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Some of us are called to share our stories, lessons learned and expertise in service of others. We feel this call at the center of us. It starts as a glimmer. If we choose to nurture this glimmer into a spark, we can stoke that spark all the way into being a recognized leader in our industry through keynote speaking, TEDx talks, writing books, and just showing up to serve with our voice.  After working with well over 1,000 speakers and leaders, the path to this kind of Radiant Leadership has become powerfully clear. There are five phases, each with their own characteristics, milestones and activities. Knowing where you fall on this path will help you step more fully and easily into the most natural success on your thought leadership journey. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to recognize the glimmer that starts the whole journey - and how it feeds the entire five phase path. Ways to recognize when you’ve hit the “discernment” phase, when it is more valuable to think about what to say “no” to than to look for new opportunities to open up.  Stories of thought leaders who’ve ridden the entire journey from glimmer to Radiant Leadership, and what they’re doing now.  Milestones to look for to know your priorities should be shifting as you move into greater recognition as a leader.  The power of support at different phases of the journey, and what kind to look for when.     Listen in to this episode and see if you can name which phase you are in on the Path to Radiant Leadership. This will help you focus in on what matters most at this phase to keep your momentum going with more ease and success.    Want a copy of my book for free? Go to: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook Would you like first dibs on a spot in The Made For This Collective when we open doors in July? Click here to get on the waitlist   SHOW NOTES: How to Craft a Talk that Attracts Clients Surrendered Speaking

According to many people who try to preserve our patriarchal system, the term “thought leader” must be bestowed upon anyone who wants to carry that name.  Of course, this is b******t. In this episode of Becoming Unleashed, Michelle shares 5 myths she’s seen shared in various forms around what it takes to be a genuine Thought Leader. The trouble with these myths is that they only serve to keep brilliant, heart-fueled people quiet. And we need the brilliant, heart-fueled people to be louder than ever.  In this episode, you’ll learn: Some of the most well known, unconventional thought leaders who serve big in our world.  How to become a Thought Leader (hint: it’s not because someone else bestows this name upon you). Why being hyper-professional or buttoned up can actually be detrimental on your thought leadership journey.  The difference between thought leadership and content creation (and how they play together). Where ego fits (and doesn’t) in the path to thought leadership.  Listen to this episode, take it all in, then go out there big, bold and with rich freedom, sharing your gorgeous voice and message for all the world to hear! We need you out there!   Want a copy of my book for free? Go to: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook   SHOW NOTES: Oprah.com Steve Jobs Alicia Keys - Time to Uncover article Luvvie Ajayi TED Talk    Other relevant podcast episodes: Who Are You To Call Yourself a Thought Leader The Path of Radiant Thought Leadership

Speaking on stages, submitting your book draft, even hitting “publish” on that social media post takes courage, a willingness to be seen, noticed, and possibly judged. It’s what makes doing these things too much for many people.  When you are called to serve with your stories and expertise, you actually have to show up and be seen. To some degree, most of us get used to it, even if it isn’t always comfortable.  Sometimes, though, being seen can feel especially hard. Maybe you’ve decided to tell a very vulnerable story that risks judgment in ways you’ve never experienced and are afraid to. Or you are going to finally get on video after a recent change in your body, face, voice or something else “visible” to others - and you are afraid of the response you’ll get.  Maybe it’s just your own response that scares you most.  In this episode, Michelle shares: A story about a time when she was horrified by being seen - and how she moved through that overwhelming feeling. Why resisting your feelings can make everything harder - and what to do intead Reminders that the things we are afraid of are mostly built into this patriarchal system that is designed to keep us quiet and hidden - and therefor b******t on every level. Examples of clients and friends who have felt like they’d never be able to show up and shine again, and yet they did (and are shining bright now). The simple process you can call upon when you are feeling afraid to be seen, to help you not only show up and serve, but to feel celebrated and inspired for it!  This episode is meant to be played over and over again when you feel nervous, afraid or overwhelmed by your call to serve. The process is simple. Your call is real and meaningful and you deserve to be seen and heard all over the world!    Want a copy of my book for free? Go to: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook   SHOW NOTES: BARE by Susan Hyatt   Other relevant podcast episodes: How to Be Less Afraid of Virtual Speaking When You’re Afraid of Being Judged  

