If you’ve ever wondered whether speaking at an unpaid event is worth it—or how to make the most of every speaking opportunity—this solo episode is for you. Lauren breaks down a framework she’s developed after speaking at (and attending) more than 100 events and hosting conferences herself. She explains why viewing gigs through a simple “paid vs. unpaid” lens can hold you back, and shares how to evaluate any opportunity for maximum impact.

Lauren outlines three powerful categories to assess any speaking invitation: People and Platform, Perks and Promotion, and Proximity and Positioning. From evaluating audience alignment and email list growth to networking strategy and event values, she provides actionable questions that will help you determine if a speaking opportunity is right for you and how to turn it into long-term value for your brand and business.

Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just getting started, this episode will help you say “yes” to the right opportunities and confidently pass on the ones that don’t serve your goals. Plus, get a sneak peek at Lauren’s Memorable Personal Brand Mastermind, opening again in August for entrepreneurs who want to grow in community.

Connect with Lauren V. Davis here:

https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative

https://forms.gle/nqi66YCKyXF1wBGH8

On today’s REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews Jodi Wellman, founder of 4000 Mondays, speaker, author, and assistant instructor in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. Jodi’s TEDx talk, “How Death Can Bring You Back to Life,” has more than 1.3 million views, and her new book, You Only Die Once, was featured on Adam Grant’s summer reading list and named a Next Big Idea Club must-read.

In this thought-provoking and deeply human episode, Lauren and Jodi explore what it really means to make the most of our time. Jodi shares how losing her mother at 58 shaped her mission, why she believes the Grim Reaper is one of our greatest teachers, and how counting our remaining Mondays can jolt us out of autopilot. They talk about the difference between living and truly being alive, the importance of small moments, and how to create meaning without waiting for a major life event.

Whether you're navigating a transition or simply wondering if you're using your time well, this episode will inspire you to live with intention—and fewer regrets.

Connect with Lauren V. Davis here:

https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative

Connect with Jodi Wellman here:

https://www.4000mondays.com

https://www.instagram.com/4000mondays

On today’s REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren shares a special replay of her guest appearance on the Travis Makes Money podcast with her longtime friend, Travis Chappell. During their candid conversation, Lauren opens up about her journey from selling rocks as a kid to running a brick-and-mortar record store and ultimately growing a thriving personal brand business that allows her to work remotely while traveling full time.

She and Travis talk about the evolution of her business, how impostor syndrome showed up at key moments, and why deep, genuine relationships are at the heart of everything she’s built. Lauren shares how she transitioned from helping local businesses to coaching entrepreneurs and thought leaders around the world, and how consistency, trust, and staying true to her values have played a big role in that growth.

Connect with Lauren V. Davis here:

https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative

Connect with Travis Chappell here:

https://travischappell.com/

https://linktr.ee/travischappell