World of Speaking - Interview
This discussion will be published in 2 sections, so be sure to check out Part 2 December 13th.
Michael Allison & I met back in 2023 and we have been networking ever since. In fact I was a guest on his podcast (Overcoming Adversity) earlier this year. Over the last 18 months I've come to know this man as someone genuinely interested, in fact committed to making a difference by inspiring leaders to become resilient and thrive in the face of adversity.
Michael is a marine veteran & Purple Heart recipient. He is well known as a leadership expert and a highly sought after keynote speaker. He's an entrepreneur at heart, having run several businesses in the past.
Visit Michael at: https://michaelwallison.com
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Michael Allison & I met back in 2023 and we have been networking ever since. In fact I was a guest on his podcast (Overcoming Adversity) earlier this year. Over the last 18 months I've come to know this man as someone genuinely interested, in fact committed to making a difference by inspiring leaders to become resilient and thrive in the face of adversity.
Michael is a marine veteran & Purple Heart recipient. He is well known as a leadership expert and a highly sought after keynote speaker. He's an entrepreneur at heart, having run several businesses in the past.
Visit Michael at: https://michaelwallison.com
&
https://theadversityacademy.com
Q: Could you start us off by sharing a brief introduction into the types of events that you have offered in the past and what you have coming up in the future?
A: Absolutely. I’ve had the opportunity to speak at a wide variety of events, ranging from conferences focused on leadership development, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), to business and industry-specific events such as logistics and supply chain management. I’ve also presented on personal growth topics like “Breaking the Bottle,” which centres on shattering limiting beliefs, and “The UN-Leadership,” which emphasizes unconventional leadership principles for today’s dynamic world.
Q: Could you start us off by sharing a brief introduction into the types of events that you have offered in the past and what you have coming up in the future?
A: Absolutely. I’ve had the opportunity to speak at a wide variety of events, ranging from conferences focused on leadership development, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), to business and industry-specific events such as logistics and supply chain management. I’ve also presented on personal growth topics like “Breaking the Bottle,” which centres on shattering limiting beliefs, and “The UN-Leadership,” which emphasizes unconventional leadership principles for today’s dynamic world.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to be speaking at several upcoming conferences, including the 2024 HomeCareCon and the 2024 Michigan Virtual Conference on Service and Volunteerism. I’m also actively applying for a number of events in 2025, with a focus on expanding my reach and continuing to provide impactful and transformative experiences for my audiences.
Q: I love that you truly enjoy speaking at events that focus on making the world a better place. Kudo's to you!
Q: I love that you truly enjoy speaking at events that focus on making the world a better place. Kudo's to you!
What inspired you to embrace the adventures of being a speaker?
A: My journey as a speaker was inspired by my experiences as a Marine and a combat veteran, coupled with my passion for leadership development. I realized that I could use my story of overcoming adversity to inspire others and help them unlock their own potential.
I saw a gap in how leadership is traditionally taught and felt compelled to share my perspective, which challenges conventional methods and empowers people to lead authentically. It’s been an adventure that allows me to make a difference in people’s lives and organizations every time I take the stage.
Q: It's important, what you said about seeing a gap in the industry. I think that is key to finding success, discovering a gap and finding a way to fill that gap. You mentioned quite a few happenings... How long will we wait for your next event?
A: My next event is just around the corner. I’ll be speaking at the YES! Youth Environmental Summit and the ND SHRM State HR Conference soon. I always try to keep my calendar full with opportunities to share my message, so you won’t have to wait long!
Q: What are your current goals as a speaker?
A: My goals as a speaker include expanding my reach globally and becoming one of the top keynote speakers in the world. I aim to continuously develop new, engaging content that aligns with current business and social trends, particularly focusing on leadership, mental health, and diversity. I also want to build deeper connections with my audience by incorporating interactive elements and post-event resources that extend the impact beyond the stage.
Q: Do you advertise the event in the areas that you are appearing?
A: Yes, I do. My team and I work closely with event organizers to promote my sessions on social media, my website, and through local marketing efforts. I believe in building anticipation and making sure people know the value they’ll get from attending. This not only helps with event turnout but also ensures that the message reaches as many people as possible.
Q: Do you network with surrounding businesses prior to appearing in that area?
