Today’s episode it’s all about finding and developing your Big Idea for your thought leadership and public speaking. Ideas are incredibly powerful; they can live on for years, centuries, even millennia. Ideas spark movements for political and social change. Ideas help us as humans understand ourselves, each other, and the world around us Your idea doesn’t have to be something people have never heard of before; that’s unlikely as most things have been talked about before - and that’s ok! As a speaker, you want to have something interesting and unique to talk about, you want to make a positive impact on your audience, and you want to develop your thought leadership Perhaps you’re not sure what makes a good idea or which of your ideas is the best one. It all feels a bit messy and muddy. That’s what I’m going to help you with in this episode! Think of me as your idea whisperer. You’ll learn:   What a Big Idea is   Why too many speakers get stuck with superficial content   How to identify your I.D.E.A. using this handy acronym I came up with   Examples of Big Ideas from myself, from some of our clients, and from thought leaders you’ll recognize   Specific questions you can ask yourself to get started developing your Big Idea      Get these questions and a lot more in our 24-page FREE guide and workbook on Developing Your Thought Leadership at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/.   This episode is part of our new podcast series on thought leadership.   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/354/  Get our free Thought Leadership guide and workbook: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/  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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox  Related Podcast Episodes:  Episode 352: 7 Things the Best Speakers Do: My Takeaways from TEDWomen Episode 343: Why YOU are the Messenger for Your Idea and Audience Episode 339: Using Public Speaking to Influence Social Change with Tanya Golash-Boza, PhD Episode 338: Escaping the Expert Trap: From Academic Presenter to Sought-After Speaker with Teri DeLucca Episode 319: The 3 Stages We Go Through as Women When We Use Our Voice 

354: Finding and Developing Your Big I.D.E.A. [Thought Leadership Series]

More and more women are making an impact by starting businesses, running for office, and speaking up for what matters. Whether you want to craft a business presentation, a keynote, a workshop, or a TEDx talk, you’ll learn how to create compelling content, pitch conferences and organizations, and persuasively communicate your message to your audience. Listen in as Carol Cox, entrepreneur, and speaker, and TV Democratic political analyst, interviews and coaches purpose-driven women to shape their message, grow their companies, and become recognized as influencers in their field. Are you ready to create an impactful brand and signature talk to support your business and empower others in a transparent and transformational way to change the experience of women in business, at work, and in leadership? This is Speaking Your Brand - your place to learn how to persuasively communicate your message to your audience.

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Are you the kind of speaker who loves to have everything prepared in advance? Perhaps you even have your entire presentation scripted out nearly word for word and you have detailed notes for every slide that you rely on? Well, I have a challenge for you: getting more comfortable with impromptu speaking. As a speaker and as a leader, both impromptu and prepared speaking skills are a must. Have you ever had one of these situations happen to you: You're in a meeting or group and asked to share something on the spot. You get really nervous and feel at a loss for words. You're at a networking event where you need to concisely share with other attendees who you are, what you do, and how you help people. After you introduce yourself, you realized you left out the most important parts or it all felt like a jumble. You're leading a meeting where you need to motivate your team, but you didn't have an opportunity to prepare your message ahead of time and feel like you weren't as clear or confident as you want to be. This is why developing your impromptu speaking skills is essential.  I want more women - including you! - to feel comfortable and confident commanding a room and leading teams, organizations, and companies.  In this episode, I share:   Why impromptu speaking is hard   Why it matters to your development as a speaker and leader   Specific things you can do to get better at impromptu speaking   Some of my own impromptu speaking wins and fails!     Want to develop your impromptu speaking skills and confidence? Enroll in our NEW live online workshop = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/speaking-workshop/ . Be sure to listen to the episode to get the special coupon code to save $200 just for podcast listeners.   Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/390/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox   Related Podcast Episodes:   Episode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public Speaking   Episode 370: Overcome Speaking Nerves & Anxiety: How to Develop Confidence on Stage   Episode 379: How to Develop Stage Presence and Build Confidence as a Speaker   Episode 347: The Power of REAL Practice to Transform Yourself as a Speaker      

