Speaker Driven Business

Most speakers get stuck inside their industry. They start with free gigs, move to paid opportunities within their niche, and then struggle to break out and command high fees beyond their known circles.

Dr. Kevin J. Fleming lived this path—spending years as an expert speaker in education before stepping onto global stages and realising his message had far broader impact. In this episode, we unpack the real roadmap to going from unpaid breakout sessions to getting paid well inside your industry, and then taking the leap to high-value speaking opportunities outside of it.

If you’ve mastered speaking inside your industry but feel unsure about how to break out into bigger, higher-paying opportunities—this episode is for you.

Tune in now and learn how to step beyond your niche, grow your reach, and get paid what you’re truly worth.

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• The step that’s often skipped: Going from free to paid well inside your field first (18:07)
• The power of intentionality—how small strategic shifts transformed Kevin’s career (22:22)
• The confidence shift that made Kevin finally own his speaker identity (30:18)
• Why a simple tweak in language can expand your impact and open new doors (31:42)
• The game-changing tool Kevin introduced at NSA that’s now transforming speakers worldwide (34:08)
• Why most expert speakers stay stuck in their own industry—and how to break out (46:26)

WHERE TO FIND DR. KEVIN FLEMMING

• Website: https://www.kevinjfleming.com/ 
• Website: https://www.catapultlpd.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjflemingphd/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TelosES

If you are on a mission to amplify your message to make a more meaningful impact, and you’d love to join a vibrant community of people all harnessing the power of speaking we’d love you to join us in our private Facebook group. Here you will gain access to exclusive live trainings, free resources and the opportunity to ask Jacqueline anything. It’s all designed to take the speaking game to the next level. We can’t wait to welcome you. 

Join here :  https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakerdrivenbusinesscommunity

To connect and learn more about creating a Speaker Driven Business connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn. You can also follow Jacqueline on Instagram and join our Facebook Group.

Join the Speak More Collective. 

What does it really take to build a profitable speaking business? 

In this episode, Jacqueline dives into the "yes, and" philosophy of speaking. She breaks down the two primary ways speakers make money: through speaking and from speaking. 

The strategies she shares will help you build authority, drive revenue, and create a sustainable speaking career. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this episode is your guide to becoming a speaker worth paying for.

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• Choosing between speaking to grow your business and speaking as your business (00:02)
• How professional associations view revenue from speaking, training, and facilitation (00:55)
• The two categories of speakers (02:36)
• Why speaking is the ultimate business growth tool (06:24)
• How to position yourself as an expert, not a salesperson (09:29)
• Examples of speakers who transformed their businesses through strategic speaking (10:39)
• Jacqueline’s free resource (13:26)
• How much you can get paid as a speaker (14:44)
• What determines your speaking fee (16:39)
• How to blend speaking to grow your business with speaking as your business (18:40)
• How your existing expertise can fast-track your speaking career (20:13)
• Why the smartest speakers maximise every opportunity (25:08)
• Creating a strategic approach to speaking that drives revenue, partnerships, and long-term impact (29:29)

Resources

Free downloadable PDF: Get Paid to Speak Guide

If you are on a mission to amplify your message to make a more meaningful impact, and you’d love to join a vibrant community of people all harnessing the power of speaking we’d love you to join us in our private Facebook group. Here you will gain access to exclusive live trainings, free resources and the opportunity to ask Jacqueline anything. It’s all designed to take the speaking game to the next level. We can’t wait to welcome you. 

Join here :  https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakerdrivenbusinesscommunity

To connect and learn more about creating a Speaker Driven Business connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn. You can also follow Jacqueline on Instagram and join our Facebook Group.

Join the Speak More Collective. 

In this episode, Jacqueline Brooker sits down with Shasta Nelson, a thought leader on connection, three-time author, and sought-after keynote speaker, to unpack why friendships at work aren’t just a perk, they’re a necessity.

Shasta is a keynote speaker, author, and leading expert on workplace connection. With three bestselling books and years of research on the power of friendship, she has helped organizations worldwide recognize that strong relationships aren’t just a perk, they're a business advantage. Despite early skepticism about her topic, Shasta  has carved out a space for herself in the corporate world, making a compelling case for why connection matters at work.

