Pitch Perfect

In this episode of Pitch Perfect, Jaimie Abbott reveals the core reason many speakers struggle to get paid: they don’t treat speaking like a business. Reflecting on her own journey from unpaid gigs to high-paying keynotes, Jaimie explains the key mindset shift and practical steps required to build a sustainable speaking career.

She highlights the difference between hobby speakers and professionals, offering insight into how to position yourself as a credible, confident expert who gets booked—and paid. If you're ready to move beyond free gigs, this episode offers the clarity and strategy to help you make that leap.

To take the next step, join Jaimie’s free 3-Day Speak & Earn Challenge at www.jaimieabbott.com.au/speakandearn.

In this episode of Pitch Perfect, Jaimie Abbott tackles a topic that every aspiring paid speaker needs to hear: how to stop speaking for free. She dives into the truth behind the “free gig trap,” sharing her own experiences of saying yes to endless unpaid speaking opportunities and how it nearly cost her a profitable speaking career. Jaimie explains why continuing to speak for free not only undervalues individual expertise but also damages the entire industry, making it harder for everyone to charge what they're worth.

Listeners will discover a step-by-step roadmap to transition from free gigs to highly paid speaking engagements, including how to confidently set a fee, position themselves professionally with a speaker toolkit, and use ready-to-go scripts to respond to freebie requests without the guilt or awkwardness. 

Join the Speak and Earn challenge  where you’ll learn how to craft a professional speaker bio, pitch yourself like a pro, land highly paid gigs, and access done-for-you pitch templates ready to use. Go to www.jaimieabbott.com.au/speakandearn.

In this episode of Pitch Perfect, Jaimie Abbott is joined by the remarkable Liz Tobin, one of Australia's most respected corporate mental health and wellbeing speakers, executive coaches, and meditation teachers. With over 20 years of experience, Liz has supported thousands of professionals in overcoming stress and burnout, restoring their energy, and regaining control of their lives. Her journey from occupational therapist to mindfulness expert is both inspiring and deeply practical, offering real-world insights into creating healthier and more sustainable work environments.

Liz shares how meditation and mindfulness transformed her own life, and how even the busiest minds can find calm with consistent practice. She dives into the adrenaline-fueled lifestyle so many professionals lead, explaining how high performance can sometimes mask a fast-track to burnout. Liz breaks down the importance of boundaries—not just the ones we set with others, but the ones we often need to set with ourselves when we pack our schedules to the brim.

To learn more about Liz or to book her to speak at your event or workplace, visit https://www.calmatwork.com.au/ 

To download your FREE checklist on how to become a highly paid speaker, visit jaimieabbott.com.au/speakerguide.

In this episode of Pitch Perfect, Jaimie Abbott reveals what truly sets great speakers apart—and it’s not flashy slides or perfect delivery. It’s the mindset behind the mic.

From imposter syndrome and perfectionism to powerful visualisation and affirmations, Jaimie walks you through how to mentally prepare like a pro. You'll learn how to reframe nerves, build daily habits that support confidence, and bounce back from flops with resilience.

Plus, she shares her personal pre-talk ritual you can steal for your next gig.

Grab your free Speaker’s Toolkit at www.jaimieabbott.com.au/speakerguide and tag @jaimieabbott to share your biggest mindset takeaway.

In today’s episode of the Pitch Perfect podcast, Jaimie Abbott dives deep into the power of personal branding and why it’s a must-have for any speaker who wants to rise above the noise. Whether you’re just starting your speaking journey or looking to refresh your presence, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you define your niche, craft your story, and create a brand that books gigs. From your visuals to your values, Jaimie walks you through every element that makes your brand unforgettable.

You’ll learn how to align your messaging across platforms, build a strong online presence that attracts opportunities, and show up consistently both on and off stage. With real-world examples and her signature straight-talking style, Jaimie helps you build a brand that doesn’t just look good—it sells you. Tune in and get ready to stand out, show up, and speak like the expert you are!

To download your FREE checklist on how to become a highly paid speaker, visit jaimieabbott.com.au/speakerguide.

In this episode of Pitch Perfect, Jaimie Abbott dives into one of the most common and challenging questions speakers face: how much should you charge? Whether you're new to the stage or a seasoned professional, navigating your speaking fees can feel overwhelming. Charge too little, and you risk being undervalued; charge too much, and you might scare off potential clients.

