Sometimes the most aligned thing you can do in business is pause. The Creative Educator Conference is just weeks away, and I need to give it my full attention. Instead of stretching myself thin, I’m taking a brief hiatus from new podcast episodes over the next couple of months. Listen in as I share how this decision directly reflects what I teach about preventing burnout and prioritizing what matters most.

If you’re a longtime listener, thank you for being here. If you’re new, welcome—this is a great time to binge some past favorites while we gear up for what’s next.

You could start with our past recaps of The Creative Educator Conference:

198: Recap of the 2025 Creative Educator Conference

121: Recap of The Creative Educator Conference

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The post Taking a Short Podcast Break—Join Me at The Creative Educator Conference appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

How do you make networking not feel gross? In this episode, I chat with my friend and Creative Educator Conference alum Angelica Pompy about the art of intentional relationship building at live events.

If you’ve been at an event with Angelica, you know she has networking down to a science! Angelica shares how she’s used small, intentional moves (like post-event video DMs and setting clear event intentions) to land speaking gigs, workshop collabs, and even sponsorship deals. Her strategies are rooted in genuine connection and service.

If you’ve ever left an event wondering, “Why was I even there?” this conversation will change how you show up next time.

https://youtu.be/wZW5lGWUBt8

Why Most Entrepreneurs Leave Events Feeling Meh

Ever leave an event thinking, “Why did I even come?” That feeling usually stems from one key issue: showing up without a plan. Angelica shares how early on in her entrepreneurial journey, she would leave events feeling disappointed—until she started asking herself why she was going in the first place.

Now, every time she steps into a room, she sets at least one clear intention—whether it’s connecting with three aligned entrepreneurs or pitching herself as a podcast guest. When you go in with an intention, you’re more likely to leave the room feeling good about your decision to be there.

The Power of the Follow-Up

The power of the room doesn’t end when you leave. You need to keep the conversation going. Angelica’s secret weapon when it comes to the follow-up is a personalized video DM. The keyword being personalized.

She’ll say, “Hey girl! I loved connecting at [event name]. I’d love to learn more about how you serve and see how I can support you.”

That one message has led to speaking gigs, co-hosted workshops, and deeper friendships for Angelica. Not only is she expanding her relationship with them outside of the room, she’s reminding them of who she is and where they met, but also opening the doors for them to share more with her.

This isn’t about being fake or pushing your services. It’s about creating space to receive and to serve.

Building Long-Term Wins from Real-Time Moments

At her first Creative Educator Conference, Angelica mentioned to a few attendees that she was looking to be a guest on podcasts. She left with six podcast guest bookings. The best part is that it didn’t feel transactional—it felt aligned.

Later on, her intentionality landed her:

• A recurring workshop co-host
• Speaking opportunities at new conferences
• A full-circle sponsorship moment where an attendee from a past event later joined her retreat
• Her highest profit margin yet at her upcoming Galentine’s event (thanks to relationship-based sponsorships)

Mistakes to Avoid at Events

While we’re always about keeping things positive, it’s important to know what not to do so that you don’t make these mistakes at networking events or conferences. Angelica didn’t hold back about what not to do:

• Showing up with no plan: Know who you want to meet or what you want to get out of the room.
• Being glued to your phone or laptop: It makes you unapproachable—and people notice.
• Not doing your homework: Reach out to past attendees or the host. Make sure this event is aligned with your goals.

If you’re going to invest the time and money, plant your feet and be present. While we may not be saving lives as creative educators, we can unplug for a day.

From DM to Dollar: How Sponsors Say Yes

Angelica also broke down how she’s secured sponsorships—from her nail tech to big brands.

Her process is gold:

• Keep a list of brands you love or have supported
• Ask: “Would their ideal client benefit from being at this event?”
• Reach out personally and present the win-win
• Show proof of impact through your platform or email list engagement

She had one sponsor sign on two days after meeting her in person. It was a no-brainer because of that face-to-face trust.

Set Your Intention, Then Show Up

Whether you’re hosting, attending, or speaking, being intentional with your presence is what unlocks real connections and long-term business growth.