Shasta shares how she turned this so-called “soft” topic into a business imperative that companies are finally paying attention to. From dismantling the stigma around workplace friendships to making the case for connection with cold, hard data, this conversation is a must-listen for speakers who want to get their message into corporate spaces, especially when the gatekeepers say it doesn’t belong.

One of the biggest mistakes emerging speakers make is undervaluing their expertise. Tune in to learn how to own your message, charge your worth, and get booked!

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• Meet Shasta Nelson (00:01)
• Why most of us still feel lonely even when we have friends (02:29)
• Why friendship at work is a corporate advantage (05:49)
• Shasta’s experience pitching an unconventional topic to corporate (10:27)
• The mindset shift every speaker needs when their topic is unconventional (12:49)
• How Shasta’s audiences typically react when she lands her message (17:19)
• How messages may evolve but the mission stays the same (18:56)
• The challenges of branding a message that doesn’t fit neatly into a box (24:00)
• Industries embracing Shasta’s work (31:12)
• How the right message at the right time can leave a lasting impact (34:01)
• Thriving in multiple formats, not just the keynote stage (36:30)
• Quick questions for Shasta (39:41)
• Game-changing advice for emerging speakers (41:48)

WHERE TO FIND SHASTA NELSON

• Website: https://www.shastanelson.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shastanelson/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shastamnelson/ 
• Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShastaMNelson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shasta.m.nelson 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShasGFC/videos

If you are on a mission to amplify your message to make a more meaningful impact, and you’d love to join a vibrant community of people all harnessing the power of speaking we’d love you to join us in our private Facebook group. Here you will gain access to exclusive live trainings, free resources and the opportunity to ask Jacqueline anything. It’s all designed to take the speaking game to the next level. We can’t wait to welcome you. 

Join here :  https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakerdrivenbusinesscommunity

To connect and learn more about creating a Speaker Driven Business connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn. You can also follow Jacqueline on Instagram and join our Facebook Group.

Join the Speak More Collective. 

Speakers who ignore AI will soon be speaking to empty rooms - and we don’t want that to be you  

In this episode, we dive into the unexpected power plays AI unlocks, the five levels of AI adoption for speakers, the hidden Super Power for Speakers, and why your spoken-word content is still your greatest edge. 

If you’re a speaker, trainer, or coach, this episode is your wake-up call. You must accept that AI isn’t just an optional tool. It has become absolutely critical. The AI revolution is here, and you have two choices: embrace it or get left behind.

Whether you’re just dipping your toes in or already integrating AI into your speaking business, the key is using it strategically. Your voice is your power and AI is your amplifier. Use both, and you become unstoppable.

Remember, the future of speaking isn’t AI vs. human. It’s AI-powered speaking businesses leading the way. AI can never replace you, but speakers who ignore it will get left behind.

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why your authentic voice is the most powerful asset in an AI-driven world (00:17)
• AI as a seismic shift that redefines how we work, create, and connect (01:43)
• The five levels of AI adoption for speakers (04:22)
• How to reclaim your AI edge and use it to your advantage (13:49) 
• The unexpected superpower of Gen X & Boomers in AI (17:41)
• AI as your boardroom, not just your assistant (22:15) 
• How to challenge, refine, and push AI to think bigger (23:01) 
• Letting AI fast-track your expertise so you can operate at your highest level (24:46) 
• Using AI to sharpen instincts, validate ideas, and turn intuition into game-changing strategy (26:16) 
• Training AI to mirror your expertise and scale your impact on your terms (27:04)
• How AI helps you read your audience like a book (29:36)
• Leveraging AI to simplify complex ideas and streamline your message (32:12)
• The seven-phase framework to AI mastery for speakers (33:09)
• How to start small, wrestle with AI, and train it to work for you (35:16)
• Access to the AI playbook (36:09)

Resources

Buy the complete AI Masterclass including the extensive range of prompts here

ChatGPT 

Jasper

If you are on a mission to amplify your message to make a more meaningful impact, and you’d love to join a vibrant community of people all harnessing the power of speaking we’d love you to join us in our private Facebook group. Here you will gain access to exclusive live trainings, free resources and the opportunity to ask Jacqueline anything. It’s all designed to take the speaking game to the next level. We can’t wait to welcome you. 

Join here :  https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakerdrivenbusinesscommunity

To connect and learn more about creating a Speaker Driven Business connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn. You can also follow Jacqueline on Instagram and join our Facebook Group.

Join the Speak More Collective. 

What does it take to transform from a reluctant speaker into a Hall of Fame powerhouse? In this electrifying episode of Speaker Driven Business, Cy Wakeman, global thought leader and celebrated keynote and Hall of Fame speaker, pulls back the curtain on a truly unconventional rise to speaking greatness.

Cy shares how she turned a groundbreaking discovery into a thriving career on the world’s biggest stages—while staying true to her mission of cutting through noise, inspiring transformation, and delivering impact. For emerging and aspiring speakers, this episode is packed with insider wisdom: how to craft a message that resonates, why expertise and authenticity are your ultimate differentiators, and how to build a speaking career that aligns with your life—not buying into the hustle culture which can dominate the profession.

Cy’s approach to prioritising transformation over transactions will inspire you to rethink your strategy and tap into the true power of your voice. This isn’t just a chat about speaking.

It’s a masterclass in navigating your own speaking breakthrough. If you’re ready to cut through the noise and make your voice heard YOUR WAY hit play now.

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• Meet Cy Wakeman (00:51)
• How much time is wasted daily on workplace drama (03:10)
• Why traditional leadership unintentionally fosters drama over accountability (07:24)
• How to stand out in the speaking world (11:51)
• The value of  prioritising transformation over transactions in speaking (16:19)
• How expertise unlocks freedom, success, and a thriving career (22:16)
• How to drive true impact in your work and relationships (26:36)
• Why publishing a book is no longer enough (33:32)
• The must-have mindset for creating a sustainable speaking career (42:42)
• How success can come from authenticity, breaking norms, and choosing balance over hustle (44:42)
• A powerful reminder to design a life you don’t need a vacation from (50:48)

If you are on a mission to amplify your message to make a more meaningful impact, and you’d love to join a vibrant community of people all harnessing the power of speaking we’d love you to join us in our private Facebook group. Here you will gain access to exclusive live trainings, free resources and the opportunity to ask Jacqueline anything. It’s all designed to take the speaking game to the next level. We can’t wait to welcome you. 

Join here :  https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakerdrivenbusinesscommunity

To connect and learn more about creating a Speaker Driven Business connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn. You can also follow Jacqueline on Instagram and join our Facebook Group.

Join the Speak More Collective. 

Great stories aren’t just entertaining. They’re transmissible, capable of being shared far beyond their original audience, and creating ripple effects that can inspire, connect, and transform. 

In this episode, Jacqueline explores the mechanics of stories that transcend the stage, drawing from examples of keynote legends, movement starters, and even her own experiences.

She dives into why some stories stick, how they shift perceptions, and the role empathy plays in shaping narratives that matter. You’ll emerge from this episode equipped with the knowledge of how to make your stories an omnichannel force for change.

Remember, your stories aren’t for you. They’re for your audience. Whether on a stage, in a podcast, or shared around a coffee table, the stories that truly matter are those that connect, inspire, and ignite action. 

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• Secrets to leaving a lasting impact through your stories (00:15)
• How humour helps stories spread (01:39)
• The power of repeatable, unforgettable stories (02:18)
• How stories disarm, connect, and create relief for your audience (07:12)
• How to tell stories that truly resonate and transform your audience (09:00)
• Stories that shatter assumptions and spark transformation (10:32)
• The power of witnessed stories (14:06)
• The myth of the “whole story” (18:39)
• Key takeaways (19:55)

If you are on a mission to amplify your message to make a more meaningful impact, and you’d love to join a vibrant community of people all harnessing the power of speaking we’d love you to join us in our private Facebook group. Here you will gain access to exclusive live trainings, free resources and the opportunity to ask Jacqueline anything. It’s all designed to take the speaking game to the next level. We can’t wait to welcome you. 

Join here :  https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakerdrivenbusinesscommunity

To connect and learn more about creating a Speaker Driven Business connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn. You can also follow Jacqueline on Instagram and join our Facebook Group.

Join the Speak More Collective. 

