Finding Your Voice
Story to Spotlight Retreat in Spain for Women Non-Fiction Writers – Fall 2026
if you’ve found Speaking Your Brand, I know you’re eager to put yourself out there and speak to audiences because you have a message worth sharing. As a speaker, writing a book gives you additional authority and credibility. Event organizers love speakers who have books because it shows that the speaker understands their material. But,…
Read MoreAuthenticity Over Perfectionism: Lessons from Public Media Leadership with Judith Smelser: Podcast Ep. 465
What if the thing that makes you most effective as a leader and speaker… isn’t perfection, but authenticity? That it’s not about having all the answers, but being willing to tell others that you don’t have all the answers? My guest is Judith Smelser, President and GM of Central Florida Public Media, and she shares…
Read MoreWhy Your Story Matters – Even When You Don’t Feel Ready with Tiffany Hawk: Podcast Ep.464
In this episode of the Speaking Your Brand podcast, I’m joined by returning guest Tiffany Hawk, author, book coach, and longtime collaborator of mine. Tiffany and I have worked together for years helping women find and use their voices, whether through speaking, writing, or thought leadership. In this conversation, we talk about why storytelling matters…
Read MorePersonal Brand vs. Thought Leadership: What’s the Difference and Why You Need Both
Your personal brand isn’t optional anymore, even if you wish it were. In this post and episode of the Speaking Your Brand podcast, I dig into why your personal brand matters more than ever, especially in a world overflowing with content (and now AI-generated content, too), and how it connects to your thought leadership and…
Read MoreOur Different Approach to Public Speaking, Thought Leadership, and Visibility
If you’re exploring programs to improve your public speaking or become a more visible thought leader, you may have come across well-known options like Speaker Lab or Heroic Public Speaking. These organizations have helped many speakers refine their craft. At Speaking Your Brand, we take a different—and very intentional—approach. We don’t just help you speak…
Read MoreThe #1 Mistake Speakers Make with Personal Stories (and What to Do Instead)
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you have as a speaker, leader, or thought leader. A well-told story can create instant connection, build trust, and help your audience see themselves—and their possibilities—more clearly. But let’s be honest: not all storytelling works. We’ve all heard stories that made us lean in…And stories that made…
Read MoreWant More Speaking Invitations? You Need an I.D.E.A. that Sparks Curiosity
If you want to be known as a thought leader—and not just another expert sharing information—you need a big idea. And before you panic: no, your big idea does not need to be something no one has ever said before. In fact, that’s a myth that keeps many smart, capable women stuck. In this podcast…
Read MoreThe Signature Talk Canvas®: How to Turn Information Into Transformation
Most talks don’t fall flat because the speaker lacks expertise. They fall flat because the speaker is stuck in the expert trap—sharing information without creating change. The Signature Talk Canvas® Framework by Speaking Your Brand® was designed to solve that problem. This framework helps speakers, leaders, and entrepreneurs structure their talks as a 3-Act journey…
Read MoreFrom Technical Talks to Inspiring Keynotes: Finding Your Authentic Speaking Style with Elaine Schomburg-LaFleur: Podcast Ep. 439
How do you go from giving short, tip-focused talks to inspiring audiences with a full keynote? That’s exactly the journey our guest has taken and it’s one so many of us can learn from. Our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz talks with Elaine Schomburg-LaFleur, a senior project engineer who has spent over 20 years in…
Read MoreWhy Your Story Is More Powerful Than You Think
What if the most challenging moment of your life could become the catalyst for someone else’s transformation? That’s the question at the heart of my conversation with Karen Keene, a graduate of our Thought Leader Academy, who has turned her personal tragedy into a powerful keynote talk that inspires audiences and drives meaningful change. Watch…
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