390: Impromptu Speaking: How to Prepare and Feel Confident in Any Situation

We're continuing the series we've been doing this month all around inspiring you to use your voice, no matter what your topic or your industry. If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you know that I've been really excited about artificial intelligence and ChatGPT and all of the ways AI can help us both personally and professionally. For this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Denise Musselwhite, a technology maven with a rich background in IT and a heart set on women's empowerment in tech.  Here's why you absolutely can't miss this episode:  Discover Denise's Unique Journey: From growing up in her father's repair shop to becoming one of the few Latina CIOs, Denise shares her inspiring journey into the tech world, highlighting the blend of nature, nurture, and curiosity that fueled her career. AI as a Force for Good: We delve deep into the realm of Artificial Intelligence, exploring its potential as a collaborative partner in our professional lives. Denise opens up about her personal projects, including the "Kindness Beacon," and how AI can be harnessed to empower women and underrepresented professionals in technology. Leadership and the Leap into Entrepreneurship: Denise talks about her transition from a high-powered tech role to founding Tech and Thrive, sharing insights on the challenges and joys of nurturing leadership within the tech industry, especially for women. The Ethical and Inclusive Future of AI: We tackle the critical discussions surrounding AI, from ethical considerations to ensuring women's voices are integral in shaping the future of technology. Mentorship, Inclusion, and Empowerment: Denise emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the role of women in technology organizations, and how she's working to create more inclusive spaces in the tech world.    Denise's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the crucial role of women in shaping the future of tech.   Join us as we explore the intersection of technology and empowerment, and get inspired to harness AI in your professional journey.   Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/389/ Denise’s website: http://techandthrive.me/   AI Resources: https://techthrive.me/techai The Kindness Beacon GPT (requires a paid subscription to ChatGPT4): techthrive.me/kindness  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 Denise Musselwhite (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/musselwhited/    Related Podcast Episodes:  Episode 375: How to Use AI to Amplify Your Superpowers and Prepare You to Show Up Anywhere with Stacey Hines Episode 313: How to Thrive in the Age of A.I. 

389: Empowering Women in the Age of AI with Denise Musselwhite

Many conferences get hundreds of speaker submissions. How can you make yours stand out so it gets selected? Then, once you do get selected, how do you make sure you deliver an engaging presentation at the conference? That’s what I talk about with my guest Cathy McPhillips, who is Chief Growth Officer at the Marketing AI Institute. Along with the virtual events they host year-round, they also host an in-person conference called MAICON, which I spoke at in 2023. I invited Cathy on the show to share with us:  Her background and what brought her to the Marketing AI Institute How Cathy and the team select speakers for MAICON and their other events What they look for in speaker submissions What makes a great speaker at their events (based on audience feedback) Tips she has for the listeners who want to speak at conferences >What they’re doing at the Marketing AI Institute and you can get involved     About My Guest: Cathy McPhillips is Chief Growth Officer at the Marketing AI Institute, overseeing marketing, growth, and customer experience, including MAICON and AI Academy for Marketers. Previously, Cathy led marketing at Content Marketing Institute and Content Marketing World, managed community growth for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, and owned her own strategic digital marketing business. She started her career at two Cleveland advertising agencies. Cathy was an Ohio University Jerry L. Sloan Visiting Professional in Public Relations, is a Folio: Top Women in Media, and a MarTechExec Woman You Need to Know in Martech.   Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/388/  Marketing AI Institute: www.marketingaiinstitute.com The Artificial Intelligence Show podcast: https://www.marketingaiinstitute.com/podcast-showcase  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/carolcox Cathy McPhillips (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathymcphillips    Related Podcast Episodes:  Episode 245: How to Get Selected as a Speaker by Event Organizers with Sarah Soliman Episode 342: I Almost Got Stuck in the Expert Trap: How I Created My Recent Successful Conference Presentation 

388: What Makes a Stand-Out Conference Speaking Proposal and Presentation with Cathy McPhillips

