Path To The Main Stage Podcast

LI Hayes
  • 5.0 (7)
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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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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?

  4. 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

  5. Jul 6

    S4 Ep. 06: Healing Speaker Burnout with Cait Donovan

    Learn how to heal and avoid speaker burnout. On this episode of Path to the Main Stage, Li Hayes welcomes burnout expert and keynote speaker Cait Donovan, who unpacks the hidden dangers of burnout—how it sabotages your mind and career—and delivers practical, science-backed strategies to reclaim your focus and effectiveness. Discover why burnout is more than a mindset issue, how small acts like "peeing when you need to pee" can strengthen your emotional regulation, why resentment is actually your superpower, and how speakers can set boundaries to avoid falling into the resentment trap when booking gigs. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, frantic, or stuck in a loop of giving too much with too little in return, this candid conversation will give you actionable tips and a positive path forward. Episode Overview 00:00 Introduction and Cait Donovan's background 02:09 Burnout defined by the World Health Organization 04:52 How stress physically changes your brain 06:30 The medical vs. mental aspects of burnout 07:11 Early warning signs and why burnout is hard to prevent 08:57 Difference between stress and full burnout 10:04 Yoga nidra and foundational self-care techniques 13:32 The power of interoception and listening to your body 14:30 Cait Donovan's podcast: Fried the Burnout Podcast 15:52 Step-by-step recovery and the role of resentment 16:21 Patterns that lead to burnout in speakers 18:13 Early stress responses: fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and "tend and befriend" 22:15 Why your network is your best resilience tool 24:28 How resentment signals what needs to change in your business 29:33 The resentment-generosity continuum and pricing for speakers 32:41 Tuning into your body and true self-awareness 35:49 Signs you're heading for burnout and when to get support 37:09 Cait Donovan's advice for her younger self and the permission to ask for help 38:15 Episode wrap-up and key takeaways

    S4 Ep. 06: Healing Speaker Burnout with Cait Donovan

  6. Jun 29

    S4 Ep. 05: Unlocking Government Speaking Gigs with Tony Chatman

    Discover how the government could pay you more and faster than you ever thought possible! In this eye-opening episode, Li Hayes teams up with government contracting insider Tony Chatman to bust the biggest myths about working with government agencies as a professional speaker. From unlocking secret hacks for landing contracts to breaking down step-by-step how to get started, this conversation is packed with actionable insights, expert shortcuts, and the real inside scoop on accessing the world’s largest buyer of professional services. Key highlights include: How Tony Chatman’s first government gig led to over $800,000 in businessWhat certifications actually matter (and why most are free and fast)Clever ways to bypass bureaucratic bottlenecks and get paid quicklyHow to turn a single free speech into contacts at 80+ government agenciesThe most in-demand topics federal clients are searching for nowConcrete pitfalls to avoid (hint: skip the giant paperwork traps) Whether you’re exploring government as a market or ready to level up your speaking career, this episode will change the way you think about selling to the public sector. Timestamped Overview [00:00] Show open & intro to guest [02:21] Why government speaking is a goldmine—and the common roadblocks [03:11] Tony Chatman’s backstory and first foray into federal gigs [05:02] How to break in: strategies that actually work [07:14] Tony Chatman’s first paid government engagement and results [08:03] Specific steps to get started (certifications, databases, networking) [13:25] Free gigs, paid gigs, and “speed dating” with agencies [16:00] The language and topics that unlock government doors [22:25] How the money flows: contracts, micro-purchases, and SF-182 [26:04] Forms, paperwork, and breaking big fees into smaller contracts [29:34] Do agencies talk? How word-of-mouth & career moves help [33:21] Industry associations and the real conference shortcuts [34:33] Regional offices and the “local” government angle [36:56] Why you can skip the GSA Schedule (unless you’re going BIG) [38:29] How and how fast you’ll actually get paid [39:04] Becoming “uniquely qualified” and closing non-bid contracts [43:46] Tony Chatman’s #1 advice for breaking into government work today [44:50] Wrap-up and where to go for more resources

    S4 Ep. 05: Unlocking Government Speaking Gigs with Tony Chatman

  7. Jun 22

    S4 Ep. 04: What Event Planners Want with Liz Lathan

    Learn what event planners really want. In this eye-opening episode of Path to the Main Stage, Li Hayes sits down with veteran event planner and Club Ichi co-founder Liz Lathan to separate the myths from the realities of booking speaking gigs in the business events world. From unraveling the many roles of event professionals to understanding why celebrity name-dropping often doesn’t drive registrations, this conversation gives you the tactical insights you need to boost your own main stage journey. Key highlights include: Why joining the right organizations only works if you know your audience—and why networking alone isn't enough.How breakout sessions differ from main stage keynotes in terms of pay and prestige.The true value of “exposure” gigs and negotiating for value beyond just a paycheck.What planners look for on your website and why one great, clear snippet of you on stage could beat a flashy sizzle reel.Behind-the-scenes secrets from major corporate and association events, plus candid advice on publishing authority-building books without harming your brand.Liz Lathan’s decades-in-the-industry advice on connecting, influencing, and making sure you stand out with both planners and audiences. Don’t miss these actionable strategies to help you take your speaking career further, faster. Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Welcome, introductions, and Club Ichi explained 04:48 Components of event planning & the types of business events 06:18 What “call for speakers” really means and how it works 07:43 How planners actually search and select speakers 10:30 The real value of speaking for exposure 12:22 Who really picks the speakers at events? 13:02 Influence of various roles in event planning teams 14:38 Speaker showcases: how planners discover new talent 15:51 Differences between corporate and association events 18:19 Niching down: why being specific gets you hired 20:23 What planners look for on your website and demo reel 22:44 “Celebrity” vs. content: what actually drives registrations 26:21 How to get noticed if you’re not famous 28:02 Does having a book matter? The good, bad, and risky 33:01 Final advice: what Liz Lathan wishes she knew at the start 36:37 Closing remarks and wrap-up

    S4 Ep. 04: What Event Planners Want with Liz Lathan

  8. Jun 15

    S4 Ep. 03: Master the Art of Selling From the Stage with Steve Hopper

    Learn how to skyrocket your revenue by selling from the stage!  In this eye-opening episode, Steve Hopper reveals why offering value to your audience doesn't stop with your speech—and why failing to make an offer is a missed opportunity for both you and your listeners. Li Hayes dives deep with Steve Hopper on practical strategies for selling from the stage, building irresistible offers, leveraging free giveaways through funnels and QR codes, and maximizing your impact (and income) with books and live events. Whether you're just starting your speaking career or looking to level up your results, this conversation is loaded with actionable advice, confidence-building insights, and a reminder that your story matters—and your audience wants MORE. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Becoming a successful professional speaker and the importance of selling02:32 What to offer from the stage—and when you can't sell directly05:44 Capturing audience info seamlessly (QR codes & more)07:31 Building and using funnels: what makes a landing page great?12:04 What response rate should you expect from your offer?13:09 Diagnosing and improving weak offers15:24 Should you share the ‘how’ on stage—or just the ‘what’ and ‘why’?16:58 Best practices for selling books at events19:13 Should you host your own events? Pros, cons, and simple tips for success24:25 Charging for your event (or not), and how to keep costs low29:14 Final advice: start small, build confidence, and the biggest overlooked mindset for speakers32:09 The one thing Steve would tell his younger self: understanding your worth34:50 Episode outro and where to connect

    S4 Ep. 03: Master the Art of Selling From the Stage with Steve Hopper
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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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