The Speaker Lab Podcast

“...hustle and hard work might get you past a certain project or deadline, but then habits will help you last over the long haul, right? So build a business that doesn’t ultimately break you over time.” What does it take to build a speaking business and a life that lasts? In this week’s episode of The Speaker Lab, host Grant Baldwin sits down with his longtime friend Chris Ducker, who just released his new book, The Long-Haul Leader. Together, they dig into the real strategies behind sustainable success, steering clear of the non-stop hustle that risks burnout. Chris shares candid insights from his entrepreneurial journey and research, emphasizing that while hustle is required in the early days, you can’t stay in high gear forever. Instead, he champions the power of habits, boundaries, and honest self-care, arguing that protecting your energy is more important than squeezing every last minute from your calendar. The episode is packed with valuable advice: how to recognize burnout before it hits, why recovery is a competitive edge, and how to make sure your business supports your life, not the other way around. If you’ve ever wondered how to chase big goals without losing yourself along the way, don’t miss this conversation, and check out Chris’s new book for even more practical wisdom on becoming a true long-haul leader! You’ll learn: * Building lasting habits over perpetual hustle * Redefining success to include health, relationships, and joy * Navigating the nature of starting a business * Aligning business priorities to support personal well-being * Big-picture thinking without neglecting current obligations * About Chris’ new book The Long-Haul Leader * Reframing self-care as strategic, not selfish * Distinguishing between busy seasons and burnout * The importance of adaptability * And much, much more! “What you have to understand is that success, even initially, should not cost you your health, it shouldn’t cost you your family, it shouldn’t cost you your relationships or your joy of the work that you’re doing.” Episode Resources * Chris’ Website [https://chrisducker.com/] * The Long-Haul Leader Book [https://longhaulleader.com] * 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp [https://thespeakerlab.com/virtual-bootcamp-vsl/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode+resources&utm_campaign=VBC] * Get Free Speaker Resources [https://thespeakerlab.com/start-here/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Book a Call with The Speaker Lab [https://thespeakerlab.com/apply/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Calculate Your Speaking Fee [https://thespeakerlab.com/myspeakerfee/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/849668548485535] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speaker-lab/id1072835737] * Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5o0FZUZduijjwWGxyBpnzG] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

“A photo in general is not going to win you business, but bad photos are going to lose you your business all the time because it absolutely crushes.” Ever dread getting new headshots or wonder if your photos help your speaking business? On this episode of The Speaker Lab, Grant Baldwin chats with photographer John DeMato about what matters when it comes to imagery and visual storytelling for speakers. John’s best advice is that your branding photos aren’t for you; they’re for your audience. Every image should invite people into your world and show how you help them, building trust and credibility. This means going beyond stiff portraits and staged shots. John stresses having a strategy: your photos should tell the story of who you serve, how you solve problems, and what working with you looks like. Think candid behind-the-scenes moments, action shots, and authentic glimpses of your process, not just you on stage with a mic. Additionally, John advises focusing on natural, in-the-moment photos rather than stiff posing. And while iPhone snaps work for everyday social posts, invest in professionally captured images for your website or speaker kit. Bring outfits you’d wear on stage, choose simple backgrounds, and use natural light to keep things genuine. Most importantly, if your brand changes, refresh your photo library! You’ll learn: * The purpose and power of speaker photos * Definition of visual storytelling for speakers * Strategic approaches to speaker branding * Common mistakes speakers make with photography * Building authenticity and comfort in photos * Dealing with skepticism * Capturing genuine “magic moments” * And much, much more! “[Branding] photos aren’t for you, they’re for them. They’re for the people that you serve.” Episode Resources * John’s Website [https://www.johndemato.com/] * 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp [https://thespeakerlab.com/virtual-bootcamp-vsl/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode+resources&utm_campaign=VBC] * Get Free Speaker Resources [https://thespeakerlab.com/start-here/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Book a Call with The Speaker Lab [https://thespeakerlab.com/apply/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Calculate Your Speaking Fee [https://thespeakerlab.com/myspeakerfee/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/849668548485535] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speaker-lab/id1072835737] * Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5o0FZUZduijjwWGxyBpnzG] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

“If your heart is genuinely how do I care about people by doing what I love to do, if that’s the driver of it, I don’t see how you can not end up in a place that is rewarding, fulfilling, and doing something that makes the world a better place.” Ever wonder if your story is worth sharing or how to even start turning your experience into a book, speech, or brand? In this episode of The Speaker Lab, Grant Baldwin chats with Bill Blankschaen, founder of Story Builders, for an honest look at what makes a story truly impactful. Bill’s approach is all about clarity and service. He urges aspiring speakers and authors to ask what the one thing they want their audiences to remember. If they’re unsure about that, their message probably needs fine-tuning. Importantly, Bill reminds us that while your story is about you, it’s meant for others. The value lies in helping your audience solve real problems or see themselves in your journey. Grant and Bill also unpack practical tips and frameworks for how to test if your story is more than a personal anecdote, why defining your audience is crucial, and how to avoid overwhelm from too many tempting opportunities. If you’ve struggled with self-doubt or aren’t sure where to start, this episode is a pep talk and a toolkit rolled into one. Listen in for real-world advice on making your story stick and building an authentic platform around it! You’ll learn: * Storytelling and its role in thought leadership * Evaluating the value and viability of your story * The SPEAK framework * Sustaining passion behind your message * Connecting through reliability, not novelty * Adding value rather than outdoing competition * Developing intellectual property from foundational ideas * Choosing the right medium for your message * The role of mindset in success * And much, much more! “Your story may be about you, but your story ultimately isn’t for you, it needs to serve a greater purpose to help more people.” Episode Resources * Bill’s Website [https://mystorybuilders.com/] * 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp [https://thespeakerlab.com/virtual-bootcamp-vsl/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode+resources&utm_campaign=VBC] * Get Free Speaker Resources [https://thespeakerlab.com/start-here/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Book a Call with The Speaker Lab [https://thespeakerlab.com/apply/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Calculate Your Speaking Fee [https://thespeakerlab.com/myspeakerfee/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/849668548485535] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speaker-lab/id1072835737] * Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5o0FZUZduijjwWGxyBpnzG] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

