Episode #556

The Hard Truths and Rewards of Speaking

With Chase Livingston

“When you understand going into [speaking] that it’s going to suck for a while, it’s going to take longer than you think and it’s going to be harder than you think. When you know those things up front, when you meet them, you can anticipate it.”

Stepping onto the stage as a speaker is about more than nailing your performance—it’s about persistence, honesty, and the courage to start before you feel ready. On this week’s The Speaker Lab episode, Chase Livingston opens up about his journey from theater hopeful to youth motivational speaker, sharing the hard truth: real progress takes both time and tenacity.

Chase doesn’t shy away from discussing the realities of building a speaking career, sharing candidly about the slow start, the necessary unpaid gigs, and the doubts that come with venturing into this path. He highlights the importance of steady action—sending countless emails, making connections, and learning when to charge for his expertise.

His message is clear: Know the cost, be ready to persevere, and lead with authenticity. If you’re waiting until everything is perfect before you step forward, Chase’s story proves that consistent action is what moves you from dreaming to doing. For anyone looking for proof that their story matters and that hard work pays off, tune in to Chase’s journey!

You’ll learn:

  • The importance of anticipating obstacles
  • Criteria for selecting paid vs. free gigs
  • Using discernment and open communication in negotiations
  • Benefits of building reciprocal relationships
  • Overcoming comparison and frustration
  • Gaining confidence through small wins
  • The importance of consistency
  • And much, much more!

“Why did I hype [speaking] up in my head? It’s hard work, but it’s easier than I was making it…You get to make the rules, which is the coolest thing about this career path.”

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 Chase Livingston

Chase Livingston is a keynote speaker, wellness professional, and youth advocate dedicated to helping teens unlock their full potential through holistic health and personal development. He is the author of The Garden of Greatness and hosts The High Powered Podcast, where he shares insights on wellness, leadership, and personal growth. With a background in theatre and certifications in wellness and fitness, Chase combines storytelling, science-backed strategies, and actionable wisdom to inspire change. An obstacle course race enthusiast and family man, Chase strives to embody one key mission: Chase Greatness.

Episode Resources

Share This Episode 

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Email
Reddit

Explore Recent Episodes

#565: How to Avoid Burnout and Build Sustainable Success with Chris Ducker
“…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.”...
#564: Boosting Your Speaking Business with Visual Storytelling with John DeMato
“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...
#563: How to Share Your Story with Purpose with Bill Blankschaen
“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...