Beyond The Keynote Show

By Carmen Sederino

Beyond the Keynote: Extraordinary Stories from the World's Most Influential Voices

Dive deep into the untold stories of today's most compelling leaders and speakers.

Hosted by performance strategist... more

· Business

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FAQs about Beyond The Keynote Show:

How many episodes does Beyond The Keynote Show have?

The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.

Beyond The Keynote Show episodes:

April 08, 2026Saul Eslake: From Shy Adopted Kid in Tasmania to One of Australia's Most Trusted Economic Voices
Connect with Carmen Sederino
Website: illuminatedstory.com
LinkedIn: Carmen Sederino
YouTube: Illuminated Story
Instagram: @illuminatedstory
Free Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
Connect with Saul Eslake
Website: saul-eslake.com
LinkedIn: Saul Eslake
Saul Eslake: From Shy Adopted Kid in Tasmania to One of Australia's Most Trusted Economic Voices
Episode Description
Carmen Sederino sits down with Saul Eslake, one of Australia's most recognised independent economists, a keynote speaker, consultant, and Vice-Chancellor's Fellow at the University of Tasmania. Saul was born in England, relinquished for adoption, and raised by Australian parents who moved the family to Tasmania when he was eight.
He was shy, wore glasses, had a funny name, and was no good at sport at an all-boys school where sport was everything. He stumbled into economics through a process of elimination, landed a cadetship with the Federal Treasury, and spent over 40 years as Chief Economist at some of Australia's most prominent financial institutions including ANZ Bank and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Carmen and Saul talk about how he learned to speak in public through the Young Liberals, why he left the safety of corporate life to protect his credibility, and the business of speaking as an independent consultant in a post-COVID landscape.
Key Moments
Being relinquished for adoption in England and raised by Australian parents who chose Tasmania
Failing his first public speaking attempt at a youth parliament and not getting selected
Learning to speak, debate, and engage with media through the Young Liberals at university
Choosing economics over accounting after finding first-year economic subjects far more interesting
Leaving corporate life because employers were trying to control what he could say and write
Navigating the shift to virtual speaking during COVID and pushing back on discounted fees
Quotes to Remember
"What you know is important, but how you communicate it to your audience is no less important and in many ways more important."
"If it's not fun, it almost doesn't matter how much you get paid for doing it. It doesn't feel as good."
Saul's Journey
Born in England, adopted by Australian parents who moved the family to Tasmania. Attended school in Hobart, studied economics at the University of Tasmania, and began his career at the Federal Treasury. Served as Chief Economist at McIntosh Securities, National Mutual Funds Management, ANZ Bank, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Founded Corinna Economic Advisory in 2009 and has been an independent economist based in Hobart since 2015. Holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Tasmania.
Advice for Speakers
Find a mentor or coach early.
Know your subject deeply, but invest just as much in learning to communicate it to people who are not experts.
Don't discount your value for virtual presentations.
And always stay true to what you actually think, even when it's uncomfortable, because credibility is the foundation of everything.
Free Resource Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
About the Host Carmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.
Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.
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49min
April 01, 2026Jennifer K. Hill: From Hiding Her Light to Cracking the Code of Human Connection
Connect with Carmen Sederino
Website: illuminatedstory.com
LinkedIn: Carmen Sederino
YouTube: Illuminated Story
Instagram: @illuminatedstory
Free Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
Connect with Jennifer K. Hill
Website: jenniferkhill.com
LinkedIn: Jennifer K. Hill
Instagram: @jenhillspeaker
YouTube: Jennifer K Hill
Jennifer K. Hill: From Hiding Her Light to Cracking the Code of Human Connection
Episode Description
Carmen Sederino sits down with Jennifer K. Hill, CEO and co-founder of OptiMatch, executive coach, keynote speaker, and member of Deepak Chopra's Evolutionary Leaders Circle. At five years old, Jennifer told a five-star general she was going to be the first woman president of the United States. By 13, after being publicly humiliated for singing in front of 200 schoolmates, she went silent.
What followed was years of dimming her light, a late autism diagnosis, and a long road back to herself. Jennifer built and sold a staffing company, co-founded a tech company, and now speaks on stages worldwide about human connection, resilience, and the inner work that makes all of it possible.
Carmen and Jennifer go deep on how her performing arts roots feed her keynotes, the HeartMath breathing technique she teaches every client, and the moment she finally sang in public again after decades of silence.
Key Moments
Telling a five-star general at age five that she wanted to be the first woman president
Being humiliated singing in front of 200 schoolmates at 13 and going silent for decades
Cold-calling a company president to say "you're going to hire me" and breaking every record they had
Going from $200K a year to $5K in her first year as an entrepreneur
Singing Don't Stop Believing with a live band at a party after years of silence, backed by a professional singer
Walking into her first keynot expecting a panel, finding a solo 20-minute slot with nothing prepared, and bringing the house down through pure play
Quotes to Remember
"When we can learn to love and accept ourselves fully, that allows for deep intimacy with others and then connection to purpose."
"The higher brain can't function until the lower brain feels safe."
Jennifer's Journey
Grew up with high ambitions that got buried through difficult school experiences and a late-diagnosed autism. Left high school early, graduated college early, then discovered she was missing a class and had to pass an oral exam to get her degree. Fell into recruiting, built a staffing company from scratch, sold it in 2018, and co-founded OptiMatch. She is a HeartMath Certified Trainer, a member of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle, and has spoken to audiences of up to 100,000 people. Her upcoming books include The Recovering Asshole and a children's book called The Palladian Princess.
Advice for Speakers
Look at yourself in the mirror every day and tell yourself "I love you." Regulate your nervous system before you step on stage using heart-focused breathing. Let play lead your presentations; the most powerful talks come when you stop performing and start connecting.
Free Resource Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
About the Host Carmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.
Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.
...more
58min
March 25, 2026Stuart Draper: From Hiding Behind the Lemonade Stand to Building Businesses Worth Millions
Connect with Carmen Sederino
Website: illuminatedstory.com
LinkedIn: Carmen Sederino
YouTube: Illuminated Story
Instagram: @illuminatedstory
Free Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote Masterclass

