Today’s episode it’s all about finding and developing your Big Idea for your thought leadership and public speaking.

Ideas are incredibly powerful; they can live on for years, centuries, even millennia. Ideas spark movements for political and social change. Ideas help us as humans understand ourselves, each other, and the world around us

Your idea doesn’t have to be something people have never heard of before; that’s unlikely as most things have been talked about before - and that’s ok!

As a speaker, you want to have something interesting and unique to talk about, you want to make a positive impact on your audience, and you want to develop your thought leadership

Perhaps you’re not sure what makes a good idea or which of your ideas is the best one. It all feels a bit messy and muddy.

That’s what I’m going to help you with in this episode! Think of me as your idea whisperer.

You’ll learn:

• What a Big Idea is

• Why too many speakers get stuck with superficial content

• How to identify your I.D.E.A. using this handy acronym I came up with

• Examples of Big Ideas from myself, from some of our clients, and from thought leaders you’ll recognize

• Specific questions you can ask yourself to get started developing your Big Idea

Get these questions and a lot more in our 24-page FREE guide and workbook on Developing Your Thought Leadership at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/.

This episode originally aired as episode 354 on November 6, 2023.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/354/ 

Get our free Thought Leadership guide and workbook: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/ 

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

 Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 352: 7 Things the Best Speakers Do: My Takeaways from TEDWomen
• Episode 343: Why YOU are the Messenger for Your Idea and Audience
• Episode 339: Using Public Speaking to Influence Social Change with Tanya Golash-Boza, PhD
• Episode 338: Escaping the Expert Trap: From Academic Presenter to Sought-After Speaker with Teri DeLucca
• Episode 319: The 3 Stages We Go Through as Women When We Use Our Voice

In this episode, our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz speaks with Michelle Massman, a longtime entrepreneur and graduate of our Thought Leader Academy, who shares her journey from “stuck” to “unstoppable” through storytelling and public speaking.

You’ll hear Michelle’s candid stories—from launching unexpected ventures like The Culinary Studio to her partnership with a music group—that reveal her resilience and passion for following her intuition.

As Diane and Michelle discuss the power of sharing vulnerable stories, Michelle opens up about the anxiety she’s faced and how she’s turned her experiences into speaking topics that resonate deeply with her audiences. Her frameworks, including From Stuck to Unstoppable and Passion to Profit, provide practical steps for anyone feeling stuck or seeking more clarity and confidence.

Michelle’s story is a reminder that by saying “yes” to opportunities, connecting with the right people, and being willing to share your authentic self, you can create incredible impact and growth for both yourself and others.

Diane and Michelle talk about:

• Finding clarity on the message you want to share and ways to bring your unique story to life

• Connecting with audiences authentically by sharing vulnerable, relatable experiences

• Understanding the power of frameworks and storytelling to guide and engage listeners

• Gaining inspiration to overcome obstacles and embrace your next speaking opportunity

About Our Guest: Michelle Massman has been a visionary entrepreneur for over 30 years and knew, even as a teen, that she wanted to own a business someday. After working at a few (ok several) jobs, she realized she didn’t like being told what to do, and didn’t like managing people. So she started her business and loved it! She has guided, launched, directed and overhauled everything from small start up ventures to multi-million dollar private companies, consulted with hundreds of people in the areas of entrepreneurship, marketing, brand partnerships, event production, and music management, and weathered failures and missteps that have given her experience and knowledge that she uses to help her clients sidestep them. Michelle’s sweet spot, as a problem solver, connector, advocate, and persuasive force, is the ability to jump into any problem and help find the best solution while helping her clients access the knowledge they need to get unstuck in their business. 

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/419/ 

Michelle’s website: https://www.michellemassman.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

• Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/ 

• Michelle Massman (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massman-6629236/ 

The election clearly did not go the way many of us wanted. I was on the TV news once again on Election Night and the morning after. The outcome wasn't the shock it was in 2016, but it's profoundly disappointing.

