I’m not saying it’s easy – of course there is the tension around message clarity, goal alignment and gathering and organizing the very best content. Plus, practicing delivering a brilliant experience for the audience is no joke. 

That said, maybe even slightly more often, a leader hires me because they want to be clear, consistent and bold as they share their message in all kinds of ways: on social media, in teaching videos, in their books and also on stages. They want to bring their thought leadership to the forefront of their work. 

It’s this second scenario that can get a little squiggly… there’s the initial motivation to feel the kind of clarity that evokes excitement to share. Inevitably, though, there are sticking points.

Fear of saying something that will alienate others, resistance to taking a stand for one thing when they have so many things they want to say, and the normal process of our beautiful brains trying to save our lives from being judged and ostracized is enough to have even the most brilliant and confident leaders hiding behind their inbox and other kinds of avoidance. 

I’ve realized that there is a process that dramatically increases our ability to show up and share our thought leadership message with more courage and consistency. I want to share that with you, in case you run into the same kind of analysis paralysis or hiding. 

Conveniently, the acronym for this process is SHINE! ✨ 

Here it is for you:

1. Say what you really want out loud.

This might seem straightforward, but this can actually be the hardest part (especially coupled with the second item on this list). In order to do this, you have to look inward and be honest with yourself about what you really (really!) want to say, do and create in your work and life. When I coach clients on this, I usually walk them through a visualization that includes a conversation with their Future Self. (Here’s an article I wrote that can help you with this visualization.) Be willing to say out loud what you really want to be saying in your work, what you think matters most, and then add in the impact you want to make, the business and income you see coming and the life you are living from this place. It’s both fun and exciting when you really let yourself sink into this! 

2. Hold on all judgment. 

It’s important to state this explicitly because actually, judging what you want is like the number one thing getting in the way of you seeing your future goals and dreams clearly. Whether it’s because of messages from people you care about who don’t understand your goals and dreams or it’s because you keep playing tapes of old stories in your mind about what you are capable of, this judgment automatically shuts down your creativity (and joy!). So, just hold on it for now… tell your brain that you’ll listen later, after you’ve gone through this whole process (it may very well forget along the way!)

3. Imagine the way forward (and iterate). 

Here’s the truth: none of us knows what’s going to work. Even things that have worked in the past aren’t guaranteed to work again. So the only thing we’ve got is our incredible ability to imagine the path forward. Based on what you know, consulting with experts, reading books – whatever fits with your goals – create yourself a plan. Then implement it. Take action. Through action, you’ll learn, iterate, let some things go and double down on others.  Show up, share your voice, message, ideas, programs – knowing you’ll learn and make shifts along the way. The only way changes you make to the plan become a failure is if you decide you’ve failed and stop iterating. 

4. Nourish yourself and your vision with resources.

I mentioned the idea of calling upon experts and other support earlier and I want to reinforce this message now. No one builds their dream work and life alone. Period. This applies to your work, and it’s also essential that you think about and bring in the support you need personally. Take amazing care of yourself, in whatever ways feel most nourishing to you. Sure, a bubble bath is fine if you like them (I’m a fan). I also mean lovely walks in nature, a morning at a sun-drenched cafe reading your favorite trashy novel (I’m also a fan). Gather beautiful soul friends around you and connect with them regularly. All of this richness makes life and work so much more fun – and it helps reinforce your own natural resilience. As much as you possibly can, nurture your vision and your life with support and goodness. It’s so much easier to show up and shine if you are tapped into your natural resilience. 

5. Enjoy showing up and shining!

The stories we tell ourselves matter. We know this from experience (remember the last time a friend offered you a totally different perspective on a situation and your whole feeling about it changed?) and research reinforces this truth over and over again. When you tell yourself that sharing your message or your work is scary, your brain goes into protection mode. Suddenly, you’re hiding behind your inbox and To Do list again. When you tell yourself that showing up is where you learn what serves your people the best, you get to enjoy the process of learning. When you notice and reinforce all of the gorgeous comments and gratitude you get from your people when you share something that touches them, you tell your brain that taking this risk is not only safe but feels good. Actively look for ways to make showing up and sharing your message and work delightful, fun and impactful. This is a self-reinforcing process!

