Speak Up. Show Up. artwork

Speak Up. Show Up.

183 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 34 ratings

Speaking on great stages, writing your book, or just sharing your best ideas in conversation - you know you are meant to make an impact with your storytelling and expertise. You want your message and your voice to feel true and honest. But it's not just about work for you - it's about full freedom expression in every area of your life. You are not here to play small anymore. Your host Michelle Barry Franco is executive speaking coach to some of the most respected CEOs and thought leaders in our world today. Her clients deliver standing ovation keynote speeches and TEDx talks all over the world. In this podcast, she shares the best of what she's learned coaching brilliant leaders so you can make a big impact when you speak and feel the freedom and pleasure of full expression in your life and work.

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Episodes

Welcome to the Brilliance at Work Podcast

March 03, 2020 19:12 - 3 minutes - 3.29 MB

In this episode we introduce the newest iteration of our podcast, now titled the Brilliance at Work podcast. We will still be covering speaking and thought leadership but we are expanding into all kinds of leadership topics. We are always evolving over here - fun conversations in store!

Ep #81: The Thought Leader Power Session (Podcast Break Starts Now)

December 25, 2019 08:00 - 35 minutes - 28.1 MB

We are closing out 2019 and starting off our podcast break with a power session! This week's episode is packed with the essentials to set yourself up as a leader in your industry and make the biggest difference with your message. So many tools, strategies, and resource links in this one – you don’t want to miss it! Get full show notes and more information here: http://michellebarryfranco.com/episode81

Ep #80: Plan Your Own Working Retreat

December 18, 2019 08:00 - 32 minutes - 26.3 MB

There is nothing like making time and space to finally dive into that creative project you keep putting off, writing that book or just listening in for what’s next in your work and life. I take 4-6 working retreats per year, and in this episode, I'm sharing with you exactly how I make time for them and how I plan for the most productive, richest experience possible. Get full show notes and more information here: http://michellebarryfranco.com/episode80

Ep #79: Brave Leadership and Using Privilege to Make a Difference with Moe Carrick

December 11, 2019 08:00 - 42 minutes - 34 MB

In this episode, I talk with author, consultant, mom and entrepreneur Moe Carrick about disconnection and disengagement at work and how to make work a healthier place. We also talk about the evolution of Moe’s thought leadership and how she does her best to use her privilege for a better world. Get full show notes and more information here: http://michellebarryfranco.com/episode79

Ep #78: What do you REALLY Want? Vision and Goals with Debbie Phillips

December 04, 2019 08:00 - 40 minutes - 32.5 MB

As the founder of Women on Fire® and a pioneer in the field of executive and life coaching, Debbie Phillips has spent 30+ years helping women connect with what they really want for their lives and then take the steps to make those dreams real. In today's episode, I talk with Debbie about how to tap into what you REALLY want in your life, as well as how best to create a vision and goals that actually work.  This is the perfect episode as you begin to plan for your new year with 2020 vision!  ...

Ep #77: Surrendered Speaking

November 27, 2019 08:00 - 24 minutes - 19.5 MB

The tech didn't work for Steve Job's 2007 iPhone launch. Chris Brogan once forgot his notes for a $25,000 talk. My client's slides wouldn't work when she went to speak. It's a given that sometimes in the life of the speaker tech failures and mishaps will happen. In this episode, I'm sharing about the magic that can happen when we learn to stick through the discomfort, release into it and trust what’s next. (Hint: This is when some of our best speaking and expression shows up.) Get full sho...

Ep #76: How I Deal with Speaking Anxiety

November 20, 2019 08:00 - 23 minutes - 19 MB

I’m often asked whether I still get nervous after decades of speaking and then working with so many speakers as their coach. The answer to that question is: YES!  AND... my relationship with those feelings in my body is totally different than it used to be. In this episode, I share the four things I do when those nervous feelings show up in my body before I'm about to speak. I hope they give you a new window into speaking freedom too!  Get full show notes and more information here: http://...

Ep #75: Sara Dean Taking a Stand for Being a Shameless Mom

November 13, 2019 08:00 - 43 minutes - 34.8 MB

In this episode, I'm speaking with my Sara Dean of Shameless Mom Academy. Sara is on a mission to inspire women and moms, in particular, to live bigger, bolder, and braver #everydamnday and I'm thrilled to have her on the show sharing her story of Taking a Stand for Being a Shameless Mom. Tune in to hear Sara's personal stories, as well as listen to me walk her through my Rooftop Message exercise that I use with my speaking clients. I know she'll inspire you! Get full show notes and more in...

