Path To The Main Stage Podcast

LI Hayes
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*Path to the Mainstage Podcast* is the ultimate podcast for aspiring and professional speakers. Hosted by Li Hayes, a seasoned speaker agent and coach, she and her co-hosts share expert insights, strategies, and real-world advice to help you master your craft, captivate audiences, and land high-profile speaking gigs. If you’re ready to take your speaking career to the next level, this is your roadmap to success!

  1. 6d ago

    S5 Ep. 04: The Power of Saying “No” and Scaling Your Speaking Business with Crystal Washington

    Unlock the power of saying no and scaling your speaking business! Learn how to define your worth, build sought-after expertise, and create systems that streamline your path to main stage success. In this insightful episode, Crystal Washington—Hall of Fame speaker and Forbes top 50 female futurist—shares her candid journey from corporate revenue management to global keynoter and digital marketing trailblazer. You’ll discover essential strategies for breaking into professional speaking, the pivotal role of mentorship, and how to partner with speaker bureaus to maximize your opportunities. The conversation focused on actionable ways to confidently raise your fees, leverage industry relationships, and adapt your business for a rapidly changing future. One concept discussed was the value of specialization—choosing a topic organizations actively want. A key theme that emerged was the power of “no” in building a sustainable business, as well as the importance of authenticity, generosity, and building a trusted brand amidst evolving industry trends and AI disruption. Find out why the future of speaking favors experts with real-world credibility, why speaker camaraderie is a game-changer, and why Crystal wouldn’t change a thing about her journey (hard lessons included). Episode Overview 00:00: Becoming a professional speaker—Crystal’s background and journey03:39: Taking a leap—launching a digital marketing firm and the first paid speaking gig06:59: Three accelerators: trending topics, mentorship, and systems thinking09:46: The art of saying no—why boundaries and fee integrity matter14:07: Raising your fee—when and how to level up18:17: The truth about working with speaker bureaus22:44: What is the Hall of Fame and the value of being part of NSA27:14: Crystal’s topic—futurism and strategic foresight30:48: The future of speaking—industry disruption, AI, and trust39:15: The reality behind quick-fix programs and speaker training43:51: The advice Crystal would (not) give her younger self

    S5 Ep. 04: The Power of Saying “No” and Scaling Your Speaking Business with Crystal Washington

  2. Sep 21

    S5 Ep. 02: Build A Stage-Worthy Platform with Laura Gassner Otting

    Unlock the secrets to a standout speaking career! Learn how to craft your signature voice, price your expertise, and build a stage-worthy platform—while staying true to yourself. In this energizing “Turning Point” episode, Li Hayes sits down with Laura Gassner Otting, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, top motivational speaker, and mindset coach, for a candid conversation about her unconventional path from politics and entrepreneurship to the pinnacle of professional speaking. Discover why your journey to success doesn’t have to be linear, how to engineer credibility with “jewels in the crown,” and why getting paid what you’re worth is as much about perception as performance. Laura Gassner Otting breaks down the real story behind building a speaking business, mastering the TEDx stage, setting the right fee, and leveraging both coaching and purposeful reps to build lasting impact. You'll hear heartfelt, actionable advice on crafting a life and business that work for you, developing transformational messaging, and breaking in with authority—even if you’re starting from zero. Whether you’re dreaming of your first keynote or aiming higher on the main stage, this episode will inspire you to “start your story in the middle,” experiment, and be unapologetically you as you step into the spotlight. Episode Overview00:00 Welcome, intro, and Laura Gassner Otting’s background02:22 Becoming an endurance athlete later in life04:16 Shifting from politics and corporate to entrepreneurship07:06 Building a life-first business, embracing non-linear paths09:24 First experiences on stage: confronting stage fright12:31 The turning point: TEDx, taking risks, and being coached16:03 Behind the scenes at TEDx: malleability, feedback, and transformation22:32 Getting paid: from potato hats to uncovering the pricing game25:09 Why is your rate your rate? Determining your value29:05 Leveraging credibility and “jewels in the crown”32:06 The importance of reps—and the power of coaching38:01 The real turning point: manufacturing your own experience and speaker reel45:55 Standing out in a crowded market46:28 The best advice I wish I knew at the start48:52 Wrap up and closing thoughts