It starts with a decision: you are committed to showing up. From there, let the SHINE process support you in staying the course. We need you out there sharing your voice, message and work in our world. So make today Decision Day, will you? Then, please… SHINE!

Showing up and sharing your voice can be scary. It takes courage and trust.

I’ve been researching the ways and layers of trust and have found it to be really helpful to see all the ways trust serves – and lack of trust can hurt – our impact and leadership.

In this episode, I explore three layers of trust and how they have been a part of my own journey of leadership. From trusting myself, to trusting others, to seeing that there is something much bigger than me that is infinitely trustworthy – these insights have been profound for my own growth.

You’ll also hear about a decision that trusting myself has inspired me to make – and why I’m doing it right now.

Specifically, you’ll hear about:

• How I know the difference between when I’m trusting myself and when I’m not
• The time I transferred all of my trust to others, in a way that doesn’t really work, and what I learned from that
• What my daughter learning to drive has to do with trust – and why it can help you see where you are already trusting beautifully
• Where trusting others to do what they promise allows us to do more powerful work in the world (and when to not trust others because it gets in the way of our best work)
• Why being a pilot or co-pilot of your life may not be the only, or even the best, options
• How trust serves me in making decisions about taking breaks and recalibrating in my business

I hope this episode serves you in releasing and letting go so you can have the spaciousness, confidence and support to do your very best work in our world. 

Want a copy of Michelle Book, Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference Through Transformational Speaking? Go here: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook

In the presentation skills training I facilitate, I’m often asked the question: What do I do if my content is just boring?

The truth is, your content can’t be boring or no one will pay attention – it’s just the facts.

The good news is – there is no inherently boring content! There is only content that hasn’t been crafted in a way that engages that particular audience.

This applies to presentations as well as emails, conversations with clients, business partners and your kids or parents as well.

I created this episode to help you take any content and make it way more interesting.

Specifically, you’ll learn:

• The first and most important thing you must do to craft content that will engage any audience (it’s magical, really)
• What working in the insurance industry taught me about creating engaging content
• Why stories are important, no matter what your topic – and how to choose ones that work
• How to approach your content with the right intention so the audience or person walks away with their needs met
• Ways to narrow and focus your content to meet the needs of the audience or the person you are speaking with

I hope this episode helps you brighten up and focus your content in a way that lights up your audience, whether that’s one person or a whole auditorium full of people.

Want a copy of Michelle Book, Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference Through Transformational Speaking? Go here: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook

In the second episode of this two-part series, we cover tips on how to find the RIGHT kind of TEDx event for your goals.

I also share essential differences between a TEDx talk and a keynote speech or other kinds of presentation. From how to craft a compelling Big Idea to specific guidance on brainstorming, this episode will be an excellent companion as you craft your TED talk – as well as help you get on the TED or TEDx stage.

Building on last week’s episode dedicated to helping you set yourself and your application up for a more likely Hell Yes, this second episode rounds out the TEDx preparation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The best way to find TEDx events that are still happening live, especially after the pandemic 

• What to look for in a TEDx event to make sure you have a video you are excited to share everywhere 

• Why every TEDx event is NOT created equal and how to match the opportunity with your personal goals for speaking 

• An excellent starting formula for crafting your Big Idea – even as it will likely evolve as you go through the prep process 

• How to reveal and choose the best content for your TEDx application and, eventually, talk content 

• What I mean by the Magic Mix of Content and why it’s so important as you craft your TED talk

Listen to this episode along with part 1 and be completely prepared from searching for your event all the way through crafting your TEDx talk once you get your Hell Yes!

Want a copy of Michelle Book, Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference Through Transformational Speaking? Go here: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook

SHOW NOTES:

Ep 174 Are You Meant for TED? Part 1

How to Craft a Talk That Attracts Awesome Clients

Here’s where to connect with me about supporting you in your TEDx vision

There are many awesome ways to share your ideas on stage. That said, there is something special about speaking on a TED or TEDx stage – especially for people who are on a mission to change the world with their message.

