Andre-A Guyton
By Clint Pulver, CSP, CPAE Eight years ago, I walked away from the security of a steady paycheck. People thought I was crazy. I had a good job, benefits, and what many would call a stable life. But deep down, I wasn’t living—I was existing. A quote by Oscar Wilde haunted me: “To live is … Read more
By Amanda Gore, CSP, CPAE, Global Speaking Fellow BE YOURSELF! So often when I present to speakers, they come up to me afterwards and say, “Thank you for giving me permission to be myself on stage!” I really understand now – but I didn’t earlier in my career! My mentor, Michael Grinder, the world’s leading … Read more
By Brian Walter, CSP, CPAE, Cavett Award Recipient Okay, the words “Clooney” and “paparazzi” in this headline may seem to go together. But…genocide? Yet if you do what I do, and search online for old media stories, you’d discover an amazing insight on how to make our speeches more “sticky.” This insight came from a … Read more
By Maura Nevel Thomas, MBA, CSP The final lessons I’ve collected on building a thriving speaking business involve strategic growth and cultivating the professional relationships that continue to sustain me. These lessons include smart referrals, increasing rates with confidence, staying relevant, and engaging meaningfully with our professional community—all while maintaining the personal well-being that makes … Read more
By Maura Nevel Thomas, MBA, CSP Once you’ve considered the foundational items covered in Part 1, the focus shifts to creating efficient systems and strategic market positioning. This section covers the operational backbone lessons that enabled my growth —from systematizing my processes to mastering client qualification, pricing strategies, and even travel logistics. These lessons helped … Read more
By Maura Nevel Thomas, MBA, CSP This has been on my mind for years. I entered this business as a trainer, taking lessons I had learned from my decade in the productivity space. The first paid workshop I delivered was a “lunch and learn” for a state government office in 2006, where I earned $100. … Read more
By Crystal Washington, CSP, CPAE I owe you an apology. As the person who introduced using “pineapples” in place of quoting actual numbers when I hosted the NSA podcast—I know you’re groaning—I think it’s time we have a candid discussion about speaker fees in 2025. First, I must share that I’m writing from the perspective … Read more
By Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE One of the highest compliments a speaker can receive is being invited back to present for the same client. It validates that you weren’t just good, but good enough—or should I say amazing enough—to be invited back. Who doesn’t love that? But there’s another compliment that’s almost just as good, … Read more
By Cliff Quicksell, CSP, MAS+ Nearly two decades ago, I had the pleasure of hearing a dynamic speaker, Jim Tunney, CPAE, Cavett Award Recipient. Jim was a former NFL referee and spoke on the topic of reinvention and change – it was spectacular. During his presentation he uttered this statement which has become the central … Read more
By Mark Sanborn, CSP, CPAE, Cavett Award Recipient “Hello, and thanks, Bob, for that great introduction. Really, I appreciate it. You read it just like I wrote it..ha ha! And good to be here with you tonight. Dinner was really good. Did you enjoy it? If you did, let’s give a round of applause to … Read more