Speaking Your Brand

Carol Cox

More and more women are making an impact by starting businesses, running for office, and speaking up for what matters. Whether you want to craft a business presentation, a keynote, a workshop, or a TEDx talk, you’ll learn how to create compelling content, pitch conferences and organizations, and persuasively communicate your message to your audience. Listen in as Carol Cox, entrepreneur, and speaker, and TV Democratic political analyst, interviews and coaches purpose-driven women to shape their message, grow their companies, and become recognized as influencers in their field. Are you ready to create an impactful brand and signature talk to support your business and empower others in a transparent and transformational way to change the experience of women in business, at work, and in leadership? This is Speaking Your Brand - your place to learn how to persuasively communicate your message to your audience.

  • 53 minutes 47 seconds
    Lessons from a Viral TEDx Speaker: The Talk That Changed Everything with Tammy Lally

    I’m thrilled to have back on the podcast my client Tammy Lally, TEDx speaker, author, and money coach, whose talk has reached millions of people around the world. But what makes her story so powerful isn’t just the visibility; it’s the vulnerability behind it.


    Tammy shares what really went into creating her TEDx talk, the emotional aftermath of sharing such a personal story, and how that one talk didn’t just impact audiences. It transformed her life and business in ways she never expected.

    We also dive into why honesty, not perfection, is what truly connects with audiences, how shame shows up in our relationship with money, and why your story might be the exact thing someone else needs to hear.

    If you’ve ever felt the pull to share more of your story but hesitated, this conversation will give you a new way to think about what’s possible on the other side of that courage.


    Tammy and I talk about:

    • What made her TEDx talk resonate with millions and the deeper reason it spread
    • The “vulnerability hangover” and why it’s a normal part of sharing your story
    • How telling the truth (not impressing people) creates real connection
    • Why your past struggles don’t disqualify you - they make you relatable
    • The surprising ways speaking can transform you, not just your audience
    • What she’s learned about speaking fees and why women need to stop underpricing themselves
    • How shame around money impacts individuals, families, and even entire generations
    • Why now is the time to share your story and how to know if you’re ready

    About My Guest: Tammy Lally is a published author, TED speaker, and Certified Money Coach (CMC). She helps others master their finances by first conquering their emotions around money, then by creating a comprehensive financial plan. She brings decades of experience and endless love to her bulletproof process for money mastery.


    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/469/ 


    Tammy’s website: https://tammylally.com/


    Tammy’s TEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/tammy_lally_let_s_get_honest_about_our_money_problems 


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


    Work With Speaking Your Brand = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/ 


    Connect on LinkedIn:


    Related Podcast Episodes:

    20 April 2026, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    What TEDx Organizers Look for in Selecting Speakers with Nick Rogers and Liam Rogers

    TEDx is one of those stages that so many people aspire to.


    After being part of the speaker curation and coaching team for TEDxOrlando, I can tell you that there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes that most people never see.


    In this episode, I’m joined by experienced TEDx organizers Nick Rogers and Liam Rogers, who have spent the past decade reviewing applications, selecting speakers, and shaping talks that make it onto that iconic red dot.

    We take you behind the scenes of what actually happens when your TEDx application is reviewed—what stands out, what falls flat, and what separates the speakers who make it to the red dot from those who don’t.


    If TEDx is on your vision board, this conversation will give you a much clearer—and more honest—picture of what it really takes.


    We talk about:

    • Why originality matters more than expertise (and what that really means)
    • The biggest mistakes speakers make in their applications—especially with AI
    • How to balance your personal story with a powerful, idea-driven message
    • What TEDx organizers are actually listening for in interviews
    • The surprising role of coachability and why it can make or break your chances


    About My Guests: Nick Rogers and Liam Rogers have been organizing TEDx events for the past ten years, first in the UK and now for TEDxOrlando. Liam is a creative entrepreneur and founder of Story Circle, a storytelling-led company spanning live events, consultancy and original productions, from podcasts to films to video games. Nick is a communicator, strategist and operator with a career that spans politics, crisis management and creative leadership. 


    About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. 

