Speaker Dynamics - Own The Room

EP36: Pitch Perfect - Becoming a Media Expert with Paula Rizzo

Becoming a go-to media expert doesn’t happen by chance. There are multiple factors that make you the guest who is on speed dial. But what are those factors? 
 
Karin Reed talks with Paula Rizzo, an Emmy-winning producer, author and media trainer, about what it really takes to get booked by the media and asked back. Why do some experts become regulars while others never hear a word? What makes a producer stop scrolling and actually open your pitch?
 
Paula shares what she looked for when booking guests during her years in TV news and how she used those same strategies to build her own media presence. She explains the importance of showing up online, pitching with a clear hook and takeaway, and creating content that reflects your expertise. She also unpacks what it means to be “good on camera” and why clarity always matters more than charisma.
 
This episode offers guidance for authors, entrepreneurs and subject-matter experts who want to raise their visibility and be taken seriously by the media. If you’re ready to be seen as the expert, this is where to begin.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Becoming a Media Expert
01:13 Paula Rizzo’s Media Journey
03:20 How to Start: Blogging, Pitching, and Visibility
05:00 What Makes a Great Media Guest
06:10 Why Availability Matters
08:19 How to Pitch the Media Effectively
10:54 Follow-Up and Relationship Building
13:11 Understanding What Producers Actually Need
14:55 Being Good on Camera
19:11 Speaking in Soundbites
21:23 Where to Begin as an Aspiring Expert
23:57 Common Misconceptions About Media
26:04 When to Start Media Training
27:50 Be Visible to Be Found
 
Links
Connect with Paula Rizzo:
For listeners – anyone who is interested in applying for a free strategy session with me can go to SpeakWithPaula.com to apply. There are limited spots available.
For anyone interested in lists and productivity, here’s a list-making starter kit at paularizzo.com/lists
To connect via LinkedIn please go here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paularizzo1/
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP35: Will You Let Me Finish?

Controlling a room full of senior leaders starts with knowing your mission and refusing to let interruptions derail it. So what happens when you walk into a meeting ready to present and the executives start cutting you off before you even reach slide two? Karin Reed knows the feeling, and she offers a smarter way to handle it without losing control or losing your nerve.
 
In this episode, Karin breaks down five practical strategies for staying in charge when senior leaders steer the conversation off course. She shares why setting expectations early can help you hold the room, how trimming your content down to what matters most can work in your favor, and why you should never make a busy executive wait for the point you’re trying to make. Would your presentation land differently if you led with the ‘ask’ instead of saving it for the end? Karin explains why it would and how it changes the way people listen. You’ll also hear smart ways to handle interruptions without giving away control and how to design your slides to flex with the conversation instead of boxing you in.
 
Karin drives home a simple truth: your voice matters, no matter where you sit on the org chart. When you stay intentional, respectful, and focused, you help leaders make better decisions. And that is exactly why you are in the room.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
01:04 Mission and Importance of Presentation
02:32 Understanding Senior Leaders’ Intent
04:51 Five Strategies Overview
05:03 Strategy 1: Setting Expectations
07:10 Strategy 2: Be Realistic with Content
10:18 Strategy 3: Don’t Bury the Lead
14:00 Strategy 4: Handling Questions
18:46 Strategy 5: Be Flexible
 
Links
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP34: Tales from the Trenches of the Speakers Circuit

Most people think polish makes a speaker great. Authenticity is what makes an audience listen.
 
In this episode, Karin Reed talks with international keynote speaker and bestselling author Ryan Vet about what it really takes to build a professional speaking business. From a non-linear journey shaped by entrepreneurship and early Twitter fame to a moment of clarity sparked by unexpected feedback, Ryan shares how authenticity, not polish, is the quality that sets great speakers apart.
 
Ryan and Karin discuss common misconceptions about the speaking world, including the myth that success happens quickly or that all impactful talks happen on massive stages. Ryan offers practical insight into building a sustainable speaking business, from understanding who’s in the room to customizing talks without compromising your voice. He also explains why things like AV etiquette, recording your talks, and building multiple revenue streams are part of the job, not just extras.
 