“The mistake I’m seeing a lot of companies make is they’re racing to shove it into a product where they’re trying to drive costs down before the leaders making the call have become AI-driven leaders.” Feeling overwhelmed by AI and unsure how it fits into your speaking business? In this value-packed episode of The Speaker Lab, Grant Baldwin chats with Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven Leader, for a refreshingly practical look at embracing technology without losing your human edge. Geoff shares how speakers should treat AI as a tool, focusing on using it to drive real results and streamline the work that matters most. He introduces straightforward frameworks, like his CRIT method (Context, Role, Interview, Task), to help you get more out of AI, whether you’re prepping your next keynote or brainstorming business strategy. What shines through is the focus on human strengths and meaningful connections. Rather than fearing that AI will make us obsolete, Geoff sees it as a chance for speakers to elevate their unique value and creativity, freeing up more time for what only humans do best. The best strategy for implementing AI is to start small, use it to enhance, not replace, your skills, and keep your conversations, follow-ups, and business development rooted in authenticity. Give the episode a listen and learn how to turn today’s technology into tomorrow’s new opportunities! You’ll learn: * The role of AI for speakers and entrepreneurs * Three core business areas impacted by AI * Utilizing AI for high-impact, strategic decisions * Using AI as a “thought partner, not a thought leader * Leveraging AI for analyzing * How technology changes the skill sets for jobs * Importance of adaptability and learning over fear of change * And much, much more! “I have a very simple framework for communicating with AI called CRIT: Context, Role, Interview, and Task.” Episode Resources * Geoff’s Website [https://www.aileadership.com/] * 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp [https://thespeakerlab.com/virtual-bootcamp-vsl/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode+resources&utm_campaign=VBC] * Get Free Speaker Resources [https://thespeakerlab.com/start-here/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Book a Call with The Speaker Lab [https://thespeakerlab.com/apply/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Calculate Your Speaking Fee [https://thespeakerlab.com/myspeakerfee/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/849668548485535] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speaker-lab/id1072835737] * Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5o0FZUZduijjwWGxyBpnzG] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

“The act of you and I exchanging contact information raises the standard that there is going to be a follow up…You want to make that connection and set the expectation right then and there.” Ever left a conference buzzing, only to watch that excitement fizzle when it comes to follow-up? This live coaching session from The Speaker Lab pulls back the curtain on how pros turn event momentum into real speaking business. Facilitator Erick Rheam teams up with speakers Bridget Quigg and Shannon GaNun for a candid conversation about what works and what doesn’t in post-event follow-up. Bridget shares her frustration when promising leads go silent, and Erick offers simple, practical advice: always exchange contact info in person, set clear expectations for next steps, and don’t rely on LinkedIn or mass attendee lists. Real business starts with real, personal connections. Shannon’s question on breaking into corporate gigs leads to another golden nugget: you don’t need a hard pitch. Just mention that you’re available for future engagements. Those off-the-cuff invitations can turn warm applause into future bookings. Above all, this episode is a reminder that success as a speaker lies in small tweaks, human conversations, and showing up consistently. Don’t overcomplicate it, be approachable, follow up promptly, and seize opportunities. Listen in and learn how to make every gig and every follow-up count. You’ll learn: * Using a consistent methodology various length talks * Authentic, conversational human interactions on stage * Overcoming fear of forgetting points during live presentations * Leaning into your professional background and network for focus areas * Effective follow-up strategies after events * Turning custom items into repeatable assets * On-stage call-to-action practices * The SPARK framework (Statistic, Picture, Anecdote, Real-life story) * The importance of practicing * And much, much more! * "I believe everybody was created for a unique purpose. And until we learn how to communicate clearly, concisely and confidently, we’ll never be able to fulfill that purpose.” Episode Resources * Erick’s Website [https://erickrheam.com/] * Bridget’s Website [http://www.bridgetquigg.com/] * Shannon’s Website [https://www.shannonganun.com/] * 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp [https://thespeakerlab.com/virtual-bootcamp-vsl/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode+resources&utm_campaign=VBC] * Get Free Speaker Resources [https://thespeakerlab.com/start-here/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Book a Call with The Speaker Lab [https://thespeakerlab.com/apply/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Calculate Your Speaking Fee [https://thespeakerlab.com/myspeakerfee/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/849668548485535] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speaker-lab/id1072835737] * Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5o0FZUZduijjwWGxyBpnzG] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].