    Links:


    Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/468/ 


    TEDxOrlando website: https://tedxorlando.live/ 


    Nick’s TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/AaKsb9UhZuo?si=nYRcUGT2Vyd3prH1 


    Story Circle: https://storycircleconsulting.com/ 


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


    Work with Speaking Your Brand to develop your TEDx application and signature talk = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/tedx-coaching/ 


    Connect on LinkedIn:


    Related Podcast Episodes:

    13 April 2026, 9:00 am
  • 46 minutes 43 seconds
    Making the Shift from Performer to Keynote Speaker with Andy Nunn

    I’ve worked with a lot of speakers over the years, but Andy Nunn brings something truly unique to the stage. He’s a mentalist turned keynote speaker who knows how to captivate an audience.

    In this episode, Andy and I talk about what it really takes to evolve from entertaining an audience to transforming them.


    Because getting laughs, applause, and “that was amazing!” is one thing… but creating a keynote that actually changes how people think and act is a completely different skill.


    Andy shares his journey from performing magic and mentalism to working together to build a thought leadership keynote, including what surprised him, what challenged him, and what finally clicked.

    We also get into the behind-the-scenes of shaping a talk that’s not just engaging, but structured, clear, and impactful (and yes, still includes some mind-blowing moments).

    If you’ve ever wondered how to go from being “good on stage” to being truly bookable as a keynote speaker, this conversation will give you a whole new perspective.

    Andy and I talk about:

    • Why being entertaining isn’t enough—and what audiences actually need from a keynote
    • The biggest mindset shift from performer to thought leader
    • How to turn audience engagement into meaningful transformation
    • What it takes to structure a keynote that works at 30, 45, or 60 minutes
    • The role of storytelling and personal experience in building a powerful talk 


    About My Guest: Andrew (Andy) Nunn is a sought-after speaker for leading organisations including Google, Amazon, SAP, Sony, and Ralph Lauren, where he delivers interactive keynotes that spark self-awareness, connection, and change. Andy’s reputation as a speaker grew from his acclaimed TEDx talk, “Seeing Is Believing,” which explored how perception shapes trust, decisions, and performance. His sessions aren’t lectures. They’re immersive experiences where audiences don’t just learn about mindset and bias, they feel them in real time. A professional mentalist with over 20 years on stage, Andy has performed and spoken for thousands across Australia and internationally. His talks fuse science with storytelling to reveal how tiny shifts in perception can create massive results in leadership, communication, and culture.


    About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. 

    Links:


    Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/467/ 


    Andy’s website: https://www.andrewnunn.com/


    Andy’s TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/BZWzcuIkD0c?si=KXqJEGD6wvaXbgvJ 


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


    Work with us to develop your keynote talk = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/ 


    Connect on LinkedIn:


    Related Podcast Episodes:

    6 April 2026, 9:00 am
  • 33 minutes 10 seconds
    The Story Only You Can Tell (And Why You Should) with Wendy Romeu

    Resilience isn’t something you build in the moment—it’s something you build long before you need it.

    In this episode, I’m joined by one of my clients, Wendy Romeu, founder and CEO of Alluvionic, to talk about what happened when her business was suddenly put to the ultimate test.


    But this isn’t just a conversation about leadership; it’s about story.


    Wendy shares how she took a deeply personal and emotional experience and turned it into a powerful talk that resonates with audiences.

    We unpack how to know when you’re ready to share a story, how much detail to include, and why the specifics—not just the summary—are what create real connection.

    We also talk about the internal shifts required to step into your voice: trusting that your story matters, allowing yourself to be seen, and delivering your message in a way that truly moves people.


    If you’ve been holding back from sharing a personal story—or wondering how to turn your experiences into thought leadership—this episode will show you what’s possible.

    Wendy and I talk about:

    • How to know when you’re ready to share a personal story on stage or in your content
    • Why the details of your story—not just the headline—are what create connection and impact
    • How to turn a real-life experience into a compelling, structured talk
    • What it takes emotionally to share vulnerable stories with an audience
    • How storytelling transforms your message from information into true thought leadership


    Links:


    Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/466/ 


    Wendy’s company’s website: https://alluvionic.com/ 


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


    Work With Speaking Your Brand = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/ 


    Connect on LinkedIn:


    Related Podcast Episodes:

    30 March 2026, 9:00 am
  • 54 minutes 6 seconds
    Authenticity Over Perfectionism: Lessons from Public Media Leadership with Judith Smelser

    What if the thing that makes you most effective as a leader and speaker… isn’t perfection, but authenticity? 


    That it’s not about having all the answers, but being willing to tell others that you don’t have all the answers?

    My guest is Judith Smelser, President and GM of Central Florida Public Media, and she shares her journey from journalist to leading a major public media organization and what she’s learned about using her voice along the way.