It makes sense. TED events tend to offer beautiful stage experience and production, and it’s pretty cool to be a part of an event with strong ethical guidelines that is designed to ignite ideas and engagement with the audience.

The mystery comes in when aspiring speakers try to figure out how to get on a TEDx stage. It feels daunting and it’s hard to know where to start.

I love sharing what I’ve learned working with many TEDx speakers to help remove the barriers to you getting on a TEDx stage if that’s your dream.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How you can start setting yourself up now to get onto a TEDx stage, even if you aren’t quite ready yet
• The importance of your own goals for speaking on a TEDx stage as you decide how to approach your application
• What it means to create an “Idea worth Spreading” – and how it often differs from an idea for a keynote
• Specific qualifications that TEDx curation teams are looking for in TEDx speakers
• Some of the red flags TEDx event organizers are watching for – they might surprise you!
• Why you don’t have to be an amazing speaker to get a TEDx talk opportunity
• The importance of applying to more than one event
• Why being qualified isn’t a guarantee you’ll be invited to speak

Here’s the thing: you are meant for a TED talk, if you feel called to do one. Whether you are ready right now or you want to use this episode to continue to establish your credibility, you can absolutely find an event that will fit your goals and big idea.

I hope this episode is helpful for you on the path!

Want a copy of Michelle Book, Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference Through Transformational Speaking? Go here: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook

SHOW NOTES:

Chris Messina TEDx Talk: The Technology of Better Humans

Susan Hyatt TEDx Talk: If We Want a Better World, We’ve Got to Kill Diet Culture

Here’s where to connect with me about supporting you in your TEDx vision

Story is magic for creating connection. When you tell a story that shows the people you want to serve that you get what they are experiencing, have been there yourself (or helped another person go through it), and come out the other side, you are a beacon light for them.

This is why I call your Story of Transformation your Beacon Light Story.

The truth is, though, you’ve been through a lot of transformations. Any time you go from one place to another, weathering the difficulties along the way, growing and learning – you transform through the process.

Knowing how to choose the story that will serve your audience best is important.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Examples of powerful stories of transformation from my own life, and my clients.
• Why story is so powerful as part of your thought leadership
• The basis of choosing your story of transformation, and how it all ties together
• Where story fits in your overall messaging
• The reason your story isn’t really about you when you use it to serve

I hope this episode helps you focus in on the story you want to share as you step into bigger leadership with your message.

NOTE: Made for This collective membership is opening up again at the end of January! We’ve made some changes that I think make it an even more awesome decision. I hope you decide to join us! Keep listening for more.

Want a copy of Michelle Book, Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference Through Transformational Speaking? Go here: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook

SHOW NOTES:

Chris Messina TEDx Talk: The Technology of Better Humans

Dr. Sweta Chawla podcast episode

How to Tell Your Founder Story

How to Be Strategic in Storytelling with Marsha Shandur

Why do some people get out in the world big and powerful with their message, and others hold back? In my 15 years working with leaders of businesses, I know for sure that it’s not their credentials, expertise or experience.

In fact, I know way too many brilliant, highly educated, remarkably experienced people who have not made the impact they could make in the world. Even with the best message and tons of support, something gets in the way.

10 years ago, on a walk in the woods with my two dogs, I was asking myself these questions. That’s when the 5 Cs came to me. I’ve spent 10 years testing this model and it holds strong and true. When these five essentials are strong and emboldened, leaders thrive and serve in a much bigger way.

The cool thing is, you can use this as an easy assessment for where you can create a stronger connection in your thought leadership.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why clarity is absolutely essential, but it’s not enough to make the biggest impact
• What gets in the way commitment and how you can create more resolve in your work
• The two elements of confidence and why knowing these will help you tap into your confidence much easier
• How caring for your people might change over time and what to do when this happens
• What burnout has to do with your heart-connection to your work
• Ways to see your own natural charisma, regardless of your style – and why it matters

I hope this helps you think through your own leadership and ways you might shine even brighter this year.

