Many accomplished women already have the expertise, experience, and authority their audiences need. The missing piece is rarely more knowledge — it’s connection.

Story is what bridges the space between expert and audience. It humanizes ideas, creates emotional resonance, and allows insight to truly land. When expertise is combined with purposeful storytelling, a talk doesn’t just inform — it connects, influences, and stays with people long after it ends.

This episode is the audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, where three recent grads of our Thought Leader Academy each delivered a 10-minute version of the signature talk they developed with us, designed to transform expertise into meaningful connection through purposeful storytelling.

As you listen, you’ll learn how powerful talks are built, including:

• How to turn expertise into a compelling narrative
• How to embed your unique perspective and lived experience into your message
• How story creates trust, meaning, and emotional connection
• How to structure ideas so they are clear, memorable, and actionable
• What they learned from the Thought Leader Academy and what’s next for them

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/463/ 

Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/4s1LX8sGk7s

Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/

Apply for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ 

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz
• Allison Greco = https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisongreco/ 
• Brittany Sadlouskos = https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanysadlouskos/ 
• Cam Dunson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/camdunson/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You

What’s the difference between a presentation people forget in five minutes… and a talk that quietly reshapes how someone thinks, decides, and acts for months afterward?

It’s not more information and it’s not prettier slides (although pretty slides are nice!).

This episode is the audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, where you’ll experience two powerful examples of what happens when purposeful storytelling meets clear, actionable frameworks - the core of every transformational signature talk.

Erin Mark and Deborah Stine, recent graduates of our Thought Leader Academy, each delivered a 10-minute version of the keynote signature talks they created during their VIP Day with us and refined throughout the program. 

You’ll hear:

• Two real signature talks delivered by our Thought Leader Academy graduates
• The difference between informational speaking and transformational speaking, especially important for keynotes
• How your message can position you as a thought leader
• What makes a talk memorable and actionable
• What they learned in the Thought Leader Academy and what’s next for them

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/462/ 

Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/TKkEHY0rRXw

Erin’s website: https://erinmark.com/ 

Debbie’s website: https://scitechpolicyacademy.com/ 

Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/

Apply for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ 

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Erin Mark = https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmark/ 
• Deborah Stine = https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-stine/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You

Your story is not just your story. It's part of a larger narrative about whose voices are heard and whose are erased.

I’m thrilled to have Janice Gassam Asare back on the podcast. She's an organizational psychologist, equity consultant, and author of the new book Rise and Resist - and this conversation went places I didn't expect.

What struck me most is how Janice reframes resistance. Not as something dramatic or career-ending, but as the small, daily choices we make: amplifying someone else's idea in a meeting, speaking up when it's uncomfortable, refusing to let an important story quietly disappear. Those aren't small acts. They're how culture actually changes.

We also get into what it takes to develop your voice when you've spent years being rewarded for staying in your lane. If that hits close to home, this episode is for you.

Janice and I talk about:

• Why storytelling is preservation and power, not just communication
• How personal stories build connection that expertise alone never can
• The everyday acts of resistance that shape workplaces and culture more than we realize
• How to find your voice when you were taught not to rock the boat
• What to do when you speak up and face criticism or pushback for it

About My Guest: Janice Z. Gassam Asare, Ph.D. is a Ph.D.-trained organizational psychologist and the founder of BWG Business Solutions, an award-winning consultancy designed to help organizations create cultures built on equity. Dr. Janice provides consultations, facilitates workshops, provides guidance, delivers keynote speeches and “Awareness Talks” to spark important dialogue about equity in the workplace. Dr. Janice has had the opportunity to collaborate with Google, Amazon, Yale University, Nordstrom, H&M, and Paypal/Venmo among many others. Dr. Janice is the author of three best-selling books, including her latest “Rise and Resist: How to Reclaim Workplace Equity and Justice” coming in February 2026. She is a senior contributing writer for Forbes having authored over 500 articles, a Harvard Business Review contributor, a LinkedIn Learning and Udemy Business instructor and EBSCO Learning facilitator. In 2022, Dr. Janice was recognized as a LinkedIn #1 Top Voice in Racial Equity. In 2023 she was recognized by Gusto as one of the 25 Top Workplace Experts to Follow. She is a 2-time TEDx speaker, the host of the Dirty Diversity podcast and an adjunct professor at Columbia University. During her free time, Dr. Janice enjoys volunteering as a job coach for the Coalition for the Homeless.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/461/ 

Janice’s website: https://www.drjanicegassam.com/ 

Get Janice’s new book “Rise and Resist: How to Reclaim Workplace Equity and Justice”: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/808352/rise-and-resist-by-janice-gassam-asare-phd/ 

Forbes article by Janice: “How Carol Cox Is Helping Women Speakers Get Paid What They Deserve” = https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2019/12/01/how-carol-cox-is-helping-women-speakers-get-paid-what-they-deserve/#1f5c3921533f 

Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/

Apply for our Thought Leader Academy = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ 

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Janice Gassam Asare (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicegassamphd/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 156: Visibility Strategies That Get You Noticed with Janice Gassam
• Episode 257: Writing a Book Gives Your Ideas Depth and Longevity with Tiffany Hawk
• Episode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World with Carol Cox

This episode is a rich and timely conversation about how we relate to what we know in an age of constant change and AI.