Join me and Diane Diaz for this conversation on our thoughts and how we’re moving forward (recorded on Wednesday, November 6 at 11 am EST).

We too are sad and frustrated but we also want to remind you of the power of your voice and your community.

It's easy to jump to the conclusion that America won't elect a woman as president or that voters don't care about women's rights.

Two things to keep in mind.

First, in both Missouri and Arizona (as well as other states - both blue and red - since the Dobbs decision in 2022), amendments passed to counter very restrictive abortion laws. Unfortunately, in Florida where I live, a similar amendment did not pass because Florida requires 60% and the amendment got 57% (a similar percentage as in the other states). A healthy majority of voters, both men and women, agree that women's reproductive rights are essential.

Second, it was a *very* close race. Kamala Harris only had 100 days to do what most presidential candidates have 2 years to do: introduce herself to the American people, talk about the issues she would focus on as president, and contrast herself not only with her opponent but also with the incumbent (Biden) in an era of anti-incumbency sentiment. Harris ran a nearly flawless campaign and I believe she simply ran out of time. 

Hang in there. Your voice matters and the work you do matters.

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/418/ 

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

Join us in London for our B.O.L.D. Brand Intensive Retreat Summer 2025: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/london/ 

Enroll in 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/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 406: Authenticity and Owning Your Story as Women with a Public Voice with Jennifer Adams and Sarah Henry

• Episode 191: Women in Politics and the Public Sphere with Rep. Anna K. Eskamani

We’re diving into what makes a personal brand truly transformational. If you’re working to build a brand that’s memorable and impactful, whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone looking to expand your influence, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I share three essential elements that go into creating a transformational personal brand: being remembered, relevant, and relational

 I’ll walk you through how to identify what makes you unique, why staying in tune with trends matters, and how building genuine connections can fuel your brand’s growth.

Here’s a peek at what we’ll cover:

1. Why "Transformational"? - Your brand isn’t just about what you do; it’s about who you are and how you show up—even when you’re not in the room. It’s a combination of your expertise, values, and the mission you’re passionate about. We’ll talk about what it means to have a brand that inspires change and how that can elevate both you and your audience.

2. Be Remembered - People remember those who make an impact. I’ll share some personal stories, including an unexpected moment at a political fundraiser where I reconnected with someone from years ago because I was memorable. I’ll guide you on how to make sure people think of you when they talk about topics related to your mission and values.

3. Stay Relevant - We’re in a fast-changing world, and it’s critical to adapt. I’ll explain why I’ve been deeply involved with AI, how this aligns with my mission, and why being relevant means more than just following trends—it’s about resonating with what matters in today’s society.

4. Build Relational Connections - Relationships are the heartbeat of a strong personal brand. I’ll discuss why building offline relationships can be just as powerful (if not more) than online connections and share tips for growing a network that helps keep your brand top of mind.

Plus, I’ve created a free workbook to help you start building your transformational personal brand. You can download it at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/personalbrand/.

I hope this episode inspires you to think about what makes your brand transformational, to make sure your message isn’t just heard, it’s remembered and felt.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/417/ 

Download the free personal brand workbook that goes with this episode: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/personalbrand/ 

Apply for our B.O.L.D. Brand Intensive retreat in London Summer 2025: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/london/ 

Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ 

Connect on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 416: The Secret to Authentic Connection with Your Audiences is Your Brand Voice with Ashleigh Harvey

• Episode 410: 7 Essential Questions for Your Brand Story with Elayne Fluker

• Episode 408: Connecting Your Personal Brand and Your Thought Leadership

As an entrepreneur or professional, you know the power of having a clear and compelling brand voice that resonates with your audience.

You want your message to attract the right clients, opportunities, and partners - but knowing how to express your authentic self can feel like a challenge.

Many women struggle with feeling like they need to fit a mold: too professional, not bold enough, or maybe even too much.

