| How does your message empower others? | |
| My message and coaching programs are designed to empower coaches, entrepreneurs, and professionals to unlock their full potential and step into their unique strengths with confidence. I guide them in creating authentic, impactful brands that don’t just stand out but drive real results. Through proven strategies, I help them sharpen their vision, hone their message, and connect deeply with their audience. It’s about giving them the tools and insight they need to elevate their presence, amplify their influence, and lead with purpose. My goal is to see each client not only succeed but truly thrive by building a brand that’s unmistakably their own. | |
| What inspired you to start speaking or coaching? | |
| My journey into speaking and coaching began with a deep desire to empower others to recognize their potential and be comfortable articulating their value and expertise to others. Over the years, I saw so many talented professionals and entrepreneurs struggling to stand out, often held back by self-doubt or a lack of clarity about their unique value. I knew I had insights and strategies that could help them not only find their voice but amplify it with confidence for more influence, impact, and income. My passion to make a difference, to see others thrive in their careers and businesses, and not face the struggles I experienced is what inspires me. Speaking and coaching became my preferred channels to share the tools and strategies I used to change my career, elevate my brand and achieve success. | |
| What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in your career as a speaker? | |
| The best advice I received as a speaker is to be myself, show up authentically, and serve. Find stories that will connect with the hearts and minds of the audience and offer them inspiration and actionable insights that matter. | |
| What are some of your most memorable moments or achievements in this field? | |
| I have truly been blessed on this journey. One of my proudest milestones was reaching the five-year mark in business—a critical point when many ventures don’t make it. It’s been a rewarding experience, and while I’m grateful for the awards and recognitions, what truly matters to me are the transformations I witness in my clients. Whether it’s guiding someone from corporate to entrepreneurship and watching them triple their income, helping scale a business toward growth and acquisitions, empowering an introvert to find her voice, or building the foundational brand for a start-up, these successes are my greatest rewards. The recognitions—like the 2024 Inc. Power Partner Award, Global Business Awards’ Brand Analyst of the Year, and the 2023 EPSY for speaker excellence—serve as validation that I’m on the right path, and for that, I am immensely grateful. Additionally, becoming a three-time bestselling author for BRANDfluence, Reputation to Reward, and Become Unforgettable, being a Top 10 Finalist in the Author Elite Awards, and named one of IBJ’s ‘Women of Influence’ have all been moments of incredible honor that fuel my passion for this work | |
| How do you stay motivated and inspired to continually grow your influence? | |
| My motivation comes from the impact I see in others—clients transforming their brands, stepping into their potential, and achieving levels of success they once thought impossible. I’m also constantly learning and evolving so that inspires me through the challenges that come with each stage of growth. Having coaches and mentors who guide and challenge me, along with immersing myself in communities of like-minded professionals, keeps me grounded and accountable. Ultimately, staying connected to my purpose and my “Why” motivates me because I know people need what I offer, and the impact I can have on my family and others, and coupled with the results I want to create fuels my passion to keep pushing forward, empowering me to show up with fresh insights and the energy to make a difference. | |
| How does your brand reflect your core values? | |
| My brand is built on a foundation of core values that guide every interaction and decision I make as a speaker and coach. Respect for People means that I approach every individual with an open mind, honoring their unique perspectives and journeys. Integrity is non-negotiable; I believe in being transparent, consistent, and honest, whether I’m working with clients or speaking to an audience. Positivity is a cornerstone of my approach, as I aim to inspire optimism and resilience, helping others see opportunities where they might see challenges. Action drives everything I do—I’m committed to taking real steps forward and encouraging others to do the same, moving ideas from concept to reality. And finally, Excellence is the standard I hold myself to, always striving to deliver value, quality, and impactful insights that make a difference. These values shape my brand and enable me to create meaningful, lasting connections with those I serve | |
| What do you want audiences to remember after experiencing your presentation or session? | |
| After experiencing my presentation, I want audiences to walk away knowing they are the brand. Their unique voice holds power, and it matters in ways that can influence, inspire, and create real impact. I want them to understand that connection is essential; we are not islands, and success is never achieved alone. It’s through building genuine relationships and leaning into our communities that we find strength, support, and shared growth. My goal is for them to feel equipped with practical tools to elevate their presence, empowered to step into their full potential, and inspired to use their voice confidently. Ultimately, I want them to leave with the clarity and confidence to create a brand that not only stands out but truly reflects who they are. | |
| What has been your biggest learning experience as a speaker or consultant? | |
| My biggest learning experience as a speaker and coach has been the profound power of self-belief and the importance of having coaches. Coming from a senior leadership role in the corporate world, I thought transitioning to entrepreneurship would be a breeze. But I quickly learned that in corporate, the systems, processes, and tools are all laid out for you. In entrepreneurship, you have to create them from scratch—and that was eye-opening and, honestly, a bit daunting. It required a level of resilience and a growth mindset, knowing that if there was an answer or solution, I would find it. Initially, it’s a lot of work; you’re the employee, the strategist, and the CEO, all at once. However, while I possessed the determination to succeed, I realized early in this journey the importance of guidance, something I never had in the corporate world until I was mid-career, and began connecting with people who had already achieved what I was aiming for. I needed to find my ‘who’, those mentors and coaches who could guide me, and the experts who could do the things I wasn’t great at, allowing me to focus on my strengths and move my business forward. That realization has been invaluable in building my brand and business and expanding my influence. | |
| What advice would you give to aspiring speakers, coaches, or consultants who want to make an impact? | |
| My advice to aspiring speakers, coaches, and consultants is to stay committed to your journey and never give up. Building a meaningful impact takes time, resilience, and a willingness to learn and grow along the way. Practice your craft relentlessly—professionals practice; amateurs wing it. Every opportunity to speak, coach, or consult is a chance to refine your skills and deepen your expertise. Also, invest in your personal development and surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Seek mentors, learn from those who have already achieved what you aspire to, and always remember that your unique voice has the power to create real change. Keep showing up, stay true to your values, and be patient with the process. The impact you’re aiming for is worth every step. | |
| Finally, how can people get in touch with you? | |
| yolandamsmith.com linkedin.com/in/branding4success https://www.instagram.com/branding4success/ https://www.facebook.com/branding4success Brand Domination – https://offers.branding4success.com/challenge |
