January 29, 2026

How to Make $20K A Month as a Speaker with Bernadette Joy

44 minutes

In this episode, I sit down with Bernadette Joy to break down how she turned paid speaking into a profitable and aligned part of her solopreneur business. What started as an accidental opportunity at FinCon grew into a six-figure speaking career without relying on influencer tactics, big followings, or expensive branding.

Bernadette shares how authentic storytelling, referrals, and strong in-person connections helped her land high-quality speaking gigs, plus how she stacked speaking with writing and coaching to build a sustainable income stream. We also talk about redefining retirement, taking sabbaticals, and building a business rooted in curiosity instead of constant hustle.

Bernadette is a first-generation Filipino American, bestselling author of Crush Your Money Goals, and a sought-after speaker and host. This episode is perfect if you want to book your first speaking gig, diversify your income, or build a business that supports your life, not the other way around.

CHAPTERS 🎧

00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction
00:28 – From Finance to the Speaking Stage
01:28 – Launching Crush Your Money Goals
02:51 – Pivoting During the Pandemic
03:48 – How Speaking Started by Accident
04:41 – Turning Speaking Into a Business
06:04 – Landing Speaking Gigs Without Cold Pitching
07:56 – Confidence, Imposter Syndrome & Growth
09:46 – Money Wins & Financial Strategy
11:40 – Personal Growth & Future Speaking Topics
14:24 – Financial Independence & Rethinking Retirement
18:09 – Work, Life & Sabbaticals
23:31 – Writing & Publishing a Bestselling Book
30:57 – Solopreneur High Five
39:19 – Advice for Aspiring Speakers
41:12 – Final Thoughts & Where to Connect