- 31 minutes 50 secondsWant More Speaking Gigs? Stop Relying on Applications Alone
You may be closer to your next speaking opportunity than you think.
With so many people submitting speaker applications and using AI to generate proposals, standing out has become harder than ever. But there's one thing AI can't replicate: genuine relationships.
In this episode, Diane Diaz and I talk about why some of the best speaking opportunities, keynote invitations, media appearances, and client referrals come not from cold pitches, but from the trust you've built over time.
We share stories from our own experiences, examples from Speaking Your Brand clients, and practical ways to build relationships that can lead to speaking engagements and visibility opportunities.
If you've been relying on social media posts, conference applications, or waiting for opportunities to find you, this conversation will give you a different perspective on where your next opportunity may already be waiting.
We talk about:- Why relationships matter more than ever in today's speaking landscape
- How AI is making speaker applications easier and more competitive
- What event organizers are really looking for when selecting speakers
- Why authenticity and personality help you stand out
- Real examples of clients who turned one speaking engagement into many more opportunities
- The difference between networking and relationship building
- How local organizations, associations, and community groups can open doors
- Practical ways to reconnect with people already in your network
- Why speaking is a long-term strategy that creates opportunities beyond the stage
- Three simple actions you can take this week to build momentum toward your next speaking engagement
Whether you're an aspiring speaker or an experienced professional looking to increase your visibility, this episode will help you think differently about where your next opportunity may come from.
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/476/
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:
- Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
- Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/
Related Podcast Episodes:
- Episode 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in Awe with Julia Korn
- Episode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities with Cherlette McCullough
- Booked Without Burnout series
8 June 2026, 9:00 am - 32 minutes 11 secondsFrom Personal Story to Thought Leadership: A Framework for Speakers with Erin Mark
What if the stories you’ve dismissed as “not important enough” are actually the ones your audience needs most?
Erin Mark and I explore why storytelling is the bridge between expertise and transformation and why audiences connect far more deeply with emotion, struggle, and humanity than with information alone.Erin shares how she took her deeply personal experience living with cystic fibrosis and transformed it into a keynote message about resilience, uncertainty, identity, and moving forward through change.
We also talk about the surprising challenge many women face: not recognizing the power of their own stories because they’ve lived with them for so long.
In this episode, we discuss:- How to “universalize” your personal story so others see themselves in it
- Why many women struggle to identify their most impactful stories
- Erin’s “Story, Struggle, Solution” framework
- How coaches can help uncover stories and themes you can’t always see yourself
- Why you do not need a dramatic life story to become a compelling speaker
- How storytelling can improve podcast interviews, presentations, and thought leadership
- The importance of becoming the messenger your audience needs at exactly the right moment
We also share details about our new Story Scoping coaching package and our upcoming in-person workshop in Orlando!
About My Guest: At 35, Erin’s life was coming to an end. She had entered end life stage cystic fibrosis: her lungs were failing, she was dying, and time was running out. While most people were training for their next promotion or milestone, she was training to die. And then, at the very last moment, everything changed – a breakthrough medication saved her life. That moment forced Erin into her most important pivot yet: learning how to live again. Her identity had been built around survival. Now, she had to rebuild her purpose, reshape her career, and discover what it meant to truly live. What she discovered is this: pivoting isn’t a one-time act, it’s a repeatable skill. Whether it’s a reorg, a layoff, a leadership shift, or a personal loss, every “before and after” moment is a pivot point and it requires a new kind of leadership. Perfect for corporate teams, associations, and leadership conferences, Erin’s keynotes are more than inspiration. They’re a mindset reset and a tactical playbook for anyone navigating change or facing an uncertain next chapter.