Turn your genius into game-changing impact with visual models that simplify, sell, and elevate your story  

In this captivating conversation, Simon Bowen, creator of the Models Method and Genius Model, dives into how visual models revolutionise leadership, selling, and storytelling. 

Jacqueline and Simon explore the art of simplifying complexity without dumbing it down and discuss why selling is the most noble act a business can undertake. With insights into facilitating change, finding your intuitive genius, and elevating your client to hero status, this episode is packed with strategies to change how you think, communicate, and sell.

This extended, very rich, episode of The Speaker Driven Business Podcast is guaranteed to transform your genius into organised brilliance!

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• Meet Simon Bowen (00:49
• Why embracing sales is critical for impact-driven leaders (02:21)
• How influence and buyer safety transform sales (06:11)
• The five levels of buyer safety (08:10)
• Why visual is the secret to clarity, connection, and creativity in a noisy world  (10:57)
• 83% of what people retain is visual — here’s how to harness it effectively (16:00)
• How to break into complex corporate networks and close deals (26:50)
• Simon’s triangulation strategy that unlocks doors to powerful networks (33:41)
• Thinking of cracking the US market? Spend time “on soil!” (40:31)
• Showing up in person vs. Zoom (43:48)
• How to extract and structure your unique 20% to leave audiences saying, “Wait, what?” (52:12)
• Transform your message from speaking to profound impact (56:18)
• Get in touch with Simon (1:06:54)

If you are on a mission to amplify your message to make a more meaningful impact, and you’d love to join a vibrant community of people all harnessing the power of speaking we’d love you to join us in our private Facebook group. Here you will gain access to exclusive live trainings, free resources and the opportunity to ask Jacqueline anything. It’s all designed to take the speaking game to the next level. We can’t wait to welcome you. 

Join here :  https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakerdrivenbusinesscommunity

To connect and learn more about creating a Speaker Driven Business connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn. You can also follow Jacqueline on Instagram and join our Facebook Group.

Join the Speak More Collective. 

Welcome to the first episode of 2025, where we dive into a year’s worth of lessons from reviewing over 100 speech scripts (closer to 200, if we’re honest). 

In this episode, Jacqueline shares invaluable insights from working with seasoned speakers, TED Talk hopefuls, and keynote rookies looking to level up. If you’re wondering what separates a speech that sticks from one that sinks, this episode is your go-to guide.

Remember, great speaking isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection, clarity, and courage. Whether you’re gearing up for your first big talk or refining your 20th keynote, the lessons in this episode will help you create speeches that inspire, resonate, and stick with your audience. 

Make 2025 your year to captivate!

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• Reflecting on 2024’s lessons (00:01)
• 25 speakers and Carmine Gallo at the Speak Like Ted Program (00:46)
• How The Paid Speaker Accelerator launched careers into the spotlight (01:22)
• Turning scripts into stage-worthy masterpieces at the Speak More Collective (02:24)
• The power of scripting in crafting stories that captivate (03:00)
• The value of the Blue Apple (04:03)
• Why “killing your darlings” is essential for clarity and impact (07:15)
• Masterfully balancing data and emotion for maximum effect (08:44)
• Macro and micro stories to keep your audience hooked (09:55)
• Painting pictures with words to make your stories unforgettable (12:59)
• The art of precision (15:06)
• The rule of three and why less is more (19:29)
• Delivering a gift your audience will use and share (21:19)
• The golden rule of primacy and recency (23:49)
• The game-changing shift that keeps your audience hooked (25:21)
• Why "first shitty drafts” are a must (26:52)
• Why boldness always wins (33:18)

If you are on a mission to amplify your message to make a more meaningful impact, and you’d love to join a vibrant community of people all harnessing the power of speaking we’d love you to join us in our private Facebook group. Here you will gain access to exclusive live trainings, free resources and the opportunity to ask Jacqueline anything. It’s all designed to take the speaking game to the next level. We can’t wait to welcome you. 

Join here :  https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakerdrivenbusinesscommunity

To connect and learn more about creating a Speaker Driven Business connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn. You can also follow Jacqueline on Instagram and join our Facebook Group.

Join the Speak More Collective. 

Wonder isn’t just for children - and we’d love you to meet the man daring the world to rediscover it.

