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. 2d ago

    S5 Ep. 05: Become The Most Interesting Speaker In The Room

    Supercharge your speaking career with practical wisdom from the main stage! Learn how to earn your spot as a professional speaker, stand out in a crowded field, and turn every keynote into ongoing opportunity. This energetic episode dives deep into the realities of building a thriving speaking business—from honing your craft and developing a signature style, to maximizing your value beyond the stage. Path to the Mainstage welcomes Jeffrey Hayzlett, accomplished Fortune 100 C-suite executive, sought-after keynote speaker, TV host, and business leader, who pulls back the curtain on his journey and shares honest, actionable advice. Explore the difference between celebrity and subject matter expertise, discover how to price your speeches for long-term growth, and hear why “knowing your stuff” and delivering with authenticity truly set the pros apart. The conversation highlights the importance of continuous practice, serving your clients, expanding your influence through social media, and building meaningful sponsor relationships. Plus, get candid insights on why originality matters, how to avoid industry pitfalls, and what it really takes—beyond the hype—to create a sustainable business as a speaker. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to elevate your status, this episode is packed with strategies, inspiration, and a little tough love to help you thrive on—and off—the stage. Episode Overview Introduction & Jeffrey Hayzlett’s background 00:00Reflections on iconic marketing campaigns and career milestones 01:00Breaking into the speaking business: early influences and learning from legends 04:00The importance of refining your keynote and earning your chops 06:00Pathways: celebrity speakers, subject matter experts, and rising talent 06:25Steps to move from unpaid gigs to getting noticed by strangers 08:00Keys to being a sought-after speaker: expertise, delivery, and reputation 09:02Essential investments and learning from other speakers, preachers, and comedians 12:12Why authenticity and service elevate you (and the importance of the “extras”) 16:00Pricing strategy, value, and using speaking as a business tool or main business 18:22The truth about “million-dollar” speakers and the industry reality check 22:26Innovative sponsorship strategies and integrating brands 24:15The role of social media, building your own style, and dealing with attention (and haters) 28:15Hard truths, pitfalls, and why you must be original 32:25Final advice: humility, gratitude, and sending the elevator back down 34:33

    S5 Ep. 05: Become The Most Interesting Speaker In The Room

  2. Oct 19

    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

  3. Oct 5

    S5 Ep. 03: Build a Keynote Career Based on Joy

    Unlock the main stage with joy, customization, and authenticity! Learn how to break into keynote speaking, deliver unforgettable talks, and build a thriving business as Li Hayes chats with Silicon Valley innovator and futurist Kevin Surace. In this refreshingly honest episode, you’ll discover what it really takes to stand out as a speaker, from customizing every presentation for your audience to bringing pure joy and energy to the stage. Kevin Surace shares why attitude trumps nerves, how AI is transforming presentation prep, and the importance of building credibility, practicing relentlessly, and treating speaking like a real business. Plus, get an inside look at the realities of rates, bureaus, TEDx talks, and why loving the craft is non-negotiable for long-term success. Hear practical advice on: Using pre-event calls to truly connect and customize for your clientsLeveraging AI for stellar slides and research without losing the human touchSetting your fees unapologetically and running your speaking career as a businessWhy joy—and limiting complaints—is the greatest driver of impact and longevityHonest insights on who keynote speaking is (and isn’t) for If you’re aiming for the main stage or wondering how to elevate your speaking, this interview is your candid roadmap to the top—delivered with a dose of joy and plenty of laughter. Episode Overview 00:00: Introduction and Kevin Surace’s story02:31: Journey to paid speaking—sales, theatre, and TV roots05:19: Customizing every keynote & client conversations08:03: The bureau vs. direct booking landscape09:29: Deep dive: Customization, AI tools, and slide creation13:39: Audience size, nerves, and the secret to great delivery16:57: Fees, rates, and learning from TEDx23:21: Authority, uniqueness, and the path to credibility31:04: “The Joy Success Cycle” and the power of attitude39:59: Final advice—treat it as a business, lead with joyListen in and get inspired to light up your next stage!

    S5 Ep. 03: Build a Keynote Career Based on Joy

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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