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/475/
Erin’s website: https://erinmark.com/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Work with Erin to scope your story: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/story-coaching/
Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Attend our 1-day speaking workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn:
- Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
- Erin Mark (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmark/
Related Podcast Episodes:
1 June 2026, 9:00 am - 51 minutes 19 secondsThe Business of Speaking: Negotiating Fees, Building Relationships, and Getting Referrals with Teri DeLucca, PhD
In this episode, I sit down with Teri DeLucca for a candid conversation about what really happens behind the scenes in the speaking industry, from getting your first speaking engagements to negotiating fees, navigating “pay-to-play” conferences, and building the confidence to take bigger stages.
Teri shares how she went from feeling intimidated and unsure if she belonged on stage to becoming an in-demand speaker traveling across the country.
We talk openly about the realities many speakers face but few discuss publicly: speaking for free, undercharging, the gender pay gap in speaking fees, networking with other speakers, and learning to see speaking not as performance — but as service.
We also dive into Teri’s new AI platform, Luma, a human-centered AI “thinking partner” designed to support educators and leaders with communication, stress management, organizational culture, and decision-making. Plus, she shares exciting news about becoming a finalist for a grant funded through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation focused on women and AI innovation.If you’ve ever wondered:
- How speakers actually get booked
- When to speak for free (and when not to)
- How to raise your speaking fees with confidence
- What event organizers don’t tell speakers
- How AI is changing leadership and work
- Or whether you really have what it takes to speak…
…this conversation is for you.
About Our Guest: Dr. Teri DeLucca is a developmental psychologist and the founder of Impact Early Education, which equips leaders with strategies that improve outcomes for children, teams, and businesses. She holds a dual PhD and previously worked as a research scientist specializing in teacher-child interactions and early intervention in neurocognitive and social-emotional development. Dr. DeLucca has successfully operated schools, reducing staff turnover, strengthening school culture, and driving sustainable growth. In addition to her work in education, she speaks nationally to corporate organizations and women’s groups on personal leadership, communication, resilience, and coaching strategies. She is a published author, award-winning researcher, speaker, and recognized leader in the industry.
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/474/
Teri’s website: https://impactearlyed.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/
Connect on LinkedIn:
- Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
- Teri DeLucca (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-teri-delucca-46b296200/
Related Podcast Episodes:
25 May 2026, 9:00 am - 46 minutes 48 secondsHow Kim Foster Got 1.5M Views on Her YouTube Video (And What It Means for Your Visibility)
I love when I stumble across someone I know doing something big—and that’s exactly what happened with today’s guest.
I spotted one of our Thought Leader Academy grads Kim Foster on YouTube…with a video that had over 1.5 million views. Naturally, I wanted to know how she did it!
In this episode, Kim and I dig into what it really takes to grow a YouTube channel that drives visibility, trust, and clients.
She shares how consistency, smart content strategy, and paying attention to your audience can completely change the trajectory of your brand.We also talk about her recent TEDx talk, her upcoming book, and why identity, not willpower, is the real key to transformation.
If you’ve been thinking about YouTube, speaking, or stepping more fully into your thought leadership, this conversation will give you a lot to think about.About Our Guest: Dr. Kim Foster is an MD-turned–reinvention expert, author, and TEDx speaker who helps people change their lives by changing who they believe themselves to be. After 20 years practicing medicine, Kim left her career to build a global platform teaching the science of identity transformation. Her work blends behavioral psychology, personal development, and wellness, and she develops digital education programs that help people redesign their inner blueprint and build lives that actually reflect the person they’re becoming. Her thriving YouTube channel has grown to more than 250,000 subscribers and her forthcoming book, Redesigning You (June 2026), explores how to shift the beliefs and stories that shape behavior and destiny. Kim’s mission is to empower people to reinvent themselves at any age and step into who they were meant to become.
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/473/
Kim’s website: https://drkimfoster.com/
Kim’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KimFosterMD
Kim’s book: https://drkimfoster.com/book
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
- Kim Foster (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkimfoster/
Related Podcast Episodes:
18 May 2026, 9:00 am - 59 minutes 20 secondsMotivational Speaking with Substance: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads
What makes a motivational talk actually stick, long after the applause?
In this audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, you’ll experience powerful, real-time signature talks from three of our recent Thought Leader Academy grads Kimberly Brock, Susana Alvarez, and Teresa Phillips.
