Have you ever experienced an energy that made you move to the edge of your seat or that had you stand to your feet? What about an excitement that stayed with you and had you talking about it long after an event ended? That is the best way to describe Bridgett McGowen, an award-winning author, an award-winning publisher, and an award-winning international professional speaker who is known to be both comical and memorable. She will not only energize you but will inspire you to not let anyone or anything get in the way of you being the most unforgettable person in the room.

Bridgett has been a professional speaker since 2001; has spoken on programs alongside prominent figures such as former President Barack Obama, Deepak Chopra, Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod), Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, Katie Couric, Janelle Monae, Sir Richard Branson, Indra Nooyi, Stacey Abrams, Dr. Mae Jemison, Common, Amy Cuddy, Sara Blakely, and Mel Robbins; and is repped by All American Speakers Bureau.

But well before the big names, she credits her start in public speaking to her time as the Sunday school secretary at the United Methodist church she grew up attending and that was directly across the street from where she lived. She beamed with pride standing at the front of the sanctuary to deliver the lesson title, scripture, amount of the collection for the morning, and the number in attendance before an intimate gathering. Her fascination with words was further evidenced in her winning first place in a second grade spelling bee and the multiple UIL awards she was awarded during high school as she competed in news writing, headline writing, poetry, and prose. It was just the beginning.

The Communicator Awards presented her with an Award of Distinction in 2023; the prestigious University of Texas at Austin presented her with a Master Presenter Award; Canada-based One Woman has presented her with two Fearless Woman Awards; and she has facilitated hundreds of workshops, keynote and commencement addresses, conference sessions, trainings, and webinars to thousands of students and professionals who are positioned all around the globe.

Bridgett's expertise and presentations have been sought after by companies, post-secondary institutions, and organizations such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Fifth Third Bank, Vanguard Investments, LifeLock, Symantec, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McGraw-Hill Education, LinkedIn Local, Association for Talent Development, New York University (NYU), Doña Ana Community College, National Association of Women Sales Professionals, Independence University, Turnitin, National Association of Black Accountants, Miller-Motte College, Prairie View A&M University, and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She has been quoted by Transizion, has contributed to UpJourney, and has appeared as a guest on The Training and Learning Development Company's TLDCast as well as Phoenix Business Radio to showcase her expertise in the professional speaking industry. Her work in professional speaking and public speaking coaching has been highlighted by VoyagePhoenix Magazine; award-winning branding and consulting agency, Catalyst; The Startup Growth; and her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University, the second oldest institution of higher education in the state of Texas.

Bridgett has also taught for Prairie View A&M University, which is a part of the Texas A&M University System; Lone Star College System; and University of Phoenix. From 2009 until 2016, while in the employ of an educational technology company, she traveled the country researching, designing, and facilitating faculty and professional development workshops and webinars for dozens of four-year, two-year, and career and technical colleges. She has earned a bachelor's degree in Communication and a master's degree; is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; and is a member of the International Society of Female Professionals.

Bridgett is also an Entrepreneur Leadership Network Writer; a former Forbes Coaches Council contributor; a Medium contributor; and is the author of several books to include Show Up and Show Out: 52 Communication Habits to Make You Even More Unforgettable, the winner of an Award of Distinction from The Communicator Awards; Own the Microphone, an amazing collaboration with 50 professional speakers from around the globe; Rise and Sizzle: Daily Communication and Presentation Strategies for Sales, Business, and Higher Ed Pros; and two editions of REAL TALK: What Other Experts Won't Tell You About How to Make Presentations That Sizzle, which is the winner of a 2023 silver BookFest Award in the business communication category, the winner of a 2020 Best Indie Book Award in the non-fiction business and communication category, and a 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist. Bridgett is a 2023 Nasdaq Milestone Circles graduate and a 2023 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program graduate. She is also the host of the five-star rated podcast, Own the Microphone, which provides subscribers with winning presentation strategies, and the founder and owner of the award-winning hybrid publishing company, Press 49.

