“The mistake I’m seeing a lot of companies make is they’re racing to shove it into a product where they’re trying to drive costs down before the leaders making the call have become AI-driven leaders.”

Feeling overwhelmed by AI and unsure how it fits into your speaking business? In this value-packed episode of The Speaker Lab, Grant Baldwin chats with Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven Leader, for a refreshingly practical look at embracing technology without losing your human edge.

Geoff shares how speakers should treat AI as a tool, focusing on using it to drive real results and streamline the work that matters most. He introduces straightforward frameworks, like his CRIT method (Context, Role, Interview, Task), to help you get more out of AI, whether you’re prepping your next keynote or brainstorming business strategy.

What shines through is the focus on human strengths and meaningful connections. Rather than fearing that AI will make us obsolete, Geoff sees it as a chance for speakers to elevate their unique value and creativity, freeing up more time for what only humans do best.

The best strategy for implementing AI is to start small, use it to enhance, not replace, your skills, and keep your conversations, follow-ups, and business development rooted in authenticity. Give the episode a listen and learn how to turn today’s technology into tomorrow’s new opportunities!

You’ll learn:

• The role of AI for speakers and entrepreneurs
• Three core business areas impacted by AI
• Utilizing AI for high-impact, strategic decisions
• Using AI as a “thought partner, not a thought leader
• Leveraging AI for analyzing
• How technology changes the skill sets for jobs
• Importance of adaptability and learning over fear of change
• And much, much more!

“I have a very simple framework for communicating with AI called CRIT: Context, Role, Interview, and Task.”

Episode Resources

• Geoff’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“The act of you and I exchanging contact information raises the standard that there is going to be a follow up…You want to make that connection and set the expectation right then and there.”

Ever left a conference buzzing, only to watch that excitement fizzle when it comes to follow-up? This live coaching session from The Speaker Lab pulls back the curtain on how pros turn event momentum into real speaking business.

Facilitator Erick Rheam teams up with speakers Bridget Quigg and Shannon GaNun for a candid conversation about what works and what doesn’t in post-event follow-up. Bridget shares her frustration when promising leads go silent, and Erick offers simple, practical advice: always exchange contact info in person, set clear expectations for next steps, and don’t rely on LinkedIn or mass attendee lists. Real business starts with real, personal connections.

Shannon’s question on breaking into corporate gigs leads to another golden nugget: you don’t need a hard pitch. Just mention that you’re available for future engagements. Those off-the-cuff invitations can turn warm applause into future bookings.

Above all, this episode is a reminder that success as a speaker lies in small tweaks, human conversations, and showing up consistently. Don’t overcomplicate it, be approachable, follow up promptly, and seize opportunities. Listen in and learn how to make every gig and every follow-up count.

You’ll learn:

• Using a consistent methodology various length talks
• Authentic, conversational human interactions on stage
• Overcoming fear of forgetting points during live presentations
• Leaning into your professional background and network for focus areas
• Effective follow-up strategies after events
• Turning custom items into repeatable assets
• On-stage call-to-action practices
• The SPARK framework (Statistic, Picture, Anecdote, Real-life story)
• The importance of practicing
• And much, much more!
• 
  

"I believe everybody was created for a unique purpose. And until we learn how to communicate clearly, concisely and confidently, we’ll never be able to fulfill that purpose.”

Episode Resources

• Erick’s Website
• Bridget’s Website
• Shannon’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"I know there's a lot of benefits to automation, but when it came to [outreach], I felt it was very important for me to send personalized emails to each person in my network to tell them what I was doing and ask if I could help."

If you’ve ever considered leaving a stable corporate career to pursue something more meaningful, Tania Will Jeppesen’s story is essential listening. On this week’s episode of The Speaker Lab podcast, host Grant Baldwin sits down with Tania—a former operations and HR leader who took the leap from a secure job and steady paycheck to launch her own consulting business, “The Prepared Leader.” It’s an episode full of practical advice and heartfelt honesty for anyone wrestling with the tension between comfort and calling.