Here are those links I shared:

1. Meant for TED is coming up January 18th and you have one last chance to join us LIVE! Go to MichelleBarryFranco.com/MeantforTED
2. Create Your Awesome Online Course Quickly is available for a short time 1/9 – 1/11 before live support sessions begin on 1/12. Go to MichelleBarryFranco.com/AwesomeCourseLive
3. Made for This collective membership is opening up again at the end of January! We’ve made some changes that I think make it an even more awesome decision. I hope you decide to join us! Keep listening for more.

Want a copy of Michelle Book, Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference Through Transformational Speaking? Go here: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook

SHOW NOTES:

The Power of Resolve

The Ocean Wave + Your Vision 2023

Stepping into leadership requires that we make decisions often. Whether it’s when and how to share our ideas so they have the greatest impact or how to respond when someone disagrees with our approach, there are choices to be made at every turn. 

Sometimes those decisions feel quite high stakes, such as letting a team member go or doing a sales presentation for a potential new big customer. 

Of course, we are whole humans – not just leaders – and there are plenty of decisions to make in other domains of our lives: which school to choose for our kids, whether to move to a new city or country, how to respond to a health crisis and so many more. 

Decision-making is a skill that we cultivate over time, but it can feel mysterious to understand exactly what makes us go one direction or another. This is especially true when there seems to be great evidence to support both (or all) sides of the decision. 

At the heart of it, what we are protecting against is the feeling of regret. Will we stand by our decision down the road, when the outcomes are in play and the ramifications clear?

This episode is based on a fascinating article I read about a hidden source of regret that is actually inaccurate and unhelpful. Being aware of this element of regret can help us move through painful feelings that might be activated without warrant. 

In this conversation, we cover:

• What regret is – in academic terms and in everyday terms
• How regret plays into decision-making
• Why we feel less regret about some decisions than we do others
• The hidden element of some scenarios that actually increases our feelings of regret – and how recognizing this can help ease the feelings
• Ways that regret has played out in my life
• Where our anticipation of regret comes in as we made leadership decisions

This will be an episode to revisit key moments in your leadership and human life journey. 

SHOW NOTES:

The One That Got Away: Overestimation of Forgone Alternatives as a Hidden Source of Regret

Psychological Science Journal Volume 33, Issue 2

New Psychology Research Uncovers a Hidden Source of Regret

Want a copy of my book Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference Through Transformational Speaking for free? Go here: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook

This time of year can be full of special occasions, sparkly lights and delights, and possibly extra time off. And it may have none of those things for you. 

Whether or not you celebrate holidays this time of year, there is a good chance you are thinking about the big annual transition from one year to the next. This might mean looking over your previous year and bringing forth lessons that will serve you in the next one. Or, maybe it’s just about dreaming and strategizing your new goals. 

Speaking on great stages, writing your book, being a podcast guest on the best shows in your industry… calling forth great clients and creating awesome systems, these all happen because at some point you dream up what you want for your work and your impact in the world. 

My wish for you is that you feel open to your most true and real visions – that you see how possible and right it is for you to do the work you love and to thrive in your business. 

This episode is dedicated to that wish for you. 

Beginning with a visualization to connect you with the powerful, calm place within you and moving into a simple process of letting go to set yourself in motion toward your vision, this podcast is designed to be done in a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. Your beautiful vision is worth it. 

In this conversation, we cover:

• A process to help you get into your heart and spirit, as well as your body, as you dream up your 2023.
• Where to look when you feel uncertain, confused or need a reminder of what you really want
• Why you don’t need to do a visualization in order to reconnect with your vision
• A simple process for Honoring, Releasing and Opening to what’s meant to come forth 
• Recognizing the next step without compromising the energy of visioning with the very different energy of planning

I hope this episode inspires you and, most of all helps you feel even more connected to yourself and your beautiful work in our world. 

SHOW NOTES:

What Do You Really Want: Vision & Goals with Debbie Phillips

How a Great Plan & Healthy Meals Support Vibrant Leadership