Future-Proof Your Speaking Career with AI, Positioning, and Human Connection

Learn how to stay ahead as a professional speaker in an AI-driven world! In this engaging episode, Li Hayes sits down with renowned “Tech Humanist” Kate O’Neill to tackle the burning question: Will AI replace speakers? You’ll find out why dynamic, deeply human skills remain irreplaceable—and how the best speakers adapt to emerging technology without losing their voice.

Explore the secrets behind meaningful positioning (hint: why “two-word” positioning will set you apart), practical ways to use generative AI and research tools to level up your content and audience outreach, and how to stand out in both live and hybrid events. Kate shares her tested framework for finding your “X factor” as a speaker, why authentic relationship-building is your greatest asset, and how to keep your message relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Highlights include how to blend technology with heart, future-ready tips for content creation and delivery, and the importance of presence—onstage and online. Whether you’re navigating virtual formats, trying to break the “2%” speaking barrier, or looking to keep your career thriving for the next decade, you’ll walk away with fresh insights, actionable advice, and renewed confidence.

Episode Overview with Timestamps:

• 00:00: Introduction—big questions facing speakers in an AI era
• 01:41: Are speakers at risk of being replaced by bots?
• 03:14: The “seven badgers in a trench coat” problem with future of work and speaking
• 04:46: Why the best keynote speakers are irreplaceable—and what parts are automatable
• 05:47: Positioning: one-word vs. two-word (and why it matters more now)
• 07:35: The resilience of live events post-Covid
• 10:14: Hybrid, virtual, and in-person events in a climate-conscious world
• 13:20: How to use generative AI in content creation responsibly
• 17:22: Keeping your unique voice and trust in an AI-powered world
• 20:19: Practical examples of using AI tools for industry research and outreach
• 23:53: Should you add more tech to your talk? How to balance customization and universality
• 28:51: The importance of NSA’s Influence conference for speakers
• 30:07: Kate’s actionable “triple-circle” positioning strategy
• 34:08: Sneak peek: Kate’s upcoming book on thriving in a weird, fast-changing world
• 36:26: The one thing Kate would tell her younger self—and why relationships matter most
• 40:03: Closing inspiration—keep showing up on your path to the main stage

A standout speaker website isn’t just about showing off — it’s about proving your value and making it crystal clear why planners should choose you.

Whether you’re building your first site or refreshing an existing one, knowing exactly who you’re marketing to and how to make their decision easy is crucial. In this insightful episode, Li Hayes sits down with Lauren Pibworth, a veteran speaker marketing expert, to uncover what truly matters most on a speaker’s website.

Expect blunt, real-world advice on crafting a powerful promise statement, avoiding common contact mistakes, making your site AI-friendly, showcasing real (not fake) stage presence, and ensuring your story delivers value – not just inspiration. Fast-paced, practical, and full of tough love, this episode is a blueprint for any speaker ready to book better gigs.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Episode Introduction: Why speaker websites matter02:37 The website as your “home” and proving credibility05:05 Must-have components for a winning speaker website07:20 The #1 starting point: Clarity on audience and offering10:14 Turning your story into a marketable solution13:29 Differentiating between audiences: buyers vs. attendees14:09 Crafting a powerful promise statement vs. just listing topics19:28 What must be above the fold on your site21:32 Contact information dos and don’ts26:22 Why forms are overrated (and risky!)31:15 Additional homepage elements: logos & sizzle reel33:13 Sizzle reels: Don’t fake it—show the real you38:03 Crafting your bio (and why AI won’t save you)40:06 What to include on topic and speaking pages41:43 Making your website AI-search friendly43:29 What meeting planners need and why45:43 Lauren Pibworth’s #1 advice for starting out47:31 Closing remarks and where to learn more

Learn how to heal and avoid speaker burnout.

On this episode of Path to the Main Stage, Li Hayes welcomes burnout expert and keynote speaker Cait Donovan, who unpacks the hidden dangers of burnout—how it sabotages your mind and career—and delivers practical, science-backed strategies to reclaim your focus and effectiveness.

Discover why burnout is more than a mindset issue, how small acts like "peeing when you need to pee" can strengthen your emotional regulation, why resentment is actually your superpower, and how speakers can set boundaries to avoid falling into the resentment trap when booking gigs. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, frantic, or stuck in a loop of giving too much with too little in return, this candid conversation will give you actionable tips and a positive path forward.

Episode Overview

00:00 Introduction and Cait Donovan's background

02:09 Burnout defined by the World Health Organization

04:52 How stress physically changes your brain

06:30 The medical vs. mental aspects of burnout

07:11 Early warning signs and why burnout is hard to prevent

08:57 Difference between stress and full burnout

10:04 Yoga nidra and foundational self-care techniques

13:32 The power of interoception and listening to your body

14:30 Cait Donovan's podcast: Fried the Burnout Podcast

15:52 Step-by-step recovery and the role of resentment

16:21 Patterns that lead to burnout in speakers

18:13 Early stress responses: fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and "tend and befriend"

22:15 Why your network is your best resilience tool

24:28 How resentment signals what needs to change in your business

29:33 The resentment-generosity continuum and pricing for speakers

32:41 Tuning into your body and true self-awareness

35:49 Signs you're heading for burnout and when to get support

37:09 Cait Donovan's advice for her younger self and the permission to ask for help

38:15 Episode wrap-up and key takeaways

Discover how the government could pay you more and faster than you ever thought possible!

In this eye-opening episode, Li Hayes teams up with government contracting insider Tony Chatman to bust the biggest myths about working with government agencies as a professional speaker. From unlocking secret hacks for landing contracts to breaking down step-by-step how to get started, this conversation is packed with actionable insights, expert shortcuts, and the real inside scoop on accessing the world’s largest buyer of professional services.

Key highlights include:

• How Tony Chatman’s first government gig led to over $800,000 in business
• What certifications actually matter (and why most are free and fast)
• Clever ways to bypass bureaucratic bottlenecks and get paid quickly
• How to turn a single free speech into contacts at 80+ government agencies
• The most in-demand topics federal clients are searching for now
• Concrete pitfalls to avoid (hint: skip the giant paperwork traps)

Whether you’re exploring government as a market or ready to level up your speaking career, this episode will change the way you think about selling to the public sector.

Timestamped Overview

[00:00] Show open & intro to guest

[02:21] Why government speaking is a goldmine—and the common roadblocks

[03:11] Tony Chatman’s backstory and first foray into federal gigs

[05:02] How to break in: strategies that actually work

[07:14] Tony Chatman’s first paid government engagement and results

[08:03] Specific steps to get started (certifications, databases, networking)

[13:25] Free gigs, paid gigs, and “speed dating” with agencies

[16:00] The language and topics that unlock government doors

[22:25] How the money flows: contracts, micro-purchases, and SF-182

[26:04] Forms, paperwork, and breaking big fees into smaller contracts

[29:34] Do agencies talk? How word-of-mouth & career moves help

[33:21] Industry associations and the real conference shortcuts

[34:33] Regional offices and the “local” government angle

[36:56] Why you can skip the GSA Schedule (unless you’re going BIG)

[38:29] How and how fast you’ll actually get paid

[39:04] Becoming “uniquely qualified” and closing non-bid contracts

[43:46] Tony Chatman’s #1 advice for breaking into government work today

[44:50] Wrap-up and where to go for more resources

Learn what event planners really want.

In this eye-opening episode of Path to the Main Stage, Li Hayes sits down with veteran event planner and Club Ichi co-founder Liz Lathan to separate the myths from the realities of booking speaking gigs in the business events world. From unraveling the many roles of event professionals to understanding why celebrity name-dropping often doesn’t drive registrations, this conversation gives you the tactical insights you need to boost your own main stage journey.

Key highlights include:

• Why joining the right organizations only works if you know your audience—and why networking alone isn't enough.
• How breakout sessions differ from main stage keynotes in terms of pay and prestige.
• The true value of “exposure” gigs and negotiating for value beyond just a paycheck.
• What planners look for on your website and why one great, clear snippet of you on stage could beat a flashy sizzle reel.
• Behind-the-scenes secrets from major corporate and association events, plus candid advice on publishing authority-building books without harming your brand.
• Liz Lathan’s decades-in-the-industry advice on connecting, influencing, and making sure you stand out with both planners and audiences.

Don’t miss these actionable strategies to help you take your speaking career further, faster.

Timestamped Overview:

00:00 Welcome, introductions, and Club Ichi explained

04:48 Components of event planning & the types of business events

06:18 What “call for speakers” really means and how it works

07:43 How planners actually search and select speakers

10:30 The real value of speaking for exposure

12:22 Who really picks the speakers at events?

13:02 Influence of various roles in event planning teams

14:38 Speaker showcases: how planners discover new talent

15:51 Differences between corporate and association events

18:19 Niching down: why being specific gets you hired

20:23 What planners look for on your website and demo reel

22:44 “Celebrity” vs. content: what actually drives registrations

26:21 How to get noticed if you’re not famous

28:02 Does having a book matter? The good, bad, and risky

33:01 Final advice: what Liz Lathan wishes she knew at the start

36:37 Closing remarks and wrap-up

Learn how to skyrocket your revenue by selling from the stage! 

In this eye-opening episode, Steve Hopper reveals why offering value to your audience doesn't stop with your speech—and why failing to make an offer is a missed opportunity for both you and your listeners.

Li Hayes dives deep with Steve Hopper on practical strategies for selling from the stage, building irresistible offers, leveraging free giveaways through funnels and QR codes, and maximizing your impact (and income) with books and live events.

Whether you're just starting your speaking career or looking to level up your results, this conversation is loaded with actionable advice, confidence-building insights, and a reminder that your story matters—and your audience wants MORE.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Becoming a successful professional speaker and the importance of selling02:32 What to offer from the stage—and when you can't sell directly05:44 Capturing audience info seamlessly (QR codes & more)07:31 Building and using funnels: what makes a landing page great?12:04 What response rate should you expect from your offer?13:09 Diagnosing and improving weak offers15:24 Should you share the ‘how’ on stage—or just the ‘what’ and ‘why’?16:58 Best practices for selling books at events19:13 Should you host your own events? Pros, cons, and simple tips for success24:25 Charging for your event (or not), and how to keep costs low29:14 Final advice: start small, build confidence, and the biggest overlooked mindset for speakers32:09 The one thing Steve would tell his younger self: understanding your worth34:50 Episode outro and where to connect

What if your flashy speaker reel is actually costing you bookings?

In this episode of “Path to the Main Stage,” Li Hayes sits down with Brittanny Kreutzer, partner at Speaker Exchange Agency and board member of the newly named GSIA, for an unfiltered look into what makes speakers irresistible—or instantly forgettable—to bureaus and clients.

Discover the real insider criteria bureaus use to select speakers, why being authentic trumps being everything to everyone, and why shorter is NOT always better when it comes to demo reels. Brittanny Kreutzer also shares the biggest mistakes speakers make, what “celebrity” status really means in the speaking world, and the genuine power of saying "no" to the wrong stage. Packed with actionable tips on how to elevate your profile, update your materials, and become top-of-mind for bookers, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to take their speaking business seriously—and ethically.

Timestamped Episode Overview:

[00:00] Introduction and audience engagement[01:19] What is the International Association of Speaker Bureaus (GSIA)?[05:01] How speaker pricing and ethics are managed[05:56] Training and industry standards for bureaus[07:03] The role and value of speaker showcases[09:03] How bureaus scout and evaluate speakers in person[09:59] What makes a speaker stand out to bureaus[11:40] What bureaus look for on speaker websites[13:26] The pitfalls of AI-generated demo reels[14:52] Aligning topic and expertise with the right opportunities[16:20] Pet peeves: the mistakes speakers make with bureaus[18:52] Positive stories: what makes a speaker great to work with[20:37] Simple yet powerful ways speakers can help themselves[22:06] Are topics or celebrities more in demand? Defining “celebrity”[24:05] Niche fame vs. being broad—nailing your expertise[25:09] Creating exceptional client experiences as a speaker[27:14] When do you need an agent or bureau?[29:08] Speaker success stories and strategic “yes/no”[31:54] When to turn down stages (and why)[32:04] Final advice: stop comparing, be authentic, let demand set your value[34:04] Biggest surprise from a career in the speaking industry[35:42] Show wrap-up and invitation to connect

What if the secret to giving unforgettable talks isn’t perfect slides or endless practice—but jumping into freezing water at 6am and talking to stuffed animals?