Connect with Stuart Draper
Website: startupswithstu.com
LinkedIn: Stuart Draper
Instagram: @draperstu
Podcast: Startups with Stu

Stuart Draper: From Hiding Behind the Lemonade Stand to Building Businesses Worth Millions
Episode Description
Carmen Sederino sits down with Stuart Draper, serial entrepreneur, angel investor, nine-time Inc. 5000 honouree, and host of the Startups with Stu podcast. Stuart was the kid who hid behind the bushes while his brother sold lemonade. His mum pushed him into student government, where a botched recipe speech about "Stu as president" accidentally won the crowd and the election.
That pattern of turning fear into momentum carried through his career. After losing three jobs early in his marriage, Stuart launched GetFoundFirst.com, grew and sold it, then founded Stukent, an education technology company that served over a million students across 80+ countries.
He co-authored the bestselling higher education textbook Digital Marketing Essentials and built the annual ProfCon event. Carmen and Stuart dig into how storytelling became his most powerful business tool, why speakers should be their own biggest promoters, and the signature moments that made his presentations unforgettable years later.
Key Moments
Hiding behind bushes at the lemonade stand while his brother handled customers
His mum coaching him at 12 to speak from the heart instead of reading notes in church
A standing-room-only vendor session that outperformed every main stage talk at the conference
Delivering an entire presentation while riding a hoverboard across the stage
Handing out $100 bills to keep 120 audience members locked in for his full talk
Using the Under Armour origin story to rally his team and customers around a shared mission
Quotes to Remember
"People may forget how much money you gave or if they won or lost. But they remember you. You become the memory, not the gimmick."
"If you tell a good story, you can't tell you're being sold to."
Stuart's Journey
Grew up shy in a family that encouraged hard things early. Lost three jobs in quick succession after college before launching GetFoundFirst.com in 2008, selling Google Ad management to dentists. Grew and sold that business, then founded Stukent in 2013. Stukent became a three-time Inc. 5000 company serving thousands of institutions globally. Stuart co-authored Digital Marketing Essentials and sold his majority stake to a private equity group. He now runs the Startups with Stu podcast and hosts retreats bringing founders and investors together.
Advice for Speakers
Be your own biggest promoter. Don't wait for event organisers to fill the room for you. Create signature moments that make you impossible to forget. Tell stories your audience can see themselves in, because a good story sells without ever feeling like a pitch. And never get tired of telling your founding story; it is brand new to every person hearing it for the first time.
Free Resource Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
About the Host Carmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.
Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.
...more
1h 1min
March 25, 2026Federico Marques: From NASA Intern to Pioneering the Future of Food on Earth and in Space
Connect with Carmen Sederino
Website: illuminatedstory.com
LinkedIn: Carmen Sederino
YouTube: Illuminated Story
Instagram: @illuminatedstory
Free Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
Connect with Federico Marques
Website: moonflowerfarms.com
LinkedIn: Federico Marques
Instagram: @moonflowerfarms
Federico Marques: From NASA Intern to Pioneering the Future of Food on Earth and in Space
Episode Description
Carmen Sederino sits down with Federico Marques, founder and CEO of Moonflower Farms, the first indoor vertical farm in Texas. Federico's path into hydroponics started with a chance visit to NASA's Stennis Space Center as a college intern, where he discovered how plants could clean air, water and eventually grow food in space.
That experience shaped a career at Bayer, where he built a hydroponic greenhouse inside a chemical plant to clean industrial wastewater at 26, hired former NASA scientists to work alongside him, and rose to head quality and innovation.
He went on to found Moonflower Farms in 2016 and now works with NASA, universities and governments worldwide. Carmen and Federico dig into the role speaking has played throughout his career, from being physically shoved onto a stage in college to presenting to boardrooms, hostile audiences and inspired high school students who now show up at his farm as interns.
Key Moments
Being an extremely introverted child who spent all his time in the library and never imagined standing on a stage
A chance visit to NASA's Stennis Space Center that changed the entire direction of his career
Building a hydroponic greenhouse inside a Bayer chemical plant at 26 and hiring former NASA astronauts to work for him
Being pushed into acting classes by his thespian friends and performing in a four-night community play
Delivering a TEDx talk at a high school that triggered a wave of interns who simply started showing up at his farm
Speaking to his team during COVID about whether the business would survive, and choosing to pivot
Quotes to Remember