After nearly two decades in the trenches of supply chain and operations, Tania recognized a gap: frontline managers were often overlooked in leadership development. Driven by a blend of professional experience, a supportive family, and her own faith, she finally acted on a decade-old dream. Tania brings listeners behind the scenes of that decision—sharing candidly about the fears of risk, being the main earner, and modeling courage for her daughters.

What makes Tania’s journey so relatable is her willingness to focus on what she can control: hard work, authenticity, and showing up for others. Rather than trying to appeal to everyone, she leans into her unique strengths, guided by a clear framework and her deep understanding of her niche. Through every challenge, she keeps her priorities in check—aiming for both business impact and quality time at home.

Whether you’re dreaming of your own entrepreneurial leap or just searching for courage to act, Tania’s story is a timely reminder that the most meaningful success is building a life (and business) that’s truly yours.

You’ll learn:

• Weighing risk aversion against entrepreneurship dreams
• Decision-making and positive-outcome mindsets
• Helping organizations level up frontline leaders
• Consulting as a viable career-path
• Initial networking steps
• Incorporating family into the entrepreneurial journey
• Market validation through direct-network outreach
• Leveraging industry knowledge
• And much, much more!

"I really wanted to go into [consulting] with a mindset of not what's the worst that could happen, but what's the best that could happen if I do this?"

Episode Resources

• Tania’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I was trying to figure out what’s my lane that I need to be saying yes to? And what are the things I would have to say no to so that I can say yes to the better things?”

Kent Chevalier’s speaking journey is anything but conventional. In this week’s episode of The Speaker Lab podcast, Grant Baldwin sits down with Kent, a longtime pastor turned Pittsburgh Steelers chaplain—who’s built his career at the intersection of faith, leadership, and personal courage.

Kent opens up about transitioning from preaching in churches to mentoring professional athletes, and how the toughest challenge wasn’t the change of audience, it was learning to truly value his craft. Like many who come from service-driven backgrounds, Kent faced the uncomfortable work of charging for his expertise, despite years spent speaking for free. He shares honestly about wrestling with guilt, setting boundaries, and deciding that his time spent away from his wife and daughters needed to be respected and compensated.

Underneath it all is a message familiar to anyone striving to turn passion into a profession: fulfillment comes from betting on yourself, even when the path feels risky. Whether he’s backstage at an NFL game or leading a business seminar, Kent’s mantra of “do it afraid” holds true. If you need a push to embrace your own next leap, Kent’s story will remind you that your purpose is bigger than any one season, and your gifts are worth every bit of what you ask!

You’ll learn:

• Kent’s role as a Pittsburgh Steelers chaplain
• Preaching new content as opposed to reusing talks
• Navigating which opportunities to accept and decline
• Challenges of charging for speaking
• Target audiences and adjusting approach based on event context
• Importance of expert positioning and business fundamentals
• And much, much more!

“I love encouraging people to embrace fear and to jump because comfort is really a robber. It’s a thief.”

Episode Resources

• Kent’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I feel guilty to charge [money] for what I love to do…one woman said, ‘They should pay you because it’s your gift, you shouldn’t feel guilty about it.’”

Few stories capture the grit and transformation behind a speaking business like Stephanie Dauphin’s journey. This week, Grant Baldwin chats with Stephanie on The Speaker Lab podcast about investing over a decade in her craft—often speaking for free, wrangling self-doubt, and struggling with the idea that meaningful, joyful work can (and should) be well-paid.

Her turning point wasn’t just learning how to market herself or build a keynote. It was doing the mindset work: identifying and letting go of limiting beliefs around money, motherhood, and self-worth, many rooted in her upbringing. Stephanie is honest about the messy process, the fear of charging what you’re worth, and the inner resistance that can sabotage your best opportunities.

What shines through is her hard-earned wisdom: fulfillment comes from embracing your gifts, serving others, and having the courage to genuinely value yourself. Stephanie’s story is proof that your passion deserves to be your profession—and that the most important shift is believing you’re worth every bit of it. If you’re doubting what’s possible, let Stephanie’s journey remind you that building your dream starts with betting on yourself, even when the path forward is unclear.