Whether you’re aiming for the main stage or just curious about what happens behind the scenes, this conversation pulls back the curtain on professional speaking with honesty, humor, and a healthy dose of real talk.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
01:30 Ryan’s Path to Professional Speaking
04:30 Lessons from Writing Speak Goodr
06:00 Handling On-Stage Mishaps
09:24 Respecting the AV Team
10:04 Building a Speaking Business
12:43 Setting and Explaining Your Fee
16:37 Creating Multiple Revenue Streams
17:05 Preparing for Your Audience
20:14 Why Recording Your Talks Matters
22:19 How the Speaking Industry is Changing
23:32 Impacting Audiences of Any Size
25:55 Stick With It
 
Links
Connect with Ryan Vet:
www.RyanVet.com 
www.SpeakGoodr.com
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP33: An Executive Presence Toolkit

Executive presence isn’t something you’re just born with. It’s built through intention, visibility, and the willingness to quiet your inner critic. These are some of the key takeaways from Karin Reed’s talk produced by e-learning titan, Madecraft, as part of their &Then speakers’ series.
 
Karin returns to a topic she’s known for—owning the room—but this time through a more personal lens. What does it take to show up with confidence when your inner voice is questioning every move? How do you project leadership when imposter syndrome is creeping into your psyche?
 
Through stories from her early days as a young reporter and lessons learned from years coaching professionals on camera and in the room, Karin outlines what executive presence really requires. She breaks it down into three areas: how others see you, how you see yourself, and how you stay true to who you are while still making an impact.
 
You’ll hear tips for making stronger digital impressions, learn why solo episodes almost didn’t happen on her podcast, and get a reminder that your value isn’t tied to how well you match someone else’s mold. This episode is a smart, honest look at how to show up clearly, confidently, and fully yourself.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction 
02:08 Defining Executive Presence
05:12 The Importance of First Impressions
07:00 Elements of Strong Presence
09:17 Improving Your Virtual Presence
12:48 Maximizing Your Screen Space
13:10 Owning Your Expertise
16:02 The Value of Authenticity
17:27 The Importance of Executive Presence
 
Links
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP32: Speak to Lead through Uncertainty with Kevin Eikenberry

Rigid leadership is a thing of the past. In today’s unpredictable world, leaders who adapt are the ones who thrive. But what does true flexibility look like?
 
Karin Reed sits down with leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry to talk about the ideas in his latest book, “Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence.” He challenges the belief that leadership styles should stay fixed, arguing that clinging to one approach can limit effectiveness. Instead, he shares how leaders can stay rooted in their values while adjusting their methods to fit the moment.
 
How do you break free from habits that no longer serve you? When should you step in with direction, and when should you hold back and listen? Kevin shares examples, strategies, and a framework for developing the mindset, skillset, and habit set needed to lead with confidence, no matter what comes next.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction to Flexible Leadership
06:37 Flexibility Beyond Remote Work
09:01 Real-World Example: Asking vs. Telling
13:23 Importance of Listening in Leadership
15:34 Framework: Mindset, Skill Set, and Habit Set
18:30 Balancing Empathy with Organizational Goals
20:26 Challenges in Adopting Flexible Leadership
24:35 Future of Flexible Leadership
25:44 One Big Takeaway: Context Matters
 
Links
Connect with Kevin Eikenberry:
https://kevineikenberry.com
http://KevinEikenberry.com/flexible
KevinEikenberry.com/gift
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevineikenberry/
https://twitter.com/kevineikenberry
https://www.youtube.com/user/KevinEikenberryGroup
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP31: Marking Communication Milestones

Milestones often go unnoticed in the moment, but looking back, they reveal the moments that shape careers, confidence, and impact.
 
As Speaker Dynamics turns one, Karin Reed reflects on the moments that defined her communication journey: an unexpected assignment that led to an Emmy, a simple legal pad sketch that became a career-defining framework, and the years of preparation that positioned her to help professionals navigate the sudden shift to virtual communication. Along the way, she discovered that the most meaningful opportunities aren’t always the ones we seek out, but the ones that challenge us in ways we never expected.
 