Ask yourself, “What is the purpose of this room for me?” If it doesn’t serve you in this season, give yourself permission to say no.

Mentioned in this Episode

Creative Educator Conference: layleeemadi.com/conference

Connect with Angelica

Website: angelicapompy.com

Business Church: angelicapompy.com/business-church

Instagram: instagram.com/angelicapompy

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The post 234: Event ROI Starts with Relationships: Strategic Networking for Creatives with Angelica Pompy appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

As a long-time podcast host (and even longer-time podcast guest), I can respect the work that goes into creating a show and hosting interviews. Recently, the trust in this process was broken by hosts that simply didn’t value my time or honor the systems of podcasting. In today’s episode, I sit down with my own podcast producer, Haylee Gaffin, to explore the responsibilities of podcast hosts and what guests should expect as they prepare for interviews.

Plus, in honor of this conversation, she’s agreed to share the hidden link to her Podcast Guest Research Assistant Custom GPT with our audience before she adds it to her shop!

Why Being a Prepared Host Matters

Podcasting is more than a place to share your thoughts and ideas; it’s also a platform, reputation, and community builder. For creators, especially those who speak professionally or run businesses tied to their show, how you show up on other people’s platforms matters. But what happens when the host doesn’t show up the way they should?

In five years of hosting and ten years of guesting I’d never experienced an unprepared host until recently—when it happened twice. I was pitched by their team member, prepared myself for the call, and when I jumped into the interview, both hosts were unprepared and ultimately told me the conversation shouldn’t happen right now.

Each experiences and reasons were different, but in both situations, if the host had been a part of the prep, it could have easily been handled before the interview. If I was a competitor of one of their spokespersons, I should have never been pitched. If my topics didn’t speak to their ideal listener, they should have never invited my topics on.

When hosts don’t know the topic, if the guest fits their audience (or their podcast goals), or how to guide the conversation, the guest is left in an awkward position of being asked to reschedule (or preferably pivot). That’s exactly where responsibility as a host becomes a leadership lesson.

The Missed Leadership Opportunity for Podcast Hosts

It’s easy to outsource pitching, scheduling, and even prep to a team member. But if the host isn’t aware of the guest’s topic or alignment, you end up with:

• Awkward interviews
• Mismatched audiences
• Missed value for listeners
• Strained professional relationships

As Haylee points out: the host needs to be the one to approve guests and topics before any external communication happens. If the host doesn’t even know why they want the guest before the pitch goes out—there’s a system breakdown.

What Goes Wrong When A Podcast Host Isn’t Prepared

As a podcast host, I know there is a lot that goes into planning and recording content and mistakes can happen. From my perspective as the guest, here’s what happened in those awkward episodes:

• My team communicated my topics, but the host didn’t get the memo.
• The host showed up unaware of why I was the guest.
• Within minutes of being on the call, it was clear the topics did not fit.
• Host suggested we not move forward with the interview.

From the guest’s perspective, I’ve gotten camera ready, blocked off the time, and prepared for their audience and podcast, only to have the host say “We might reschedule.”

In all honesty, it feels rude. Podcast conversations are time and energy investments.

How Good Podcast Hosts Leverage Podcast Preparation to Prevent This

Here’s what responsible hosts should be doing before a guest walks in:

1. Be the gatekeeper of your guest list

Hosts should approve the names and topics before pitches go out.

2. Quarterly system reviews

If someone else pitches for you (an assistant or team member), check in quarterly to confirm alignment, goals, and quality.

3. Minimal but intentional prep

You don’t have to write every question, but you should:

• Know the intended topic
• Understand why it serves your audience
• Share a conversational outline

Even a short, automated message from you (not your team) goes a long way in establishing connection and clarity.

How Podcast Guests Can Show Up Well

Hosts aren’t the only ones responsible—guests should also come prepared to serve the audience by:

• Listening to prior episodes
• Knowing the host’s rhythm and approach
• Setting clear expectations about your topic ahead of time

Research shouldn’t be exhaustive, but instead a focused understanding of the host and their audience is the difference between impactful and awkward.

