Episode #526

From Worship Pastor to Full-Time Speaker

With Ken Hartley

“That type of belief is what carries you through when everybody else is dropping like flies. When you know for a fact this is what you’re made for, then there’s nothing else you can do.” 

The journey to professional speaking is not always a simple one, and our guest this week knows this all too well. Ken Hartley spent over 20 years serving as a worship pastor (and also worked as a magician!) on the way to becoming a full-time professional speaker. This week, Ken is here to break down how he found his new career in speaking and made the leap of faith that led to this point.

With a background in ministry, music, and magic, Ken was no stranger to the stage. However, making the switch to speaking wasn’t an easy one. He found himself struggling with the commitment both financially and personally to take the leap, but was encouraged and supported by many family members. In fact, his mom gave him the money to get the training, and 19 months later, he got a gig paying the same amount as the kind gift he was given.

It can be difficult to overcome self-doubt, and fear, but Ken will discuss how he worked through those moments, and learned to trust himself and his talent. Plus, his participation in The Speaker Lab as a student shaped the way he works in the business for the better. Each opportunity or gig has led him to new spin offs, and he is the perfect person to learn why showing up for yourself and committing can help you grow for the better.

You’ll learn:

  • The secret to taking risks
  • Where to find the right resources for you
  • How to overcome imposter syndrome
  • Why you should consider The Speaker Lab for training
  • How to build momentum in your business
  • And so much more!

“The only way to get good on stage is to be on stage.”

Want to know exactly how to find and book more paid speaking gigs?

Download our 18-page guide to the 6 proven steps you can use to book more paid speaking gigs in 2024!

About Ken Hartley

Ken Hartley is an inspirational speaker, an accomplished singer, a talented illusionist, a skilled actor, a bestselling author, a gifted teacher, and a transformation agent.

He is the Leadership Connection Speaker who empowers you to see through the illusions of leadership and communication and help you become the authentic leader others actually want to follow. He is a CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional) with the National Speaker’s Association, a Certified Speaker and Leader with The John Maxwell Team as well as an recognized expert in the DISC Model of Human Behavior. He is also the recipient of the Merlin Award from the International Magician’s Society for “Corporate Inspirational Magician of the Year” for 2024.

Ken has over 30 years of full-time experience in leadership in various organizations across the United States ranging in size from 90 to 13,000 and brings those skills, plus his years of training in leadership and communication to organizations as a transformation agent to effect change and help individuals and organizations grow into who they are supposed to be.

As an inspirational speaker, he has shared the stage with speakers like General Colin Powell, James Smith, Dr. Delatorro McNeal, Nick Vujicic, Terry Bradshaw, Van Jones, Zig Ziglar, Governor Mike Huckabee, and Dr. John C. Maxwell. His skills have also been featured on television networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, TBN, Daystar, and INSP. He loves to encourage and challenge people to overcome limiting obstacles and step into their destinies. He is considered by his peers and clients to be a master speaker and communication expert. His presentations are often described as entertaining, engaging, and transformational. Ken likes to call it “edutainment”!

When he is not traveling and speaking, he enjoys good movies, playing pool, visiting new places, cooking on his Big Green Egg, and most of all, his family.

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