The fear of sounding "wrong" or "inauthentic" holds many of us back from fully stepping into our voice, whether we're delivering a talk, crafting website copy, or writing emails.

In this episode, I talk with Ashleigh Harvey, a copywriting and brand messaging expert (and Thought Leader Academy grad), about how you can confidently find and express your authentic brand voice to connect deeply with your audience.

Ashleigh shares practical strategies for honing your message, so you’ll attract the right people for you.

We talk about:

• The common challenges women face when trying to find their brand voice

• How Ashleigh and I describe our own brand voices (I was surprised to figure out what my brand voice is!)

• Why authenticity is more important than ever in the age of AI-driven content

• The power of having a consistent practice for developing your brand voice

• Practical tips for writing copy that connects, persuades, and inspires action

Plus, Ashleigh and I announce an exciting joint retreat we’re hosting in London next summer! Over 4 days (June 29-July 2, 2025), you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in developing your brand voice and story, all while experiencing the rich performing arts culture and women’s history in an incredible city. Learn more at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/london/.

About My Guest: Ashleigh Harvey runs The Story Team, her persuasion copywriting business. Her mission is to empower female entrepreneurs to embrace their authentic voice and weave it into their business, creating consistent branding and copy that converts. She works with female entrepreneurs from South Africa to New Zealand, from India to South Korea, from the UK to the USA, helping them with badass brand voice and copy tips. She is an unapologetic vegan who started her business from her car while working as a care worker. She swears too much, is far too loud, is working more and more on not caring too much about what other people think, and she wants to tell her story so that it may help other women to find their power.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/416/ 

Ashleigh’s website: https://www.thestoryteam.org/ 

Apply for our London Brand Building Retreat in Summer 2025: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/london/ 

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

• Ashleigh Harvey (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-harveyldn/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 234: How to Create Content Using Your Authentic Voice with Ashleigh Harvey (Rennie)

• Episode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World

If you’ve ever wondered how to land those coveted speaking and panel spots at events, this episode is for you!

I’m thrilled to have Johanna (Jo) Murillo join me to share her insider knowledge on how event organizers and producers choose speakers and panelists. 

Jo is an event producer extraordinaire based in Orlando, Florida, where I live. She runs Wow Brand Studios, a full-service agency specializing in event production, brand strategy, and helping business owners stand out through powerful visual branding. 

I’ve had the pleasure of attending several of Jo’s events, and they are truly one-of-a-kind!

In our conversation, Jo reveals the secrets of what she looks for when selecting speakers and panelists.

It’s not just about who has the biggest social media following, but about who can bring genuine value, inspire the audience, and share knowledge in a way that makes everyone in the room feel uplifted and enriched.

We dive into:

• The importance of attending local in-person events to build your visibility and network

• The qualities Jo looks for in speakers (hint: it’s more than just being an expert!)

• How diversity and inclusion play a central role in curating impactful events

• Memorable stories of speakers who wowed the audience and exceeded expectations

• Red flags that make event organizers hesitate to book a speaker

• How to make sure you are meeting expectations as a speaker and how event organizers can ensure a successful event for speakers

Ready to develop your signature talk and land more speaking opportunities?

Join our Thought Leader Academy where you’ll work on creating your signature talk, developing your thought leadership, and learning the business of speaking. Get all the details and sign up at speakingyourbrand.com/academy.

About My Guest: With over 25 years of experience in visual design, brand development, and marketing, Johanna (Jo) Murillo stands as a dynamic and accomplished professional in the industry. She is the proud owner of WOW Brand Studios, a full-service branding and public relations agency renowned for its creative and strategic excellence. A trailblazer for Hispanics in our community, Johanna was unanimously elected to join the Board of Directors for Opera Orlando. Further amplifying her impact, Johanna recently founded The WOW PWR, a nonprofit organization that empowers women in business by providing them with essential resources and a supportive network to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/415/ 

Jo’s website: https://wowbrandstudios.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

• Jo Murillo (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannamurillo/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 401: Strategies for Getting Momentum on the Speaking Circuit

• Episode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities

• Episode 367: Steps for Creating Your Speaking and Visibility Plan

In your presentations and keynotes, you want to take your audience on a journey of discovery, sharing with them your personal insights and stories along the way.

