Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking for Women

Carol Cox
Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking for Women

More and more women are making an impact by starting businesses, running for office, and speaking up for what matters. Whether you want to craft a business presentation, a keynote, a workshop, or a TEDx talk, you’ll learn how to create compelling content, pitch conferences and organizations, and persuasively communicate your message to your audience. Listen in as Carol Cox, entrepreneur, and speaker, and TV Democratic political analyst, interviews and coaches purpose-driven women to shape their message, grow their companies, and become recognized as influencers in their field. Are you ready to create an impactful brand and signature talk to support your business and empower others in a transparent and transformational way to change the experience of women in business, at work, and in leadership? This is Speaking Your Brand - your place to learn how to persuasively communicate your message to your audience.

  1. FEB 3

    424: Evolving Your Brand is a Must: How to Align Who You Are, Even the Messy Parts

    We hear all the time that we should “reinvent” ourselves to stay relevant. Or that we should ignore or dismiss aspects of our careers that no longer seem to “fit” with what we’re doing now. I’m not sure we can truly “reinvent” ourselves, nor should we. Instead, we should embrace how we evolve over time - and actually seek out ways to challenge ourselves to evolve! In this episode, Diane Diaz, our lead speaking coach, joins me for a lively and insightful conversation about the difference between reinvention and evolution. We explore why embracing your full self - quirks, career twists, and even those moments that feel “messy” - is essential for authenticity and personal branding. Diane shares how her Ironman journey continues to influence her life, even years later, and I reflect on bringing my tech background into Speaking Your Brand’s evolution. You’ll learn: Why “reinvention” might not be the right word (and why evolution feels more authentic) The importance of challenging yourself - even when it feels uncomfortable How to embrace all aspects of your past, from childhood passions to career pivots, to shape your personal brand What saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities (hello, comedy sets!) can do for your growth   This episode is full of personal stories and actionable takeaways to help you think about what’s next for you. Whether it’s launching a podcast, tackling public speaking, delivering a TEDx talk, or simply trying something new, it’s never too late to evolve. This episode was filmed in one of the beautiful studios on the campus of Full Sail University, where Diane and I have been teaching business and marketing classes since 2009. Watch the video episode (you’ll love it, including some behind the scenes!) at https://youtu.be/718HGeeKr20   Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction: Reinvention vs. Evolution – Are You Challenging Yourself? [00:25] Behind the Scenes: Filming at Full Sail University [01:15] Why Evolution is More Authentic Than Reinvention [02:33] Embracing Your Full Self in Your Personal Brand [04:19] Diane’s Ironman Journey: Lessons That Still Resonate [06:48] Carol’s Career Evolution: From Tech to Speaking Your Brand [08:46] The Role of Adaptability in Personal and Professional Growth [10:36] Saying Yes to Unexpected Opportunities (Diane’s Comedy Set!) [12:21] The Importance of Enjoying the Process Over Perfection [13:02] Closing Thoughts: What’s Your Next Challenge?   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/424/ Watch the video of this episode at https://youtu.be/718HGeeKr20 Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Join us at our B.O.L.D. Brand Intensive Retreat in London in Summer 2025: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/london/  Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/  Dr. Nicole Rochester = https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-rochester-md/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 417: The 3 Key Elements for Your Transformational Personal Brand Episode 408: Connecting Your Personal Brand and Your Thought Leadership Episode 329: From Compelled to Take Action to TEDx Speaker with Dr. Nicole Rochester Episode 98: Expanding Your Personal Story into a Universal Message with Dr. Nicole Rochester

    15 min
  2. 12/09/2024

    423: Feeling Stuck or at a Plateau with Your Brand or Visibility? It's Time to Break the Rules

    Are you feeling stuck or stagnant, bored and burnt out creating the same-old content?  Or maybe you’re enjoying the content you’re creating and the topics you speak about, but you’ve hit a plateau. Your business isn’t growing, speaking opportunities aren’t growing, and most importantly you’re not growing. Your business and opportunities will only grow if you’re stretching and growing yourself. In order to do that, we have to break some rules; rules that make us feel safe, comfortable, and validated. Now, I’m not really a rule follower, I call myself a rule-bender. This is why I’m always thinking and looking at ways to challenge the status quo. In this episode, you’ll hear 3 rules you should consider breaking and why and how to do it. I also have a big change, a rule I’m breaking, that I’ll share with you at the end, along with the ways you can work with us in 2025.   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/423/  Join our email newsletter: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/join/  Enroll in our online Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Attend our 1-day 10x Your Speaking workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop/  Join us at our B.O.L.D. Brand Intensive Retreat in London in Summer 2025: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/london/  Connect with me on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in Awe with Julia Korn Episode 421: 100x Your Speaking in a Day: Insights from Our Recent In-Person Workshop Episode 417: The 3 Key Elements for Your Transformational Personal Brand Episode 416: The Secret to Authentic Connection with Your Audiences is Your Brand Voice with Ashleigh Harvey