Bridgett's mission now is to support as many professionals as possible with moving away from being ordinary and flying under the radar, to digging deep and giving the people the best versions of themselves even when they don’t feel like it and to not let anything or anyone get in their way of being the most unforgettable person in the room.

Bridgett lives with her family in the Phoenix, Arizona area, and she absolutely loves beautiful sunsets.

BRIDGETT McGOWEN Award-Winning International Professional Speaker

Certified Motivational Speaker, IAP Career College

2024 LinkedIn Top Presentation Skills Voice and Top Presentations Voice

2024 Association for Talent Development Thought Leadership Award Nominee

TONE Networks Expert

2023 Nasdaq Milestone Circles Graduate

2023 BookFest Business Communication Award Winner

2023 BookFest Women in Business Award Winner

2023 Stevie Award Winner, Best Female Entrepreneur

2023 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program Graduate

2023 Award of Distinction Winner, The Communicator Awards

2023 iDominate Speakers Magazine Top Woman to Watch

2021 Stevie Award Winner

2020 Best Indie Book Award Winner

2020 Next Generation Indie Book Award Winner

W: https://www.bridgettmcgowen.com/

E: [email protected]

Jim Schleckser is an accomplished leader, entrepreneur, and CEO coach with extensive experience across diverse industries. He is the Founder & CEO of The CEO Project, a renowned executive coaching company specializing in high-revenue entrepreneurs. Jim offers a distinctive CEO coaching program that combines peer group discussions with personalized one-on-one coaching sessions led by former CEOs. He advocates for the concept of the "Lazy CEO," emphasizing efficient delegation and time management as essential traits for successful leadership. Jim employs diagnostic and strategic tools to identify business constraints and provide tailored advice to CEOs and offers a curated advisory board, providing CEOs with unbiased and valuable guidance.

Jim hosts The Lazy CEO Podcast, a successful podcast, focusing on entrepreneurship and CEO leadership, providing valuable insights to a wide audience. He is also the author of two impactful books: "Great CEO's are Lazy'' and "Professional Drinking: A Spirited Guide to Wine, Cocktails and Confident Business Entertaining."

In addition to his professional endeavors, Jim is actively involved in various non-profit organizations such as the National Association of Corporate Directors, Boy Scouts of America, and Youth With A Mission. Jim is an avid soccer player and adventurer, having recently conquered Mount Kilimanjaro. He is also a certified Level 2 Sommelier, reflecting his passion for wine and cocktails.

Talking Points:

• Becoming a 'Lazy CEO': The High Leverage Roles of the CEO
• Delegate Like a Pro
• How We Aspire to Impact 1,000,000 Lives Positively
• The Art of Negotiation: The Secrets to Lose-Lose Negotiating
• Master Your Strategy and Outmaneuver the Competition
• Master the Art of Raising Capital and Help Your Business Thrive
• Creating Succession Planning with Seamless Transitions
• Valuable Do's and Don'ts for Drinking in a Business Setting
• Family Business Dynamics and the Unique Challenges
• Turning Event Opportunity into a Game-Changing Move for your Company

Jim Schleckser's multifaceted background, extensive leadership experience, and commitment to helping CEOs achieve success make him a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking guidance and inspiration. I hope you find him to be a good fit for your audience!

Links:

• https://theceoproject.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimschleckser/
• https://www.facebook.com/IncCEOproject
• https://www.tiktok.com/@theceoproject?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
• https://www.instagram.com/the_ceoproject?igsh=djEyOGwxb3Y4NWZ2
• https://twitter.com/the_ceo_project
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lazy-ceo-podcast/id1641914838
• https://amzn.to/3L6Eh6C
• https://amzn.to/4eLEDNB

Kendra Corman, dynamic speaker and author, brings over 20 years of marketing expertise to the stage. The former Jeep Advertising Manager founded H2H Consulting, a full-service agency, and now leads http://KendraCorman.com . She specializes in email marketing, AI-driven productivity, and podcasting.

