Want 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 episode and post, I walk you through what a big idea really is, how it fits into your thought leadership, and a simple framework you can use to decide which of your ideas is worth developing into a signature talk.

What Is a “Big Idea,” Really?

Ideas are powerful. They shape movements, influence culture, and help us understand ourselves and the world around us.

Your big idea doesn’t live in isolation—it sits within what I call the four layers of thought leadership:

1. Your expertise – what you know and do professionally

2. Your big idea – your unique angle or perspective

3. Your story – how your experiences shaped this idea

4. Emotional courage – the willingness to put the idea out there and stand behind it

Most people stop at layer one. They share information. They teach. They explain.

Thought leaders go further.

Your big idea builds on your expertise, but it adds interpretation, meaning, and direction. It moves the conversation forward instead of repeating what’s already been said.

Why Familiar Topics Are Not the Problem

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is: “But people have already talked about this.”

Yes. And that’s okay.

In fact, it’s often an advantage. When your audience is already somewhat familiar with the topic, they’re warmer. They don’t need convincing that the topic matters—they’re ready to go deeper.

Your job isn’t to invent a brand-new topic. Your job is to offer a new angle.

The Problem With “Safe” Talks (a.k.a. the Expert Trap)

I see this constantly at conferences and events.

Speakers stick to surface-level content. They say what feels safe. They avoid pushing too far or taking a clear stance.

Why?

Because they don’t want to:

• Turn anyone off

• Be criticized

• Be seen as “wrong”

The result? Talks that are technically fine… and completely forgettable.

This is what I call the expert trap: focusing on delivering information instead of creating transformation.

In a world overflowing with content, information alone isn’t valuable anymore.
Insight is.

The I.D.E.A. Framework: How to Evaluate Your Big Idea

To help clients decide which idea is worth developing, I created a simple framework called IDEA.

I = Interesting

Your idea should spark curiosity.

When you share it, people should say:

• “I hadn’t thought about it that way.”

• “Tell me more.”

• “That’s interesting…”

This usually comes from your angle, not your topic.

D = Debatable and Defensible

A strong idea won’t please everyone—and that’s a good thing.

Your idea should be:

• Debatable: reasonable people could disagree

• Defensible: you can support it with experience, stories, examples, or research

This is what makes people lean in and pay attention.

E = Empowering

Your idea should help people see something differently in a way that benefits them.

That benefit might be:

• Clarity

• Confidence

• Relief

• Direction

• Possibility

If your idea leaves people feeling stuck or overwhelmed, it’s not finished yet.

A = Actionable

Great ideas don’t stop at insight—they invite action.

Your audience should be able to:

• Apply it to their own situation

• Share it with others

• Build on it

Thought leaders don’t hoard ideas. They spread them.

Big Idea Examples (So You Can See This in Action)

Think about Brené Brown. Her big idea isn’t just “vulnerability exists.” It’s that vulnerability is required for connection, and shame is what blocks it.

Or Simon Sinek, whose idea of Start With Why reframed how organizations think about leadership and purpose.

Closer to home, I’ve seen clients develop powerful ideas like:

• Giving parents practical frameworks to address climate change without overwhelm

• Exploring the behavioral and emotional side of money management

• Showing how representation of messengers matters in public health

These ideas weren’t random. They came from lived experience, expertise, and a willingness to take a stand.

My Own Big Idea: Promise, Peril, and Power

One of my key ideas is that when women use their voices publicly, we often move through three stages:

1. Promise – excitement, validation, encouragement

2. Peril – pushback, doubt, vulnerability

3. Power – confidence, clarity, and self-assurance

The temptation is to retreat in stage two.

My argument—and my big idea—is that stage three only happens if you keep going.

This idea is debatable. It’s defensible. And it’s deeply tied to my own experience and the women I work with every day.

Questions to Help You Find Your Big Idea

Here are questions you can start asking yourself right now:

• What are others saying about your topic?

• What do you see differently?

• What beliefs or assumptions do you challenge?

• What gets you fired up?

• What do people often miss that feels obvious to you?

• What experience or turning point shaped this perspective?

• What’s something about you that most people don’t know—but might recognize in themselves?

• What do you want to be known for?

These questions aren’t about polishing a message. They’re about uncovering the idea that’s already there.

Action Steps

1. List 3–5 possible ideas you’ve been circling around—don’t judge them yet.
2. Run each one through the I.D.E.A. framework. Be honest.
3. Notice which idea feels a little risky—but meaningful. That’s often the one.
4. Write one paragraph explaining your idea as if you were speaking to an audience.
5. Share it out loud. Clarity comes from use, not isolation.

Want Support Developing Your Big Idea?

This process—finding, validating, and shaping your big idea—is exactly what we do inside the Thought Leader Academy.

Over eight weeks, we help you:

• Clarify your thought leadership message

• Develop a compelling signature talk

• Build confidence in your idea

• Create a real strategy for sharing it

You can learn more and apply at speakingyourbrand.com/academy.

And if you want a guided place to start, you can download our free 24-page Thought Leadership Guide + Workbook.