My guest is Dr. Laila Marouf, a former academic who spent more than two decades researching and teaching knowledge management before having a powerful realization during the early months of the pandemic: the systems and structures she’d been focused on were designed for stable times, not for the uncertainty and disruption we’re all living through now.

Out of that insight, she developed the concept of knowledge mindfulness - a more human, integrated approach that connects what we know (our “knowing”) with how we show up (our “being”) and the choices we make (our “doing”), all within the real context of our lives and work.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The difference between traditional knowledge management and knowledge mindfulness
• Why knowledge isn’t something to hoard as an asset, but a living system that needs to be nurtured and shared
• How to navigate the “fog” of uncertainty with small, thoughtful steps instead of searching for one big, perfect answer
• The role of trusted others, wisdom, and unity in a world where AI can outperform us on information and efficiency

We also talk about what this means for your leadership, your business, and your life, especially if you’ve been feeling like you’re on a treadmill, craving more meaning, spaciousness, and alignment in how you work and live.

About My Guest: Dr. Laila Marouf is Founder and Chief Knowledge Officer of Knowledge Mindfulness LLC. , an organization dedicated to evolving leaders' knowledge maturity to achieve holistic success through the use of Knowledge Mindfulness approach and strategy. Dr. Marouf has a PhD in information science with a focus on knowledge management. From there, she has embarked on a long career as a professor, researcher, consultant, and academic leader. In her book “Knowledge Mindfulness: The Interconnections that Help Leaders Transform Their Business and Life,” Dr. Marouf presents a transformative new approach to knowledge management for both individuals and organizations. Applying cutting-edge research from the worlds of business, economics, psychology, neuroscience, and the social sciences, she reveals more holistic, effective, and humane ways of harnessing knowledge to build trusting relationships and drive positive and responsible impact. 

About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. 

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/460/ 

Laila’s website: https://knowledgemindfulness.com/ 

Laila’s book “Knowledge Mindfulness: The Interconnections That Help Leaders Transform Their Business and Life”: https://www.amazon.com/Knowledge-Mindfulness-Interconnections-Transform-Business-ebook/dp/B0CFGBWZ75/ 

Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/

Apply for our Thought Leader Academy = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ 

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Dr. Laila Marouf (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/laila-marouf/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 458: Same Message, Different Medium, Different Strategy
• Episode 392: Why I No Longer "Teach from the Stage"
• Episode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public Speaking

What does it look like to turn an idea into a message, a message into a signature talk, and a signature talk into a published book?

In this episode, I sit down with Thought Leader Academy graduate Melania Murphy to talk about her powerful journey from spark to spotlight. 

Over the past couple of years, I’ve watched Melania take a deeply personal idea and transform it into a compelling signature talk—and now, a published book. If you’ve ever dreamed of sharing your message on a bigger stage or turning your ideas into a book, this conversation will show you what’s possible.

Melania’s new book, Bound by Love, Not Tradition, explores married name choices and how women can make intentional decisions that reflect their identity, values, and partnership. But this episode isn’t just about names—it’s about voice, courage, and claiming your message.

We talk about why so many people stay stuck in the idea phase, how Melania found the confidence to speak without hiding behind slides, and how her signature talk became the blueprint for her book. You’ll hear how storytelling, structure, and clarity helped her move from logic-heavy content to a message that truly resonates with audiences.

We also dive into the realities of publishing—what it takes to bring a book to life, how platform-building matters, and why promotion starts long before launch day.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to move from idea → signature talk → book
• Why your message becomes clearer when you speak it out loud
• How storytelling builds confidence and audience connection
• The role your signature talk can play in shaping your thought leadership
• What really happens behind the scenes of publishing and promoting a book

If you’ve been sitting on an idea—maybe for months or even years—consider this your nudge. Your message doesn’t have to stay in your head. It can become your talk, your platform, and maybe even your book.

