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!