What really happens behind the scenes of the professional speaking world—and why do so many aspiring speakers hit a wall before ever seeing the spotlight?

In this episode of Thrive Loud, host Lou Diamond welcomes back speaker coach and manager Li Hayes to unveil the truth behind building a thriving speaker business and getting to the coveted main stage.

Li Hayes pulls back the curtain on the realities of the speaking industry: from why “just getting gigs” is a myth, to the gritty work and knowledge required to succeed, and the kinds of speakers the industry actually needs. She reveals the origin story of her game-changing “Path to the Main Stage” podcast, a platform created to democratize inside knowledge for emerging and established speakers alike—no gatekeeping, no half-answers.

Li and Lou dive into:

• The real difference between agents and managers—and why most emerging speakers are asking the wrong question
• Why the best professional advice often comes from co-host conversations, not just interviews
• The newest trend in speaking: why audiences now demand more contextual interaction and engagement from the stage
• How top speakers, bureau agents, social media experts, and even Olympians are sharing their insider secrets on Li’s podcast
• The personal “gift” Li receives from contributing to the growth of others—and the evergreen value of truly generous content

If you’re a speaker striving for the main stage or just want to know how the best in the business keep leveling up, this episode packs both strategy and inspiration.

Episode Overview by Timestamp:

• [00:00:02] — Lou introduces Li Hayes and sets up the main question: "How do you actually build a career as a speaker?"
• [00:01:27] — Li’s origins in speaker management and why knowledge-sharing is crucial for emerging speakers
• [00:03:45] — Unique podcast format: Co-hosts, not just guests, and sharing generous, specific knowledge
• [00:06:39] — The 80/20 surprises: What Li is learning from her all-star roster of co-hosts
• [00:09:07] — The “gift” of creating content that makes a difference (and the power of truly giving value)
• [00:13:06] — Why every speaker’s path is different: multiple expert perspectives, repeated topics, and myth-busting industry advice
• [00:14:34] — NEW trends in speaking: Demand for audience interaction and real engagement
• [00:16:42] — How to connect with Li (goleeward.com, email, how she works as a manager not an agent)
• [00:18:28] — The story behind “Go Leeward” and its meaning for career navigation
• [00:19:01] — Fun Street: Podcasting, horseback riding, and the surprising value of trying new things
• [00:20:32] — Shocking wildlife story: Two bald eagles battle it out on Li’s front lawn!
• [00:21:49] — Closing: Building evergreen resources, staying generous, and the call to keep moving onward and upward

Don’t miss this episode if you want practical wisdom and real talk from industry insiders who walk the walk.