I talk quite a bit on this podcast about "the expert trap" and how so many of us get stuck teaching and training and don't step into thought leadership. This applies not only to those of us who are entrepreneurs, but of course to all the academics out there as well (hand raised!). This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about making a difference through their work, particularly in academia or any field where expertise is a given, but thought leadership can make an even bigger impact.  My guest is Laura McGuire, EdD, a social scientist, educator, and entrepreneur whose journey and work exemplify transformative thought leadership. Laura's story is not just inspiring; it's a call to action for all of us to think bigger and challenge the status quo in our respective fields.  Laura and I talk about:  The Expert Trap vs. Thought Leadership: Learn how professionals in academia, science, and other fields can transcend the confines of being labeled merely as experts to embrace the mantle of thought leadership, encouraging broader thinking and solutions to societal challenges. Laura's Inspirational Journey: From surviving domestic violence and navigating the challenges of early motherhood as a high school dropout to achieving a doctorate in education and becoming a beacon of change in the fields of educational leadership, sexual health education, misconduct prevention, and trauma-informed care. Addressing Systemic Issues: An in-depth look at how Laura's work is influencing industries and creating safer, more inclusive environments through training in trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and survivor support strategies. Overcoming Challenges: Laura shares their experiences of working in a climate of increasing legislative restrictions in Florida, reflecting on the implications for educators, advocates, and the communities they serve. The Power of Personal Storytelling: Discover the potency of integrating personal narratives into academic and professional discourse to connect more deeply with audiences and drive home the importance of the work being done. Breaking Free from the Expert Trap: Laura and I discuss practical strategies for academics and professionals to step into roles of thought leadership, including leveraging social media, understanding market rates for speaking engagements, and fostering a mindset geared towards impactful change.      About My Guest: Dr. Laura McGuire (they/them or she/her) is an internationally recognized consultant, survivor, researcher, seminarian, and author of the book Creating Cultures of Consent (Rowman & Littlefield, 2021) and The Sexual Misconduct Prevention Guidebook: Consent and Conduct for Higher Education Campuses (Fielding University Press, 2022). They were named as one of the 2022 Champions of Pride by The Advocate magazine and are regularly featured in media outlets for their expertise and approachability. Dr. McGuire is a certified full-spectrum doula, professional teacher, certified sexual health educator, and vinyasa yoga instructor.   Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/387/  Laura’s website: https://drlauramcguire.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 Dr. Laura McGuire (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-laura-mcguire-276b87100/ 

387: Escaping the Ivory Tower: Stepping into Thought Leadership for Greater Impact with Laura McGuire, EdD

A couple of months ago, I attended an event to honor non-profits. What was really cool was that each non-profit had 2-½ minutes to share their story.  When my guest Theresa Smith-Levin, founder of Central Florida Vocal Arts, shared her story, I was instantly inspired and I knew I had to have her on the podcast. Our conversation is a testament to the power of storytelling, vulnerability, and community in fostering personal and collective growth. Theresa's work with Central Florida Vocal Arts is not just about singing; it's about creating a space where young people can grow into their authentic selves and learn to navigate the world with empathy and confidence.  Whether you're an artist, a public speaker, or someone looking to make a difference in your community, Theresa's insights offer valuable lessons on the transformative power of using your voice.  Join us for this inspiring conversation and discover how you, too, can impact the world through the arts, performance, speaking, and beyond.  Here are some highlights you won't want to miss:  Theresa shares her personal journey from finding solace and expression in singing and the arts during her childhood, to pursuing music education and vocal performance, and ultimately founding a nonprofit organization to fill a gap in the performing arts community in Central Florida. Discover the profound impact of the arts on young people, as Theresa explains how singing and performance can serve as powerful tools for emotional processing, developing empathy, and building confidence. Theresa and I delve into the importance of vulnerability, both in the arts and in life, sharing stories of transformation and the courage to use one's voice for advocacy and change. We explore the similarities between performing arts and public speaking, including overcoming fears, the importance of being present, and engaging with your audience to create a meaningful exchange.    Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/386/  Central Florida Vocal Arts: https://www.centralfloridavocalarts.org/  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 Theresa Smith-Levin (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-smith-levin-7868a725/    Related Podcast Episodes:  Episode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World Episode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation with Karen Keene 

354: Finding and Developing Your Big I.D.E.A. [Thought Leadership Series]

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