What experiences have quietly reshaped your path? This episode is a reminder to recognize the lessons in past milestones, and to use them to shape what comes next.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
03:06 First Communication Milestone: Tuesday’s Child
05:37 Impact of Tuesday’s Child Assignment
06:48 Emmy Award for Special Needs Adoption Documentary
07:02 Lesson from Tuesday’s Child Experience
07:03 Second Communication Milestone: Teaching On-Camera Communication
08:58 Developing the MVPs of On-Camera Success
10:13 Expanding Workshops and Writing a Book
10:45 Lesson from Teaching On-Camera Communication
11:07 Third Communication Milestone: 2020 and Virtual Communication
12:13 Webinar with Dr. Joe Allen
13:06 Onslaught of Business in 2020
14:00 Scaling Training and Speaker Dynamics University
15:04 Lesson from 2020 Experience
16:10 Reflecting on Career Impact
17:35 This Week’s Big Takeaway
18:17 Encouragement to Reflect on Personal Milestones
18:48 Closing
 
Links
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP30: Commuting with a Click - An Experiment in Spatial Working... that Worked!

Can remote teams recreate those spontaneous office moments, the quick chats and casual check-ins, without stepping into a building?
 
Karin Reed sits down with Lisette Sutherland, director of Collaboration Superpowers, to talk about spatial working, a fresh approach to remote work that brings a real sense of presence to virtual teams. Instead of relying on scheduled meetings, these digital office spaces create opportunities for spontaneous interactions. Teams can see who is around, drop in for quick conversations, and feel more connected throughout the day.
 
Lisette shares her own experience testing these tools, including Welo, and explains why they offer something that video calls and Slack messages cannot. She also digs into the biggest hurdles, why teams hesitate to try new tech, what makes adoption tricky, and how to introduce it in a way that actually sticks.
 
If remote work feels disconnected or overly structured, this episode offers a different way forward. Could spatial working be the key to rebuilding team culture and making virtual collaboration feel effortless?
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction to Spatial Working
01:06 Lisette Sutherland
02:08 Defining Spatial Working
03:55 Benefits of Spatial Working
06:20 Lisette’s Deep Dive into Spatial Working
09:10 Serendipity in Virtual Offices
10:12 Barriers to Adoption
13:13 Ideal Organization Size for Spatial Working
16:14 Solving Connectedness with Spatial Working
18:13 Experimenting with Spatial Working
19:04 Lack of Awareness and Future Trends
21:44 Ingredients for a Successful Launch
23:44 Making Networking Events Fun
24:34 Key Takeaways
26:01 Closing
 
Linkshttps://www.collaborationsuperpowers.com/166-why-virtual-coworking-rocks/
Welo (a Collaboration Superpowers favorite) - https://www.welo.space
Remo - https://remo.co
Gathertown - https://www.gather.town
Kumospace - https://www.kumospace.com
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP29: Be a Better Communicator in 2025

Most New Year’s resolutions don’t last, but a few small shifts in how you communicate can lead to meaningful, lasting change.
 
Karin Reed shares three communication resolutions designed to help you show up with more confidence, clarity, and impact. She breaks down why winging it is a gamble, how listening can be a superpower, and why your voice deserves to be heard. Through personal stories and insights, she challenges common habits that hold people back—like underpreparing for high-stakes moments, tuning out instead of truly listening, and staying silent when their perspective matters. 
 
Whether you want to be a stronger leader, a more effective speaker, or simply more intentional in daily conversations, Karin offers a fresh approach to communication resolutions that actually stick.
 
Quotes
“I will not wing it when it matters the most.” (02:49 | Karin Reed)
“The best leaders that I’ve worked with all share this very common belief, this common trait. They believe that it’s more important for them to be good listeners than to be good speakers.” (08:36 | Karin Reed) 
“I’m gonna tell you a quote from the book, ‘People Skills,’ which is an oldie but a goodie. It’s written by Dr. Robert Bolton. And he says, ‘The quality of your friendships, the cohesiveness of your family relationships, your effectiveness at work, these hinge in large measure on your ability to listen.’” (15:45 | Karin Reed)
“Your point of view is worth sharing and might inspire others to share their stories as well.” (20:40 | Karin Reed)
“One of my previous guests, Jenn Chase, said preparation is the antidote to imposter syndrome for her. I think that is a great mantra to keep in mind.” (23:35 | Karin Reed)
 
Links
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP28: Lead Like a Person with Mark Carpenter

Great leadership starts with connecting as a person, not commanding from a position. In this episode, Karin Reed is joined by Mark Carpenter, the best-selling author of “Lead Like a Person, Not a Position,” to discuss how leaders can prioritize human connection over authority. Mark shares the personal regrets that fueled his mission to help leaders avoid the pitfalls of positional power and lead with empathy and humanity.
 