What to Do When Things Go Sideways

If the host truly didn’t prep — the professional response isn’t silence or disappear:

• A responsible apology takes ownership
• It shows awareness of time invested
• It protects your brand and theirs

Whether email or DM, owning the experience gracefully keeps doors open without sacrificing dignity.

The Tool that Helps Podcast Hosts Do Better Guest Research

During the episode, Haylee shared a game‑changing tool she built—a custom research assistant using AI that:

• Summarizes guest expertise
• Helps hosts understand topic fit
• Generates conversational outlines

This tool exists to prevent mismatched interviews before they happen!

Podcasting isn’t transactional—it’s relational. Whether you’re hosting or guesting, relationships and reputations matter more than the outcome of a single episode.

You can grab Haylee’s Podcast Guest Research Assistant GPT here!

Mentioned in this Episode

Podcast Guest Research Assistant Custom GPT: gaffincreative.com/gptlaylee

Connect with Haylee

Website: gaffincreative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin

Podcast: gaffincreative.com/clockingin

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The post 233: How to Protect Your Reputation as a Podcast Host & Guest (Systems, Boundaries & Real Talk) with Haylee Gaffin appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Ever wonder what really goes into setting intentional, aligned goals as a creative entrepreneur? In this episode, I’m giving you a transparent look behind the scenes at how I’m approaching 2026. We’ll take through what worked in 2025 and the challenges I’m not dragging into the new year. Listen in as I share my personal reflection process, emotional and data-based audits, and the tangible plans I’m most excited about for the year ahead.

I also share some vulnerable updates: hiring a new coach, my long-time dream of writing a book, and why I’m staying firm in creating original, human-first content without AI writing tools. Whether you’ve set your goals or not, I hope this gives you permission to move at your own pace!

Why I Don’t Believe in “New Year, New Me”

Let’s get one thing out of the way: January 1 is an arbitrary date. I always say my real new year begins in March, when the energy of spring kicks in and I’ve had space to rest, reflect, and reset. If you haven’t mapped out your goals yet, you are not behind. There’s no magic in the calendar. There is magic in showing up when you’re actually ready.

That’s why I take time to sit with my year before I try to dream up a new one. I flip through my planner, journal (if I’m in the mood), and ask myself how I really felt, not just what I accomplished.

Two Audits That Changed Everything

I’ve developed a two-part audit system that helps me reflect deeply and set aligned goals:

1. Emotional Audit: I go quarter by quarter and ask, “How did I feel?” Not what I achieved, but how I felt during that process. Was I energized, drained, excited, bored?
2. Data-Based Audit: Then I layer on the facts. What were my numbers? Where was my time going? What offers worked? What events filled my cup (or emptied it)?

This year, I realized Q1 was incredible, thanks to the Creative Educator Conference. But Q3? It felt off. I was building a course, onboarding new team members, and trying to juggle too much. The feelings matched the data: I needed more support, more rest, and fewer overlapping projects.

What’s Coming in 2026

Once the audits are complete, I start vision casting. This year, I’m moving forward with some big dreams and bold decisions:

The Conference is Back

Yes, the Creative Educator Conference is returning in 2026. It’s a massive commitment financially, emotionally, and logistically. Seeing creative educators come together is worth every bit of it.

A New Speaker-Focused Offer

After piloting a new version of my speaker mastermind last year, I’m crafting a fresh offer just for speakers. It’s built from direct feedback and the very real needs I see in our industry. I can’t wait for you to see what’s included!

Continued Community in the Educators Lounge

The Educators Lounge remains one of my favorite spaces. It’s where creative educators come to drop the weight of their work, share the real struggles, and feel supported. We’re always tweaking and improving it based on member feedback, but its purpose is so aligned in my business.

The Book Dream is Officially On

This is the big one for me. I’ve dreamed of writing a book since I was a teenager, and 2026 is the year I finally make it real. I’ve kept this quiet for so long, mostly out of fear, but not anymore. I’m sharing it with you because I believe in transparency, and because maybe you need to hear that it’s not too late to chase that dream.