Ep #74: The Fast Track to Great Stages with Elisha Alcantara

November 06, 2019 08:00 - 36 minutes - 29.6 MB

Elisha Alcantara took the fast path to thought leadership and is a perfect example of putting yourself out there and serving as a speaker while learning along the way. In this episode, The Fast Track to Great Stages, you’ll hear her story of getting started (on a total whim) to only a year later sharing the stage with a well known thought leader.  You’ll also hear how amazing speaking opportunities have been flowing steadily – all because she just decided she was going to DO THIS.    Get ...

Ep #73: Drop the Mask On Stage

October 30, 2019 07:00 - 31 minutes - 25.2 MB

Presentations seem to inspire a hyper professionalism. This comes from an old paradigm around how to be credible as a speaker, especially in the business environment. The problem is, this is the opposite of what works for creating the greatest impact and influence. In this week’s episode, I talk about dropping the mask when you’re presenting and how to be even more yourself while inspiring, teaching and captivating your audience.   Get full show notes and more information here: http://mi...

Ep #72: The Time I Blew it Before I Even Started My Talk

October 23, 2019 07:00 - 21 minutes - 17.2 MB

Anything can happen when you’re speaking, so it's always good to think ahead and prepare as best you can. But what happens when things go wrong? In this episode, I'm sharing about a time I blew it before I even started talking and how I recovered the audience's trust. May you learn from my mistakes - and also see that you CAN recover completely, too!    Get full show notes and more information here: http://michellebarryfranco.com/episode72

Ep #71: Want to Land a TEDx Talk? Here's What You Need to Know

October 16, 2019 07:00 - 36 minutes - 29.1 MB

Giving a TEDx Talk is a bucket list item for so many speakers, but how to land one feels like such a mystery.  Because there are so many elements that go into understanding and prepping for the TEDx process, in today's episode I'll be sharing the essentials that will dramatically increase your chances of landing a TEDx Talk.   Get full show notes and more information here: http://michellebarryfranco.com/episode71

Ep #70: Does Thinking Bigger Really Work as a Speaker?

October 09, 2019 07:00 - 27 minutes - 22.1 MB

Do you HAVE to think bigger in order to be successful as a speaker? During today's episode, I'm exploring this question. Plus I'll be sharing what I've seen work amazingly well for successful speakers I work with.  (The answer I share might surprise you.)     Get full show notes and more information here: http://michellebarryfranco.com/episode70

Ep #69: From Zero to Millions by Writing Books with Dr. Angela Lauria

October 02, 2019 07:00 - 58 minutes - 47 MB

There is a right way and a wrong way to write a book that makes a difference - and build a thriving mission along the way. Dr. Angela E. Lauria is on a mission to help as many world-changing people write their book for maximum impact as possible. In today’s episode, we get to hear Dr. Angela’s story of going from having no idea how to grow a business (after feeling like a failure for years), to building an 8-figure and growing business that makes a difference helping people write their boo...

Ep #68: Lit Up On Stage: Where Your Most Impactful Speaking Comes From

September 25, 2019 07:00 - 27 minutes - 22.3 MB

This week is part 4 in the Lit Up On Stage series. Today's episode is all about the almost-impossible-to-describe way that some world-class speakers create connection and rapport with their audience, and how you can do the same. Get full show notes and more information here: http://michellebarryfranco.com/episode68

Ep #67: Lit Up On Stage: Presence and Delivery that Delights Your Audience

September 18, 2019 07:00 - 23 minutes - 19.2 MB

This week is part 3 in the Lit Up On Stage series. Today's episode is all about how to bring a calm, powerful, confident PRESENCE to your delivery.so that you can connect with your audience from the stage. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode67

Ep #66: Lit Up On Stage: Staying Connected to Your Audience and Message

September 11, 2019 07:00 - 26 minutes - 21.6 MB

This week is part 2 of a new series called Lit Up On Stage. Today's episode is all about how to feel connected in a very real way, from the inside out, with your audience and your message while you are standing on stage so you can enjoy that "lit up on stage" feeling while you deliver.  Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode66  

Ep #65: Lit Up On Stage: The Inner Game of Great Speaking

September 04, 2019 07:00 - 20 minutes - 16.5 MB

This week is part 1 of a new series called Lit Up On Stage. Today's episode is titled: The Inner Game of Great Speaking, where we talk about how to master the inner game of being a great speaker and why trusting your inner guide to always point you back to what matters most is more important than any other strategy or technique. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode65