Author of "Mastering AI In Communications," Kendra transforms complex concepts into actionable strategies. With degrees from Penn State, Oakland, and Michigan State Universities, she delivers practical insights through speaking engagements, online courses, and 1:1 strategy sessions. Kendra's engaging style blends professional acumen with relatable anecdotes, making her a sought-after voice in marketing and communications.

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kendracorman

Cathy E. Smith is the Chief Online Marketing Strategist of C2 Online Marketing Group, LLC and has over 10+ years of experience in online marketing and ecommerce. Currently, she serves as host of The After Work Entrepreneur which is a weekly podcast designed to assist the corporate professional with transitioning from extra income to the 9 to 5 exit strategy.  the business owner in mind. She shares the latest tips and strategies to developing a roadmap for the transition into entrepreneurship. This also includes developing forms of passive income even if you are a service-based business owner.

Her former podcast, the P.R.I.M.E. Show was targeted in providing entrepreneurs the latest tips and strategies in social media and digital marketing designed with the business owner in mind. Her former podcast was recorded in a live studio. Cathy has interviewed celebrities such as MC Lyte, Anne Nesby, Speech (from the musical group Arrested Development), and Jennifer Abernethy just to name a few.

Cathy is the author of “Turn Your Passion Into Profits: Free and Low Cost Online Marketing for Entrepreneurs” which provides information to assist small business owners in developing their online presence on a small budget. These tools will assist any business owner in increasing their brand awareness, customers and income online. She has also been featured in the business directory, “Careers from the Kitchen Table, 4th Edition” along with Alex Mandossian, Cookie Johnson, Dr. J.B. Hill and many others.

In 2011, she decided to focus strongly on internet marketing with an emphasis on social media. Within 60 days, she quadrupled the number of Twitter followers and all followers were obtained organically (no followers were purchased). Cathy strongly believes that internet marketing is an essential tool for today’s entrepreneur. You can’t have a successful business without leaving an online imprint. Her business continues to expand with online connections both nationally and internationally.

Cathy may be reached through all the major social media networks as Cathy E. Smith or cathyesmith7. Her presence is strongest on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Pinterest. She may also be found on Instagram and http://About.me .  Her contact information for coaching programs, speaking or an online business assessment is available via email at [email protected],  www.CathyESmith.com, or via phone at 240-523-3707.

Previous Ep1523 (2017)

Christopher Pellegrini is a shochu and awamori expert, author, podcast host, and die-hard Tokyo Swallows fan, incorporating his infectious enthusiasm and knowledge of Japanese spirits in all his professional endeavors. He launched Honkaku Spirits in March of 2020 with the mission of bringing intensely artisanal Japanese spirits to discerning American consumers, especially koji-based spirits including shochu, awamori, and koji whiskey. Hailing from Bristol, Vermont, Christopher received his B.A. in Spanish from Wittenberg University and his M.A. in language education from University College London. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Bioresource Economics at Kagoshima National University in Japan. After honing his skills as a brewer at Otter Creek Brewing Company in Middlebury, Vermont, Christopher became a full-time professor at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan.

Following the launch of Honkaku Spirits, he now lectures at the university on a part-time basis. Respected throughout the industry, Christopher is a judge of the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition as well as Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. In addition to being a contributor to the award-winning “Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails,” his extensive understanding of shochu inspired him to write the first non-Japanese book about shochu and awamori, “The Shochu Handbook.” He also co-hosts two podcasts focused on the education of Japanese spirits: Japan Distilled and Sake on Air. Fluent in English and Japanese, Christopher’s contribution to increasing global knowledge of Japanese spirits continues to shape opinion on the burgeoning category.

Christopher was the first person to be certified by the Sake Service Institute as a Shochu Kikisakeshi (specialist) in Japan and as a Shochu Advisor by the Sake School of America; he is one of a select few that hold both accreditations. Christopher also speaks conversational Spanish and Korean. Passionate about giving back, Christopher proudly supports the Minga Foundation, the Providence Saint Joseph Foundation, and the Ray Pellegrini ‘Reach for the Stars’ Scholarship.

