On the latest episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis and Judi Holler have a high energy conversation about the significance of creativity in the future of work, embracing a broader vision of what is possible, and the power of improv in life and business. Tune in to hear how Judi empowers audiences to think big, feel seen, and express themselves fully.

Show Notes
In this episode of Backstage Pass, host Gail Davis interviews Judi Holler, a keynote speaker and improv-trained emcee, about her experiences and insights in event planning and audience engagement. They discuss the importance of openness, building relationships, and the role of an emcee in creating a successful event. Judi shares her approach to learning about the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and how she uses improv techniques to engage audiences during her keynotes. The conversation highlights the significance of trust between clients and creatives, as well as the power of improvisation in navigating uncertainty. In this engaging conversation, Judi Holler shares her experiences with improv and its transformative power in both personal and professional settings. She discusses the ABC game, a unique improv exercise that fosters connection and creativity. Holler introduces her new keynote, 'The Transformational Art of Self-Expressionism,' emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and creativity in leadership. She outlines her Holla Framework, which includes six laws of self-expression, and highlights the significance of recreation in self-discovery. The discussion culminates in the impact of her keynotes on audiences, leaving them energized and with a broader vision of what's possible.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Judi Holler emphasizes the importance of openness in building relationships with clients.
• Engagement and energy are crucial for keeping audiences connected during events.
• Trust between the emcee and the client is essential for a successful partnership.
• Understanding the client's needs and culture is vital for an effective emcee.
• Improv techniques can be powerful tools for audience engagement in keynotes.
• Judi's experience with EOS has transformed her approach to events.
• Building a personal connection with the audience enhances the overall experience.
• The role of an emcee is to be an extension of the client's team.
• Judi's unique blend of keynote speaking and MCing creates a dynamic experience for attendees. Improv can help individuals realize they can do hard things.
• Self-expression is crucial for effective leadership.
• Creativity is becoming a top skill needed in the future of work.
• People need to feel safe to express themselves.
• Recreation is essential for self-discovery and joy.
• Happy, self-aware people contribute positively to organizations.
• The Holla Framework provides structure for self-expression.
• Engaging audiences requires energy and authenticity.
• Keynotes should inspire a bigger vision for attendees.
• Leadership should focus on the becoming, not just the doing.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Judi Holler to your next event!

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Tara Renze to explore how emotional intelligence, self-acceptance, and pursuing fulfillment over happiness can transform lives. Hear how Tara helps audiences “Be Who You Came To Be” and why her work is resonating now more than ever.

Show Notes
In this engaging conversation, host Gail Davis speaks with Tara Renze, an award-winning keynote speaker and emotional intelligence expert. Tara shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a sought-after speaker, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and mental fitness in personal and professional development. The discussion covers Tara's impactful message of 'Be Who You Came To Be,' her various keynote topics, and the significance of workshops in transforming lives. Listeners gain insights into how emotional intelligence can enhance workplace success and the necessity of self-acceptance for both adults and children. In this conversation, Tara Renze discusses her journey as a speaker, focusing on the importance of igniting purpose in audiences through relatable messages. She shares her experiences speaking at various events, including women's conferences and corporate settings, emphasizing the impact of personal development and self-acceptance. Tara highlights the significance of vulnerability in connecting with audiences and the tools she uses for self-assessment. She also addresses the growing mental health crisis and her commitment to advocating for mental health awareness through her speaking engagements.

Key topics in this episode include:

• The importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace.
• Emotional intelligence accounts for 58% of success in the workforce.
• How Tara’s 'Be Who You Came To Be' message is relatable and impactful.
• Mental fitness helps individuals manage negative thoughts effectively.
• Fulfillment is more valuable than constant happiness.
• Tara's journey illustrates the power of personal storytelling.
• Teaching self-acceptance can change lives.
• Owning one's success stories is crucial for personal growth.
• The Be Who You Came To Be methodology to live the life you desire and deserve.
• Honoring each other's authenticity.
• You are not your thoughts.
• Relating through human connections.

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis is joined by Kim Becking who shares what it takes to lead with resilience and build unstoppable momentum. From embracing failure to fostering emotional intelligence, Kim explores practical ways to help teams thrive in times of change and uncertainty.

Show Notes
In this energizing and insightful episode, bestselling author, change and resilience strategist, and keynote speaker Kim Becking shares how to build sustainable resilience and create Unstoppable Momentum during times of nonstop change and uncertainty. Drawing from her personal experiences and work with thousands of leaders and teams, Kim introduces her powerful framework—Stop, Shift, Reframe—and explores what’s busting our momentum and what can boost it. You'll walk away with actionable tools, and the reminder that you are allowed to feel, lead, and grow in the “so muchness” of life and work.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Change is constant and requires adaptability.
• The new definition of resilience and why traditional change management no longer works.
• Resilience and adaptability are no longer “soft skills” in this rapidly changing world -they are REQUIRED.
• Today’s leaders must learn to adapt in real time and thrive in the gray.
• Resilience isn’t about pushing and grinding no matter what. It’s about refueling yourself and your team so you can bounce forward, not just back.
• Resilience is no longer about bouncing back—it's about bouncing forward with intention.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.
• The 'You Are Allowed' card helps normalize feelings during change.
• Building a resilient culture involves open communication and support.
• Daily habits and rituals can sustain momentum.
• Leaders must give themselves grace during challenging times.
• Failure is a part of growth and should be embraced.
• Strategic breaks during the workday enhance productivity and well-being.
• Personal experiences shape our perspectives and leadership styles.
• Kim shares her proprietary Unstoppable Momentum Framework - rooted in positive psychology, emotional intelligence and years or research. Her framework empowers leaders and teams to embrace change as a catalyst- so that instead of holding them back, it becomes the rocket fuel that propels them forward - by learning to Stop. Shift. And Reframe the Change and Challenge so they can become more adaptable, more resilient and are able to grow in powerful, unexpected ways.
• Overview of Kim's Unstoppable Momentum Framework: STOP – Pause, assess, and give yourself and those around you to feel what you need to feel during change. SHIFT – Grit up, don’t give up. Turn obstacles into opportunity and fear into fuel. REFRAME – Take the next best step to move forward - even if you don’t have all the answers.
• Key momentum busters: negativity bias, fear, uncertainty, change fatigue, inner critic
• Momentum boosters: emotional intelligence, psychological safety, connection, daily Momentum Micro-Moves to refuel
• The importance of finding your five—five to fifteen minutes a day to recharge. To take strategic breaks during your day. Our bodies and our brains were not made for the world we are in.
• Kim’s daily momentum ritual and how it fuels her work and mindset
• We live in a world of “so muchness”—constant change, noise, and demands—requiring real-time adaptability.
• Hope alone is not a strategy—action is what builds momentum.
• Sustainable resilience blends grit + grace—you need both to lead effectively.
• You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just take the next best step.