Through a career anecdote, Mark points out the consequences of leadership that’s rooted in authority—damaged trust, strained relationships, and high turnover—and explains why treating team members as people rather than subordinates is essential in today’s knowledge-based economy.
 
Mark introduces three actionable behaviors for leading like a person: listening intently to understand issues fully, communicating clearly to build trust, and recognizing contributions in meaningful ways. These habits do not only strengthen teams but also foster environments where people thrive.
 
The episode also tackles the challenge of leading authentically in cultures that reward hierarchy. Mark provides insights on whether those environments align with a leader’s values and shares a success story of a leader who embraced these principles to build a solid team.
 
Mark’s final takeaway? Leadership is a choice. Be intentional about the legacy you want to create.
 
Quotes
“The times that I had the most regrets about were the times when I treated people less well than they deserve. I didn't treat people like the people they deserve to be treated like.” (01:56 | Mark Carpenter)
“If you’re not listening intently, you are likely, as a leader, to come up with a brilliant solution to the wrong problem.” (11:45 | Mark Carpenter)
“You can’t hold people accountable for behaviors that you haven’t made clear to them. And so, communicating intentionally is being really clear about what those expectations are.” (16:13 | Mark Carpenter) 
“Be intentional and conscious about who you want to be as a leader and what legacy you want to leave behind as a leader.” (25:34 | Mark Carpenter)
 
Links
Connect with Mark Carpenter:
Website: LeadLikeAPerson.com 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-carpenter-0b55221/
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP27: Course Corrections: Communicating Change

"If we're going to communicate something to anyone, particularly a large organization, we've got to ensure that they are aware of the condition that we're in, aware of the change." says John Cerqueira, founder of Pinwheel Associates. In this episode, John joins Karin Reed to explore the art of leading through change and communicating that well, offering strategies to ensure that transitions are not only understood but embraced.
 
John introduces the ADKAR model—Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement—as a practical framework for engaging employees and sustaining progress.
 
Can leaders balance the logistics of change with the human element? John believes they can. By prioritizing transparency, fostering buy-in, and reinforcing initiatives, leaders can turn resistance into alignment. He shares a case study from a global pharmaceutical company that successfully implemented change through thoughtful communication and consistent follow-through.
 
John also reflects on his personal experience running for public office, applying principles like gratitude, service, and abundance to manage uncertainty and build trust.
 
Whether you’re leading a team through a significant shift or planning for future changes, this episode offers practical advice to help you inspire confidence, manage uncertainty, and create meaningful impact.
 
Quotes
"If we're going to communicate something to anyone, particularly a large organization, we've got to ensure that they are aware of the condition that we're in, aware of the change." (9:44 | John Cerqueira)
“The fundamental model that I rely on is a model of call it: gratitude, service, and abundance, to offset and neutralize the natural fear of change and to make way for us to operate in terms of service, which is really the path, the motive that allows us to show up as our best selves.” (23:05 | John Cerqueira)
 "It is super important to recognize the human emotional element. We are emotional creatures, not just because we've been groomed to be that way from a physiological perspective." (28:37 | John Cerqueira)
“Recognizing that every individual, when they experience change, is prone to feeling threatened is particularly important. And I don't mean you have to pull punches, but just recognizing that to manage your messaging, recognizing that to manage the frustration that I see a lot of leaders feeling when they think, ‘Gosh, this is so simple. Why doesn't everyone just follow this path?’ is helpful for everybody.” (29:25 | John Cerqueira)
 
Links
Connect with John Cerqueira: 
Website: pinwheelassociates.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-cerqueira-5a22963/
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm