“Ultimately, you don’t need to have any certification. You need to have some level of experience where you can speak authentically and congruent. It’s gotta be congruent with how you feel about your knowledge.”

Clinton Young knows what it’s like to hit rock bottom—and how to turn that experience into fuel for an inspiring speaking career. After losing his business and confidence during the 2008 financial crisis, everything shifted thanks to a tough-love moment at a seminar and a game-changing podcast episode. Now, as a sought-after speaker and coach, Clinton helps others build clarity, confidence, and the systems they need to get booked and paid to speak.

Clinton’s secret sauce? It’s all about systems—the thing that separates hobby speakers from true professionals. Instead of trying to talk to everyone about everything, he challenges speakers to focus on what they’re great at (credibility), what fires them up (excitability), and where the real opportunities are (profitability). The biggest thing that holds most people back? Imposter syndrome. Clinton’s quick to remind us that even the best feel uncertain sometimes, but the key is taking action anyway—and shifting the focus from your own nerves to the people you’re there to serve.

Success in speaking isn’t about waiting for gigs to magically appear—you’ve got to have a clear system, a focused message, and the drive to keep showing up. Clinton’s story is proof that when you ditch the “someday” mindset and get serious about building the right framework, you can turn speaking into a real, thriving career—no matter where you’re starting from.

You’ll learn:

• The importance of systems in speaking
• Overcoming limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome
• Managing nerves and the psychological side of speaking
• How to identify audiences and topics
• A framework for finding your niche
• Understanding and establishing credibility
• Building relationships with event organizers
• How to stand out among other speakers
• And much, much more!

“And by far, in my opinion, the biggest thing that stops people is ourselves. It’s our own limiting beliefs around, “Can we get paid?”

Episode Resources

• Clinton’s Website
• 2 Day Booked & Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“When we’re intentional about pursuing our dreams, that’s when we can see things more clearly. Because most of the time we get so busy in the everyday that we don’t take time for those things. And those things are not just going to happen, right?”

Amy Burton, a once-high school Spanish and theater teacher turned powerhouse speaker, is redefining the classroom experience for educators everywhere. Broadcasting from the chilly terrains of Alaska, Amy is here to offer her inspirational journey from the classroom to the stage.

Having successfully transitioned from homeschooling her neurodivergent children to running not one, but two impactful businesses, Amy shares how her inherent love for those "aha moments" in teaching guided her to a career in speaking. In this episode, Amy dives into the nitty-gritty of translating her passion into practical impact, highlighting how she uses her expertise to coach educators on reducing stress and conflict in classrooms through understanding the brain's workings.

Join us as Amy talks about the challenges and triumphs of embracing one's gifts, the raw truth about pursuing something bigger than yourself despite the fears, and why starting small can be powerful. Whether you're curious about breaking into the speaking world or looking for inspiration to take the next step in your own journey, Amy’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, intentional growth, and the courage to follow your passion. Tune in for practical insights, empowering moments, and a few chuckles as Amy shines a light on the path to pursuing your true calling!

You’ll learn:

• Coaching techniques to improve classroom environments
• Overcoming personal hurdles
• How to diversify speaking opportunities
• Utilizing virtual platforms due to geographic limitations
• The importance of mentorship and guidance
• About recognizing effort as a key driver of success
• And much, much more!

“Where I am now isn’t where I’m going to be, but where I am now is a benefit to where I want to be.”

Episode Resources

• Amy’s Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Travel Hacks Every Speaker Should Know with Chris Hutchins

“If you don’t want to play the sign up bonus game, optimize where you’re spending but always be getting more than 2x on everything.”

Navigating the world of travel optimization can feel overwhelming, but our guest this week, Chris Hutchins, is here to break it all down. Chris, host of the All the Hacks podcast, is a master of the travel hacking world and joins us to share his insights on making the most of your travel experiences, especially as a frequent speaker.

Chris dives into the importance of loyalty when it comes to earning coveted airline miles and hotel upgrades. By picking a favorite and sticking with it, you can unlock perks that make travel more enjoyable and often less expensive. Additionally, he discusses the evolution of earning points through credit card spend and how it's shifted the landscape of travel rewards, making it more accessible for those who play the game strategically.

Whether it’s snagging an elusive flight upgrade or scoring a better hotel room, Chris shares practical tips and personal anecdotes on optimizing travel through smart credit card use and award booking strategies. He breaks down the value of different loyalty programs, encouraging you to think about where you fly most often and aligning your strategy accordingly.

In this episode, Chris also explores the world of airport lounges and rental cars, offering hacks on how to gain access without necessarily spending a fortune. Plus, his unique perspective on balancing the allure of points with the practicality of cashback offers valuable insights for anyone looking to travel smarter. Listen in and discover how small shifts in your travel planning can lead to big rewards both personally and professionally!

You’ll learn:

• The importance of travel optimization for speakers
• Why loyalty matters for gaining travel rewards
• How to adapt to changes in loyalty programs
• Strategies for maximizing loyalty programs
• Points and miles optimization
• Psychological impact of using points versus cash
• Methods for securing upgraded flights and hotel stays
• The best ways to get access to airport lounges
• Chris’ travel tips and hacks
• And much, much more!

“You could have top tier status with every hotel and every airline without ever spending one night in any of them.”

Episode Resources

• Chris’ Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.