You’ll learn:

• How authority can be a speaker’s asset
• The challenges of remote work and its effect on workplace relationships
• Issues around charging for speaking engagements
• Strategies for overcoming mindset obstacles
• Stephanie’s experience with The Speaker Lab
• About building a mailing list and using content to generate referrals
• The importance of designing a speaking career around family needs
• Step for self-development
• And much, much more!

“More and more people are working remotely, and it has a big effect on team cohesion.”

Episode Resources

• Stephanie’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“When you are speaking and you’re in front of people and you give them the momentum to look at life from a different perspective or do something they don’t have the courage to do, you could help change people’s lives.”

Podcasts are full of powerhouse moments, but few stories capture the grit, honesty, and resolve it takes to truly make an impact the way Stacey Chillemi’s does. On this episode of The Speaker Lab, Stacey sits down with Grant Baldwin and peels back the curtain on her journey—from overcoming epilepsy and setbacks in the corporate world to building a thriving career as a speaker, bestselling author, and podcast host.

Stacey talks openly about the uphill climb, the self-doubt, the setbacks, and the reality that success is never an overnight story. For Stacey, building a speaking business meant reaching out to anyone who would listen, stubbornly persevering through rejection, and finding conviction in her own lived experience—even when the path forward felt unclear.

This episode is a masterclass in resilient action. Stacey lays it out straight that your story is enough, but confidence comes from doing the work consistently. She reminds us that fulfillment isn’t about chasing perfection but about putting yourself out there, showing up with empathy, and taking the first step, even when you’re not sure what comes next. If you’re someone waiting for the “right time” to chase your dream or if you need a nudge to believe your story matters, let Stacey’s hard-won wisdom and relentless optimism show you what’s possible when you bet on yourself!

You’ll learn:

• The unrealistic expectation of overnight success
• How Stacey helps others by sharing her story
• How difficulties impacted Stacey’s career path
• The power speaking has on creating emotional impact
• Advice for when your story doesn’t feel “big enough”
• Challenges of narrowing broad experiences into a focused message
• The value of cold outreach
• And much, much more!

“I had self doubt and I had to work on building confidence in myself, and anytime I saw that I made some mistakes, I had to tweak it, and fix it, and just keep moving forward.”

Episode Resources

• Stacey’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“When you understand going into [speaking] that it’s going to suck for a while, it’s going to take longer than you think and it’s going to be harder than you think. When you know those things up front, when you meet them, you can anticipate it.”

Stepping onto the stage as a speaker is about more than nailing your performance—it’s about persistence, honesty, and the courage to start before you feel ready. On this week’s The Speaker Lab episode, Chase Livingston opens up about his journey from theater hopeful to youth motivational speaker, sharing the hard truth: real progress takes both time and tenacity.

Chase doesn’t shy away from discussing the realities of building a speaking career, sharing candidly about the slow start, the necessary unpaid gigs, and the doubts that come with venturing into this path. He highlights the importance of steady action—sending countless emails, making connections, and learning when to charge for his expertise.

His message is clear: Know the cost, be ready to persevere, and lead with authenticity. If you’re waiting until everything is perfect before you step forward, Chase’s story proves that consistent action is what moves you from dreaming to doing. For anyone looking for proof that their story matters and that hard work pays off, tune in to Chase’s journey!

You’ll learn:

• The importance of anticipating obstacles
• Criteria for selecting paid vs. free gigs
• Using discernment and open communication in negotiations
• Benefits of building reciprocal relationships
• Overcoming comparison and frustration
• Gaining confidence through small wins
• The importance of consistency
• And much, much more!

“Why did I hype [speaking] up in my head? It’s hard work, but it’s easier than I was making it…You get to make the rules, which is the coolest thing about this career path.”

Episode Resources

• Chase’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I got to the point where if I was going to [be a speaker] I have to be serious about it and I’m going to have to invest in myself. I had to get to the ‘I’m worth it’ mindset, and The Speaker Lab [helped me with that].”

Making an impact as a speaker isn’t just about your time on stage—it’s about the courage to own your story and use it to help others. This week, teen resilience speaker, Kimberly Clark, shares her powerful journey from addiction and trauma to inspiring change in the lives of young people. What sets Kimberly apart isn’t just her willingness to be real and raw—it's her focus on turning pain into practical solutions for the teens she serves. Rather than settling for telling her story for free, she learned to recognize her true value, invest in her own growth, and help her audience move from inspiration to action. Her message? People aren’t just looking for a story—they want help navigating their own challenges.

