Speaker Dynamics - Own The Room

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

EP26: Best of 2024: Own the Room

“One of my favorite things about doing this podcast has been the opportunity to learn new things. And I hope that you've had the same opportunity as well in listening to these conversations. I'm really excited to continue the conversation next year with all of you,” shares Karin Reed, as she reflects on the podcast’s journey. She expresses heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support from listeners and takes a look back at some of the most impactful moments from episodes from the past year.
 
Karin revisits her conversation with Matt Abrahams, who reframed small talk as a meaningful opportunity for connection, and J.D. Schramm, who highlighted the power of storytelling to make data relatable. She also shares Guy Kawasaki’s perspective on taking action and making decisions right, Dorie Clark’s advice to pursue what captivates you for personal and professional fulfillment, and Julia Korn’s strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome through vulnerability and intentional self-reflection.
 
This episode is both a celebration of growth and a source of inspiration for the year ahead. Karin invites listeners to carry these insights forward and share their communication challenges for future episodes as she prepares to welcome new guests and fresh perspectives for 2025.
 
Quotes
"We have to rebrand small talk. Big things happen during small talk. We connect, we collaborate, we build trust, future relationships." (01:43 | Matt Abrahams)
"You first have to understand the data and then you have to figure out a narrative that lets other people understand it." (06:07 | J.D. Schramm)
"If you want to be remarkable, the way you do that is you make a difference. You make the world a better place." (09:11 | Guy Kawasaki)
“If you're optimizing for interesting, you're choosing things that are genuinely meaningful and cool to you. It doesn't have to be meaningful to society in the sense of like you're saving a life every day, but I mean, it could be. It's something that is interesting enough to you that it almost feels like its own reward.” (Dorie Clark | 14:05)
"Imposter syndrome loves shame. That's its breeding ground. It loves secrecy." (16:10 | Julia Korn)
 
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

EP25: The Mistakes that Make Us

“Leaders who lead by example set the tone for others to admit mistakes,” says Mark Graban, the creator of the “My Favorite Mistake” podcast and author of “The Mistakes That Make Us.” How can leaders move from blaming to learning? In this episode, Mark joins Karin Reed to discuss how confident humility—the skill of admitting mistakes while preserving credibility—can transform workplace culture into a space for innovation and growth instead of fear and judgment.
 
Mark reflects on lessons from his podcast, where his guests share how they turned their missteps into meaningful progress. He challenges the idea that punishment leads to improvement, and suggests that it often results in hidden errors and repeated problems. Can mistakes be viewed as opportunities to build stronger systems rather than as failures?
 
This episode points out how psychological safety, openness, and systemic thinking can empower teams to speak up, address issues, and create lasting change. Whether you’re leading a team or reflecting on your own mistakes, Mark and Karin's conversation offers insights that can help you transform your setbacks into success.
 
Quotes
“There’s this combination I’d call confident humility. You have to be confident enough to realize that sharing a story won’t ruin your reputation, but it might benefit others who are afraid or uncomfortable admitting mistakes to themselves or their employees.” (05:47 | Mark Graban) 
“Mistakes are, by definition, unintentional. We’re doing something we think is the right thing, and it could be due to a mental lapse, a physical slip-up, or a bad assumption. A mistake, large or small, is by definition unintended. When we punish mistakes, it teaches people to hide and cover them up. Then, we’re doomed to repeat them or fail to learn from them.” (10:54 | Mark Graban)
“Leaders who lead by example set the tone for others to admit mistakes.” (15:21 | Mark Graban)
“There’s a lesson from entrepreneurship of stating your assumptions and realizing, ‘Okay, we’re going to go do something now. We’re testing an assumption. We could be wrong, and that’s okay.’ So, I think if we almost expect mistakes to happen, especially if we’re entrepreneurs or doing new things, launching a new podcast, we almost have to expect it, invite it, and reflect and learn the best we can.” (32:47 | Mark Graban)
 
Links
Connect with Mark Graban:
Website: http://markgraban.com/
Book: https://mistakesbook.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