Ep #64: How to Book More Paid Speaking Gigs

August 28, 2019 07:00 - 47 minutes - 38.3 MB

This week I want to answer the question I get asked more than any other question: How do I book more paid speaking gigs?  In this episode, I have tips for you on where to find paid speaking gigs and how to have all the things in place that make event leaders feel excited to hire you to speak.  Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode64

Ep #63: How to Deliver an Awesome Webinar

August 21, 2019 07:00 - 18 minutes - 14.8 MB

This week I want to talk about how to build your webinar so audiences will be receptive, engaged, and convinced by your message. In this episode, I have tips for you on crafting the slides that show (not tell) stories and that is as powerful as an in-person presentation. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode63

Ep #62: When Your Message Is Controversial

August 14, 2019 07:00 - 21 minutes - 17.3 MB

On today’s show, we are talking about why you might want to reconsider excluding controversial topics from your talk so that you can fully share the message that you're here to share. I'm going to offer ways to assess your audience and think about how far to go with your message to make it more impactful. Pushing the boundaries of what we may believe others, and ourselves, are comfortable discussing might feel uncomfortable but it truly is an important step in becoming a thought leader! Ge...

Ep #61: How to Craft a Talk that Attracts Awesome Clients

August 07, 2019 07:00 - 27 minutes - 22.1 MB

Today, I want to share with you the secrets of getting in front of a good crowd full of potential clients and the elements of an attractive talk that will motivate the audience to connect and work with you. I have a few examples of successful speakers who have pinpointed their ideal audience and are reveling in that connection they’ve created with their community. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode61

Ep #60: 5 Things that Make a TED Talk Different

July 31, 2019 07:00 - 24 minutes - 19.7 MB

I’ll breakdown what is so alluring about the TED-style talk, then what you can expect from a good talk. Then, I’ll go through the important things for making your talk with specific examples of successful speakers. After that, I’ll leave you with some great advice for connecting with your audience before, during, and after the talk. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode60

Ep #59: The Power of Resolve

July 24, 2019 07:00 - 24 minutes - 19.4 MB

On this episode, we talk about what it takes to get your world-shifting project off the ground and what type of mindset it takes to get started. Then, we talk about the concept of resolve and how we can have moments of resolve that get things rolling and the different amounts of work that particular resolutions can entail. Finally, we discuss how to know if you’re resolved or not and how you can take that extra pressure off yourself if things aren’t moving at the speed you want them to. Ge...

Ep #58: Sharing Vulnerable Stories with Jo Encarnacion

July 17, 2019 07:00 - 40 minutes - 32.1 MB

Jo and I talk about her personal journey from having a well-paying job and happy family - “having it all” - to acknowledging her struggles with depression and becoming a health and lifestyle coach. We discuss how she overcame the feelings of guilt about wanting to change her body and learning to love herself. Then, we talk about how she has been able to learn from and tell the stories of herself and others in an impactful way while still being respectful. Finally, we talk about her unintenti...

Ep #57: Kick Ass Thought Leadership with Andrea Owen

July 10, 2019 07:00 - 43 minutes - 35.2 MB

Andrea and I have a great conversation about her amazing life story of overcoming adversity in her personal life to create professional success. We talk about her start into life coaching and her journey with growing her business into a speaking and writing career, all while running a podcast. We also discuss how she has built a career while being a mother and advocate for other women. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode57

Ep #56: The Hashtag Invention and Social Technology with Chris Messina

July 03, 2019 07:00 - 43 minutes - 34.9 MB

Chris Messina has spent over 15 years living on the edge of social technology. He has designed products and experiences for Google and Uber, founded startups, and changed the world with many of his creations, including the hashtag. He also recently became a digital nomad, traveling the world and speaking on social technology, product design, founder culture, and mental fitness. I'm super excited to share this behind-the-scenes look at his thinking! Get full show notes and more information ...

Ep #55: A Creative Maker with a Message with Marie Greene

June 26, 2019 07:00 - 32 minutes - 26.3 MB

Marie Greene and I talk about her love of knitting, her community-building superpower, and why she thinks her audience has grown so successfully. She also shares the creative evolution she’s been undergoing as she grows her message beyond knitting to benefit the entire creative community. We discuss creative entrepreneurship, why it can be so hard to give yourself permission to try something new, and how she's planning to bring this new message to a broader audience. Get full show notes an...