    S5 Ep. 02: Build A Stage-Worthy Platform with Laura Gassner Otting

  3. Sep 7

    S5 Ep. 01: Power Habits That Fuel Success with Mike Michalowicz

    Becoming unstoppable on your speaking journey! Learn how to build a resilient speaking career, strategically increase your value, and deliver memorable presentations—no matter the audience size. In this dynamic episode, you’ll hear practical wisdom on navigating the long (and sometimes rocky) path to the main stage, as business book author and speaker Mike Michalowicz shares his real-life missteps, career-defining pivots, and the powerful habits that fuel success. Whether you’re just finding your voice or pushing to command top-tier fees, you’ll glean actionable strategies for progressing through the speaking “value ladder,” leveraging your signature work, and mastering audience engagement. The conversation explores the realities behind “overnight success,” with candid stories of empty auditoriums, last-minute travel scrambles, and adapting to unforeseen challenges. Key themes include establishing your reputation, creating opportunities by building communities, and why facilitating connection can be your secret edge. Discover the techniques behind getting your reps in, selling your ideas (and your book), and why one phenomenal keynote outshines a roster of mediocre talks. Honest, tactical, and full of golden nuggets, this episode will motivate you to keep climbing with purpose—and equip you with the tools to go further, faster. Episode Overview 00:00: The real journey behind becoming a professional speaker00:25: Mike Michalowicz’s background and achievements02:16: Struggles, imposter syndrome, and the myth of overnight success04:04: Real speaking fees and value ladders for speakers05:46: “Stages” of paid speaking and what they mean07:19: Humbling early speaking gigs and lessons learned09:17: Evolving from general expertise to being a draw11:01: The importance of showing up—no excuses13:14: Navigating travel disasters and relentless commitment17:03: Respecting the event, being ready, and staying flexible18:16: Signature books, bestseller myths, and leveraging your “hook”22:02: The power of building and facilitating communities24:28: Why promoting others helps you too26:47: The reality of rotating speakers and sharing opportunities27:56: Getting your reps: how to test and improve new material31:11: Audience engagement, physical storytelling, and “stitching” for connection40:50: Turning points, identity shifts, and pro tips for speaking at colleges43:25: Step-by-step: using college clubs to gain experience, get paid, and build credibility49:33: Leveraging university gigs for higher-profile and higher-paying opportunities51:12: The biggest lesson: master one great speech, not ten mediocre ones

    S5 Ep. 01: Power Habits That Fuel Success with Mike Michalowicz

  4. Sep 6

    S5 Ep. 00: Season 5 Preview: Secrets of Top-Earning Speakers Revealed

    Learn how top speakers made it big—and how you can too! Discover the exact steps, deliberate actions, and bold moves that propelled today’s most successful speakers to million-dollar stages. In this energizing kick-off to Season 5, Li Hayes reveals why this season is different: you’ll hear from highly accomplished, generous speakers who openly share the behind-the-scenes details—not just their spotlight moments. Get an inside look as Li Hayes previews powerful interviews with Mike Michalowicz, Laura Gassner Otting, Kevin Surrace, Jeffrey Hazlett, Joey Coleman, Donald Miller, Crystal Washington, and more. You’ll learn how these pros landed their first keynotes, the high-impact investments they made in themselves, and the strategies they use month after month to command premium fees and grow their businesses. Whether you need a push to make a bold career move or want to master the business around your speaking, this episode packs practical inspiration for every stage of your journey. Episode Overview with Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the season and what makes it unique00:40 Meet the speakers: their earnings, track records, and what you’ll learn01:23 Preview: Mike Michalowicz’s actionable strategies for booking stages01:47 Laura Gassner Otting’s bold investments in speaking02:12 Kevin Surrace’s monthly game plan for ongoing speaking success02:36 Jeffrey Hazlett on building a business around speaking03:07 Joey Coleman’s tips for working with event planners03:18 Sneak peek at surprise guests and more03:34 Wrap up and how to keep learning and connecting

    S5 Ep. 00: Season 5 Preview: Secrets of Top-Earning Speakers Revealed

  5. Aug 3

    S4 Ep. 10: Diana Castro - Elevate Your visibility and brand as a speaker

    Elevate your visibility and brand as a speaker! Learn how to create effortless, impactful content that amplifies your message—and turns your passion into career momentum. In this value-packed episode, content expert Diana Castro joins Path to the Main Stage to demystify the process of building a standout presence, from nailing your image to mastering the content creation cycle. Discover strategic tips for identifying your audience, completing the client journey “circle,” and producing a speaker reel that opens doors. Get practical advice for leveraging every platform, building an email list that’s your own personal stage, and designing authentic social content—without burnout. Diana shares her proven frameworks on content clarity, batching a year’s worth of material, and the importance of presenting yourself as the professional you aspire to be (with just the right amount of polish). Plus, you’ll hear why showing your human side creates the strongest speaker-audience bond, and how overcoming fear of rejection leads to deeper business connections. Episode Highlights: 00:00: The journey to becoming a successful speaker & content visibility02:00: Making content creation easy—for you and your audience05:27: The three essential legs of effective content07:34: Completing the client circle & building business from your content12:16: Why your image is your professional asset15:26: Authenticity vs. polish—finding your balance on camera19:33: Investing in the right speaker reel (and what not to do)22:01: How emerging speakers can create their own stages27:04: Producing a year of content in days (batching strategies)33:33: Building connection through personal storytelling and lifestyle38:05: Delegation, posting strategies, and picking your platforms41:22: Diana’s advice for new speakers—trust the process, enjoy the ride

    S4 Ep. 10: Diana Castro - Elevate Your visibility and brand as a speaker

  6. Jul 27

    S4 Ep. 09: Build a Successful Speaking and Coaching Career

    Start, grow, and love your coaching business—without endless funnels or burnout! Learn how to turn your personal expertise into a thriving coaching practice while cutting your hours, clarifying your message, and focusing on what actually generates results. In this energizing episode, discover James Allen’s “Income Intersection” framework to pinpoint your profitable niche, build genuine client connections, and avoid the costly distractions that stall most new coaches and speakers. Whether you’re just beginning your speaking journey or looking to build a more impactful coaching career, you’ll find proven strategies to maximize your productivity, attract paying clients, and design a business you truly enjoy. The conversation focused on moving beyond the hustle-and-grind mentality—revealing how efficiency, authentic client interaction, and smart priorities lead to more freedom and greater fulfillment. One concept discussed was the power of small stages and authentic offers, while a key theme that emerged was how clarity and authentic connection outshine slick tech or fancy marketing materials. Episode Overview: 00:00: Introduction and the realities of building a speaking/coaching business02:03: What you really need to succeed (hint: not endless funnels or products)05:38: Discovering your profitable expertise: the “Income Intersection” framework10:56: Do less, earn more—the mindset and habits for efficiency14:40: Productivity principles for building a six-figure business in 20 hours/week23:12: Structuring your talk: the simple “hook, story, framework” method30:06: Call-to-action strategies without “selling from stage”36:28: Advice James would give his younger self and how to start taking action39:04: How to connect with James and wrap-up

    S4 Ep. 09: Build a Successful Speaking and Coaching Career

  7. Jul 20

    S4 Ep. 08: Will AI Replace Keynote Speakers?

    Future-Proof Your Speaking Career with AI, Positioning, and Human Connection Learn how to stay ahead as a professional speaker in an AI-driven world! In this engaging episode, Li Hayes sits down with renowned “Tech Humanist” Kate O’Neill to tackle the burning question: Will AI replace speakers? You’ll find out why dynamic, deeply human skills remain irreplaceable—and how the best speakers adapt to emerging technology without losing their voice. Explore the secrets behind meaningful positioning (hint: why “two-word” positioning will set you apart), practical ways to use generative AI and research tools to level up your content and audience outreach, and how to stand out in both live and hybrid events. Kate shares her tested framework for finding your “X factor” as a speaker, why authentic relationship-building is your greatest asset, and how to keep your message relevant in a rapidly changing world. Highlights include how to blend technology with heart, future-ready tips for content creation and delivery, and the importance of presence—onstage and online. Whether you’re navigating virtual formats, trying to break the “2%” speaking barrier, or looking to keep your career thriving for the next decade, you’ll walk away with fresh insights, actionable advice, and renewed confidence. Episode Overview with Timestamps: 00:00: Introduction—big questions facing speakers in an AI era01:41: Are speakers at risk of being replaced by bots?03:14: The “seven badgers in a trench coat” problem with future of work and speaking04:46: Why the best keynote speakers are irreplaceable—and what parts are automatable05:47: Positioning: one-word vs. two-word (and why it matters more now)07:35: The resilience of live events post-Covid10:14: Hybrid, virtual, and in-person events in a climate-conscious world13:20: How to use generative AI in content creation responsibly17:22: Keeping your unique voice and trust in an AI-powered world20:19: Practical examples of using AI tools for industry research and outreach23:53: Should you add more tech to your talk? How to balance customization and universality28:51: The importance of NSA’s Influence conference for speakers30:07: Kate’s actionable “triple-circle” positioning strategy34:08: Sneak peek: Kate’s upcoming book on thriving in a weird, fast-changing world36:26: The one thing Kate would tell her younger self—and why relationships matter most40:03: Closing inspiration—keep showing up on your path to the main stage

    S4 Ep. 08: Will AI Replace Keynote Speakers?

  8. Jul 13

    S4 Ep. 07: Crafting Speaker Websites with Lauren Pibworth

    A standout speaker website isn’t just about showing off — it’s about proving your value and making it crystal clear why planners should choose you. Whether you’re building your first site or refreshing an existing one, knowing exactly who you’re marketing to and how to make their decision easy is crucial. In this insightful episode, Li Hayes sits down with Lauren Pibworth, a veteran speaker marketing expert, to uncover what truly matters most on a speaker’s website. Expect blunt, real-world advice on crafting a powerful promise statement, avoiding common contact mistakes, making your site AI-friendly, showcasing real (not fake) stage presence, and ensuring your story delivers value – not just inspiration. Fast-paced, practical, and full of tough love, this episode is a blueprint for any speaker ready to book better gigs. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Episode Introduction: Why speaker websites matter02:37 The website as your “home” and proving credibility05:05 Must-have components for a winning speaker website07:20 The #1 starting point: Clarity on audience and offering10:14 Turning your story into a marketable solution13:29 Differentiating between audiences: buyers vs. attendees14:09 Crafting a powerful promise statement vs. just listing topics19:28 What must be above the fold on your site21:32 Contact information dos and don’ts26:22 Why forms are overrated (and risky!)31:15 Additional homepage elements: logos & sizzle reel33:13 Sizzle reels: Don’t fake it—show the real you38:03 Crafting your bio (and why AI won’t save you)40:06 What to include on topic and speaking pages41:43 Making your website AI-search friendly43:29 What meeting planners need and why45:43 Lauren Pibworth’s #1 advice for starting out47:31 Closing remarks and where to learn more

    S4 Ep. 07: Crafting Speaker Websites with Lauren Pibworth
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About

*Path to the Mainstage Podcast* is the ultimate podcast for aspiring and professional speakers. Hosted by Li Hayes, a seasoned speaker agent and coach, she and her co-hosts share expert insights, strategies, and real-world advice to help you master your craft, captivate audiences, and land high-profile speaking gigs. If you’re ready to take your speaking career to the next level, this is your roadmap to success!

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