A: Absolutely. I believe in the power of local partnerships and collaborations. Before any event, I make it a point to connect with nearby businesses, chambers of commerce, and local influencers. It’s a great way to establish a community presence, and it often leads to meaningful connections that can enhance the event itself or lead to future opportunities.
Q: This is fantastic information! Would you mind sharing a little glimpse into some of the behind the scenes activities when you are broaching a venue?
A: I always approach each event with a customized formula. I start by thoroughly researching the audience demographics, the venue, and the event goals. I use this information to tailor my presentation outline, ensuring it aligns with the audience’s needs and the event’s objectives.
Q: It's important, what you said about seeing a gap in the industry. I think that is key to finding success, discovering a gap and finding a way to fill that gap. You mentioned quite a few happenings... How long will we wait for your next event?
A: My next event is just around the corner. I’ll be speaking at the YES! Youth Environmental Summit and the ND SHRM State HR Conference soon. I always try to keep my calendar full with opportunities to share my message, so you won’t have to wait long!
Q: What are your current goals as a speaker?
A: My goals as a speaker include expanding my reach globally and becoming one of the top keynote speakers in the world. I aim to continuously develop new, engaging content that aligns with current business and social trends, particularly focusing on leadership, mental health, and diversity. I also want to build deeper connections with my audience by incorporating interactive elements and post-event resources that extend the impact beyond the stage.
Q: Do you advertise the event in the areas that you are appearing?
A: Yes, I do. My team and I work closely with event organizers to promote my sessions on social media, my website, and through local marketing efforts. I believe in building anticipation and making sure people know the value they’ll get from attending. This not only helps with event turnout but also ensures that the message reaches as many people as possible.
Q: Do you network with surrounding businesses prior to appearing in that area?
A: Absolutely. I believe in the power of local partnerships and collaborations. Before any event, I make it a point to connect with nearby businesses, chambers of commerce, and local influencers. It’s a great way to establish a community presence, and it often leads to meaningful connections that can enhance the event itself or lead to future opportunities.
Q: This is fantastic information! Would you mind sharing a little glimpse into some of the behind the scenes activities when you are broaching a venue?
Contracts are handled meticulously by my team to make sure both sides are clear on expectations and deliverables. I’m also big on preparation—I conduct pre-event calls with organizers and use those insights to refine my presentation further.
Q: How do you come up with fresh ideas for your events?
A: My ideas often stem from my own life experiences, challenges I’ve faced, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I also stay updated with industry trends and conversations happening globally to keep my content relevant.
Q: How do you come up with fresh ideas for your events?
A: My ideas often stem from my own life experiences, challenges I’ve faced, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I also stay updated with industry trends and conversations happening globally to keep my content relevant.
Engaging with my audience on social media and through post-event surveys provides invaluable feedback that often inspires new topics or the evolution of existing ones.
Q: Could you offer some advice for others who wish to walk a similar path as a speaker?
A: My advice is to stay authentic and be willing to share your story, even the vulnerable parts. The most impactful speakers are those who connect with their audience on a deep level. Also, invest time in continuously refining your craft—practice, get feedback, and adjust.
Q: Could you offer some advice for others who wish to walk a similar path as a speaker?
A: My advice is to stay authentic and be willing to share your story, even the vulnerable parts. The most impactful speakers are those who connect with their audience on a deep level. Also, invest time in continuously refining your craft—practice, get feedback, and adjust.
Networking is crucial, so build relationships within the industry and with event organizers. Lastly, be patient; success in this field takes time, resilience, and a willingness to adapt.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories?
A: One of my favorite memories was speaking at a veteran’s event where I shared my story of overcoming adversity as a combat veteran. After the event, a young veteran approached me and shared how my words had inspired him to seek help and start turning his life around.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories?
A: One of my favorite memories was speaking at a veteran’s event where I shared my story of overcoming adversity as a combat veteran. After the event, a young veteran approached me and shared how my words had inspired him to seek help and start turning his life around.
Moments like these remind me why I do what I do. Another great memory was at the EntreFEST Conference, where the energy in the room was electric, and the audience was deeply engaged—it was an unforgettable experience.
Watch for Part 2 of this fascinating discussion on Dec 13th!
Watch for Part 2 of this fascinating discussion on Dec 13th!
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Thank you, Michael, for dropping in to share such wonderful insights!
ReplyDeleteIt was an absolute pleasure!!!
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