Each blends personal story, practical frameworks, and a clear message that moves beyond inspiration into action.
Hear how each speaker:- Uses personal turning points to create emotional connection
- Translates their experiences into clear, teachable frameworks
- Balances heart + strategy so the audience feels and learns
- Invites the audience into reflection and real change
If you’re working on your own signature talk or want your message to resonate more deeply, this session will show you what “motivational speaking with substance” actually looks like in practice.
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.
You can watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/dzS1lEkZu-k.
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/472/
Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/dzS1lEkZu-k
Kimberly’s website: https://www.kimberlybrock.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
- Kimberly Brock = https://www.linkedin.com/in/startwithkimberlybrock/
- Susana Alvarez = https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanaalvarezsrprojectmanager/
- Teresa Phillips = https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-phillips-01249720b/
Related Podcast Episodes:
11 May 2026, 9:00 am - 49 minutes 42 secondsTurning Real-Life Challenges into Thought Leadership: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads
What separates a good talk from a true thought leadership talk?
It’s not just the story; it’s what you do with it.
In this audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, you’ll hear powerful 10-minute signature talks from two of our recent Thought Leader Academy grads Heather Beebe and Lauren Yankoff, each transforming personal experience into clear, actionable frameworks.
Hear how they:- Turn real-life challenges into compelling audience entry points
- Reveal the deeper problem most people are missing
- Introduce simple, memorable frameworks that guide action
- Move from story → insight → transformation
If you’ve ever wondered how to go from “telling your story” to delivering a talk that positions you as a thought leader, this session will show you exactly how it’s done.
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.
You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5XgfQgtW5s.
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/471/
Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5XgfQgtW5s
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Join 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
- Lauren Yankoff = https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-yankoff/
- Heather Beebe = https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbeebe/
Related Podcast Episodes:
4 May 2026, 9:00 am - 47 minutes 42 secondsSpeaker Scams, Shortcuts, and What Actually Works to Build Your Speaking
We’re pulling back the curtain on the speaker industry. If you’ve been scrolling lately, you’ve probably seen the promises: guaranteed TEDx talks, booked-out speaking calendars, five-figure fees overnight. It’s tempting. It’s also where a lot of people get burned.
We share the biggest red flags we’re seeing—from “guaranteed” results to high-pressure sales tactics—and why those shortcuts rarely lead to the outcomes you actually want.We also break down the truth about paying to get a spot on a TEDx stage (including what the rules actually say), speaker bureaus, and those offers that land in your inbox sounding just a little too polished.
But this isn’t just about what to avoid—it’s about what actually works.
We talk about how to build a speaking platform that’s aligned, sustainable, and profitable—without chasing every opportunity or outsourcing your voice.
This includes how to think about visibility, why relationships matter more than cold outreach, and how to focus on the quality of speaking engagements instead of just the quantity.
If you’ve been wondering whether you’re “missing something” or if there’s a faster way to grow your speaking, this episode will give you clarity - and probably save you some money too.Because the real path to becoming a sought-after speaker isn’t a shortcut, it’s a strategy.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/470/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Our Become Bookable workshop: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable/
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:
- Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
- Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/
Related Podcast Episodes:
27 April 2026, 9:00 am - 53 minutes 47 secondsLessons 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:
- Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
- Tammy Lally (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammylally/
Related Podcast Episodes:
20 April 2026, 9:00 am - 1 hour 1 minuteWhat 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:
- Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
- Nick Rogers (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickrogersldn/
- Liam Rogers (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamrogershq/
Related Podcast Episodes:
13 April 2026, 9:00 am - 46 minutes 43 secondsMaking 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:
- Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
- Andy Nunn (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/andythementalist/
Related Podcast Episodes:
6 April 2026, 9:00 am - 33 minutes 10 secondsThe 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:
- Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
- Wendy Romeu (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyromeu/
Related Podcast Episodes:
30 March 2026, 9:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App