    23 min
  3. 12/02/2024

    422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in Awe with Julia Korn

    Have you ever attended a keynote that truly wowed you—one that stood out, engaged the audience, and provided an unforgettable experience? Let’s face it, most keynotes do the job, but very few deliver that multidimensional magic. In today’s episode, I sit down with Julia Korn, the founder and CEO of The Authenticity Guide and a recent client.  We worked closely together to create her new keynote, from the content to the magic touches that made it a 10 out of 10. How did she do it? That’s what we’re diving into! We explore: The step-by-step process Julia used to land her keynote slot a year in advance (hint: proactive pitching matters!). Why the concept of a Personal Board of Directors became the winning topic that resonated with her audience. How Julia and I worked together to create a keynote that went beyond content to deliver an experience, including interactive elements like a creative game show featuring Oprah, Yoda, and even Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg! The importance of storytelling and vulnerability, including how Julia captivated her audience with her personal story of a career demotion—and even laid flat on the stage to drive her point home.   We also discuss the work that goes into crafting a stellar keynote: Balancing humor, audience engagement, and actionable takeaways. Collaborating with AV teams to nail the technical elements. Hiring a videographer to capture powerful moments for future sizzle reels.   Julia shares the audience’s reactions, from laughter to tears, and how her keynote set a transformative tone for the rest of the conference. She also provides valuable tips for speakers who want to make a lasting impact, whether they’re on a keynote stage or pitching their next big speaking opportunity.   About My Guest: Julia Korn is the founder and CEO of The Authenticity Guide, an executive coaching company focused on empowering ambitious leaders to find success without sacrificing joy. Julia is a self-described recovering perfectionist. She has been named a Business Insider Most Innovative Coach and she is also a Contributor to Forbes. She has been featured on BBC World News, Fox Business News, and more. Her recent TEDx talk, Break Up With “Should” In Your Career was named a TED Editors Pick of the year. In 2024, she launched the first of its kind community just for female emerging leaders, called The Emerging Leader Collective. Her greatest creation of all, however, is her two-year-old daughter.    Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/422/  Julia’s website: https://www.theauthenticityguide.com/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Attend our 1-day speaking workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop/  Check out our coaching programs: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/ Join us in London for our B.O.L.D. Brand Intensive Retreat in Summer 2025: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/london/    Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Julia Korn (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakorn/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 393: The Kind of Speakers that Get the Best Feedback and Referrals Episode 392: Why I No Longer "Teach from the Stage" Episode 345: Elevate Your Audience Engagement Skills with These Proven Strategies with Katie Anderson

    36 min
  4. 11/25/2024

    421: 100x Your Speaking in a Day: Insights from Our Recent In-Person Workshop

    Have you ever wondered how you can improve your speaking skills and truly connect with your audience? I’m joined by Wendy McManus and Tara Lassiter, who recently attended our 1-day in-person speaking workshop in Orlando, Florida. They share their stories, lessons learned, and the transformations they experienced, all within a single day. We talk about: Why in-person workshops provide a unique opportunity to grow as a speaker. The power of immediate feedback and how it helps you identify habits you didn’t realize you had. How improv exercises can help you loosen up, step out of your comfort zone, and have fun while learning. Why storytelling is the heart of impactful presentations—and how to use “active storytelling” with your voice and body. The surprising stories we’re most reluctant to share—and why they often resonate the most with audiences. Personal anecdotes from Wendy and Tara about the challenges and breakthroughs they had during the workshop.   Key Takeaways: Practice Makes Progress: Speaking more frequently and getting feedback in the moment accelerates your growth. Own Your Story: The stories you might hesitate to share can create the deepest connections. Be Intentional: From movement on stage to vocal variety, deliberate choices make your delivery more impactful. Play and Learn: Don’t underestimate the value of play, from improv to dancing—because growth can be fun too!   About My Guests: Wendy McManus is a leadership coach specializing in helping newer people managers build their confidence and skills as leaders. She’s passionate about storytelling as a tool for connection and growth. Tara Lassiter is a brand strategist and ghostwriter with a background in on-air modeling at QVC. Her mission is to help others break through barriers and create representation in the business world. Our next 1-day Speaking Workshop is on February 27, 2025, in Downtown Orlando, Florida! If you’re ready to accelerate your growth as a speaker, gain hands-on feedback, and have a lot of fun, this is your chance. Learn more and grab your spot at https://www.SpeakingYourBrand.com/workshop.    Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/421/  Video from the live show: https://youtube.com/live/HMhIr041IOg Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Attend our 1-day speaking workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop/  Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Join us in London for our B.O.L.D. Brand Intensive Retreat in Summer 2025: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/london/    Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Tara Lassiter (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/taralassiter/  Wendy McManus (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-mcmanus/

    28 min
  5. 11/18/2024

    420: Finding and Developing Your Big I.D.E.A. [Best Of]

    Today’s episode it’s all about finding and developing your Big Idea for your thought leadership and public speaking. Ideas are incredibly powerful; they can live on for years, centuries, even millennia. Ideas spark movements for political and social change. Ideas help us as humans understand ourselves, each other, and the world around us Your idea doesn’t have to be something people have never heard of before; that’s unlikely as most things have been talked about before - and that’s ok! As a speaker, you want to have something interesting and unique to talk about, you want to make a positive impact on your audience, and you want to develop your thought leadership Perhaps you’re not sure what makes a good idea or which of your ideas is the best one. It all feels a bit messy and muddy. That’s what I’m going to help you with in this episode! Think of me as your idea whisperer. You’ll learn: What a Big Idea is Why too many speakers get stuck with superficial content How to identify your I.D.E.A. using this handy acronym I came up with Examples of Big Ideas from myself, from some of our clients, and from thought leaders you’ll recognize Specific questions you can ask yourself to get started developing your Big Idea Get these questions and a lot more in our 24-page FREE guide and workbook on Developing Your Thought Leadership at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/. This episode originally aired as episode 354 on November 6, 2023.   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/354/  Get our free Thought Leadership guide and workbook: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 352: 7 Things the Best Speakers Do: My Takeaways from TEDWomen Episode 343: Why YOU are the Messenger for Your Idea and Audience Episode 339: Using Public Speaking to Influence Social Change with Tanya Golash-Boza, PhD Episode 338: Escaping the Expert Trap: From Academic Presenter to Sought-After Speaker with Teri DeLucca Episode 319: The 3 Stages We Go Through as Women When We Use Our Voice

    22 min
  6. 11/11/2024

    419: Using Your Voice and Story for Business Impact with Michelle Massman

    In this episode, our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz speaks with Michelle Massman, a longtime entrepreneur and graduate of our Thought Leader Academy, who shares her journey from “stuck” to “unstoppable” through storytelling and public speaking. You’ll hear Michelle’s candid stories—from launching unexpected ventures like The Culinary Studio to her partnership with a music group—that reveal her resilience and passion for following her intuition. As Diane and Michelle discuss the power of sharing vulnerable stories, Michelle opens up about the anxiety she’s faced and how she’s turned her experiences into speaking topics that resonate deeply with her audiences. Her frameworks, including From Stuck to Unstoppable and Passion to Profit, provide practical steps for anyone feeling stuck or seeking more clarity and confidence. Michelle’s story is a reminder that by saying “yes” to opportunities, connecting with the right people, and being willing to share your authentic self, you can create incredible impact and growth for both yourself and others. Diane and Michelle talk about: Finding clarity on the message you want to share and ways to bring your unique story to life Connecting with audiences authentically by sharing vulnerable, relatable experiences Understanding the power of frameworks and storytelling to guide and engage listeners Gaining inspiration to overcome obstacles and embrace your next speaking opportunity About Our Guest: Michelle Massman has been a visionary entrepreneur for over 30 years and knew, even as a teen, that she wanted to own a business someday. After working at a few (ok several) jobs, she realized she didn’t like being told what to do, and didn’t like managing people. So she started her business and loved it! She has guided, launched, directed and overhauled everything from small start up ventures to multi-million dollar private companies, consulted with hundreds of people in the areas of entrepreneurship, marketing, brand partnerships, event production, and music management, and weathered failures and missteps that have given her experience and knowledge that she uses to help her clients sidestep them. Michelle’s sweet spot, as a problem solver, connector, advocate, and persuasive force, is the ability to jump into any problem and help find the best solution while helping her clients access the knowledge they need to get unstuck in their business.    Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/419/  Michelle’s website: https://www.michellemassman.com/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/  Michelle Massman (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massman-6629236/

    40 min
  7. 11/06/2024

    418: Our Thoughts on the 2024 Election Results: Here We Are Once Again

    The election clearly did not go the way many of us wanted. I was on the TV news once again on Election Night and the morning after. The outcome wasn't the shock it was in 2016, but it's profoundly disappointing. Join me and Diane Diaz for this conversation on our thoughts and how we’re moving forward (recorded on Wednesday, November 6 at 11 am EST). We too are sad and frustrated but we also want to remind you of the power of your voice and your community. It's easy to jump to the conclusion that America won't elect a woman as president or that voters don't care about women's rights. Two things to keep in mind. First, in both Missouri and Arizona (as well as other states - both blue and red - since the Dobbs decision in 2022), amendments passed to counter very restrictive abortion laws. Unfortunately, in Florida where I live, a similar amendment did not pass because Florida requires 60% and the amendment got 57% (a similar percentage as in the other states). A healthy majority of voters, both men and women, agree that women's reproductive rights are essential. Second, it was a *very* close race. Kamala Harris only had 100 days to do what most presidential candidates have 2 years to do: introduce herself to the American people, talk about the issues she would focus on as president, and contrast herself not only with her opponent but also with the incumbent (Biden) in an era of anti-incumbency sentiment. Harris ran a nearly flawless campaign and I believe she simply ran out of time.  Hang in there. Your voice matters and the work you do matters.   About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.  Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/418/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Join us in London for our B.O.L.D. Brand Intensive Retreat Summer 2025: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/london/  Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 406: Authenticity and Owning Your Story as Women with a Public Voice with Jennifer Adams and Sarah Henry Episode 191: Women in Politics and the Public Sphere with Rep. Anna K. Eskamani

    23 min
  8. 11/04/2024

    417: The 3 Key Elements for Your Transformational Personal Brand

    We’re diving into what makes a personal brand truly transformational. If you’re working to build a brand that’s memorable and impactful, whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone looking to expand your influence, this episode is for you. In this episode, I share three essential elements that go into creating a transformational personal brand: being remembered, relevant, and relational  I’ll walk you through how to identify what makes you unique, why staying in tune with trends matters, and how building genuine connections can fuel your brand’s growth. Here’s a peek at what we’ll cover: Why "Transformational"? - Your brand isn’t just about what you do; it’s about who you are and how you show up—even when you’re not in the room. It’s a combination of your expertise, values, and the mission you’re passionate about. We’ll talk about what it means to have a brand that inspires change and how that can elevate both you and your audience. Be Remembered - People remember those who make an impact. I’ll share some personal stories, including an unexpected moment at a political fundraiser where I reconnected with someone from years ago because I was memorable. I’ll guide you on how to make sure people think of you when they talk about topics related to your mission and values. Stay Relevant - We’re in a fast-changing world, and it’s critical to adapt. I’ll explain why I’ve been deeply involved with AI, how this aligns with my mission, and why being relevant means more than just following trends—it’s about resonating with what matters in today’s society. Build Relational Connections - Relationships are the heartbeat of a strong personal brand. I’ll discuss why building offline relationships can be just as powerful (if not more) than online connections and share tips for growing a network that helps keep your brand top of mind.   Plus, I’ve created a free workbook to help you start building your transformational personal brand. You can download it at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/personalbrand/.   I hope this episode inspires you to think about what makes your brand transformational, to make sure your message isn’t just heard, it’s remembered and felt.   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/417/  Download the free personal brand workbook that goes with this episode: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/personalbrand/  Apply for our B.O.L.D. Brand Intensive retreat in London Summer 2025: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/london/  Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Connect on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox   Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 416: The Secret to Authentic Connection with Your Audiences is Your Brand Voice with Ashleigh Harvey Episode 410: 7 Essential Questions for Your Brand Story with Elayne Fluker Episode 408: Connecting Your Personal Brand and Your Thought Leadership

    17 min
4.8
out of 5
123 Ratings

About

More and more women are making an impact by starting businesses, running for office, and speaking up for what matters. Whether you want to craft a business presentation, a keynote, a workshop, or a TEDx talk, you’ll learn how to create compelling content, pitch conferences and organizations, and persuasively communicate your message to your audience. Listen in as Carol Cox, entrepreneur, and speaker, and TV Democratic political analyst, interviews and coaches purpose-driven women to shape their message, grow their companies, and become recognized as influencers in their field. Are you ready to create an impactful brand and signature talk to support your business and empower others in a transparent and transformational way to change the experience of women in business, at work, and in leadership? This is Speaking Your Brand - your place to learn how to persuasively communicate your message to your audience.

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