"If you really believe in what you're talking about and you're knowledgeable in what you're talking about, it doesn't matter what type of audience. Someone's going to leave with something."
"Rockets get you there. Hydroponics will keep you alive."
Federico's Journey
Grew up shy and introverted, originally on track for a tennis career. A college internship at Bayer led to a visit to NASA's Stennis Space Center, where he learned about bioregenerative life support systems.
He built his first hydroponic greenhouse inside a Bayer chemical plant, cleaning industrial wastewater with plants. That project launched his rise to NAFTA Head of Quality and Innovation. In 2016 he founded Moonflower Farms, creating the first indoor vertical farm in Texas.
His mission: enable anyone to grow anything, anywhere, all the time. He now works with NASA, universities and delegations from countries including Mozambique, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Estonia and Azerbaijan.
Advice for Speakers
Believe in what you are talking about and be deeply knowledgeable. When those two things are present, speaking becomes almost effortless. Warm up your body and voice before you go on stage. Use props, video and real people to make your message tangible rather than relying on slides alone.
Free Resource
Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
About the Host Carmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.
Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.
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52min
March 20, 2026Gillian Muessig: From Co-founding Moz to Funding the Women Venture Capital Ignores
Connect with Carmen Sederino
Website: illuminatedstory.com
LinkedIn: Carmen Sederino
YouTube: Illuminated Story
Instagram: @illuminatedstory
Free Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
Connect with Gillian Muessig
Website: masters.vc
LinkedIn: Gillian Muessig
Podcast: VC Confidential
Gillian Muessig: From Co-founding Moz to Funding the Women Venture Capital Ignores
Episode Description
Carmen Sederino sits down with Gillian Muessig, co-founder of Moz, Managing Director of the Mastersfund, and a global speaker and investor who has helped thousands of companies launch and grow over three decades. Gillian built one of the most recognised brands in digital marketing alongside her son Rand Fishkin, travelling 250+ days a year as the company's brand ambassador.
Over 1.5 million people still know her as SEO Mom. After leaving Moz, she turned her attention to the staggering imbalance in venture capital, where women receive just 2% of funding despite returning 35% higher ROI. She co-founded the Mastersfund to prove that investing in women is an outsized financial opportunity.
Key Moments
Co-founding Moz with Rand Fishkin and becoming the company's global brand ambassador
Building personal brands for every team member at Moz and watching it attract top talent and amplify the company brand
A government speaker in Trinidad putting away his notes to speak from the heart after watching Gillian's keynote
Founding the Mastersfund to prove investing in women delivers outsized returns
The data: women raise 44% of what men raise, exit one to two years sooner, and return 35% higher ROI
Quotes to Remember
"Speak with conviction. If you don't speak with conviction, you're not speaking about the right subject."
"Non-performing capital is useless. It has to be at work."
Gillian's Journey
Co-founded SEO Moz (now Moz) with her son Rand Fishkin as search engine optimisation took shape in the late 1990s. Served as brand ambassador, speaking at conferences worldwide. After leaving Moz, she launched the Mastersfund with Anne Kennedy, a gender-lens venture capital fund backing women-led companies. She has served as a tech advisor to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the U.S. State Department, and government programs across multiple continents.
On Speaking and Brand Building
Speaking is a powerful shortcut for building personal and company brands. Getting on stage gives you access to decision-makers and relationships that compound over time. Every team member at Moz was encouraged to speak publicly. Whether you pay to speak, speak for free, or get paid, the audience deserves your A game every time. It is a privilege to stand in front of people who have invested their most precious resource: their time.
On Venture Capital and Women
Women receive 2% of venture capital funding, a number unchanged since 1947. Women are capital efficient, raising 44% of what men raise to exit at the same number. Women exit sooner, reducing risk. Women return 35% higher ROI on an annualised basis. The Mastersfund was built to prove investing in women is not a concession; it is an outsized financial opportunity.
Free Resource Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
About the Host Carmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.
Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.
...more
57min
March 18, 2026Jennifer Brown: From Opera Stage to Global Inclusion Leader
Connect with Carmen Sederino
Website: illuminatedstory.com
LinkedIn: Carmen Sederino
YouTube: Illuminated Story
Instagram: @illuminatedstory
Free Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
Connect with Jennifer Brown
Website: jenniferbrownspeaks.com
LinkedIn: Jennifer Brown
Instagram: @jenniferbrownspeaks
Podcast: The Will to Change