Kimberly gets honest about the hurdles every speaker faces, from self-doubt to the emotions that come with pricing your expertise. Through relentless learning, seeking mentorship, and redefining her approach, she’s built a speaking business rooted in authentic connection and actionable takeaways. For anyone wondering if their story is enough, Kimberly is proof that leadership starts with authenticity and the courage to ask for your worth. If you want your message to create lasting change, Kimberly’s journey is all the inspiration—and practical advice—you need to start!

You’ll learn:

• Methods for finding gigs: cold and warm outreach, word-of-mouth
• Balancing a speaking career with a day job
• Kimberly’s personal story and inspiration for speaking
• Perseverance when results are lacking
• The empowering aspects of authorship
• Getting past inhibiting mindsets and investing in yourself
• Overcoming fear and gaining confidence as a speaker
• The importance of mentorship and the business side of speaking
• And much, much more!

“I thought telling my story was enough, but people aren’t paying you to tell your story. People want thought leadership. People want you to solve their problems…so I had to figure out what’s in my story that’s valuable and marketable.”

Episode Resources

• Kimberly’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“The hardest thing about building a community is making sure that you’ve tapped into a transition that people have and are navigating so that they actually want to build relationships with each other.”

As a speaker, building your authority goes beyond what you say on stage, it’s all about how you connect with your audience afterward. This week, Gina Bianchini, founder and CEO of Mighty Networks, joins us to reveal why community-building is the next essential step in growing your influence and credibility. With a passion for transforming one-time talks into ongoing relationships, Gina shares practical ways to move your audience from passive listeners to active participants, showing that genuine engagement starts when you help people connect with each other and not just with your content.

Additionally, Gina gets real about the challenges of staying inspired in the middle of burnout and business setbacks, offering refreshing advice on reinventing your approach and leading with purpose. Gina believes that the true mark of a leader isn’t just expertise, it’s creating spaces where others can grow, learn, and thrive together. If you’re ready to expand your impact beyond the stage, you’ll want to hear Gina’s honest insight and proven strategies to turn your message into a movement!

You’ll learn:

• Supporting your business vs. representing yourself as a speaker
• Gina’s criteria for accepting speaking engagements
• The overload and overwhelm faced by today’s audiences
• Online vs. in-person community support
• Why speakers should build community
• The three primary values of communities
• Turning your audience into a community
• The current uses of AI by creators
• And much, much more!

“A community is the single most effective way to navigate a rapidly changing world.”

Episode Resources

• Gina’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“If you impact one leader and that leader shows up better, then that leader engages better with his or her team. And then if that’s a good experience and it’s consistent, then those teammates do the same for their team. And all of a sudden you’re cascading down.”

One of the best things about being a speaker? You get to write your own story—and Daniel Harkavy’s is proof that the path isn’t always smooth, but it’s definitely worth it. In this episode, Daniel opens up about his rocky first speaking gig, however instead of quitting, he uses that failure as fuel. As a result, speaking became the key to growing his coaching business—not just for applause, but to make real connections and lasting impact.

Daniel reminds us that success on stage isn’t about being perfect, it’s about leaning into your strengths, learning from the mess-ups, and using your unique voice to serve others. Speaking doesn’t have to be your end game—sometimes it’s the launchpad for something even bigger. His big takeaway is to embrace what makes you different, seek out opportunities to serve, and don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. There’s no single way to build a speaking business—so create one that excites you while opening doors for others, too.

You’ll learn:

• Overcoming imposter syndrome in speaking
• The role of speaking in business growth
• Speaking as a lead generation tool
• Balancing speaking and coaching
• How to determine the “right audience”
• Scaling a coaching/speaking business
• Modernizing speaking business structures
• And much, much more!

“Build a life plan and then a schedule that enables you to flourish and rejuvenate so that when you go out on the road, you are the best version of yourself.”

Episode Resources

• Daniel’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.