I Hired a New Coach

After years of leading masterminds, hosting events, and coaching others, it was time for me to get back into the client seat. Finding the right fit was hard, but I did it. I can’t wait to see how this new coach impacts not just my business, but my life.

Running Ads (Cautiously)

For the first time in five years, we’re experimenting with ads. Not to “scale fast,” but to bring the right people into our community and offers, especially the ones that are self-paced or evergreen. I’m approaching this with curiosity, not pressure.

Still Not Using AI for My Voice

This one’s a little spicy. I don’t use AI for my marketing copy, and I don’t plan to. I believe my voice, my brain, and my lived experiences are what make my content valuable. That’s the whole point of leadership: it needs to come from you. If AI writes my posts, then what’s the difference between me and a prompt?

That said, no shade to anyone who uses it. You do you. But for me? The extra effort is worth it.

Mentioned in this Episode

Creative Educator Conference

The Educator’s Lounge

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The post 232: Behind the Scenes: What I’m Building (and Letting Go of) in 2026 appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your voice is really valuable enough to be paid for, consider this episode your wake-up call. Tomasha Suber shares a behind-the-scenes insight that most speakers wish they had when starting out. Speaking is not just a visibility play—it’s a revenue strategy and your voice is an asset.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

LEARN MORE

This episode is brought to you by Enji:

You don’t need another complicated content calendar or overwhelming marketing tool.
You need something that actually works with your flow—not against it. That’s why I use Enji.

It’s the only marketing platform built specifically for speakers, coaches, and creatives who want to stay visible—without burning out. Whether you’re planning content, managing campaigns, or just trying to show up consistently, Enji makes it simple, strategic, and actually sustainable.

Ready to stop overthinking your marketing? Try Enji and get a special discount with my link!

TRY ENJI

From Visibility to Revenue: Rethinking Why You Speak

For so many speakers, the early days are all about “getting your name out there.” We say yes to unpaid gigs in the name of exposure, we hustle to build authority, and we try to prove our value without ever asking for compensation.

The reality is, exposure doesn’t pay the bills and it doesn’t build a sustainable business.

In our conversation, Tomasha reminds us that if you’re only thinking of speaking as a visibility strategy, you’re already behind. That might sound harsh, but it’s real. Speaking is one of the most direct and powerful ways to generate revenue. The sooner you see it that way, the faster you’ll grow.

Compete Less, Collaborate More

Tomasha believes in the power of collaboration and has an approach that we should all consider: You need to show yourself as compatible, not competition.

We’ve all had those moments when someone on stage before us crushes a talk on the exact same topic we’re about to cover. It’s tempting to spiral into insecurity. But the truth is, even if the topic is the same, your voice isn’t.

Your perspective is different. Your delivery is different. Your energy is different. And more importantly, there’s someone in the room who’s waiting for your message, in your way.

That’s why collaboration matters. Hosts want to work with people who make the experience better, not people who are stuck in comparison. You will be someone people want to work with again and again when you see yourself as an asset.

Owning the Mic (and Your Value)

As we wrapped the conversation, Tomasha shared a mindset that every speaker should adopt, “I walk into a room and I know I’m someone everyone in that room needs to know.”

It’s not because of ego or because of bravado. It’s because she’s done the work to understand the unique value of her voice and she’s not afraid to own it. That confidence doesn’t come overnight, but it does come from practice, clarity, and being willing to ask for what you deserve.

So here’s what I want to leave you with: your voice is ready. You don’t need to have a New York Times bestseller. You don’t need a 100k following. You don’t need a perfect script.

You just need to start showing up as someone who knows their voice is valuable. And then? Ask to be paid accordingly.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Sought-After Speaker System
• Enji

Connect with Tomasha

• tomashasuber.com

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The post 231: Your Voice Is Your Most Valuable Asset with Tomasha Suber appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Instagram growth without the gimmicks? Yes, please. In this episode, Shannon McKinstrie brings a refreshing perspective to marketing, ditching the “hot take” culture and helping people show up online in ways that feel human, ethical, and effective. We dive into what types of posts convert, how to overcome content paralysis, and why the “rules” of Instagram might be total BS.

