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 Former CEO, sales expert, and powerhouse speaker Carolyn Strauss joins Celina and Chantelle to go beyond the spotlight—from 500+ live TV appearances to rebuilding after setbacks, grieving on stage, and reinventing her brand. Carolyn shares why speakers need backup plans, communities, and constant iteration, and how “making your own luck” comes from four habits: mastermind with the right people, experiment often, welcome real feedback, and stay flexible. We talk niching without losing yourself, leaving white space on your calendar, and creating tools (like assessments) that set you apart. This is a candid, high-energy masterclass on presence, persuasion, and having fun while you grow. 

For more information about Virtual Speakers Association International visit our website at vsainternational.org. 

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In this candid conversation, global keynote speaker and communication expert Antoni Lacinai joins co-hosts Celina Peerman and Chantelle Botha to share the stories behind his speaking career—the wins, the painful lessons, and the values that guide his work. From navigating the challenge of a name that’s often mispronounced to realizing even communication experts can miss the mark, Antoni opens up about what it really takes to connect, stay true to your values, and grow as a global speaker. Together, we uncover how trial and error, authenticity, and boundaries shape not just the spotlight moments, but everything that happens behind the scenes.

To learn more about Virtual Speakers Association visit: vsainternational.org. 

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In this episode of Unpolished Stories: Speaking Beyond the Spotlight, co-hosts Dr. Celina Peerman and Chantelle Botha sit down with globetrotting speaker duo Ingrid Lotze and Gavin Moffat—TEDx speakers, scuba divers, communication strategists, and partners in both life and business. From trading in a traditional home for a nomadic lifestyle with just seven T-shirts each, to navigating the dynamics of working (and living) together 24/7, they open up about what it really means to walk your talk.

This heartfelt and humorous conversation dives into the power of communication, the impact of courageous conversations, and the beauty of staying curious. With unfiltered stories—from breakdowns in tech to breakdowns in tears—Gavin and Ingrid share their unpolished moments with grace and authenticity. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to live your message on and off stage, this episode is for you.

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In this episode of Speaking Beyond the Spotlight, we sit down with Eytan Segev—international speaker, master profiler, and expert in face reading and body language—to uncover the hidden signals that shape our connections and communication. With decades of experience helping leaders, teams, and entrepreneurs understand the unspoken language of behavior, Eytan shares how decoding facial features and body cues can reveal powerful insights about ourselves and others. From reading a room to reading a face, he shows us how greater awareness leads to better relationships, sharper intuition, and stronger influence. Tune in for a fascinating conversation that blends science, psychology, and storytelling in ways that will change how you see the world—and the people in it.

Visit Virtual Speakers Association International for more information about membership, resources, and community for speakers around the world.

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 In this episode of Speaking Beyond the Spotlight, we sit down with Brent Lindeque, South Africa’s Good Things Guy, to explore the power of storytelling, authenticity, and resilience. From turning a viral act of kindness into a global movement to navigating the highs and lows of being in the public eye, Brent shares his journey of spreading positivity while staying true to himself. He opens up about handling criticism, maintaining gratitude, and why being you is the key to making an impact. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and heart. 

Visit Virtual Speakers Association International at vsainternational.org for more information about membership, resources, and more for speakers around the world.

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In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of Subheer Ramnoruth, a powerhouse in leadership, strategic management, and personal transformation. As a sought-after speaker and consultant, Subheer has shared the stage with icons like Robin Sharma and Dr. Kevin Gaskell, and his book, The Guru & His CEO, has shaped boardroom discussions and inspired leaders worldwide.

But beyond the accolades and keynote stages, Subheer shares what truly fuels his success—the inner journey. He reflects on how his path to happiness and purpose led him to the stage, why over-preparing internally is just as crucial as preparing externally, and the power of giving without expectation.

We explore lessons from world-class leaders, the grounding force of routine, and the impact of staying present amidst the highs and lows of speaking and leadership. Subheer’s wisdom challenges us to look within, stay grounded, and focus on legacy, not just performance.

Whether you're a speaker, leader, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with insights on self-mastery, resilience, and the power of sharing knowledge.

Tune in for a conversation that will shift your perspective and inspire your next step forward.

📖 More about Subheer Ramnoruth and his work: www.subheer.com

Visit https://vsainternational.org/ for more information on membership with this global community.

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In this episode of Unpolished Stories, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Lorraine Jenks, a trailblazing advocate for sustainability and award-winning professional speaker. With a career spanning five decades, Lorraine shares how her passion for protecting the environment and championing underdogs led her from the world of procurement to global stages.

From her early days on a farm to her transformative experiences during the flower power era in California, Lorraine reveals how these moments shaped her commitment to sustainability. She offers wisdom on connecting with audiences, overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding the courage to tell impactful stories.

This conversation is rich with insights for speakers at every stage of their journey, with takeaways on how to excel, adapt, and leave a legacy. Join us as Lorraine shares her timeless advice: trust the universe, do the right thing at the right time, and always stay true to your message.

Whether you're a speaker, leader, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode will challenge you to think deeply, act meaningfully, and blaze your own trail.

Tune in for an episode brimming with wisdom, humor, and a call to create meaningful change!

More about Lorraine can be found at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrainejenks/

To learn about the Virtual Speakers Association International, visit https://vsainternational.org/.

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In this inspiring episode, hosts Chantelle Botha and Celina Peerman talk with Traci Ruiz, a high-stakes leadership expert and one of the highest-ranking Latina police officers in the United States. With over 25 years in law enforcement and nearly two decades training officers in combat and de-escalation, Traci shares powerful stories of resilience, hope, and transformation. From her journey growing up in a tight-knit Mexican-American household to breaking barriers as a woman of color in law enforcement, Traci reveals the experiences that shaped her into a leader, speaker, and advocate.

Discover how Traci uses her platform to empower others to make better decisions under pressure, create safe spaces, and champion the voiceless. She discusses the critical importance of psychological safety, the challenges of navigating bias and adversity, and her ongoing mission to serve others through her work on stage and in the community.

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In this episode of Unpolished Stories, we explore questions and stories with Rikki Rikki is a preeminent keynote speaker and diversity advocate, renowned for their expertise in LGBTQ+ inclusivity, with a focus on transgender and non-binary issues. Their work has directed multinational corporations toward embracing diversity and fostering a culture of belonging, making them an influential figure for LGBT History, Pride, and ERG events. Combining a robust academic background, including an MSc in Gender Research, with a wealth of personal experience, Rikki’s keynotes bridge historical context with pressing current issues. As the founder of the UK Professional Speaking Association and two times TEDx speaker, their message about being our true selves and celebrating who we are and what we bring to this world is a central theme throughout this entire episode. Listen in with Chantelle Botha and Celina Peerman as they look for stories beyond the spotlight of the stage and seek real life moments where we learn and grow.

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In this episode of Unpolished Stories, we dive deep into the journey of Julian Mather, a man who has seen the world through many lenses—literally and figuratively. From his days as an army sniper and globe-trotting cameraman for ABC, National Geographic, and the BBC, to his transformation into a professional speaker and magician, Julian shares the pivotal moments that led him from behind the scenes to the spotlight. We explore the decades-long journey of finding his voice, overcoming fear, and mastering the art of storytelling. Julian's story is a powerful reminder that success is never an overnight process. Join us as we uncover the human side of professional speaking and the slow, deliberate path to the stage while seeing the value of what professional speakers bring with new insight.