About My Guest: Melania Murphy is a writer, speaker, and author of "Bound by Love, Not Tradition: Empowering Women Through Married Name Choices." With a degree in applied behavioral science, she enjoys blending storytelling with research to explore identity, relationships, and the traditions that shape our choices. She's been a journalist for over 20 years and is a frequent guest on podcasts discussing the deeply personal and culturally complex issue of married name choices.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/459/

Get Melania’s book "Bound by Love, Not Tradition: Empowering Women Through Married Name Choices”: https://www.amazon.com/Bound-Love-Not-Tradition-Empowering/dp/0960132309/ 

Melania’s website: https://www.melaniajoy.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/ 

Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ 

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Melania Murphy (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/melania-joy-murphy-28504263/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 458: Same Message, Different Medium, Different Strategy with Carol Cox
• Episode 407: Building Your Speaking Platform as an Author (Even If You're an Introvert!) with Tiffany Hawk

One of the most common mistakes I see speakers make is trying to deliver a six-week course or a full-length book in a 45-minute talk.

And then they wonder why:
 • the audience looks overwhelmed
 • the energy drops
 • no one remembers their message
 • leads don’t convert

Here’s the mindset shift that changes everything: Same message. Different medium. Different strategy.

When your message doesn’t match the format, your talk can feel confusing, overwhelming, and forgettable — no matter how good your content is. But when your message fits the medium, your impact multiplies.

In this episode, I share:

• The reasons you want to cram more content into your presentations
• How each format — lead generation presentation, keynote, workshop, course, coaching, and book — plays a distinct role
• Why books are uniquely powerful for depth, nuance, and authority (and how this ties into my upcoming author interviews)
• How to escape the expert trap and step into thought leadership

If you’re building talks, presentations, workshops, courses, or a book, this episode will completely change how you think about your content ecosystem.

Ready to build a signature talk that gets you the results you want? Learn more about working with us inside the Thought Leader Academy or through a stand-alone VIP Day.

Links:

Show notes and Message-Medium visual image at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/458/  

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/ 

Attend our 1-day Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ 

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Podcast Series: The Medium is the Message
• Episode 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in Awe with Julia Korn
• Episode 362: Integrating Thought Leadership and Lead Generation in Your Signature Talk with Danielle Hayden
• Episode 257: Writing a Book Gives Your Ideas Depth and Longevity with Tiffany Hawk

Have you ever hesitated to call yourself a speaker… or a thought leader… even though you know you have something important to say?

I see it all the time: brilliant women who have delivered keynotes, led workshops, facilitated panels, taught classes, and spoken on stages — yet still say, “I’m not a speaker.” Sound familiar?

So in this episode, I’m gently (okay, maybe a little lovingly persuasively) challenging you to rethink that hesitation.

We dig into why so many women resist claiming the identity of speaker and thought leader, what’s really happening beneath the surface, and — most importantly — how to start shifting that identity in a way that feels authentic, empowering, and aligned with who you truly are.

I also share something personal: my own struggle with claiming the identity of writer as I work on my book. Yep, even after hundreds of podcast episodes, years of speaking, and decades of communication work, identity shifts can still feel vulnerable. You’re in good company.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why women often resist calling themselves speakers and thought leaders
• How comparison and perfectionism quietly keep us stuck
• The surprising psychology behind identity shifts (inspired by Atomic Habits)
• Simple, concrete steps you can take right now to start owning your voice
• Why claiming your identity isn’t about ego — it’s about impact

I also share practical actions you can take today — from small LinkedIn tweaks to mindset shifts — that will help you step into your role as a visible leader with more confidence and ease.

And because I love a powerful real-world example, I read a moving testimonial from one of our retreat clients that beautifully illustrates what happens when women finally own their voice and presence.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re playing small, waiting until you’re “ready,” or hesitating to fully step into your visibility, this episode is your loving nudge forward.

Because the truth is: we need your voice.

This episode originally aired as episode 391 on May 6, 2024.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/391/ 

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 with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

Book mentioned “Atomic Habits”: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break-ebook/dp/B07D23CFGR/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 371: What to Include in Your Speaker Video Reel and Speaker Page
• Episode 407: Building Your Speaking Platform as an Author (Even If You're an Introvert!) with Tiffany Hawk
• Episode 257: Writing a Book Gives Your Ideas Depth and Longevity with Tiffany Hawk
• Episode 301: Why We Get Imposter Syndrome and What to Do About It with Melody Wilding

Your personal brand isn’t optional anymore, even if you wish it were. In this episode, I dig into why your personal brand matters more than ever, especially in a world overflowing with content (and now AI-generated content, too), and how it connects to your thought leadership and your business 

I talk about a common hesitation I see with many women: the feeling that cultivating a personal brand is self-indulgent, unnecessary, or something “other people” do.

But here’s the truth: you already have a personal brand. It’s how others describe you, what they associate with you, and whether they know what truly matters to you.

I share a personal story about how a podcast listener (and later Thought Leader Academy client) connected deeply with my background in history, feminism, and women’s leadership and how that connection happened not by accident, but through intentional thought leadership woven into my brand.

In this episode, I break down:

• The difference between your business, your thought leadership, and your personal brand - and why they’re not the same thing
• Why thought leadership is the why behind your work, not a sales message
• How your personal brand is the embodiment of that thought leadership: you are the messenger
• What to do if your career path feels messy or disconnected (hint: there is a thread)
• Why authenticity, real stories, and lived experience matter even more in the age of AI
• How your signature talk brings your business, thought leadership, and personal brand together in one cohesive message

I also share some early advice I received to downplay parts of my background and why ignoring that advice was one of the best decisions I made.

If you’ve ever wondered whether certain parts of your story “belong” in your brand, this episode will give you a new way to think about it.

If you’re feeling stuck in the expert trap—teaching, informing, and explaining, but not fully connecting, this episode will help you see how your ideas, experiences, and point of view are exactly what make your message memorable and trusted.

Listen in and reflect: What do people know you for right now—and what do you want them to know you for?

Ready to Go Deeper? This is the kind of work we do inside Thought Leader Academy, helping you connect your thought leadership, personal brand, stories, and message into a clear, confident signature talk you can use everywhere.

Learn more and schedule a consultation at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/contact/

This episode originally aired as episode 349 on October 2, 2023.

Hey there, it's Carol, popping in for a minute! I want to make sure you know about our 1-Day Master Your Message & the Stage workshop coming up on February 19th in Downtown Orlando, Florida.

You’ll go from having a rough idea (or no idea at all!) to building your talk using our Signature Talk Canvas® framework - and then practice delivering it with real-time feedback from us.

And here’s the thing = you’ll create a talk that goes beyond tips and facts. I know you know how to create a slide presentation, but to achieve your goals, you need something much more than that. You need to shape a message that persuades, gets buy-in, and leaves a lasting impression.

Your audience doesn’t want to be lectured. They want to feel seen, inspired, and invited into a bigger vision of what’s possible.

That’s exactly what you’ll do at our 1-Day Speaking Accelerator.

We’ll show you how to use storytelling for resonance, how to paint a vision your audience wants to be part of, and how to step into the speaker and leader you’re ready to be.

Can it really be done in a day? We guarantee it! Listen to episode 435 to hear my conversation with 3 of the women who attended our last workshop.

Like them, you'll get:

 ✅ Your signature talk and framework mapped out—blending thought leadership, storytelling, and lead generation
 ✅ Personalized coaching to take your delivery from good to captivating
 ✅ Strategies to reduce nerves and boost your stage presence
 ✅ A curated speaker kit and workbook
 ✅ New connections with incredible women
 ✅ And professional photos of you speaking—perfect for your website and social media

This isn’t just one talk. It’s a message you can use everywhere: On stage, in webinars, interviews, your emails, social posts—even your book or course.

Whether it’s been stuck in your head or sitting in a slide deck, your talk deserves to make the impact it was meant to - and achieve your goals.

If you're ready to make the shift from information to transformation, join us in Orlando on February 19th.

Use the coupon code “Podcast200” to save $200 on your registration, as a thank you for being a podcast listener.

Spots are limited to 12 attendees, so go to speakingyourbrand.com/orlando to register. I’d love to have you there!

Have you ever heard a speaker share a story and have one of these reactions:

#1: Wow, I really feel connected to what this person is saying. I have a new perspective on my own situation.

-OR-

#2: Why is this person telling this story? I don't get how this relates to the rest of their content or why I should care or this feels icky.

You don't want to end up being the speaker where the people in the audience are having the second reaction.

You want your stories to have purpose and meaning and be of service to your audience.

This conversation came directly from questions we hear all the time from women in our Thought Leader Academy:

• Is sharing my personal story self-indulgent?
• How vulnerable is too vulnerable?
• Can storytelling cross the line into manipulation?

The short answer? Yes, it can. And that’s exactly why how you tell your story matters just as much as what you share.

In this episode, Diane Diaz and I dig into:

• What makes a story feel authentic vs. forced or manipulative
• Why stories should always be in service of the audience, not the speaker
• Common storytelling mistakes (TMI, rags-to-riches formulas, shaming language, and oversmoothing the edges)
• How vulnerability builds trust - when it’s grounded in reflection and purpose
• Why imperfect stories often create the strongest audience connection

We also share real examples—from our own speaking experiences and from Thought Leader Academy clients—of how telling the truth (even when it doesn’t make you look perfect) can be incredibly powerful, freeing, and impactful.

If you want your stories to:

• Deepen audience connection
• Build credibility instead of skepticism
• Support your message instead of distracting from it

…this episode will help you rethink how you use storytelling in your talks, podcasts, and brand messaging.

(This episode originally aired as episode 350 on October 9, 2023.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/mistake/

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
• Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation with Karen Keene
• Episode 341: Unearthing Your Unique Message: Discovering What Makes You Stand Out with Judy Carlson
• Episode 92: Deconstructing My TEDx Talk: Why We’re Uncomfortable with Women in Power