One of the best ways to do this is to frame your content as stages, lessons, or a framework, such as an alliteration or acronym. 

Want to see what this looks like in an actual talk?

You’ll hear three of our recent Thought Leader Academy grads, Wendy McManus, Nelly Some, and Heather Burright, deliver a 10-minute version of the signature talk they created with us, so you can see and hear them in action.

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.

This audio is from a live broadcast we did on October 2, 2024. You can watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/khaXnBCKRXk. 

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/414/ 

Video from the live show: https://youtube.com/live/khaXnBCKRXk 

Wendy’s website: https://www.connect2potential.com/ 

Nelly’s website: https://makingadifferencewithnelly.com/ 

Heather’s website: https://www.skillmastersmarket.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

• Wendy McManus (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-mcmanus/ 

• Nelly Some (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/nellysome/ 

• Heather Burright (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-burright/ 

When you facilitate workshops and presentations for visibility and lead generation, we want to make sure you get the results you’re looking for.

It’s perfectly fine to do free or low-cost workshops, as long as the audience aligns with the types of clients you work with, you have an offer that would be of interest to them, AND you’re willing to make that offer.

So often, we hear from women that they don’t want to sell at these types of workshops or presentations.

But, that’s the reason to do them. You need to let the attendees know how they can work with you and give them an incentive to do so.

We recently facilitated a 90-minute in-person workshop for a group of women professionals who are alumni of a program called ATHENA NextGen that I went through in 2016.We got rave reviews from the workshop - and we got a bunch of leads and new clients!

In this episode, Diane Diaz and I talk about:

• Deciding which of our offers to present to the audience and why

• How we almost got stuck in the expert trap when we realized that we had a bunch of content and activities but no overarching lessons

• How we use our framework to provide a cohesive journey of transformation for the attendees, not just information

• The importance of sharing your own personal stories, even in workshops

• Using humor and making it fun (even if no one else wants to participate in your dance party!)

• The specific sales techniques we used

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/413/ 

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

• Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 393: The Kind of Speakers that Get the Best Feedback and Referrals

• Episode 288: A Framework for Creating a Signature Talk for Income and Impact

Whether you’re running a nonprofit, leading a business, or building your personal brand, this episode is filled with practical tips and examples on how to use storytelling to make an impact.

We dive deep into the art and impact of storytelling with Ashley Vann, founder of the Victory Cup Initiative. 

Ashley shares how her organization empowers nonprofits to tell compelling stories that connect with their audiences, inspire action, and drive meaningful change. 

We discuss how Victory Cup brings together business and nonprofit leaders to create an engaging platform where impactful stories are shared, and everyone wins.

Ashley takes us through the journey of Victory Cup, from its inception to its innovative event format that challenges nonprofits to captivate an audience in just 2.5 minutes. 

We explore why storytelling is more than just a communication tool – it’s a way to build emotional connections, highlight missions, and create a shared sense of purpose. 

Ashley also shares valuable insights on avoiding storytelling pitfalls, balancing structure with novelty, and using specific details to make stories unforgettable.

Tune in to learn:

• The unique event format of Victory Cup Initiative and how it fosters community engagement.

• How to craft a story that captures attention and inspires action in just a few minutes.

• The importance of specificity in storytelling and how it can create a more profound connection.

• Techniques for balancing structure and novelty to keep your audience engaged.

• Why storytelling is a powerful tool for nonprofits and businesses alike.

Don’t miss this conversation packed with inspiration and actionable advice to help you harness the power of storytelling for your cause or brand!

