make her leadership talk unforgettable
• Why it’s essential to think outside the box when choosing your speaking topics and audiences
• How Cherlette’s consistent visibility and media presence has contributed to her speaking success

We know you’ll be inspired to get out there on the speaking circuit!

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/396/

Cherlette’s website: https://www.cherlettemccullough.com/

Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/

Work with us in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/
• Cherlette McCullough (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherlette-mccullough-22ab0b18/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 373: From Free to Fee: How to Get an ROI from Speaking
• Episode 367: Steps for Creating Your Speaking and Visibility Plan