W: https://honkakuspirits.com/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherpellegrini/

FB: https://web.facebook.com/pellegrinichristopher/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

Lee is the author of "How to Build Sustainability into Your Business Strategy." With over 20 years of experience in sustainability across Australia, the UK, Japan, and New Zealand, Lee has worked in startups, consulting, and as Head of Sustainability for large billion-dollar multinationals Fujitsu and Fonterra. His current clients include large manufacturing, retail, infrastructure and hospitality organisations across Australia, New Zealand. And the Pacific. In 2022, Lee founded his own consulting business, ESG Strategy, where he advises boards and senior executives on sustainability and ESG strategies. He also provides pro bono strategic advice on sustainability, circular economy, and climate change to the Kingdom of Tonga.

W: https://www.leestewart.com.au/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leestewart/

New Yorker Dr. Renée Gadsden is an art and cultural historian who graduated from Brown University (AB Hon.) with a degree in art history before moving to Europe as a result of winning a large academic prize from Brown University for a project on the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier.

Fluent in German, she did advanced studies in art history at the University of Vienna as well as achieving degrees in sculpture (M.F.A.) and cultural and intellectual history (Ph.D.) from the University of Applied Arts Vienna. She is specialized in Western art and civilization, with a focus on Central Europe. One of her main research interests is women’s studies.

Dr. Gadsden is active as an author, curator and art educator for institutions such as the Vienna Secession, the Albertina Museum, the Belvedere Museum, the Museum of Modern Art Foundation Ludwig Vienna and the Jewish Museum Vienna. She is a sought after speaker for radio and television, whose exhibition opening speeches have cult status throughout Austria. Gadsden is on the artistic advisory board of the Ruth Baumgarte Art Foundation (Bielefeld, Germany) and is a consultant for international art projects from New York to Taiwan.

Currently she is an Austrian correspondent for the “kunst:art” newspaper, the largest free art newspaper (circulation: 225,000 copies) in German–speaking Europe (Austria, Germany, Switzerland), writing about current museum and gallery exhibitions She is also a lecturer at the Department of Art Theory of the University of Applied Arts Vienna.

Dr. Renée Gadsden is married to the Austrian composer Rupert Huber and lives in Vienna, Austria, the “world capital of music”.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneegadsden/

W: https://www.reneegadsden.com/

Richard Trillion Mantey transformed his life, going from 224 to 163 pounds, rediscovering energy and confidence. Battling a cycle of constant over eating, Richard came up with the Four Step Method of Losing Weight. In just 34 days, he lost 8 pounds and began a journey towards self-confidence. Now, Richard invites you to break free from similar struggles. Embrace his methods, transform your life, and gain back your confidence.

W: https://richardtmantey.com/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/richard-t-mantey/about/?viewAsMember=true

Marketing is my passion and I'm hands-on. Since 1995, I’ve been heavily involved in all aspects of media marketing and creation, doing everything from booking talent for major motion pictures, to music supervision and licensing for both film and television, to nationwide product launches and advertising campaigns.

This unique combination of media creation and marketing is why people love working with me. Because I’ve been on the frontlines as both a creator and marketer, I’m able to see media from both sides—it's a marketing tool and also art.

You’ve heard my work on broadcast radio, seen it in big screen movie theaters, and watched it on both cable and network television. I’ve worked in the live event space, personally producing and marketing over 1000 live events, from music, to comedy, to seminars.

I get results for the people I work for. And I can do the same for you.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hooperdavid/ 

Web: https://www.bigpodcast.com/ 

Previous Ep2384 (2019)

Previous Ep210 (2016)

I am an ambitious and hardworking individual with a kind-spirited nature. I find joy in uplifting others and am known for my ability to motivate and inspire those around me. With a knack for insightful perspectives, I approach situations with empathy and am always ready to lend a helping hand.

Email: [email protected]