World of Speaking - Interview * Part 2
This discussion was published in 2 sections, so be sure to check out Part 1, published on December 7th.
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
A: Travel can definitely be challenging, especially with tight schedules. My advice is to plan well in advance and build in buffers for unexpected delays. Always book flexible flights and accommodations. Make use of travel rewards programs to save on expenses, and keep track of everything for tax purposes.
Q: Speaking events also involve the back door sales - a table of wares at the rear or to the side of the room... Could you share some information on the management of this?
A: Yes, I often set up a merchandise table with items like my books, workbooks, and branded products. To manage this, I have a dedicated team member handle the setup, inventory, and sales transactions. We always prepare in advance by shipping items to the venue ahead of time, and we focus on creating an appealing display. I also invest in theft prevention measures and ensure I have enough staff to manage sales and engage with attendees.
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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Q: In Part 1 of this discussion we got to know quite a bit about you, and the reasons behind what you do. Today I'd like to focus on the logistics of being a speaker, from an entrepreneurial point of view. So - Once you arrive on-site, how do you go about organizing an event with a live audience?
A: I like to arrive early to check the stage setup, lighting, and audio to ensure everything is working perfectly. I also do a walkthrough of the venue to get a feel for the space. I meet with the event team for a final run-through and ensure that contingency and safety plans are in place, especially if there are interactive elements in my presentation.
Having a solid plan is key, but I also stay flexible in case adjustments are needed.
Q: Travel management issues... they must have come up with all of the travel you have done in the past. And while some events are online, I have a sense that you still travel a lot. Do you have advice for people who have to travel?
Staying organized is crucial, so I rely on travel apps for managing itineraries, and I always have a backup plan for last-minute changes.
Q: How do you develop an action plan for upcoming projects?
A: I start with a brainstorming session, where I lay out all the goals and key deliverables. Then, I break the project into smaller, manageable tasks, assign deadlines, and set milestones. I use project management tools to keep everything on track and collaborate with my team regularly to adjust the plan as needed. Having a clear timeline and measurable objectives helps me stay focused and ensures I’m making steady progress.
Q: What dreams have been realized as a result of speaking to groups?
A: Speaking has allowed me to realize my dream of traveling the world, connecting with diverse audiences, and making a real impact on people’s lives. It’s also given me the platform to launch my business, The Adversity Academy, and to share my concepts like “The UN-Leadership” on a global stage. Seeing others take action and transform their lives because of what I’ve shared is a dream come true.
Q: Do you still get nervous? Any tips for overcoming the stress or anxiety, jet lag... how to unwind and relax?
A: Absolutely, I still get nervous sometimes, but I’ve learned to embrace it as a sign that I care deeply about the impact I want to make. I focus on preparation and breathing exercises to keep calm. For jet lag, I stick to a routine: staying hydrated, getting sunlight when possible, and adjusting my sleep schedule gradually. To unwind, I enjoy reading, exercising, or simply taking a moment to disconnect and reflect.
Q: How do you manage social media/networking regarding each speaking event?
A: Social media is a huge part of my strategy. I use platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to build anticipation for upcoming events and engage with attendees. I like to post behind-the-scenes content and snippets of my sessions to keep the audience engaged. LinkedIn is my favorite platform because it allows me to connect with professionals and decision-makers directly. It’s also where I find the most engagement and interaction with my audience.
Q: For people entering into speaking - what advice would you give them regarding finding gigs?
A: Start by building your brand and portfolio, even if it means speaking for free or at smaller events. Establish credibility by creating valuable content on social media and building relationships with event organizers and other speakers.
Attend networking events and join speaker associations to expand your connections. And don’t be afraid to pitch yourself to event organizers—sometimes, the opportunity you’re looking for just needs a little initiative on your part.
A: Yes, I often set up a merchandise table with items like my books, workbooks, and branded products. To manage this, I have a dedicated team member handle the setup, inventory, and sales transactions. We always prepare in advance by shipping items to the venue ahead of time, and we focus on creating an appealing display. I also invest in theft prevention measures and ensure I have enough staff to manage sales and engage with attendees.
Q: Thank you so very much for being so generous with your time and giving our readers a clear understanding of what being a speaker involves. Before we end this interview I'd like to touch on the "live-balance" portion of being an entrepreneur. I know you have a strong circle of friends and family. How do they feel about the amount of time this takes away from them? How have you handled the situation?
A: My friends and family are incredibly supportive, and they understand that this is my passion and mission. However, it’s important to maintain balance, so I make it a point to carve out dedicated time for them, especially for my wife and children.
I’m transparent about my schedule, and we plan quality time together whenever possible. Communication and mutual understanding have been key in making sure my family feels valued and supported, even with my demanding schedule.
This discussion was published in 2 sections, so be sure to check out Part 1, published on December 7th.
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