What separates a good talk from a true thought leadership talk?

It’s not just the story; it’s what you do with it.

In this audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, you’ll hear powerful 10-minute signature talks from two of our recent Thought Leader Academy grads Heather Beebe and Lauren Yankoff, each transforming personal experience into clear, actionable frameworks.

Hear how they:

• Turn real-life challenges into compelling audience entry points
• Reveal the deeper problem most people are missing
• Introduce simple, memorable frameworks that guide action
• Move from story → insight → transformation

If you’ve ever wondered how to go from “telling your story” to delivering a talk that positions you as a thought leader, this session will show you exactly how it’s done.

We also have a roundtable discussion about what they’ve learned from being in the Thought Leader Academy and what’s next for them as speakers and thought leaders.

You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5XgfQgtW5s.

About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/471/

Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5XgfQgtW5s

Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/

Join our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz
• Lauren Yankoff = https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-yankoff/
• Heather Beebe = https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbeebe/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You

We’re pulling back the curtain on the speaker industry. If you’ve been scrolling lately, you’ve probably seen the promises: guaranteed TEDx talks, booked-out speaking calendars, five-figure fees overnight. It’s tempting. It’s also where a lot of people get burned.

We share the biggest red flags we’re seeing—from “guaranteed” results to high-pressure sales tactics—and why those shortcuts rarely lead to the outcomes you actually want.

We also break down the truth about paying to get a spot on a TEDx stage (including what the rules actually say), speaker bureaus, and those offers that land in your inbox sounding just a little too polished.

But this isn’t just about what to avoid—it’s about what actually works.

We talk about how to build a speaking platform that’s aligned, sustainable, and profitable—without chasing every opportunity or outsourcing your voice.

This includes how to think about visibility, why relationships matter more than cold outreach, and how to focus on the quality of speaking engagements instead of just the quantity.

If you’ve been wondering whether you’re “missing something” or if there’s a faster way to grow your speaking, this episode will give you clarity - and probably save you some money too.

Because the real path to becoming a sought-after speaker isn’t a shortcut, it’s a strategy.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/470/

Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/

Our Become Bookable workshop: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable/

Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/

Attend our 1-day Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 468: What TEDx Organizers Look for When Selecting Speakers
• Booked Without Burnout series
• Episode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities

I’m thrilled to have back on the podcast my client Tammy Lally, TEDx speaker, author, and money coach, whose talk has reached millions of people around the world. But what makes her story so powerful isn’t just the visibility; it’s the vulnerability behind it.

Tammy shares what really went into creating her TEDx talk, the emotional aftermath of sharing such a personal story, and how that one talk didn’t just impact audiences. It transformed her life and business in ways she never expected.

We also dive into why honesty, not perfection, is what truly connects with audiences, how shame shows up in our relationship with money, and why your story might be the exact thing someone else needs to hear.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to share more of your story but hesitated, this conversation will give you a new way to think about what’s possible on the other side of that courage.

Tammy and I talk about:

• What made her TEDx talk resonate with millions and the deeper reason it spread
• The “vulnerability hangover” and why it’s a normal part of sharing your story
• How telling the truth (not impressing people) creates real connection
• Why your past struggles don’t disqualify you - they make you relatable
• The surprising ways speaking can transform you, not just your audience
• What she’s learned about speaking fees and why women need to stop underpricing themselves
• How shame around money impacts individuals, families, and even entire generations
• Why now is the time to share your story and how to know if you’re ready

About My Guest: Tammy Lally is a published author, TED speaker, and Certified Money Coach (CMC). She helps others master their finances by first conquering their emotions around money, then by creating a comprehensive financial plan. She brings decades of experience and endless love to her bulletproof process for money mastery.

About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/469/

Tammy’s website: https://tammylally.com/

Tammy’s TEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/tammy_lally_let_s_get_honest_about_our_money_problems

Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/

Work With Speaking Your Brand = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Tammy Lally (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammylally/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 468: What TEDx Organizers Look for When Selecting Speakers
• Episode 464: Why Your Story Matters - Even When You Don’t Feel Ready
• Episode 361: How to Land a TEDx Talk
• Episode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation