What if the reason you aren't booking massive opportunities has absolutely nothing to do with your talent, and everything to do with your execution?

Today, we are pulling back the curtain on the speaking industry to reveal what actually happens before a world-class leader steps onto a stage. I am joined by Layna Castle, who shares the unbelievable story of how volunteering at an Oprah Winfrey gala led her to manage the backstage experience for Mark Burnett, the creator of Shark Tank.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why building trust starts long before the contract is signed.
  
• How to apply Ritz-Carlton leadership principles to your personal brand.
  
• The exact productivity planner habits needed to manage your time and ADHD.
  
• Why "Your no is your no”, and why you need to stop overexplaining it.
  
• How to deal with "prickly" people using the Mel Robbins "Let Them" theory.
  

Layna Castle is the Founder of a Professional Speakers Concierge Service. She works at the intersection of speaker strategy and team execution, utilizing her Ritz-Carlton training to help experts create seamless, unforgettable brand experiences. Find her connecting with event organizers and speakers on LinkedIn!

In this episode

• 00:00 - Welcome
  
• 02:23 - From Volunteering for Oprah to Supporting Shark Tank’s Creator
  
• 04:45 - Crazy, Sexy, Cool: The Delusion Required for Entrepreneurship
  
• 07:57 - The #1 Mistake Speakers Make Behind the Scenes
  
• 10:22 - Does Your Brand Experience Match a $10,000 Price Tag?
  
• 14:13 - Time-Blocking, ADHD, & The Ultimate Productivity Planner
  
• 18:26 - Ritz-Carlton Secrets to Exceptional Service
  
• 26:42 - What Event Planners Get Wrong About Hiring Speakers
  
• 32:46 - The "Let Them" Theory & Dealing with Prickly People
  
• 36:50 - Non-Negotiables: Why "Your No is Your No"
  
• 42:04 - Final Advice: You Are Stronger Than You Think
  

Take a screenshot of this episode right now and share it to your Instagram Story! Tag me and Layna, and tell us one thing you are saying a firm "NO" to this week. Hit subscribe to keep growing 1% SMARTA every day!

You do not need a title to be a leader. At the time I’m posting this, I just got my university acceptance letters.

Today, we are shattering the myth that you need a title to be a leader. I am sitting down with Dr. John L. Terry III, the "Black Belt Leader," to explore why true leadership is a discipline, not a position. As I prepare to step into my university journey in Dublin, this conversation about confidence, discipline, and purpose could not be more timely.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How to conquer the three enemies of focus: flinching, freezing, and chasing.
  
• The Black Belt Acrostic and the 10 character traits of elite leaders.
  
• Why successful people do daily what unsuccessful people do sometimes or not at all.
  
• How to apply the concept of Kaizen (never-ending improvement) to your daily life.
  

Who is Dr. John Terry, III? Dr. John is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and a three-time Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee. He blends martial arts mastery with real-world leadership strategies. You can find his work and his book, Black Belt Leadership 101, online https://www.beablackbeltleader.com/

In this episode:

• 00:00 - Welcome
  
• 02:49 - Passion, Purpose, and Intentionality
  
• 03:47 - John’s story
  
• 05:26 - Overcome The 3 Enemies of Focus: Flinching, Freezing, Chasing
  
• 07:42 - The Black Belt Acrostic & The Power of Belief
  
• 09:57 - Escape the Autopilot Trap
  
• 11:04 - Kaizen: The Pursuit of Black Belt Excellence
  
• 12:09 - The 10 Essential Character Traits of a Leader
  
• 17:51 - Earning a Black Belt is Just the Beginning
  
• 25:03 - Why You Must Fail Your Way to Success
  
• 27:31 - True Servant Leadership
  
• 32:56 - The Global Leadership Deficit
  
• 40:50 - How to Maximize Your 1,440 Minutes a Day
  
• 45:37 - Advice to His 18-Year-Old Self
  

Take a screenshot of this episode and tag me and Dr. John on your Instagram Story! Tell us one thing you are doing today to get out of your comfort zone. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation that helps you grow 1% SMARTA every day!

What if the only thing standing between you and your dream career is the courage to ask: "What is the best that can happen?"

Today, we are breaking down why consistency, enthusiasm, and authenticity will always beat perfection.

Ashley Leeds, famously known as the "15-Minute Guy," who spent 40 years as an employee, worked 30 different jobs, and finally took the leap to start his own business at the age of 55.

As I pack my bags to move in Ireland next week, Ashley’s advice on navigating major life transitions, taking leaps of faith, and ignoring the pressure of other people's opinions hits closer to home than ever.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why you should never go back to a job or situation you hated.
• How to build an undeniable personal brand on LinkedIn in just 15 minutes a day.
• The salesperson's secret to reframing rejection as a mathematical stepping stone to success.
• How to use AI for content ideation without losing your authentic human voice.
  

Who is Ashley Leeds? Ashley Leeds is a LinkedIn expert and coach who helps professionals and entrepreneurs stand out online. After a 40-year career spanning the catering and sales industries, he built a successful business teaching people how to master LinkedIn with just a 15-minute daily commitment. You can find him connecting and sharing value on LinkedIn.

In this episode:

• 00:00 - Happy 102!
  
• 02:23 - The 4 Pillars: Consistency, Enthusiasm, Belief, & Never Quitting
  
• 07:42 - Starting a Business at 55 After 30 Different Jobs
  
• 14:23 - Why You Should Always Ask: "What's the Best That Can Happen?"
  
• 19:18 - How to Handle Rejection Like a Sales Professional
  
• 22:44 - The Right Way to Co-Create with AI on Social Media
  
• 24:17 - Stop Selling: Why Transactional Networking Fails
  
• 28:18 - The 15-Minute Daily LinkedIn Routine
  
• 31:27 - Financial & Life Advice for 18-Year-Olds
  
• 34:48 - Final Advice: Stop Worrying About Everyone Else
  

If you loved Ashley’s rule of 15 minutes a day, take a screenshot of this episode right now and share it to your Instagram Story! Tag me and Ashley, and tell us one small habit you are building this year. Don't forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a conversation that helps you grow 1% smarter every day.