This episode is brought to you by Enji:

You don’t need another complicated content calendar or overwhelming marketing tool.
You need something that actually works with your flow—not against it. That’s why I use Enji.

It’s the only marketing platform built specifically for speakers, coaches, and creatives who want to stay visible—without burning out. Whether you’re planning content, managing campaigns, or just trying to show up consistently, Enji makes it simple, strategic, and actually sustainable.

Ready to stop overthinking your marketing? Try Enji and get a special discount with my link!

TRY ENJI

Mentioned in this Episode

• Enji

Connect with Shannon

• shannonmckinstrie.com
• Reels Lab
• The Good Content Podcast

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The post 230: Instagram Marketing That Doesn’t Feel Gross with Shannon McKinstrie appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

A safe space is necessary, but a brave space changes everything. In this snack-sized episode, I’m sharing a powerful moment from a conversation I had with Christina Olivarez inside the Sought-After Speaker System.

Christina breaks down why it’s not enough to just create safety, but you have to create courage. Her event goes beyond inspiration and becomes an economic force where women invest in themselves and each other. We talk about reclaiming space, leading unapologetically, and how visibility is the first step to getting on stages and creating change.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

LEARN MORE

This episode is brought to you by Enji:

You don’t need another complicated content calendar or overwhelming marketing tool.
You need something that actually works with your flow—not against it. That’s why I use Enji.

It’s the only marketing platform built specifically for speakers, coaches, and creatives who want to stay visible—without burning out. Whether you’re planning content, managing campaigns, or just trying to show up consistently, Enji makes it simple, strategic, and actually sustainable.

Ready to stop overthinking your marketing? Try Enji and get a special discount with my link!

TRY ENJI

Mentioned in this Episode

• Sought-After Speaker System
• Enji

Connect with Christina

Christina Olivarez: thesocialbutterflygal.net

Looking for the Transcript?

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The post 229: The Power of Brave Events for Entrepreneurs ft. Christina Olivarez appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Retreat hosts aren’t just booking a speaker, they’re inviting you into the most intimate room they’ve built. That changes everything.

In this final episode of our speaker selection series, I’m pulling together my favorite clips from interviews with incredible retreat hosts inside my course, the Sought-After Speaker System. This time, we’re zeroing in on retreats: what makes them different, how selection works, and what hosts truly value in a speaker.

Listen in as Tomasha Suber, Frances Ledgewood, and Heather Leicy & Jamie Fischer join us to share what they’re looking for when they select speakers for their intimate experiences.

These clips are part of a larger speaker interview series inside of Sought-After Speaker System, my course for speakers. Check out the full uncut interviews inside the course.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

LEARN MORE

This episode is brought to you by Enji:

You don’t need another complicated content calendar or overwhelming marketing tool.
You need something that actually works with your flow—not against it. That’s why I use Enji.

It’s the only marketing platform built specifically for speakers, coaches, and creatives who want to stay visible—without burning out. Whether you’re planning content, managing campaigns, or just trying to show up consistently, Enji makes it simple, strategic, and actually sustainable.

Ready to stop overthinking your marketing? Try Enji and get a special discount with my link!

TRY ENJI

The Unique Energy of Retreats

Retreats are small by design. They’re built to foster connection, depth, and transformation. That also means that who is invited to speak—and how they show up—has an outsized impact on the entire experience.

Unlike conferences where you may deliver a keynote and disappear backstage, retreats require you to be present, invested, and aligned with the energy of the room.

It’s not just about your ability to teach a great topic. It’s about your ability to lead, mentor, and engage in real-time. It’s about being a contributor to the experience, not just a name on a schedule.

What Real Hosts Are Saying

Inside the Sought After Speaker System, I interviewed three incredible retreat hosts (technically four!)—each with a very different audience and model—but they all said versions of the same thing: they’re not just picking speakers based on resumes.

