Do you ever feel like you're stuck in the "expert trap" - sharing lots of great information, but not quite connecting with your audience the way you want to?

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Teri DeLucca, founder of Impact Early Education and a graduate of our Thought Leader Academy, about how she made the bold leap from academic researcher and fact-based presenter to transformational speaker and sought-after thought leader.

Teri has not one, but TWO PhDs (yes, you read that right!), and like many high-achieving women, she found comfort in data and research. But as she began training preschool teachers and school leaders, she realized that just presenting facts wasn’t creating the impact she truly wanted.

In our conversation, Teri shares:

• What led her to start her own business and step into entrepreneurship

• The power of personal storytelling in leadership and speaking

• How embracing vulnerability changed everything for her and her audiences

• Her transformation through the Thought Leader Academy and how it impacted her signature talk

• Her behind-the-scenes prep for a major international keynote (and why she called me in for a VIP Day!)

• Why it's not only okay, but essential, to share your personal challenges as a speaker and leader

If you've ever worried that being real with your audience might hurt your credibility, you need to hear what Teri says about the moment she realized not sharing her struggles was actually holding her back.

Teri’s story is proof that when you let go of perfection and speak from a place of truth, that’s when real transformation happens—for you and the people you're meant to reach.

This conversation originally aired as episode 338 on July 17, 2023.

Links:

Show notes: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/escape-expert-trap/

Learn more about Teri’s work at ImpactEarlyEd.com.

Listen to Episode 241 – The Expert Trap – to learn more about how to shift from expert to transformational speaker: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/241/

Ready to escape the expert trap and develop your own signature talk and thought leadership? Join us in the Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/

If you're using speaking for lead generation, you won’t want to miss this episode.

I’m joined by Danielle Hayden, CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., who came to me for a VIP Day to create a new signature talk. Like many entrepreneurs, Danielle had been speaking often, but she knew she was overloading her audience with too much information and not enough transformation.

In this conversation, we pull back the curtain on the process we used to refine her message, develop her thought leadership, and craft a presentation that truly connects - with results to prove it.

You’ll learn:

• Why Danielle knew it was time to evolve her talk (and how she resisted telling personal stories at first!)

• The moment we discovered her unique thought leadership angle: “The Spending Gap”

• Behind the scenes of what happens during a VIP Day

• What happened when she delivered her new talk for the first time (spoiler: record number of new clients!)

• Why storytelling, especially the vulnerable kind, is a powerful connector

• How she uses other lead gen strategies like podcast guesting and hosting her own podcast

You’ll walk away with ideas on how to turn your own talk into a powerful magnet that attracts the right clients - and how to infuse it with insight, story, and strategy.

Want your own VIP Day to develop your signature talk? Learn more and join us in the Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ 

(This conversation originally aired as episode 362 on December 11, 2023.)

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/362/

Danielle’s website: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/gift/ 

Danielle’s podcast “Entrepreneur Money Stories”: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/entrepreneur-money-stories-podcast/ 

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

Get your own VIP Day to create your signature talk by signing up for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ 

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

• Danielle Hayden (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-hayden-kickstartaccounting/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 204: Make Better Decisions around Business and Speaking Opportunities with Danielle Hayden

• Episode 288: A Framework for Creating a Signature Talk for Income and Impact

• Episode 290: [Coaching] Get More Leads from Your Presentations

• Episode 271: Providing Transformation vs. Information

We believe that every presentation, whether internal or external, at a conference or at a board meeting, has the power to shift how your audience views a topic and the positive changes that can come as a result.

It’s not just about delivering information – it’s about shifting perspectives, sparking new ideas, and inspiring action.

This episode is the audio from a live show we did with two of our recent Thought Leader Academy grads: Dr. Bonnie Boles and Denise Cárdenas López. 

Both Bonnie and Denise are executives at companies and often present both internally to team members as well as externally at conferences and to groups. 

