The Speaker Lab With Grant Baldwin // Public Speaking / Motivational Speaking / Entrepreneurship

As a speaker, there are plenty of legal issues to navigate as you build a rock-solid speaking business. Good news – Autumn Witt Boyd is bringing her expertise and experience to Episode 428 of The Speaker Lab Podcast to help you walk through what you need to know!There are many nuances to preserving and protecting online businesses, intellectual property, opportunities for trademarks, and even creating contracts! Autumn covers all of that in this episode and highlights some of the most overlooked legalities that can often be missed by speakers. In addition to offering her insight and expertise as an intellectual property lawyer, Autumn takes a deep dive into contract writing and how to cover all the specifics, add riders, and navigate extenuating circumstances. As speakers, your work is personal, meaningful, and a reflection of what you're most passionate about. As you build your business, it’s essential to know what you need to protect and how to assess the risks and rewards of each legal consideration. This

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with some of our coaches and take a deep dive into some of the hottest topics for speakers?In our first episode of 2023, Director of Student Success Maryalice Goldsmith joins Lead Coach Rick Clemons to unpack the ten biggest distractions that can hurt speakers who are trying to grow and scale their businesses. There are so many things to navigate as you build your speaking business, and it's so easy to get sidelined by things that don't matter.Using social media, finding your audience, navigating the comparison game, figuring out how to sell — it's hard not to get overwhelmed at times. Maryalice and Rick have both been there, done that and they're here to guide you through the delicate process of building success on the stage. Through this episode, you'll learn about the most common distractions, how to identify them in your own journey, and and how to set boundaries and stay focused amidst the “noise.” There’s so much to take away from this conversatio

Sharing in the excitement of our students’ success is a privilege for our team at the Speaker Lab! Our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, is taking the mic for our Student Highlight series so you can hear directly from our students about their experiences and what they want you to know about growing your speaking business.This week, Michael Laidler joins us for Episode 426 of The Speaker Lab Podcast to talk about how the evolution of his speaker training led him to take the plunge into professional speaking. Despite his current success, Michael had a rocky introduction to the speaking industry. Along the way, he found The Speaker Lab and quickly learned how to grow and scale his speaking business.During this conversation, Michael unpacks the value of the systems and processes that have made all the difference in the growth of his business. Michael shares practical advice about how to build your skillset, grow your network, effectively prospect, and be intentional about building a sustainable sp

You’ve built a successful speaking business, yet something still seems to be missing. But what could it be?Julie Solomon joins us for Episode 425 of The Speaker Lab podcast to talk about what might be missing from your speaking business. Julie is a master communicator who is passionate about helping others find what’s next and increase their visibility. She’s got her own coaching business committed to helping others discover what they may not see in themselves, and she’s the expert at equipping her clients to level-up and make way for big-time success.Julie’s diverse professional experiences allow her to bring a level of insight that is unmatched. During this episode she takes a deep dive into how speakers can navigate their doubts and fears, why you have to keep running the race, and how to build an unstoppable brand. She’s also examining the value of the niche and why you must accept and embrace what you’re bringing to your people.Here's what you’ll learn from this episode:How to navigate moments

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with some of our coaches and take a deep dive into some of the hottest topics for speakers?Join Maryalice Goldsmith and Katie Campbell for the ninth episode of our Coaches Corner series! Together, Maryalice and Katie share some of their best advice both for aspiring speakers and industry veterans alike. There are so many moving pieces to building a speaking business and it’s important to follow a process, stay the course, and consider the opportunity before you.Maryalice and Katie take a closer look at the SPEAK framework used in our programs and why this methodology creates a sustainable business-building roadmap. They’re also peeling back the layers of the process and why there’s so much more to it than just booking gigs. It’s about the blueprint, the knowledge, and building a skill set that will serve you through different seasons of your journey. It’s just as much about the process and logistics as it is your vision and mission!Here's what you’ll le

It’s no secret that uncertain economic times might have speakers wondering if it’s the right season to take the leap and grow their business. This week, TSL student Karl Maier joins the podcast to tackle this great unknown and how to successfully navigate change. Karl draws from his economic expertise to share six steps needed to position a business to get the people and capital you need for success. Karl believes change is good for entrepreneurs and that it's crucial to leverage these times to benefit your business and your impact for others.Karl also talks about his experience with The Speaker Lab and how it’s helped him refine the moving parts of his business and set him up for future success. He’s bringing a fresh perspective to his audiences and reminding speakers of the importance of mindset and thinking outside the box rather than feeling restricted by the economic climate. Karl’s goal is to face the facts, calm the fears, and create a roadmap to move forward even at the most unlikely of

It’s one thing to be successful on stage, but it’s another to build a solid pipeline that builds sustainable growth for your speaking business. For Episode 422 of The Speaker Lab Podcast we’re welcoming Arel Moodie to talk about how you can use data to build a sustainable speaking business.Arel talks about the changes in the industry over the last few years, the durability of the speaking industry, and the importance of being ready to pivot when needed. He's a mission to help speakers use data to get booked and paid to speak, and he's developed a tool he’s developed which is a total game changer for speakers in any season of building their business. Arel’s method helps speakers prove to decision makers and event planners that they are actually good at what they do and why they would be a valuable asset to their event.Here's what you’ll learn from this episode:How Arel discovered the speaking industry and desire to build his own businessThe evolution of the leap from student to corporate audiencesWhy