Tamasha doesn’t take applications. She hand-selects speakers after watching them for a while—online and in community. She’s looking for people who live what they teach, because her attendees don’t just need inspiration—they need real-world alignment and depth.

“I want to watch how you move. I want to see if your content matches your character.” – Tamasha Suber

Frances is hosting her first retreat for wedding stationers, and with only 12 attendees, she’s prioritizing intimacy. Her speakers need to feel like mentors in the room, not just presenters.

She wants women who get the industry-specific challenges and can connect both in front of the group and in quiet conversations over coffee.

“It’s not about who’s the most polished. It’s about who can hold space and be real.” – Frances Ledgewood

While Conquer Live is technically a conference, Heather & Jamie intentionally build it with a retreat feel—high trust, small group energy, and deep interaction.

They invite people who are already present in their community: active in the Facebook group, showing up to conversations, already aligned with the values of the space.

“If you already feel like part of the room, we’re more likely to ask you to speak in it.” – Jamie & Heather

What This Means for You

So how do you actually get selected to speak at a retreat?

Show Up Before You Pitch

Engage where the host is already building community. Comment on their posts. Share their content. Show up in their DMs with genuine encouragement—not an ask.

Be Consistent with Your Message and Your Presence

Retreat hosts aren’t just looking at what you say in your speaker one-sheet. They’re watching what you say everywhere else—your stories, your posts, your responses.

Be the Kind of Speaker Who Can Mentor in the Moment

This isn’t about charisma—it’s about character. Are you approachable? Relational? Comfortable with depth? That matters more than your credentials in these spaces.

Why Retreats Are Worth Pursuing

Retreats can change your business—and your life.

They’re where real relationships are built. Where you’re not just remembered as a speaker, but as someone who helped shift someone’s trajectory in a hallway moment or quiet conversation.

They’re also a unique form of visibility. You walk away with depth of connection that no large event can match. And in a noisy digital world, depth wins.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Sought-After Speaker System
• Enji

Connect with the Guests

• Tomasha Suber: tomashasuber.com
• Jamie & Heather: instagram.com/theconquercommunity
• Frances Ledgewood: ledgewoodfinestationery.com

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The post 228: What Retreat Hosts Really Look For in a Speaker appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Want to know what really happens after you hit submit on your speaker pitch? It’s easy to feel like your application disappears into a void, but today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the process that Conquer Live hosts take. I sat down with Jamie Fiscer and Heather Leicy to uncover what goes on behind the scenes when hosts choose speakers for their stages.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

LEARN MORE

Mentioned in this Episode

The Sought-After Speaker System

Connect with the Guests

Jamie & Heather: instagram.com/theconquercommunity

Looking for the Transcript?

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The post 227: The Speaker Selection Process: What Event Organizers Look for in Speaker Applications ft. Jamie Fisher & Heather Leicy appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

What do event hosts actually look for when they book speakers? I sat down with 10 powerhouse event hosts who not only curate stages, but often speak on them too, and asked exactly that.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain to bring you their top 10 tips. These aren’t just theories; they’re what real decision-makers are looking for when they choose who gets the mic. If you’ve ever wondered how to make yourself more bookable, this episode is for you.

Listen in as Jordan Gill, Elizabeth Henson, Amber Housely, Kristina Bartold, Jamie Fischer, Heather Leicy, Amanda Smith, Tomasha Suber, Christina Oliveraz, and Frances Ledgewood tell you exactly what makes them select a speaker!

These clips are part of a larger speaker interview series inside of Sought-After Speaker System, my course for speakers. Check out the full uncut interviews inside the course.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

LEARN MORE

The Top 10 Speaker Tips from Event Hosts

Event hosts are getting more selective and more intentional.

With so many voices out there, the ones getting booked aren’t just the loudest. They’re the most aligned, the most prepared, and the most connected to the audience experience. If you’ve been wondering why your pitch isn’t landing, it might be because you’re skipping the human part.

These 10 tips aren’t just about strategy, they’re about showing up in a way that’s real, resonant, and ready to serve.