When we worked with them in a VIP Day to create their signature talk as part of the Thought Leader Academy, we kept both of these audiences in mind. 

You’ll get to hear Bonnie and Denise deliver a 10-minute version of their new signature talk.

We also have a roundtable discussion about what they’ve learned from being in the Thought Leader Academy and what’s next for them as speakers and thought leaders.

Links: 

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/437/ 

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

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/

• Dr. Bonnie Boles = https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-boles-md-mba-chcio-fccp-09b69792/ 

• Denise Cárdenas López = https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisecardenaslopez/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 431: Why Your Tech Presentations Aren’t Landing - and How to Fix Them

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

The key to a powerful presentation isn’t just telling stories – it’s uncovering the lessons within them.

When you share a personal experience or an impactful moment, you’re not just recounting events; you’re inviting your audience to see the world through your eyes, to feel what you felt, and to learn from what you lived. 

Your stories become more than just a narrative – they can spark change in the hearts and minds of your audience.

This episode is the audio from a live show we did with three of our recent Thought Leader Academy grads: Moe Boles, Melinda Hrynewycz, and Sara Ecklein.

You’ll hear each woman deliver a 10-minute version of the signature talk they created with us, so you can see and hear them in action, demonstrating how drawing insights from personal experiences can create engaging, memorable, and impactful messages.

We also have a roundtable discussion about what they’ve learned from being in the Thought Leader Academy and what’s next for them as speakers and thought leaders.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/436/ 

Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/qfOOs3Q3H5c

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

• Melinda Hrynewycz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-hrynewycz/ 

• Moe Boles = https://www.linkedin.com/in/moe-smith-boles-mba-hm-rn-b617236/ 

• Sara Ecklein = https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ecklein/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

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

• Episode 263: Finding the Emotional Heart of Your Message

What if you could go from a completely blank page - or in this case, a blank poster board - to mapping out and practicing your signature talk… all in just one day?

That’s exactly what happened at our recent in-person Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando, and in this episode, you’ll hear directly from three of the incredible women who participated: Lesline Pittman, Monica Mitchell, and Dr. Emma Jones.

You’ll get the behind-the-scenes scoop on what it’s like to go from idea to delivery in a single day (yes, it’s totally possible!) - including the unexpected improv exercises, vulnerable storytelling moments, and the real magic that happens when smart, passionate women come together to use their voice.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why each of them said “yes” to attending the workshop (even flying in from out of state!)

• How they went from “Can I really do this in one day?” to confidently practicing their talk on stage

• What it felt like to get feedback in real-time and push past perfectionism

• The power of sharing personal stories

• What they’re doing next with their talks and visibility efforts

You’ll also hear some powerful lessons about embracing vulnerability, escaping the “expert trap,” and why your story absolutely matters, even if others are talking about similar topics.

Whether you’ve been thinking about joining one of our in-person workshops or you just want some encouragement to get your own talk out of your head and into the world, this episode will inspire you to take that next bold step. 

Our next 1-day Speaking Workshop is on October 30, 2025, in Downtown Orlando, Florida! If you’re ready to accelerate your growth as a speaker, gain hands-on feedback, and have a lot of fun, this is your chance. Learn more and grab your spot at https://www.SpeakingYourBrand.com/orlando/. 

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/435/ 

Video from the live show: https://youtube.com/live/ZH73ckePBdo 

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

Attend our 1-day speaking workshop in Orlando: https://www.SpeakingYourBrand.com/orlando/ 

Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ 

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

• Emma Jones, MD = https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-jones-mdcoach/ 

• Monica Mitchell = https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachmjmitchell/ 

• Lesline Pittman = https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslinepittman/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 421: 100x Your Speaking in a Day: Insights from Our Recent In-Person Workshop

I vividly remember the day after Christmas 2022. Not because I was relaxing, but because I was at my laptop, updating my university courses and diving headfirst into AI tools for my business and podcast. ChatGPT had just launched, and I knew instantly: this was different. This wasn’t just another tech trend; this was a transformation.