Sharing in the excitement of our students’ success is a privilege for our team at the Speaker Lab! Our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, is taking the mic for our Student Highlight series so you can hear directly from our students about their experiences and what they want you to know about growing your speaking business.On Episode 421, we're joined by Amy Fuentes, an incredible TSL student who is taking the stage by storm with a passion for empowering women to find their voice, change their stories, and become their own heroes in all aspects of their lives. Amy sat down with Maryalice to share her personal journey to the stage, including how she found her way to The Speaker Lab and why she is so committed to helping women “transition through transitions” with purpose. Amy shares practical insights on how to really seize the moment, embrace change, and navigate the most challenging of times that become defining moments.Whether you’re finding yourself amidst a transition or contemplating life-c

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with some of our coaches and take a deep dive into some of the hottest topics for speakers?This week, Director of Student Success Maryalice Goldsmith and Coach Jeremy Rochford are revealing the one mistake that is costing you thousands in your speaking business and what you need to do about it! So, what is it you might ask? The greatest mistake is when speakers are not clear on the problem they solve and how it helps their audience. Jeremy Rochford is sharing his personal story of finding success on the stage and how he discovered what his audience wanted and needed. He’s got first-hand experience and so much insight as a coach to share on the game-changing strategy that will make all the difference.As speakers we want to inspire and impact – and we want you to do that too! But there must be clarity and intentionality in building a message that clearly solves a problem and offers direction to your listeners. Jeremy and Maryalice are bringing light

When it comes to building a successful and sustainable speaking business, so much of what really matters doesn’t happen on the stage. Veronica Romney, the Dream Team Architect, joins us for Episode 419 of The Speaker Lab Podcast to peel back the layers of scaling a business and taking it to the next level. As a fractional chief of staff for several businesses, Veronica helps take seven-figure companies to eight all while addressing their core functions and leadership.Veronica addresses direct ROI vs. the value an individual can bring to your team and unpacks the mystery of when to bring on additional team members and how to do it effectively. She also takes a deep dive into the challenge that speakers face when it comes to the “leaky” mechanics that often exist behind the stage. She shares the options that exist for speakers to create opportunities for success, how to package the value they offer, and why it’s important to build a team that can market your zone of genius. Veronica offers endless ins

Sharing in the excitement of our students' success is a privilege for our team at the Speaker Lab! Our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, is taking the mic for our Student Highlight series so you can hear directly from our students about their experiences and what they want you to know about growing your speaking business.On Episode 418, Marcene Sonnek joins us Maryalice to share her journey to the stage. Marcene is on a mission to help others embrace positive communication to increase work satisfaction and improve their professional environments. She came to The Speaker Lab as a brand new speaker, but quickly channeled her life experience to become an effective and powerful communicator.During this conversation, Marcene shared how her personal experiences translated into her opportunity to make an impact in corporate settings. She unpacks the impact of mindset, perspective, mission, and listening. Marcene’s unique experience and the fact that she’s newer to the industry make this conversation

Chris Ducker is an entrepreneur extraordinaire who has coined the term “Youprenuer” and is on a mission to help others build successful personal brands that build thriving businesses. His wealth of experience and knowledge make him an expert in brand development, and for Episode 417 of The Speaker Lab Podcast he’s back to give us the inside scoop.Chris shares insights on building reputation, finding a solid network, building a team around you, and why mindset always matters. We’ll also discuss the risk of burnout, how to prioritize while trying to grow, and what it looks like to build something that wholeheartedly represents you. Chris has a passion for coming alongside others who are ready to level-up and take the leap into building something that can stand the test of time.Join us for a candid conversation on the sales and marketing side of finding success in your niche of the speaking industry. Chris shares what has worked for him, what didn’t, and how you can use his experience to build an

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with some of our coaches and take a deep dive into some of the hottest topics for speakers? Wonder no more! Our Coaches Corner series gives you actionable advice and practical insights from our coaches that you can use right now to grow your speaking business.For Episode 416 of The Speaker Lab Podcast our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, and our Elite Concierge, Katie Campbell, are continuing the conversation from Episode 414 (Check it out!) and taking a closer look at how to maximize coaching and get out of your own way! During their first episode together, they reviewed marketable assets that every speaker needs, and intertwined into each of those was the support that a coach can provide through the process. This week, Maryalice and Katie are back with a closer look at the benefit of coaching and how it can help you take things to the next level.Maryalice and Katie highlight the grit and courage it takes to take on speaking full-

