
What is your “Speaker Superpower”? | |
Whether I am on or off the stage, my ability to inherently see people, connect with them, and to communicate effectively through the use of personal stories and shared knowledge is my “speaker superpower.” | |
How does your message empower others? | |
At the core, I think that my message reminds people that it is possible to become successful while working through challenges. When I am speaking to audiences, I never shy away from sharing various obstacles that I have overcome to become the successful author, teacher, and entrepreneur that I am today. When people look at me, they would not be able to tell that I survived an ischemic stroke three-years ago or that I overcame childhood epilepsy and reading challenges to become an author, teacher, and entrepreneur. I am aware that I do not look or sound like what I have been through. However, this is a part of my testimony of the LORD’s faithfulness in my life. For me, it is important to share the highs and lows of my journey with audiences because I recognize that my stories and insights have helped people experience breakthroughs in their lives and careers. | |
What inspired you to start speaking or coaching? | |
At age 18, I won a national speaking competition in Anaheim, California. At the time, I was dually enrolled in high school and a two-year medical assistant program at the William D. Ford Technical Center. My teacher, Rion Glennon, encouraged me to start entering public speaking competitions and I became the first student in the history of my school to win at the national level in the category of public speaking. As I reflect on that time, I am thankful to her because shortly after graduating and entering college I started to receive invitations to speak at churches, elementary schools, conferences, and later universities. That was more than 20 years ago now. | |
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in your career as a speaker? | |
I have a commitment to doing things with excellence. Thus, I believe in being prepared. Still, the best advice that I have received from a speaking coach is to speak from my heart. I always keep this in mind even when I am preparing speeches because I am a firm believer that what comes from the heart will reach the hearts of others. | |
What are some of your most memorable moments or achievements in this field? | |
One of my proudest moments as a speaker and teacher came when I was asked to create a journal and motivational leadership series for middle and high school youth for the Nurturing Wellness Group Foundation. The recorded series continues to have a positive impact on young people today. As a children’s author, I recently had an opportunity to return to Salvador, Brazil, for the release of my second children’s book, “Jazz-A-Bet: An Original Jazz Alphabet.” During my time there, I spoke and read to children and parents at various schools in Salvador. I have a working knowledge of Portuguese. Still, there was a translator in attendance to make sure that both the parents and I understood one another. I could sense the parents’ warmth, and I believe that they could sense my warmth. The whole experience was priceless and memorable. | |
How do you stay motivated and inspired to continually grow your influence? | |
As I learn and advance in my professional career, I share my knowledge and insights with others. In fact, I have grown my influence from being a life-long learner. Whether through lived experience or consistently reading, I am committed to personal growth. I am committed to doing tasks with excellence and growing in understanding. Thus, I believe others observe this personal quality and want to glean insights from me on educational leadership and entrepreneurship matters. None of us can pour from an empty cup. I make sure that my cup is full so that I can grow and grow my influence to have a greater impact. | |
How does your brand reflect your core values? | |
I lead with compassion, empathy, and transparency. This allows me to form meaningful connections with people and to grow healthy relationships. In the work that I do as an educator and a stationery business owner, I am constantly looking for meaningful ways to connect with the people and families that I serve. Connection and trust are at the core of the work that I do in my role as an educator and as a business owner. | |
What do you want audiences to remember after experiencing your presentation or session? | |
When audiences have heard my message, I want people to leave encouraged, informed, and inspired to take action- action that leads to an enriched life and the betterment of neighborhoods and communities. | |
What has been your biggest learning experience as a speaker or consultant? | |
When I began speaking professionally at conferences and universities, I sought representation as a speaker. However, because I was young in my career, it was challenging to find a speaker’s bureau that would represent me. In fact, I faced rejection by several speakers’ bureaus. Still, I continued to hone my craft and to accept invitations to speak. Rejection is a part of success. Along with my many award letters, I have saved my rejection letters. It helps to keep me grounded and to remember why I do the work that I do. | |
What advice would you give to aspiring speakers, coaches, or consultants who want to make an impact? | |
Before you take any stage, be clear on who you are and why you speak. Your mindset and your why will guide your decision making and help you to become more intentional about the assignments that you accept and the audiences that you speak to. Secondly, before and after any speaking engagement, seek opportunities to connect one-one-one with your audience, if possible. Ask them questions about themselves and listen intentionally to what they have to share with you. This will allow you to get to know your audiences on a deeper level. Furthermore, it shows them that you are placing them first. A characteristic of a quality and impactful speaker, coach, or consultant is their ability to listen intentionally and to offer quality insights and solutions. However, you cannot offer quality insights and solutions unless you are willing to take time to understand who you are serving on a deeper level. This is an ongoing process that no speaker, coach, or consultant should take for granted. | |
Finally, how can people get in touch with you? | |
Please connect with me at [email protected] or VeseyLaneGoods.com |