In this episode, I share the talk I recently delivered at the ElleX Summit, where I wove together history, technology, and the urgent need for women’s voices in AI.

From Ada Lovelace and the women of NASA to Eleanor Roosevelt and the Brontë sisters, women have always shown up when new technologies emerged that gave them a voice and a platform.

And now, it’s our moment again.

You’ll hear:

• Why AI isn’t just a tool - it’s a force shaping how we work, teach, govern, and live

• Shocking examples of gender bias baked into AI systems

• Why your perspective, leadership, and storytelling are essential in this new era

• How I’m using AI to save time on the computer, so I can do more of the work that makes me feel human

AI can either reinforce the past or help us create a more inclusive future. It’s up to us to choose. Let’s make sure future generations find plenty of women in the history books of this AI era.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/434/ 

Check out my new companion podcast “Confident Speaker”: https://confidentspeaker.transistor.fm/ 

Join our Automate & Amplify with AI program: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/ai/ 

Learn how we can work together on your thought leadership and signature talk: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/ 

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

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 430: What Giving a TED-Style Talk Revealed About Us as Speakers

• Episode 432: AI Will Impact You: Here are 4 Ways to Think About It

• Episode 433: Behind the Scenes of My AI-Powered Business: Real-World Use Cases

Ever wish you had an extra set of hands - or better yet, an AI assistant - to take care of all those repetitive tasks in your business?

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share the exact AI-powered workflows I’ve built and now rely on every week at Speaking Your Brand.

From automating my podcast production (yes, even these show notes!) to cloning my voice for a brand-new companion podcast, you’ll get a sense at what’s possible - and what's already working.

I walk you through real-world examples of how I’m using AI to:

• Save time with automated content workflows

• Personalize client communication at scale

• Build an AI-powered knowledge base

• Launch a 100% AI-generated podcast using my frameworks and brand voice

I also share how these automations free up my time to do the more human work I love, including coaching, speaking, and creating programs like Automate & Amplify with AI, where I teach you how to build these systems for your own business.

Whether you’re a solopreneur or have a small team, this episode will get your wheels turning on what’s possible when you stop doing the repetitive tasks and start building with AI.

Plus, I talk about:

• The difference between using ChatGPT and building true automation

• Why I created “AI Carol” to answer podcast listener questions

• How we’re developing a DIY version of our Signature Talk framework with ChatSYB

If you’ve been curious about using AI in your business, but you’re not sure where to start, this is the episode to listen to.

Watch the video version with slides and demos at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/433/ Learn more and apply for the Automate & Amplify with AI program at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/ai/

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/433/ 

Check out my new companion podcast “Confident Speaker”: https://confidentspeaker.transistor.fm/ 

Join our Automate & Amplify with AI program: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/ai/ 

Learn how we can work together on your thought leadership and signature talk: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/ 

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

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 432: AI Will Impact You: Here are 4 Ways to Think About It

• Episode 429: What Most Speakers Miss: 3 Secrets to Insightful and Inspirational Presentations

AI isn’t just on the horizon - it’s already here, reshaping how we work, connect, and show up in our businesses, no matter what industry you’re in.

In this episode, I share how AI has fundamentally changed how I run Speaking Your Brand, well beyond using tools like ChatGPT (though I use that too!). 

I walk you through 4 powerful questions, originally posed by Wharton professor Ethan Mollick, that I’ve been reflecting on deeply and that can help you rethink your own services, content, and visibility.

You’ll hear:

• What I used to do in my business that AI now does better (and faster!)

• What seemed impossible a year ago that I can now do in a day

• How I’m democratizing access to our services with a new AI app we’re building

• The exciting (and slightly eerie!) launch of my new companion podcast, Confident Speaker, written and voiced entirely by AI, trained on my content and brand voice

Plus, you’ll hear about my new live online program, Automate & Amplify with AI, where I’ll teach you how to build the same time-saving, brand-building workflows I use every week - no coding required.