Episode Description
Carmen Sederino sits down with Jennifer Brown, bestselling author, internationally recognised keynote speaker, and one of the most trusted voices in diversity, equity and inclusion. Jennifer trained as an opera singer before vocal surgery forced her to reimagine everything. What followed was a master's in organisational leadership, years delivering corporate training, and the founding of her own consulting firm. They go deep on building a keynote that lands, how performing skills translate to speaking, and where the future of keynote speaking is headed.
Key Moments
Singing a Bernstein solo at eight years old with a full orchestra and feeling completely at home on stage
Pursuing an opera career in New York, then needing two vocal surgeries that ended her singing career
A mentor pushing her to deliver a TEDx, which became the turning point for her speaking career
Moderating industry panels as a strategy to build relationships and land clients
Using Mentimeter live polling to create psychological safety and vulnerability in keynotes
Playing a clip of herself singing as she walks on stage, then opening with the story of losing her voice
Quotes to Remember
"I was meant to use my voice, just not as a singer. I was meant to uplift the voices of the voiceless."
"Good design and a great facilitator can take a group anywhere."
Jennifer's Journey
Grew up in a family of musicians. Earned a master's in opera and moved to New York. After two vocal surgeries, she pivoted into organisational leadership and adult learning, completing a second master's. She founded Jennifer Brown Consulting and shifted her focus into DEI. She has delivered hundreds of keynotes for Google, NASA, Toyota, LinkedIn and more. Jennifer is the author of Inclusion, How to Be an Inclusive Leader, Beyond Diversity, and The Shape of Change.
Speaking Career Highlights
Has delivered 200 to 300 keynotes for Fortune 500 companies and global organisations. Uses live polling to create vulnerable moments with large audiences. Built her early reputation moderating panels at industry events. Bundles her assessment tool and books with engagements to create a full ecosystem of value.
Advice for Speakers
Your keynote needs more than your story. You need a point of view, data to back it up, and a framework people can take away. Moderate panels to get on stage and build relationships. Follow up with everyone you meet. Write thought papers, share insights, and give people a reason to stay in your ecosystem.
Free Resource Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
About the HostCarmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.
DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.
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1h 1min
March 11, 2026 Kate Christie: From Aspiring Journalist to Australia's Leading Time Investment Expert
Connect with Carmen SederinoWebsite: illuminatedstory.comLinkedIn: Carmen SederinoYouTube: Illuminated StoryInstagram: @illuminatedstoryFree Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
Connect with Kate ChristieWebsite: katechristie.com.auLinkedIn: Kate ChristieInstagram: @katechristieloves
Kate Christie: From Aspiring Journalist to Australia's Leading Time Investment Expert
Episode DescriptionCarmen Sederino sits down with Kate Christie, bestselling author, international speaker, and Australia's leading time management expert. Kate traces her path from a childhood dream of working for the United Nations, through a 12-year law career she never loved, to the moment life as a corporate executive and mother of three became unsustainable. What followed was a total reinvention: a business helping people stop managing their time and start investing it. She's since spoken on stages around the world, including a 30-engagement tour of China at the invitation of the Australian Government. They also dig into the real mechanics of building a speaking business, from a first gig at a cricket club with seven people to negotiating international fees.
Key MomentsWriting a letter to the United Nations at 14, encouraged by her dad who told her she could have anything if she was willing to work for it
Her first corporate speaking moment in front of 800 angry dock workers as a 27-year-old lawyer
Leaving corporate after being forced to choose between being a great mum or having a great career
Her first speaking gig at a cricket club for seven people, where she forgot to bring her book
Being invited by the Australian Government to do 30 speaking engagements across China in nine working days
Quotes to Remember"We need to start thinking about our time the way we think about our money, as a very limited, very precious resource that has to be invested for the greatest return."
"Everyone has fantastic stories to tell. The world needs more stories."
Kate's JourneyGrew up with a father she describes as the first feminist she ever met. Wanted to be a journalist, was told at 16 to get the best degree she could first. Spent about 12 years practising law across firms and in-house. Had three babies in three and a half years while working as a senior executive, and the juggle became impossible. Left corporate, and discovered her real expertise was in how people invest their time. Wrote her first book, Me Time, at 40, which became a bestseller and opened the door to speaking.
Speaking Career HighlightsFirst gig was a free talk at a cricket club for seven people. Built a full speaking ecosystem: books, keynotes, coaching, consulting, and social media, all feeding into each other. Has spoken across Australia, the US, Asia, and China. Completed a 30-engagement China tour over nine working days for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Advice for SpeakersStart with free gigs to test your content, but know when to start charging. Build an ecosystem at different price points so every part of your business feeds the others. Your keynote needs to leave people with practical tools, not just inspiration that fades. Back yourself. What feels obvious to you can be transformative for someone else.
Free ResourcesBeyond the Keynote Masterclass
About the HostCarmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders and experts create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.
DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.
...more
1h 4min
March 11, 2026Warren Bingham: From a Minister's Son to Medical Technology Pioneer and Purpose-Driven Leader
Connect with Carmen Sederino
Website: illuminatedstory.com
LinkedIn: Carmen Sederino
YouTube: Illuminated Story
Instagram: @illuminatedstory
Free Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
Connect with Warren Bingham
Website: medtechinternational.com.au
LinkedIn: Warren Bingham
Warren Bingham: From a Minister's Son to Medical Technology Pioneer and Purpose-Driven Leader
Episode Description
In this episode of Beyond the Keynote, Carmen Sederino sits down with Warren Bingham, founder and Executive Chairman of MedTech International, board director, and values-driven leader with over 30 years at the forefront of medical technology innovation. Warren traces his path from being adopted at two weeks old into a Scottish-Irish-English family, to leaving school at 15, to launching the Australian operations for the company that pioneered the world's first swallowable camera. Along the way, he reveals how his father, a minister, unknowingly gave him his first stage training by having him introduce himself to a new congregation every two to three years from the age of four. This is a conversation about leadership, purpose, the power of storytelling, and why nervousness on stage is something to harness, not hide from.
Key Moments
Growing up adopted, moving towns every two to three years, and learning to speak in front of strangers from the age of four
Leaving school at 15 to sell cameras and living independently at 16 on $113 a week
Launching the Australian subsidiary of Given Imaging and helping list the company's IPO on the US stock exchange just weeks after September 11, 2001
Why he turned down a free speaking engagement that didn't align with his values
His current keynote focus on purpose-driven leadership and the life lessons behind it
Quotes to Remember
"If you were to die tomorrow, would you be happy with your life and what you've achieved? Most people would probably say no."
"You can bury yourself in mud, or you can shower yourself in glitter."
Warren's Journey
Adopted at two weeks old, left school at 15, moved out at 16, and started selling cameras before joining Pentax in his early twenties
Spent 12 years at Pentax building 74% market share in endoscopy, then became the founding Australian and New Zealand President for Given Imaging, the Israeli company behind PillCam
Now serves as Executive Chairman of MedTech International alongside board roles at OmnisOva, Agscent, and the Medical Technology Association of Australia
Speaking Career Highlights
Public speaking has been woven through his career for over 20 years, from medical industry conferences to leadership keynotes
Over the past five years, paid speaking on purpose-driven leadership has become an additional focus, including a recent keynote at CSIRO's ON Accelerate program
Still gets nervous before every talk and considers that a good thing, because it keeps the delivery sharp and authentic
Advice for Speakers
Bring your passion to whatever you're talking about. If you don't own the content, it will come across flat
If an opportunity doesn't align with your values, protect your boundaries and say no
Free Resources
Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
About the Host
Carmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders and experts create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.
...more
1h 1min
March 04, 2026Jules Brooke: Championing Women's Voices From the Stage to the Spotlight
Connect with Carmen Sederino
Website: illuminatedstory.com
LinkedIn: Carmen Sederino
YouTube: Illuminated Story
Instagram: @illuminatedstory
Free Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote Masterclass