    We explore why local journalism matters more than ever, how the stories we tell shape our communities, and the responsibility of amplifying voices that often go unheard.


    But what I especially loved about this conversation is Judith’s perspective on authenticity over perfectionism—and how letting go of needing to have all the answers has made her a stronger, more effective leader.

    We also talk about imposter syndrome (yes, it still shows up—even at the highest levels) and why the real growth comes from stepping in before you feel 100% ready.


    If you’ve ever held yourself back because you thought you needed to be more polished, more certain, or more “ready”—this episode is your reminder that your voice matters now.

    Judith and I talk about:

    • Why local journalism is a public good
    • How stories shape communities and decisions
    • Finding your voice as a leader and spokesperson
    • Authenticity vs. perfection in speaking
    • A real talk on imposter syndrome

    About My Guest: Judith Smelser is president and general manager of Central Florida Public Media, previously named WMFE, the only local nonprofit news organization serving the nine-county Central Florida region. She began her journalism career in Washington, D.C., before moving to Central Florida in 2004 to join the newsroom at WMFE. Over nearly eight years, she excelled as an award-winning reporter and later as news director. In 2011, she left for Colorado Public Radio, where she held several newsroom leadership roles. In addition to leading Central Florida Public Media, Smelser serves on the Executive Committee of the Board for Florida Public Media. In recognition of her contributions, Smelser was honored as one of ONYX Magazine’s 2025 Women on the Move, Orlando Magazine’s 2024 Women of the Year and one of the Orlando Business Journal’s 2024 Most Influential Leaders.


    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/465/ 


    Central Florida Public Media = https://www.cfpublic.org/ 


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


    Work With Us = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/ 


    Connect on LinkedIn:


    Related Podcast Episodes:

    23 March 2026, 9:00 am
  • 47 minutes 52 seconds
    Why Your Story Matters - Even When You Don’t Feel Ready with Tiffany Hawk

    Today I’m joined by returning guest Tiffany Hawk - author, book coach, and longtime collaborator - to talk about why sharing your story matters, especially when you don’t feel ready.

    We explore how many accomplished professionals get stuck in what I call the “expert trap”, relying on expertise and credentials while holding back the personal stories that actually create connection.

    Tiffany shares insights from her work helping women write meaningful books, along with her own journey of returning to writing after years of self-doubt.

    We also talk about the messy reality of creativity, why the first draft is rarely pretty, and how community and accountability can make all the difference when you’re working on a book, talk, or other thought leadership project.

    This conversation is especially meaningful during Women’s History Month, as we reflect on the power of women using their voices to tell the stories that shape culture and create change. 

    Tiffany and I talk about:

    • Why expertise alone doesn’t create connection
    • The role of vulnerability in thought leadership
    • Why you shouldn’t wait until your ideas feel perfect
    • How storytelling helps audiences see themselves in your message
    • The creative process behind writing a book

    We also share details about our Story to Spotlight writing and speaking retreat in Spain this Fall 2026, where we’ll help women develop their ideas, stories, and thought leadership in a supportive environment. Learn more and apply at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/spain/

    Links:


    Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/464/ 


    Get the details and apply for our Story to Spotlight Writing & Speaking Retreat in Spain this Fall 2026: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/spain/ 


    Tiffany’s website: https://www.tiffanyhawk.com/intensive/ 


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


    Connect on LinkedIn:


    Related Podcast Episodes:

    16 March 2026, 9:00 am
  • 57 minutes 22 seconds
    The Connection Formula of Expertise + Story: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads

    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:


    Related Podcast Episodes:

    9 March 2026, 9:00 am
  • 46 minutes 12 seconds
    Speaking Strategies That Create Lasting Impact: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads

    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:


    Related Podcast Episodes:

    2 March 2026, 10:00 am
  • 45 minutes 59 seconds
    Storytelling as Resistance: Finding and Using Your Voice with Janice Gassam Asare, PhD


    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:

    Related Podcast Episodes:

    23 February 2026, 10:00 am
  • 44 minutes 5 seconds
    Knowledge Mindfulness for Complex Times with Dr. Laila Marouf

    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:


    Related Podcast Episodes:

    16 February 2026, 10:00 am
  • 38 minutes 8 seconds
    How One Idea Became a Signature Talk, Speaking Platform, and Published Book with Melania Murphy


    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:

    Related Podcast Episodes:

    9 February 2026, 10:00 am
  • More Episodes? Get the App