Whether you’re feeling excited, overwhelmed, or curious about AI, this episode will give you the clarity and inspiration to embrace what’s possible (and to let go of what no longer serves you).

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/432/ 

Check out my new companion podcast “Confident Speaker”: https://confidentspeaker.transistor.fm/ 

Join our Automate & Amplify with AI program: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/ai/ 

Learn how we can work together on your thought leadership and signature talk: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/ 

Article by Prof. Ethan Mollick: https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/strategies-for-an-accelerating-future

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

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 327: From Expert to Thought Leader: 3 Key Strategies You Need Now in the AI Age

You’ve packed your presentation with data, insights, and value — but your audience isn’t responding the way you hoped.

If you’ve ever looked out and seen glazed-over eyes… or walked off stage and didn’t get the results you wanted, this episode is for you.

As a former software developer and technology strategist who has presented at countless conferences and meetups, I’ve learned what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to making technical or detail-heavy presentations land with impact.

If you’re in a technical field — technology, software, AI, science, healthcare, academia, finance - this episode is especially for you.

I share 6 key strategies you can use today to make your presentations more engaging, memorable, and actionable — so you not only inform but also inspire your audience.

You’ll learn:

• 3 quick changes to make in your slide deck (these alone will change how your talk feels)

• Why your “About Me” slide should never be the first or second slide in your deck — and what to do first instead

• What your audience wants more than information

• How to incorporate storytelling so your data sticks

•  The “palm tree” method for organizing your talk (goodbye, content overload!)

• The one thing I never do anymore in technical talks — and what I do now (learned the hard way at a Microsoft event years ago)

Whether you’re speaking to peers in your industry or to potential clients, you’ll walk away from this episode with practical strategies to improve your next presentation.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/431/ 

Let us give your presentation a makeover! Learn more at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/presentation-makeover/ 

Want to create your talk from scratch? Book a VIP Day or join our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/ 

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

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 429: What Most Speakers Miss: 3 Secrets to Insightful and Inspirational Presentations

• Episode 398: Storytelling for Leaders: Crafting Narratives that Inspire and Persuade

• Episode 327: From Expert to Thought Leader: 3 Key Strategies You Need Now in the AI Age

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to create, practice for, and deliver a powerful TED-style talk - especially one that’s only 8 minutes long?

In this episode, I’m joined by Diane Diaz, our lead speaking coach at Speaking Your Brand, as we take you behind the scenes of our recent TED-style speaking experience.

We were invited to be part of a live event called ElleX, hosted by a women’s entrepreneurship group at a local college. 

We had only one week to prepare our full talks for the audition!

Diane and I share:

• How we came up with our topics and aligned them with the theme

• The difference between a TED-style talk and a typical keynote or presentation

• How we approached “memorizing” our talks (spoiler: we didn’t, exactly!) What surprised us about the experience (and what we’d do differently next time)

• Why it's essential to amplify who you naturally are on stage

• And… which of us has decided TED-style talks are not her favorite and what is 😉

You’ll hear how Diane used humor and storytelling to deliver a deeply moving (and yes, funny!) talk about her Ironman triathlon journey and how I wove in women’s leadership, history, and AI into my talk about the future of tech and humanity.

Whether you're preparing for your own TEDx talk, want to challenge yourself as a speaker, or simply love the behind-the-scenes of crafting powerful messages, this episode will inspire you to lean into your unique style and maybe even try a new speaking “muscle.”

Want to discover your speaker archetype? Take our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz  to get personalized recommendations based on your strengths.

We’ll add the video links to our talks in the show notes as soon as we get them, so check back!

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/430/ 

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 429: What Most Speakers Miss: 3 Secrets to Insightful and Inspirational Presentations

• Episode 376: Use the Secrets of Comedy for Better Storytelling and Delivery in Your Talks