Connect with Jules Brooke
Website: julesbrooke.com
LinkedIn: Jules Brooke

Jules Brooke: Championing Women's Voices From the Stage to the Spotlight

Episode Description
In this powerful episode of Beyond the Keynote, Carmen Sederino sits down with Jules Brooke, a serial entrepreneur, PR expert, MC, and passionate advocate for getting more women onto stages and into the spotlight.
Key Moments
Growing up across multiple countries as a military child and how it shaped her entrepreneurial spirit
Her lifelong passion for performance and theatre
The challenges women face in public speaking and male-dominated industries
Why more women need to step into the spotlight and share their stories
The power of podcasting as a networking and visibility tool
Quotes to Remember
"If you can see it, you can be it."
"Be that woman that will mention another woman's name in a room full of opportunities."
Jules' Incredible Journey
Born in Ireland, grew up in Germany, Cyprus, and England before moving to Australia at age 12 due to her father's military career
A passion for theatre and performance from a young age
Founded Handle Your Own PR, teaching business owners how to get their own media coverage
Created She's The Boss, a platform highlighting female founders through events, podcasts, and interviews
Launched Australian Women Speakers, a directory elevating women in the speaking industry
Named a Top 50 Small Business Leader in 2024
Speaking Career Highlights
Over 20 years of experience as a topic expert, motivational speaker, and MC
Hosts over 40 events per year, both online and in person
Advocates for equal representation of women on stages globally
Brings a practical, entertaining delivery style that leaves audiences energized
Advice for Speakers
Overcoming speaking anxiety is a skill that can be developed
Women need to stop underestimating the value of their own stories
Building a supportive community of women speakers creates momentum for everyone
Podcasting is one of the fastest ways to build your network and your profile
MC work can be a powerful entry point for aspiring speakers
Authenticity in your message will become even more valuable in a tech-driven world
Free Resource
Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
About the Host
Carmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders and experts create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.
...more
1h 10min
March 04, 2026Megan Dalla-Camina: From Performing Arts to Empowering 10,500 Women Across 68 Countries
Connect with Carmen Sederino
Website: illuminatedstory.com
LinkedIn: Carmen Sederino
YouTube: Illuminated Story
Instagram: @illuminatedstory
Free Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
Connect with Megan Dalla-Camina
Pre-order Megan's new book, She Who Remembers: Amazon
Website: megandallacamina.com
Women Rising: womenrisingco.com
LinkedIn: Megan Dalla-Camina
Instagram: @megandallacamina
Megan Dalla-Camina: From Performing Arts to Empowering 10,500 Women Across 68 Countries
Episode Description
In this deeply personal episode of Beyond the Keynote, Carmen Sederino sits down with Megan Dalla-Camina, founder and CEO of Women Rising, bestselling author and globally recognised women's leadership expert. What unfolds is a rare, honest conversation between two women who share strikingly similar journeys, from performing arts childhoods to accidental corporate careers, and ultimately to building businesses rooted in purpose and service.
Megan opens up about burnout, the paradoxes of power that hold women back, and why presence on stage matters more than performance. She also shares an exclusive first reveal of her upcoming fifth book, She Who Remembers: Awakening Feminine Wisdom in a World Ready for Her Return, launching April 13, 2026.
Key Moments
The childhood dream of becoming an actress and the crossroads that led to an 18-year corporate career at GE, PwC, and IBM
Burning out as a young executive and single mother, and the conversation with her CEO that changed everything
Building Women Rising into a movement supporting over 10,500 women in 68 countries
The exclusive reveal of her fifth book, She Who Remembers
A candid conversation about what it really means to hold the energy of a room as a speaker
Quotes to Remember
"Find what's true. What am I really here for? What am I here to share and who needs to hear it?"
"Once women realise it's not just them and they're not the problem, everything shifts. That's when we start to feel truly empowered."
Megan's Journey
Grew up performing and writing from age three, trained at performing arts school and NIDA, and planned to become an actress before a car accident redirected her into corporate
Spent 18 years across GE, PwC, and IBM, rising through marketing and strategy leadership while juggling single motherhood and postgraduate study
Left corporate 13 years ago to focus full-time on women's leadership, and has since authored four bestselling books with a fifth on the way
Speaking Career Highlights
Has been on stages since her mid-twenties, with paid keynotes becoming a core revenue stream for the first eight years of her business
Now gravitates toward intimate settings where she can go deeper with audiences
Filters every speaking decision through one question: "How will me showing up at this event be of service?"
Advice for Speakers
Find what is true for you rather than building your speaking career around what other people are doing
Think strategically about timing, free vs. paid, and whether the message, the moment, and the audience actually align
Free Resources
Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
About the Host
Carmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders and experts create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.
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1h 3min

FAQs about Beyond The Keynote Show:

How many episodes does Beyond The Keynote Show have?

The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.