In this eye-opening episode, Li Hayes sits down with Darren Virassammy, TEDx speaker with over a million views, to reveal unconventional but powerful strategies any speaker can use to master the stage. From harnessing the power of nature to building mental anchors for nerves and flow, Darren Virassammy shares unique prep routines, explains why the best talks aren’t really about you, and offers practical tricks for both new and seasoned speakers. Learn how to turn chaos into confidence and discover the habits that will actually get you to the main stage.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Show intro, speaker backgrounds, and the power of nature03:41 Using nature to recalibrate for speaking04:23 Transition: How nature improves public speaking04:43 Preparing talks in wild environments and managing distractions06:55 Going “crazy”—prepping speeches in cold oceans09:46 Tamer exercises: why Darren Virassammy rehearses with stuffed animals12:17 Anchors, visualization, and handling audience nerves14:21 Flow state: using music and familiar habits to get ready18:18 Tricky details: diet, distractions, and managing nerves18:34 Writing vs. delivering: how to make your talk sound natural20:38 Scripting, “killing your darlings,” and time management22:31 The rehearsal valley: from robotic to natural delivery26:08 Crafting and repeating your main idea (“the block” or “hook”)28:33 Adapting to last-minute time cuts—optional blocks and flexibility30:23 Real-world example: making on-the-fly edits at major events31:28 Resilience and mental resets when things go wrong32:02 Advice for beginner speakers: don’t be too literal with outlines33:45 How to truly serve your audience36:36 Using questions to shift perspectives37:51 Individualizing for different audiences and reading the room38:58 Final wisdom: what Darren Virassammy would tell his younger self40:17 Wrap-up, actionable takeaways, and how to grow as a speaker

Are you sabotaging your speaking career by chasing every new opportunity?

Discover why adopting a “hedgehog” mindset—rather than the cunning but scattered fox—is the secret to long-term success on stage.

In this high-impact season four kickoff, Li Hayes reveals a surprisingly simple framework inspired by Jim Collins’ Good to Great, then gives a rapid-fire teaser of the transformative topics coming soon: revolutionary keynote prep, burnout recovery, lucrative government gigs, speaker reels that actually get you booked, how event planners really choose speakers, and mastering sales from the stage.

Whether you’re on your first stage or aiming for the spotlight, get ready for the most practical and inspiring season yet.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Season 4 intro & welcome

00:22 Li Hayes shares a powerful lesson from "Good to Great"

01:02 The parable of the hedgehog and the fox

01:52 Three keys to sustained speaking success

02:37 Applying the hedgehog vs. fox approach to your career

03:58 Preview: fresh keynote prep methods

04:24 How to recognize, prevent, and recover from burnout

04:47 Cracking the government speaking market

05:02 Why every speaker needs a reel (and how to build one)

05:37 Inside advice from bureau agents and event planners

06:01 Using speaking gigs for sales success

06:24 How to connect with Li Hayes and get coaching

06:59 Closing remarks and next steps

Perfect your pitch and boldly own the stage!

Learn how to step into boldness, pitch yourself with impact, and build a speaker brand that gets remembered. In this high-energy episode, Li Hayes sits down with pitch expert and 13-time national champion Precious L. Williams, the Killer Pitchmaster herself, who lays out exactly what it takes to stand out—whether you’re pitching your next big talk or elevating your value with meeting planners.

Hear how Precious went from pitching with $-400 in her bank account to landing a half-million-dollar deal in just 54 seconds, why being authentically YOU (not another copycat!) is non-negotiable, and how a mohawk, confidence, and grit landed her in national ad campaigns and TV spots. Uncover lessons about the “quiet storm” of introvert pitching, breaking through doubt, connecting powerfully to your audience’s true needs, and why experience matters more than nailing every word. This episode is packed with practical tools for both emerging and seasoned speakers who want to win more business and make an unforgettable impression.

Key Highlights:

• The journey from the mayor’s stage to national media (03:06)
• What makes a killer pitch that gets you booked—and paid (06:46)
• Brand-building tips: dressing the part, using your digital footprint, and standing out with style (33:29)
• The seven deadly sins of speaking and how to avoid them (36:36)
• How to get value from every opportunity—even when it isn’t cash (27:29)
• Why experience always beats perfection on stage (39:38)

Timestamped Overview:

• 00:00: Introduction & the power of boldness in speaking
• 02:12: Precious L Williams’s journey: first speech to mayor, governor, and beyond
• 05:57: The birth of a pitchmaster: pitching with nothing to lose
• 07:19: The $500,000 pitch story and lessons learned
• 14:13: Pitching for all personalities: authentic, not copycat
• 16:40: How to pitch emerging speakers (and what not to say!)
• 20:02: Making your topic irresistible with human connection
• 24:04: Networking boldly through groups & building relationships
• 27:29: Evaluating speaking opportunities beyond the paycheck
• 30:00: How visibility, follow-up, and gratitude fuel more bookings
• 33:29: Why style matters: personal brand, color, and presence
• 36:36: Top speaker mistakes—and how to fix them
• 39:38: Closing advice: experience vs. perfection on stage

Subscribe to Path to the Main Stage and get ready to slay your next stage!