In this episode, Jacqueline welcomes Peter Merrett, Australia's 2024 Keynote Speaker of the Year and the visionary behind The House of Wonderful. 

Peter’s journey from chef to award-winning hotelier, to a global keynote sensation, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It’s all about daring to embrace who you are, leaning into authenticity, and making wonder your way of life.

He shares how his love of speaking helped him transition from corporate life into a career that is as unique as it is inspiring. You’ll learn how he’s stayed true to his vision, even when others doubted, and how he masterfully connects with audiences by being “all in.” 

This conversation will encourage you to dive into your lane, give yourself permission to flourish, dare to be different, and let wonder lead the way.

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• Meet Peter Merrett (00:03)
• The origins of The House of Wonderful (02:27)
• Peter’s all-in philosophy (04:42)
• How the hospitality industry shaped Peter’s obsession with unforgettable experiences (05:52)
• Why you’ll find Peter sitting quietly in the back of the room before delivering his keynote (08:34)
• Why it’s crucial to stay true to your unique character (11:15)
• How to draw the perfect audience to you (14:53)
• Insights on Peter’s long-term relationship with a US-based client (19:01)
• The power of iteration (21:21)
• How to create your breakthrough (23:50)
• All about Peter’s upcoming book (27:20)
• Peter’s mission to reignite the spark of wonder we’re all born with (31:14)
• How true service goes far beyond the stage. (34:35)
• Dare to be different (41:20)

If you are on a mission to amplify your message to make a more meaningful impact, and you’d love to join a vibrant community of people all harnessing the power of speaking we’d love you to join us in our private Facebook group. Here you will gain access to exclusive live trainings, free resources and the opportunity to ask Jacqueline anything. It’s all designed to take the speaking game to the next level. We can’t wait to welcome you. 

Join here :  https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakerdrivenbusinesscommunity

To connect and learn more about creating a Speaker Driven Business connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn. You can also follow Jacqueline on Instagram and join our Facebook Group.

Join the Speak More Collective. 

What if your life’s biggest failure played out on the world stage? Jacqueline Brooker lived it and this is your invitation to tune in for a masterclass in resilience!

This conversation comes from an episode of The Other Side of Success podcast with Ella Lucas-Averett, where Jacqueline joins as a guest to share her remarkable story of resilience, failure, and self-belief.

She takes us through her extraordinary journey — from a chaotic childhood to entrepreneurial heights, followed by a devastating public fall. 

In this conversation, Jacqueline shares her unfiltered truth about how she navigated a $5.2M project that ended in global scrutiny and the critical life lessons she learned from losing it all.

But it doesn’t end there. Her story isn’t just about failure — it’s about the courage to keep going when the world expects you to give up. 

If you’ve ever faced a moment that felt insurmountable, this episode is for you. Share it with someone who needs to hear that even when the narrative slips out of your hands, you still have the power to write your next chapter.

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• Jacqueline shares why her baseline was always failure first (00:33)
• From McDonald’s to taking over a multimillion-dollar family business (02:34)
• How the right people shaped Jacqueline’s journey (07:49)
• How Jacqueline risked it all to launch a groundbreaking women’s leadership project (09:18)
• June 17, 2016: The day Jacqueline lost her business, her voice, and control of her story (11:40)
• Securing an A-list speaker and the unraveling that followed (14:49)
• The emotional and professional fallout of losing it all (19:36)
• Why bouncing back isn’t always the answer in recovering and building resilience (27:47)
• Jacqueline’s message to 2016 her (30:12)
• Jacqueline reflects on hard truths from her high-stakes dealings with Reese Witherspoon’s team (31:10)
• The raw truth about finding strength after losing everything (33:05)
• The power of humanity (35:27)

If you are on a mission to amplify your message to make a more meaningful impact, and you’d love to join a vibrant community of people all harnessing the power of speaking we’d love you to join us in our private Facebook group. Here you will gain access to exclusive live trainings, free resources and the opportunity to ask Jacqueline anything. It’s all designed to take the speaking game to the next level. We can’t wait to welcome you. 

Join here :  https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakerdrivenbusinesscommunity

To connect and learn more about creating a Speaker Driven Business connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn. You can also follow Jacqueline on Instagram and join our Facebook Group.

Join the Speak More Collective.