The vision and dream of being a paid speaker is an exciting one. If you see yourself on a stage, inspiring and serving audiences all over the country or world, you are not alone - and it’s SO possible for you! But, it’s not the only way to be a paid speaker.  In this episode, Michelle shares the glory and not so glorious aspects of being a paid speaker, especially when there is travel involved. While travel can be time consuming and full of frustrations at times, it’s also a beautiful benefit of in-person paid speaking.  That said, having a broader view of how to get paid to speak as well as ways to speak will serve your speaking and thought leadership well.  In this episode, you’ll hear: A day in the #speakerlife from Michelle’s recent paid speaking event Ways to broaden your idea of paid speaking Forms of compensation that are valuable, even when no money is exchanged The benefits of virtual speaking in this new era of online work and connection A bit of perspective, a bit of encouragement and some inspiration mixed into one episode. We hope you love it.  And if you love this episode, be sure to get a copy of Michelle’s book at: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook and join our email community! We share so many goodies there!    SHOW NOTES: Gold Star Peak Alaska Michelle’s Book: Beyond Applause (get it free)                                       

Whether you work at an organization and need to do regular presentations as part of your job or you are a thought leader crafting TEDx talks and keynote speeches, the struggle is often similar: how do you get people to pay attention and then take action on your ideas?    You might wonder: How do I say it in a way that makes them care? Why is it so hard to get their attention? My topic is inherently boring - there’s no way to make them care or pay attention!   Well, the answer to these questions is also the answer to so many other questions about how to get what you really want. In this case, you want the attention and action of your audience. Another time, you may want to persuade your teen to clean up around the house or convince your partner to give you a back rub or get your parent to go to the doctor.    This episode is dedicated to helping you get what you want, whatever that is. I know you will use this for good in our world, so I feel excited to share this powerful information with you.   In this episode, I share: Why knowing what you want might be the hardest part of getting what you want Where fear of rejection blocks you and what to do about it How finding my dream house taught me about clarity and conviction What being unapologetic has to do with influence More If you love this episode, be sure to get a copy of my book at: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook and join our email community! I share so many goodies there! 

This past week, I had yet another conversation with a brilliant client who is concerned they aren’t expert enough to take a stand for their ideas. I am so committed to blowing up this idea into oblivion because it keeps so many brilliant people quiet! And here’s the thing, it’s not like I don’t get it. Ohhhh do I get it. I spent six years staying quiet and small in my work because deep down, I didn’t believe I was good enough to take a stand for my message. In this episode, I broaden the conceptual idea of speaking by offering up different kinds of speakers and their talks. I came up with 4 so far, but I know there are more... and they definitely aren’t mutually exclusive. You’ll hear about: What makes an “expert” speaker and examples of well known speakers in this category. How to be a “Disruptor” in your speaking and two awesome examples of speakers who tend toward this kind of talk. The kind of talk that doesn’t button everything up at the end and instead inspires you to think and question the status quo. Ways that talents like music and magic tricks enhance particular types of talks and when these kinds of speakers are often brought in to speak. My secret bucket list dream I hope this episode inspires you to get out there with great excitement and confidence, knowing there are many powerful ways to serve an audience. If you love this episode, be sure to get a copy of my book at: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook and join our email community! I share so many goodies there

It’s easy to get caught up trying to create perfect, high-impact content. You hear things like, “Your content must be epic or it won’t get attention.” But that’s simply not true. In fact, the more fun you have sharing your message, the more often you will share it and the more people you will reach.   In this episode, I share: A story about the time I stayed up until 4am trying to make things “perfect” - and how it didn’t make any difference in the outcome at all (except to exhaust me) Some strategies for adding delight and fun to your content A process for approaching message sharing that centers your own enjoyment - and honors your desire to create an impact, too Why our patriarchal “training” has made us think we have to be perfect to be worthy - and how that’s such a big fat lie More!   If you love this episode, be sure to get a copy of my book at: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook and join our email community! I share so many goodies there!