1. Don’t Skip the Video Application

Hosts want to see the real you. Your energy, your delivery, the way your face lights up when you talk about your topic, all of that matters just as much as your speaker sheet. Jamie and Heather emphasized how a video helps them see the heart behind your message.

2. Know the Audience You’re Speaking To

Your talk might be amazing, but if it’s not tailored to the specific needs of the event’s audience, it’s not going to land. Amanda Smith curates her speaker lineup based on what her people are actively struggling with and she chooses speakers who reflect those exact needs.

3. Be Someone the Host Wants to Learn From

This might sound simple, but it’s huge: hosts often create events they’d want to attend. Joanna Waterfall books speakers she’s personally excited to hear from. If your story resonates with her curiosity and passion, you’re in.

4. Be Expansive, Not Just Impressive

Your credentials are great, but how are you making the audience feel? Kristina Bartold looks for speakers who spark possibility. The kind of people who make the audience sit up, feel seen, and imagine what’s possible for themselves.

5. Skip the Fluff, Bring the How

Amber Housleymade it clear: her audience doesn’t just want to feel good, they want to leave with something they can use. Practical teaching, clear takeaways, and real action steps will always win over vague inspiration.

6. Help Create a Brave Space

Creating safety is just the starting point. Christina Olivarez wants speakers who help make the room brave—a space where women of color can be seen, celebrated, and supported in real ways.

7. Go Deep and Be Relatable

Forget polished perfection. Jordan Gill is all about speakers who are willing to go there. Vulnerability, depth, and authenticity are what make you memorable and magnetic.

8. Respect the Process (Even if You’re Invited)

Elizabeth Henson might personally invite you, but she still expects you to apply. Why? Because understanding the event’s mission and going through the same steps as everyone else shows respect and alignment.

9. Live Your Message

It’s not enough to speak about a topic, you have to embody it. Tomasha Suber shared that her attendees are watching you. Your social content, your offers, your presence—it all needs to reflect what you’re teaching.

10. Speak to What’s Real

Frances curates her events based on the day-to-day challenges her audience is facing. If your talk doesn’t feel real, it won’t connect. Show you understand what they’re going through and offer real solutions.

The Real Takeaway

There’s no formula to becoming a sought-after speaker, but there is a clear through-line in what event hosts value:

• Authenticity
• Depth
• Service
• Alignment

These 10 tips prove that getting booked isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about showing up with intention, clarity, and a heart to truly serve.

And if you want a step-by-step system to help you do just that—I’ve got you.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

LEARN MORE

Mentioned in this Episode

The Sought-After Speaker System

Connect with the Guests

• Elizabeth Henson: elizabethhenson.co
• Jordan Gill: systemssavedme.com
• Amber Housley: amberhousley.com
• Kristina Bartold: highvibewomen.ca
• Joanna Waterfall: instagram.com/joannawaterfall
• Jamie & Heather: instagram.com/theconquercommunity
• Amanda Smith: dallasgirlgang.com
• Tomasha Suber: tomashasuber.com
• Christina Olivarez: thesocialbutterflygal.net
• Frances Ledgewood: ledgewoodfinestationery.com

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The post 226: 10 Insider Tips from Event Hosts on What Makes a Speaker Stand Out appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

It’s not just what you say on stage—it’s how you show up in the room. In this snack sized episode, Joanna Waterfall shares what really makes a speaker memorable from a host’s perspective. Spoiler: it’s not just a killer keynote. Joanna gets real about the importance of showing up authentically before, during, and after your talk.

We talk about how speakers who immerse themselves in the community, rather than just breeze in and out, are the ones that leave the biggest impact. If you’re trying to land speaking gigs or wondering how to get asked back again and again, this one’s for you.

This episode comes from a segment of my interview with Joanna as part of a series with event hosts inside my Sought-After Speaker System course.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

LEARN MORE

Mentioned in this Episode

layleeemadi.com/sought-after-speaker-system-course

Connect with Joanna

instagram.com/joannawaterfall

Looking for the Transcript?

DOWNLOAD NOW

The post 225: How to Show Up and Stand Out as a Speaker ft. Joanna Waterfall appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.