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/412/ 

Victory Cup Initiative: https://www.victorycupinitiative.org/ 

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

• Ashley Vann (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-vann-6744a8b9/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 398: Storytelling for Leaders: Crafting Narratives that Inspire and Persuade

• Episode 386: The Power of the Performing Arts to Find and Use Your Voice with Theresa Smith-Levin

Is public speaking an elusive talent reserved for a select few, or is it a powerful tool we can all master?

In this thought-provoking episode, we challenge the long-held belief that public speaking is only for the “naturally gifted.” 

I’m thrilled to have Dr. Karen Corbin back on the podcast, as we dive deep into the art of communication and explore how anyone, from scientists to young professionals, can harness their voice to make a meaningful impact.

If you’ve ever felt self-conscious or critical about your speaking abilities, this episode is for you. 

Karen and I explore how we can all make public speaking less intimidating and more approachable, turning it from an elite skill into an everyday power that elevates your personal and professional life.

Karen and I talk about:

• Why storytelling isn’t just for the “gifted” but a skill anyone can cultivate to connect, influence, and inspire

• The practical steps she took to shift from self-doubt to speaking with confidence and clarity

• The surprising moments that changed her perspective on who should have a voice and how to make it heard

• Real-life examples of how communicating effectively can open doors, reshape careers, and empower you to step into your own spotlight

• How Karen navigates the corporate world and her personal brand

About My Guest: Karen D. Corbin, PhD, RD is the Owner and Chief Geek of Geeks That Speak® and an Associate Investigator at the AdventHealth Translational Research Institute. She is an expert in human nutrition and metabolism. Her scientific career is devoted to finding new approaches to prevent and treat diseases like diabetes and fatty liver disease. She is also an expert in scientific storytelling.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/411/ 

Karen’s website: https://www.geeksthatspeak.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

• Dr. Karen Corbin (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-corbin-phd-rd-75229111/ 

Recommendations:

Science Friday on NPR is a fantastic resource for listening to scientists from all different disciplines = https://www.sciencefriday.com

TED talk = “What you can do to prevent Alzheimer’s” by Lisa Genova = https://www.ted.com/talks/lisa_genova_what_you_can_do_to_prevent_alzheimer_s?language=en

For those interested in diabetes, this is a good podcast: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/diabetes-discourse/id885083634?i=1000656300786

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 398: Storytelling for Leaders: Crafting Narratives that Inspire and Persuade

• Episode 339: Creating Compelling TED-Style Talks Based on Academic Research with Dr. Tanya Golash-Boza

• Episode 138: Scientists Need to Tell Stories Too with Dr. Karen Corbin

You're going to get so much out of this episode with 7 essential questions to ask yourself as you refresh your brand story.

Whether you’re leaving a corporate job to become an entrepreneur, looking to expand your existing brand, aspiring to be a speaker or thought leader, or a corporate professional ready to transition to the next level, this conversation is for you.

My guest is Elayne Fluker, who is an experienced coach to executive women and a prolific podcaster (over 700 episodes), with her podcast called Support is Sexy.

Elayne is also the author of “Get Over ‘I Got It’: How to Stop Playing Superwoman, Get Support and Remember that Having It All Doesn’t Mean Doing It All Alone” – published by HarperCollins Leadership and named a Forbes Book of the Month.

Elayne and I share with you how you can re-brand your brand with 7 essential questions.

We explore actionable strategies for reinventing your brand in today's ever-changing landscape and discuss how we’ve both helped our clients successfully navigate their rebranding journeys. 

Our conversation is packed with insights and inspiration to help you elevate your brand and make your next move with confidence.

This episode is the audio from a live show we did on September 10, 2024. You can watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/43vUGQ2qQsU. 

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/410/ 

Elayne’s website: https://www.elaynefluker.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

• Elayne Fluker (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaynefluker/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 408: Connecting Your Personal Brand and Your Thought Leadership

• Episode 340: Can I Tell It's You? What a Brand Voice Is and Why You Need One

• Episode 186: From Hashtag to Podcast to Book: Developing Your Thought Leadership Platform with Elayne Fluker