There is a way of shining in this world that is so full of service that many lives will be changed. Sharing your story, speaking on stages, interviewing on podcasts, writing your book, showing up on social media… these are all ways of being a beacon light of hope.  In this episode, Michelle Barry Franco shares her own life-changing experiences thanks to beacon lights of hope she has magically come upon.   You’ll also learn: What it means to be a Beacon Light How to set the foundation for being of service in this powerful way Where to go to share your stories, experiences and expertise Examples of other beacon lights in our world    Want to be the first to hear when we open doors to the Made For This Collective? Sign up here.    Links: Time Alchemy by Ulrika Brattemark Jessical Miller Aiden Donnelly Rowley We Can Do Hard Things with Dr. Jen Gunter

My client had flown in for a VIP day to get her Rooftop Message Talk crafted all in one day. I love these days together because the creative energy is off the hook! Even though it's called a VIP day, we actually start our work together a week or two prior, with questionnaires and exploring branding, messaging and offerings. All kinds of details so that on our VIP day we can dive deep fast.  We spent the entire day exploring her stories, playing with messaging and refining her offerings. The walls were covered with large post it papers.  She left our time together absolutely GIDDY with the possibilities not just for her speaking but for her business and thought leadership overall.  I sent her a refined version of her talk outline a few days later, with a few questions in the comments and requests for some stories to flesh out the talk.  I didn’t hear from her for a week… then she’d check in and let me know she was still thinking and would get back to it soon… then two weeks, a month passed…  By the time she came back to our conversation she was second guessing every idea she had in our treasure chest of talk content, stories and messaging!  When I asked her why she made so many changes, she said, “I just didn’t feel like it was right. I wasn’t sure that would work.” So we ventured down her path of new ideas, each iteration feeling more stifled and tight.  This is when I realized we were doing the very thing that is likely to create the LEAST creative content and ideas…  We were trying really hard to get it right!    In this episode, I share: Why trying to get it right is the least helpful thing to do when creating great presentations & talks, podcasts, books, articles… anything creative! The early signs that your analytical mind is getting too involved What to do to get back to your most creative energy What happens with this client story in the end!  Trying really hard to get it right is pretty much always a sign that you need to stop and do something else. YOu’ve moved out of your creative energy and into critical, analytical energy. Not a lot of good stuff happens there at this stage.  I promise your greatest ideas, content, expression is fully alive in your creative energy. Enjoy this part of the process - it can be so gloriously fun and exploratory!  And remember, my book Beyond Applause: Make… has all kinds of support for you sharing your voice, especially if you want to get on awesome stages! Get your free copy at Michellebarryfranco.com/freebook.   Related Link: Whose Mind Is It Anyway? By Lisa Esile & Franco Esile  

There is no more powerful way to change a lot of lives at once than authentic, powerful speaking. High-profile speaking is also a beautiful opportunity to practice full presence and deeply real expression. In this episode we talk about Surrendered Speaking and the value of committed and thorough prep and then fully letting go on stage, whether the stage is virtual or in-person.  We also cover the steps to Unleashed High Profile Speaking: CELEBRATE the opportunity!! Enjoy imagining yourself killing it on that stage! Soak up the excitement and possibilities!  Craft an excellent talk, of course. Audience intimacy, very clear juicy core message, use the magic mix of content, have a compelling call to action that meets your goals as well as theirs - all stuff I talk about in another episode I’ll share in show notes.  Prepare like wild! Keep on. In the shower, on walks, everywhere…  Show up and serve.  Surrender on that stage. Bring your full magical presence and trust yourself to give them the best experience possible for you and them on that day.  Talk about your talk everywhere. Show your process while you do it. Put it into a blog post and add it to your speaker page.    Relevant Links: How to Craft an Awesome Talk That Attracts Clients   If you haven't yet, download a free copy of my book Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference Through Transformational Speaking at MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook

If you struggle to say what you really want to say, you are not alone. And the thing is, it's not your fault. It's actually built into our patriarchal system that you question yourself and stay smaller and quieter.  When we shine a light on this, though, we have a chance to step away from this system.  It's time for you to bring the fullness of your voice into all areas of your work and your life. We start that process in this episode! 

Get ready for a whole new conversation about public speaking, writing your book, and sharing your voice in every way! After a 10 month hiatus, our podcast has a new outfit. We are Becoming Unleashed. In this episode you'll get a high level overview of the essential elements of releasing the barriers that get in the way of using your voice and set forth a vision for brilliant conversations to come. You can find all podcast episodes at MichelleBarryFranco.com/Podcast.