Jaimie walks you through how to strike the perfect balance by first understanding your unique value as a speaker. She covers everything from what factors to consider when pricing yourself—like experience, niche, social proof, and audience size—to using a practical formula to calculate your baseline fee. Jaimie also shares when it’s okay to speak for free (strategically!) and how to negotiate like a pro if your rate is challenged. If you're ready to start charging what you're truly worth, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you create a solid pricing strategy.

Don’t forget to subscribe and share the episode, and if you're serious about landing paid speaking gigs, join the waitlist for Jaimie’s Paid to Speak course—doors open June 10, 2025, at www.jaimieabbott.com.au/paidtospeak.

In this episode of Pitch Perfect, Jaimie Abbott explores the exciting world of becoming a paid MC and how individuals can turn their public speaking skills into a profitable career. Being a Master of Ceremonies (MC) is more than just introducing speakers—it’s about keeping events engaging, ensuring smooth transitions, and creating the right atmosphere for audiences. From corporate conferences and weddings to awards nights and festivals, skilled MCs are in high demand.

She shares a step-by-step guide on how aspiring MCs can build confidence, gain experience, and secure their first paid gigs. Listeners will learn essential techniques for controlling the energy of a room, engaging an audience, and handling unexpected challenges with professionalism. The discussion covers where to find early MC opportunities, how to build a strong personal brand, and the best ways to market yourself to event organisers. Jaimie also breaks down how to set competitive rates and increase earnings over time.

To download your FREE checklist on how to become a highly paid speaker, visit jaimieabbott.com.au/speakerguide.

In this episode of Pitch Perfect, Jaimie Abbott sits down with Kylie Pengelly Linke, a hospitality business coach with a fascinating entrepreneurial journey. From growing up on a farm in rural South Australia to launching an authentic Aussie pub in Stockholm, Sweden, Kylie has embraced bold ideas and turned them into reality. She shares her experience of navigating the challenges of the hospitality industry, including the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced her to pivot and rethink her entire business strategy. Kylie’s resilience and adaptability not only kept her pub afloat during uncertain times but also shaped her approach to helping other hospitality business owners create profitable events, unforgettable customer experiences, and sustainable growth.

Kylie discusses the importance of financial discipline, creative marketing, and understanding customer behavior in a post-pandemic world. She shares practical strategies for pubs and restaurants to stand out, such as leveraging partnerships, hosting unique events, and cultivating strong customer relationships. Whether you're a hospitality business owner or an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, Kylie’s insights offer valuable takeaways on navigating business challenges with creativity and confidence. Tune in to discover how to future-proof your business and create meaningful customer experiences with Kylie Pengelly Linke.

Connect with Kylie Pengelly Linke:
https://www.kyliepl.com/jaimie

To download your FREE checklist on how to become a highly paid speaker, visit jaimieabbott.com.au/speakerguide.

In this episode of Pitch Perfect, Jaimie chats with Rebecca Saunders, a powerhouse entrepreneur, business coach, and founder of The Champagne Lounge. Rebecca shares her incredible journey from moving to Australia with just $500 and a laptop to building a seven-figure video production company. She opens up about her experience with alopecia, why she ditched the wig to fully embrace her uniqueness, and how that decision has helped her inspire and support other women. Through The Champagne Lounge, she’s created a welcoming space where female entrepreneurs—especially those in regional areas—can connect, feel supported, and celebrate their wins without fear of judgment.

Jaimie and Rebecca dive into the struggles of Tall Poppy Syndrome, imposter syndrome, and the power of having a solid support system. Rebecca also shares her best tips on showing up as your true self, building confidence, and why real conversations matter in business and life.

Want to connect with Rebecca or join The Champagne Lounge? Head to www.rebeccasaunders.com.

In this episode of Pitch Perfect, Jaimie explores what to do when a journalist misreports a story. Whether it’s a misquote, incorrect facts, or a complete misrepresentation, knowing how to handle the situation professionally is crucial. She also shares how to assess the mistake, request a correction, and maintain positive media relationships while protecting their reputation.

Not every error requires action, so it’s important to assess its impact first. When reaching out to a journalist, professionalism and politeness are key to increasing the chances of a correction. If no response is received, there are alternative ways to set the record straight. Building and maintaining strong media relationships ensures better PR outcomes in the long run.

To download your FREE checklist on how to become a highly paid speaker, visit jaimieabbott.com.au/speakerguide.