Why TSL?
I’m an educator who speaks to students and teachers to help them discover their hidden talents and passions so that they can live a life filled with meaning and purpose. I first discovered The Speaker Lab back in 2019 but didn’t sign up until October of 2021. I enjoy my experience in the classroom as an educator, but I know this isn’t something I want to do for the next 25 to 30 years. I’m very interested in traveling. I’m very interested in exploring, and my experience speaking at the UN really got me interested in a global perspective of impact, which involves going beyond the classroom.
So in October of 2021 I said enough of waiting. I know this is what I want to do. This is my calling. So I hopped in and boy, I’ve got to tell you I’ve enjoyed the experience ever since.
What are some a-has and takeaways?
As a speaker, I’m still an educator. Even though I’m not necessarily in the classroom day to day I’m still a teacher. I’m still educating students and also my fellow teachers in regard to my speaking topic. So, I haven’t given up on the education track. Going through this program helped me realize I’m still educating.
One of my other aha moments was in particular when I was connecting with fellow speakers. I remember speaking with Erick Rheam, a coach in the program I’ve connected with. He’s wonderful! He made me aware of how I was skipping a crucial step in the prospecting strategy. One that could have cost me gig after gig. His advice was needed and profound for my business. Now I always make sure to get prospects on the phone – always!
What’s your new normal as a professional speaker?
Well, for starters I got my first speaking engagement two weeks ago! So there’s that.
But you know I’ve seen that there are a couple of other programs that I’ve researched and discovered where they said things like, you can make money on autopilot or you can make money sitting around doing nothing.
I quickly learned that one, that is completely not true. Two, The Speaker Lab is not a scam and they are not selling you a quick fix. They are upfront and honest about how you have to put in the work. My coach, Jeremy Rochford who was amazing, guided me to understand what it takes to get to the top.
I’ve struggled with reading comprehension particularly because I have Hyperlexia. That’s what I primarily speak on. So I’ve had to work twice as hard, so pretty much with getting that first speaking engagement I knew that’s what hard work gets. And I’m going to work even harder to continue to get to the top. I know if I follow the SPEAK Framework and put in the work, the top is mine for the taking.
Who would you recommend to The Speaker Lab and why?
It would be pretty cool to see educators, who have left the classroom to pursue this opportunity, to take their knowledge beyond the classroom. They can also supplement their income by becoming an entrepreneur so it’s a win-win. There are lots of opportunities that one could pursue, whether it’s corporate America, motivational speaking, curriculum development, or tutoring. As we all know, starting a business can be a risk so you have to have the passion and the work ethic to be able to do it.
I believe with the right amount of passion and the proper work ethic you have to go for it. I often say – you own it, you go for it. So, I think it would be awesome to see some other teachers and educators who may be looking for opportunities, looking to start a business as well, to get involved. It’s been an amazing experience and opportunity for me and I am confident it will be for them as well.