Path To The Main Stage Podcast

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) forIf 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 Overview00:00: 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!

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

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 Overview00:00: 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

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 Timestamps00:00 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

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