Have you ever experienced burnout? Nour Khatib has — and she's here to tell you how to overcome it.As an ER doctor that walked through the global pandemic with colleagues and patients, Nour has seen first-hand the toll of burnout. You’d be surprised to learn that she’s a medical school dropout who experienced her burnout as a young student that pivoted to earning a business degree. It was here that she found her passion for speaking yet she continued to feel as though something was still missing. Her unique and incredible journey brought her to where she is today and she’s sharing all the ins and outs!Nour wants to help others address their “missing piece” so they can live out their passion through lived experience, education, and a keen ability to avoid and manage feelings of burnout. She’s got incredible insight to share on how she’s helping others identify the red flags of burnout in their careers and how her mindset became her mission to impact others. Nour’s story will inspire you to overcome burnout and

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with some of our coaches and take a deep dive into some of the hottest topics for speakers? Wonder no more! Our Coaches Corner series gives you actionable advice and practical insights from our coaches that you can use right now to grow your speaking business.For Episode 414, our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, and our Elite Concierge, Katie Campbell, are taking a deep dive into the key assets every successful speaker should have!Aside from the more obvious fundamentals, there are marketable assets essential to creating your presence and setting you apart. Together they’re highlighting the value of a strategic online presence and the part it plays in telling your story, sharing your brand, and highlighting your voice. They’ll also unpack the power of coaching and the courage it takes to step up and step out when things like imposter syndrome creep in.Katie highlights some of the common mistakes made in website and demo reel d

Sharing in the excitement of our student’s success is a privilege for our team at the Speaker Lab! Our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, is taking the mic for our Student Highlight series so you can hear directly from our students about their experiences and what they want you to know about growing your speaking business.Deepika Sandhu has an incredible story to share about listening to your intuition and chasing after your dreams. Deepika’s “ah-hah” moment came after publishing her first book and realizing how badly she wanted to do an in-person book tour — in the middle of a global pandemic!Her deep desire to keep connecting with her audience and witness the “ah-hah” moments of others became the driver for a new season in her career. During this episode, Deepika shares more about her book and her personal journey of finding what she wanted to change about her life in a way to be her most authentic self. Not only is Deepika living it, but she’s also now helping others translate their own work

Since finishing a program with The Speaker Lab in 2017, Jake Thompson has had the "pedal to the metal” when it comes to building his brand and speaking career. His momentum and commitment to seizing growth opportunities have allowed him to triple his income and bring incredible value to his audience. Referrals, consulting opportunities, and a passion for the problem he solves brought him to some incredible stages that left him rubbing shoulders with individuals who have transformed the trajectory of his career.During Episode 412, Jake shares about a new role serving as a fractional executive and how it has challenged him to level up and take the right risks. Jake’s unique journey allows him to bring a ton of insight to our conversation, reminding you to invest in yourself, embrace the “grind” and do it all while still being focused. Jake’s story is incredibly unique and a reminder that opportunity is out there, but you have to have the right mindset to make it work for you!Here's what you’ll learn from this e

If you've been in the speaking business for long, you know that it's not easy! Building a successful and sustainable speaking business is a grind. It takes a lot of sweat equity, patience, and intentionality to make it in this industry, but if you put in the work, there are some incredible opportunities for growth in every season.This week, Erick Rheam is back to share practical advice on how to navigate the grind of building your business. Erick introduces the idea of a "power hour," shares how to navigate the good and bad days, and reminds us that even though every day will not be our best, consistency matters!As someone who has built a highly successful speaking business, Erick navigates the ins and outs of the speaking industry every day. No matter where you are in your speaking journey, you'll benefit from Erick's experience and passion for equipping others to find their success on the stage. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!Here's what you’ll learn from this episode:Why it’s possible to hav

We’re living in a world that continues to change post-pandemic — and speakers have to continue adjusting to stay relevant! There are more opportunities now than ever for speakers, but you have to be intentional and have a clear plan to build a sustainable speaking business.This week, David Avrin joins us to share some great advice and a little tough love that will help you build your speaking business and not just get gigs.David has a background in marketing and decades of experience in the speaking industry, and he's here to help you understand what it takes right now to get booked and paid to speak. David unpacks ways to beat imposter syndrome, what it looks like to inspire your audience, and why systems and processes matter more than giving a perfect performance.David will bring you back to your "why" and show you how to turn your passion into sustainable success. If you're booking speaking gigs but haven't taken the leap to build a business — or haven't made it a priority — this episode is for you! You'll

Sharing in the excitement of our student's success is a privilege for our team at the Speaker Lab! Our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, is taking the mic for our Student Highlight series so you can hear directly from our students about their experiences and what they want you to know about growing your speaking business.For Episode 409 we’re sitting down with Jason Dietrich. Jason recently went through The Speaker Lab program and is eager to share his experience and journey to the stage! Believe it or not, Jason's love of speaking stemmed from an experience he had as a senior in college. From there he felt he’d found his calling, and the rest is history!When Jason was ready to invest in himself and grow his speaking business, he jumped in headfirst at The Speaker Lab and worked to find his niche and further define his message. He boldly resigned from his teaching position and decided to dive deep into speaking full-time.Jason has great tips and tricks that have worked for him as he is on this