Ep #54: Building a Team and Business You Love with Brooke Keeling

June 19, 2019 07:00 - 32 minutes - 26.3 MB

Brooke and I discuss many aspects of business-building this episode, including goal-setting, how to deal with rapid business growth, and how to hire an incredible, supportive team. Of course, we also talk about her central message and how she settled on it after a particularly difficult period in her life & business. And Brooke shares the hardships and questions that helped her realize the structure of her coaching business, Love Your Living, and her mission to help women create beautiful an...

Ep #53: How Speaking Helps You Write Your Book

June 12, 2019 07:00 - 29 minutes - 23.3 MB

In this episode, I talk about why you should use speaking as a testing ground for the message, content, and goals of your book. I give several examples of how your message might change based on your ideal audience and your goals, and talk about why it's so critical to know exactly who you're writing for. I also share why speaking is such a powerful way to test and distill your message before you invest all the time and effort it takes to write a really stellar book. Get full show notes and...

Ep #52: 5 Books Every Speaker Should Have on Their Bookshelf

June 05, 2019 07:00 - 19 minutes - 15.9 MB

There are five books that I come back to over and over again as a speaker, and I want to share them with you. These five books cover technical elements of speaking – how to create great slides, how to keep an audience’s attention, and similar questions – as well as ideas about great storytelling and what makes a message really stick in someone’s mind. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode52

Ep #51: How to Find Speaking Opportunities

May 29, 2019 07:00 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MB

I'm walking you through three of my favorite methods for finding speaking gigs in this episode and talking about how to strategically select your opportunities. As with most things, your community is often the best place to start. Think about who you know, if they have a need for speakers with your message, and whether they know if you're a speaker. I share other great tips in this episode, too, so don't miss it! Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.co...

Ep #50: Full Freedom Speaking

May 22, 2019 07:00 - 31 minutes - 25.5 MB

In this episode, I'm sharing my experience with full freedom speaking and how I've learned to tap into my own inner wisdom. I talk about some common worries and roadblocks I see in speakers, why so many of us worry about making our message "perfect," and how to align external coaching and strategies with your own internal compass. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode50

Ep #49: What to Wear for Your Next Speaking Event

May 15, 2019 07:00 - 28 minutes - 39.4 MB

Listen in as I walk through the top three things to consider when choosing what to wear for your speaking event. I share some of my own clothing mishaps, some great resources for understanding what will look great onstage, and why I firmly believe that less is more.  Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode49

Ep #48: How to Create Great Video Without Fancy Equipment

May 08, 2019 07:00 - 25 minutes - 20.6 MB

Both the practical, technical process that I use for recording video as well as my approach to the act of recording. I'll share some of the ups and downs I've experienced with video, why it's such a great format for sharing your message, and how you can create better video and have more fun doing it. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode48

Ep #47: How to Write Your Book in Two Months

May 01, 2019 07:00 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MB

Tune into this episode for an incredible insight into how to write your own book, like I did, in two months. I’m sharing the resources that I used in making my book as great as it could be. So if you’ve got a book somewhere inside of you but it just needs a little encouragement to come out, this episode is just for you. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode47

Ep #46: How to Become a Sought-After Speaker

April 24, 2019 07:00 - 29 minutes - 23.7 MB

I’ve had the tremendous honor of working with clients across a whole spectrum of backgrounds who know speaking publically will get them to the next level, as well as seasoned speakers looking for the best platform, and I’m sharing everything I have to offer with you today. Tune in this week to discover how to identify the stories you have that will enrich the lives of others. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode46

Ep #45: How to Make Your Message More Powerful

April 17, 2019 07:00 - 23 minutes - 19 MB

There's no one way to craft a powerful message, but there are some practical exercises that will help you do so. Listen to this week's episode to find out how to make your message as powerful as possible. I talk about thought leaders who are doing this really well, why taking a stand is such a critical part of having a strong message, and the three essential elements you should consider when getting on any stage. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.co...

What Is the Secret to Getting Great Speaking Gigs?

April 15, 2019 21:28 - 4 minutes - 3.68 MB

Want to get great speaking gigs & change lives along the way? In this masterclass, I'll be sharing the simple path to speaking on great stages, attracting awesome clients and growing your business & mission with ease. Join me at https://michellebarryfranco.com/webinar starting April 17 with multiple date and time options to fit your schedule. 

