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There were seven people sitting around the table in the aftermath of this ransomware infection: the CEO, the VP, the CFO, the Special Agent from the FBI, the business owner, the forensics technician, and the company’s CISO (Chief Information Security Officer). “Don’t pay,” was the CEO’s vote. The VP agreed with him. “Pay it,” was … Read more
When you take the stage, you offer more than just a message—you offer yourself. Your story, your experiences, and your viewpoint matter. However, we often get distracted by the details: the slides, the gestures, the script. While these elements have value, they do not truly engage your audience. What truly connects is your authenticity—the moments … Read more
Recently, I sat in the audience for a keynote that felt like a relic from another era—like 2010 had somehow crept back onto the main stage. The PowerPoint slides were oldschool, the speaker lacked energy, the information was basic, and worst of all, there were almost no actionable takeaways. The experience was frustrating because this … Read more
Do you ever feel like you’re “stuck” in your speaking business? You’re doing all the right things, yet you can’t seem to break out of the old “same old, same old.” We’ve all been there. Even I’ve been there. That’s right, Marvelless Mark wasn’t always so Marvelless. I grew up Mark Kamp, a poor Missouri … Read more
When I first started my speaking business, I wasn’t exactly rolling in resources. My budget was tight, my network was small, and referrals weren’t exactly pouring in. What I did have, though, was a phone, a whole lot of grit, and a genuine desire to help people who could benefit from the programs I offered. … Read more
As a seasoned professional in the speaking industry, I’ve learned that the key to success lies not just in what you say on stage, but in how you position yourself to get there in the first place. Speaking at trade association and professional society meetings is a goldmine for getting in front of business and … Read more
When it comes to growing a successful speaking business, there’s a critical truth that many speakers learn the hard way: it’s tough to go it alone. We’ve learned valuable lessons about creating a successful partnership, not just from our own journey together, but also from interviewing numerous accomplished NSA members running different types of speaking … Read more
Does this scenario sound familiar? You step onto the stage, your heart pounding, beads of sweat start a sprint across your forehead, and your stomach flutters. Butterflies. Pre-speech jitters can be off-putting and stimulating whether you’re a first-timer or delivering your five-thousandth keynote. Disturbing and energizing. Unnerving and invigorating. Here’s the truth behind this oxymoronic … Read more
As a speaker, it’s not just about delivering information; it’s about creating an experience that lingers with your audience long after the presentation ends. Emotional intelligence (EQ), particularly the elements of social awareness and empathy, can be the difference between a forgettable talk and a message that truly resonates. When speakers can read the room, … Read more
These days, with the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, asking others “What’s your favorite app?” is starting to be almost more commonplace among speakers than the “What do you speak on?” question. The explosion of AI technology into the hands of the average user has us all jumping at the ‘latest and greatest’ apps … Read more
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Rob Ferre
Member since 2015
It's been awesome to see exactly what NSA has done to create a great hybrid virtual experience and also making sure that everyone feels safe in this environment while producing great content.
Helen Turnbull
PhD, CSP, Global Speaking Fellow, Member since 2007
I’m delighted that I could still be a part of Winter Conference even though I was at home and I still had so many takeaways.
Lisa Koenecke
Member since 2020
I love the variety, I love the level. I love the content that's happening. As a new speaker, it's giving me lots of ideas on how to scale my business and seeing people that I've heard about for so long.