Live Public Speaking Coaching and Q/A with Tony Taylor from 2022

Welcome to the Leaders Lead podcast, where I take you behind the scenes of my entrepreneurial journey—filled with lessons in leadership, growth, and the challenges that shape us. In this deeply personal episode, I share a candid Q&A session that followed a recent webinar, offering insights into leadership and public speaking—an essential skill for any entrepreneur. But this episode is more than just about business; it's about overcoming the personal battles that test our limits.

Recently, I faced a significant challenge when I discovered I have a chronic illness that affected my cognitive abilities. I had to relearn how to communicate effectively, how to speak succinctly, and how to lead even when my own voice felt uncertain. During this episode, you might notice that I spoke more slowly than usual. To be completely honest, as soon as the show was over, I forgot almost everything that was asked during the Q&A.

Initially, I was embarrassed to share this. My ego kept telling me that I had lost the right to help others with their voice because I was slowly losing mine. This was a really tough moment for me. Knowing how to lead is one thing, but doing it while grappling with a brain that isn’t cooperating is another challenge entirely. However, I realized that taking my own advice, being vulnerable, and sharing my struggles is part of what makes me a stronger leader.

I’m sharing this episode not for sympathy, but to keep myself accountable—just as I encourage my friends in our community of introverted speakers to do. I'm proud of the progress I've made, and though it's been quite a ride, I continue to push forward.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Entrepreneurial leadership: How mastering public speaking can elevate your business and personal brand, even in the face of personal challenges.
• Overcoming public speaking anxiety: Practical tips for entrepreneurs who struggle with stage fright or anxiety during presentations, especially when dealing with health issues.
• Leadership communication: Why clear and confident communication is vital for entrepreneurial success, and how to achieve it when your cognitive abilities are tested.
• Empowering introverted entrepreneurs: Strategies for leveraging your introversion to become a stronger, more effective leader, even when facing personal battles.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply looking to improve your leadership skills, this episode provides actionable advice to help you communicate your vision, inspire your team, and grow your business—no matter the challenges you face.

If you’d like support on your own journey, visit speakuniversity.org or reach out to me directly at info@tonytaylorinspires.com. I help amazing people all over the world who not only have a fear of speaking but want to create something special by using their voice. Many of the people in our community are corporate leaders and business owners who have a calling to tell their story. Join us, and let’s create something extraordinary together.

Join me on the Leaders Lead podcast as I share the real, unfiltered experiences of entrepreneurship, including the struggles that test us and the pivotal moments that shape us as leaders. Subscribe now to follow my journey, learn from my successes and failures, and gain insights that can help you lead your own venture to new heights.

Keywords: entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial leadership, overcoming personal challenges, public speaking for entrepreneurs, overcoming public speaking anxiety, leadership communication, introverted entrepreneurs, chronic illness, business growth.