Ep #44: The Evolution of Your Message

April 10, 2019 07:00 - 18 minutes - 14.7 MB

I am so thrilled to be back and bringing you The Thought Leadership School Podcast. This new show is not only about being a public speaker but about being out there as a leader in your industry and reframing the work you’re doing in the world. If you want to make a big difference in this world, thinking of yourself as a thought leader is the way to do that. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode44

Ep #43: The Message You Came to Share & Sabbatical

February 27, 2019 08:00 - 12 minutes - 18 MB

In this week's episode, I talk about why it can be difficult to determine what our message is, even though we know it's inside of us. I've also got an announcement: I'm taking a sabbatical from the podcast. I still love podcasting as a medium, and I know I'll be back. But it's time for me to make some space to get in touch with my own message and find the best way to share it with you. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode43

Ep #42: Want My Money? Tell Me a Story!

February 20, 2019 08:00 - 23 minutes - 34 MB

In this episode, I talk about the three steps you can take to select and include a great story in your presentation, no matter what kind of context you're speaking in. We'll go over how to choose a story that will resonate with your audience and the essential elements of a compelling story, and I'll touch on why we are often scared to include stories in our speaking. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode42

Ep #41: How to Stand Out as a Leader in Your Industry

February 13, 2019 08:00 - 40 minutes - 57.2 MB

In this episode, I walk you through the three steps to becoming a leader in your industry: getting clear on your stance, going out to serve your audience, and tapping into your full creativity when you speak. And, I touch on the central component of any truly powerful message - which I call full freedom or surrendered speaking. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode41

Ep #40: Who Are You to Call Yourself a Thought Leader?

February 06, 2019 08:00 - 17 minutes - 24.4 MB

I want to take a somewhat controversial stance in favor of the term "thought leader." In this episode, I break down the term and talk about why I think it's the best possible description of what so many of us want to do in our work: Make the biggest difference possible and change lives for the better. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode40

Ep #39: How to Use Speaking to Write Your Book

January 30, 2019 08:00 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MB

I'll walk you through the three-step process I use when I want to use my speaking to write a blog post, freebie, and even my books. I also talk about the benefits of talking to yourself, why I walk in the woods when I want to do some writing, and how the many different types of public speaking can contribute to making your book a reality. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode39

Ep #38: Growing a Super Successful Podcast and Coaching Practice with Leisa Peterson

January 23, 2019 08:00 - 48 minutes - 67.1 MB

Leisa shares some incredible gems about building a community of people you are inspired by and how you can share what you learn with your audience in a way that's accessible and resonant. She also talks about how she is easing herself back into speaking now that she's finished writing a book, and how she combines her very left-brain career as a financial planner with her intuitive abilities to serve her clients. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com...

Ep #37: What's Blocking You from Being Visible as a Speaker?

January 16, 2019 08:00 - 23 minutes - 32.9 MB

The focus of this episode is on the Five "C"s of transformational thought leadership, a framework that I use with my clients to ensure that all of their conversations, emails, and other outreach have real power and conviction behind them. It's up to you to reach out to your dream audiences and offer them value, but this framework can help you uncover where your pitch and your speaking could use some extra polishing. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco...

Ep #36: Moving Beyond Applause and Becoming a Go-To Thought Leader in Your Industry

January 09, 2019 08:00 - 21 minutes - 31 MB

Have you ever been humming along in your career - doing what you love & helping people every day - when you suddenly realize that there's a new, broader calling out there for you? In this episode, I share what made me realize I needed to shift my focus and help clients reach their most ambitious speaking goals. I also talk about the process of becoming a thought leader and why it's so important to take a stand as a speaker. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebar...

Ep #35: Here's Where Message Clarity Really Lives

January 02, 2019 08:00 - 19 minutes - 27.4 MB

In this episode, I talk about how you can create spacious quietness with a coach, a trusted friend, or even with yourself, and how that quiet can bring clarity. I also share how you can start to treat your thoughts and feelings more lightly in this process, which will help you reach that clarity whenever you need it. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode35

Ep #34: What Are You Not Saying?

December 26, 2018 08:00 - 13 minutes - 20.2 MB

Inspired by a question from Susan Hyatt, I spent this week in deep thinking about my current speaking and what messages I might be holding myself back from sharing. It’s scary to say the things we’ve not been saying, but I wanted to take the step to share them with you on this episode so that you might consider how you can deepen your message, too. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode34