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Serban Mare once left his corporate role to pursue paid public speaking, then returned when bookings were not coming fast enough. In this follow-up to his earlier Speak Arizona conversation, he reflects on what happened next: how the outreach, practice, relationships, and visibility he built began to compound, and why progress rarely follows the timeline we set. Host Rupesh Parbhoo and Serban discuss setbacks, shame, resilience, consistency, finding meaning in the work, and learning to enjoy the climb instead of focusing only on the next peak. Serban also shares practical advice for new speakers, including how to make every speech valuable to the audience. Perfect for aspiring speakers and professionals who want to keep growing through an uncertain career journey. Key takeaways - A setback or a return to corporate work does not erase the effort and relationships built along the way. - Progress may take longer than expected, so treat difficult experiences as opportunities to learn and adjust. - Consistent effort and useful systems can build momentum better than occasional sprints. - A paid speaking career includes preparation, practice, networking, and sales behind the hour on stage. - Start with what the audience can take away, and define success in a way that matters to you. Chapters 00:00 - The leap into paid speaking and the slow start 01:52 - Serban revisits his speaking journey 03:55 - From fear of public speaking to finding a purpose 06:54 - Building opportunities through practice, podcasts, and persistence 11:42 - When the bookings did not support the leap 20:45 - Reframing setbacks and learning from the experience 28:24 - Staying consistent through the highs and lows 35:54 - The work behind a paid speaking career 39:52 - Enjoying the climb and ordinary moments 42:25 - Table topics: practical advice for speakers 48:20 - Where to connect with Serban About the guest Serban Mare is a PMP-certified technical program manager with 20 years of experience leading complex semiconductor projects from concept to mass production. He is also a corporate speaker specializing in stress resilience, energy management, and workplace well-being. Connect - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serban-morea-pmp/ - Website: https://serbanmare.com/

What does it take to share a deeply personal story on a public stage without losing yourself in the process? Jennifer Emperador joins Rupesh Parbhoo to explore vulnerability, presence, self-worth, and the power of becoming more embodied. Jennifer shares her experience preparing for DEBx, how her Toastmasters skills helped her step into a larger speaking opportunity, and the meaning behind "Stop Apologizing for Your Amazing Presence." The conversation goes beyond public speaking to explore how we can feel difficult emotions, reconnect with the body, and show up more fully. Perfect for speakers and leaders who want to communicate with greater authenticity, courage, and presence. Content note This episode includes discussion of childhood trauma and sexual assault. Key takeaways - Vulnerability on stage can become a source of connection when a personal story is shaped with the audience in mind. - Toastmasters can provide foundational speaking skills that help prepare speakers for larger and more demanding opportunities. - Powerful speaking does not require eliminating emotion. It can mean learning to feel it, breathe, and continue. - Embodiment is about reconnecting with the body and showing up with greater presence, power, and self-worth. - "Stop apologizing for your amazing presence" is an invitation to stop shrinking yourself and recognize the value of being fully present. Chapters 00:00 - Episode preview and content note 02:13 - Welcome to Speak Arizona 04:24 - Meet Jennifer Emperador 07:33 - Embodiment, identity, and finding your voice 09:20 - Jennifer's journey with Toastmasters 12:09 - From Toastmasters to the DEBx stage 16:30 - Vulnerability, emotion, and connecting with an audience 18:47 - Preparing and rehearsing a deeply personal story 27:00 - Embodiment and showing up more fully 33:36 - Rapid-fire questions 34:16 - Stop apologizing for your amazing presence 36:28 - Connecting to your deeper "why" 39:25 - Where to connect with Jennifer 40:16 - Closing About the guest Jennifer Emperador is a Holistic Embodiment Coach who helps people feel powerful and worthy. Connect - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-emperador/ - Website: https://soldiscovery.com/ - Instagram (SOL Discovery): https://www.instagram.com/soldiscovery/ - Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/healwithzenjen/ DEBx - https://www.youtube.com/live/5GxXizkF3Cw?si=p_umxzuo83niloLc&t=2580

Speak Arizona is back for Season 2! Host Rupesh Parbhoo gives a quick preview of the conversations ahead and shares how his approach to the podcast is evolving. This season brings together voices from across the communication spectrum, including an Olympic gold medalist, an American Ninja Warrior, stand-up comedians, executive coaches, professional speakers, teenagers, and more. Rupesh also reflects on the difference between being a moderator and being a host, and why he plans to bring more of his own stories and experiences into the conversation. Expect fresh perspectives on communication, leadership, confidence, and what it means to find your voice. Perfect for professionals who want to communicate with greater confidence, authenticity, and influence. Key takeaways - Season 2 brings a wide range of perspectives on communication, leadership, and confidence. - Guests will include an Olympic gold medalist, an American Ninja Warrior, comedians, executive coaches, professional speakers, teenagers, and more. - Rupesh is evolving from simply moderating conversations to bringing more of himself into the podcast. - Communication is constantly evolving, from the language we use to the technology that shapes how we connect. - Speak Arizona continues its mission of helping listeners find their voice and become stronger communicators and leaders. Chapters 00:04 - Welcome to Speak Arizona 00:48 - Are you a podcast host or a moderator? 01:11 - Welcome to Season 2 01:27 - A preview of this season's guests 01:44 - Exploring different perspectives on communication 01:53 - What teenagers can teach us about evolving communication 02:33 - Communication, leadership, confidence, and finding your voice 02:47 - Rethinking the role of the podcast host 03:46 - Reflecting on communication and leadership experiences Guest Rupesh Parbhoo About the guest Rupesh Parbhoo is the Host of the Speak Arizona Podcast, powered by District 3 Toastmasters. Connect - Website: https://d3toastmasters.org/speak-arizona/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakArizona - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Speak-Arizona/61587110443189/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakarizona/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/speak-arizona - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakarizona

What does it take to create 100 podcast episodes? The Speak Arizona team turns the cameras around to share the work, mistakes, experiments, and relationships behind the finished product. Rupesh Parbhoo, Marie Feutrier, Vincent Feutrier, Matthew Malan, and Edna Saucke discuss accepting help, committing to a shared vision, learning unfamiliar technology, releasing imperfect work, and building trust through honest communication. They also reflect on the equipment failures, long editing sessions, unexpected opportunities, and vulnerable moments that helped the podcast and its team grow. Perfect for communicators, creators, volunteers, and emerging leaders who want to turn mistakes into progress and build something meaningful with a team. Key takeaways - Meaningful projects become stronger when leaders accept help, delegate responsibility, and allow others to contribute. - Equipment failures, software problems, and imperfect recordings can become valuable learning opportunities. - Consistency requires commitment, patience, and enough time for new skills and team rhythms to develop. - Authenticity and vulnerability often create a stronger connection than a perfectly polished performance. - Communication and leadership improve when people practice, review their work, and apply what they learn. Chapters 00:00 - Cold open: Camera caps, dead batteries, and vulnerability 00:58 - Welcome and the 100-episode milestone 03:04 - Meet the Speak Arizona production team 05:19 - Accepting help and turning a project into a team 07:14 - Equipment failures and learning through mistakes 12:49 - How Rupesh became the podcast host 15:46 - The intervention and an 18-month commitment 21:16 - Choosing guests and imagining dream interviews 27:12 - Perfectionism, editing, and releasing the work 33:52 - Authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership practice 40:09 - Audience engagement and behind-the-scenes production lessons 50:16 - The future of Speak Arizona and growing the community About the guests Rupesh Parbhoo is the host of Speak Arizona and helps technical experts become more influential communicators. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupesh-parbhoo/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rupesh.parbhoo/ Marie Feutrier is the PR manager for the Speak Arizona podcast team. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-feutrier-mh05/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marie.feutrier/ - Website: https://headshotsbymarie.com/ Vincent Feutrier is a video editor for the Speak Arizona podcast team. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentfeutrier/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincent_feutrier Matthew Malan supports the Speak Arizona podcast team with behind-the-camera production and software editing. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-malan8/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewmalan8/ - Website: https://matthewmalan.com/ Edna Saucke is the social media strategist for the Speak Arizona podcast team. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edna-saucke-328a33106/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellness_meet_edna/ - Website: https://beacons.ai/plhfdigital?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnVs8Gi5w07pL-xNtVw5Pn4vWy6mrzY8NOnlzWGaTR0Flt_VstHHHiD5NflEg_aem_8joNWtWwy1JHoB2lE6XYXg

In this episode, Rupesh Parbhoo interviews headshot photographer Michael Schacht to explore how embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and internal work can create a truly magnetic personal brand. It’s not about polish or perfection but about revealing the parts of yourself that connect and resonate with others. This episode offers a powerful reminder that building a magnetic brand isn’t about hiding your true self but about revealing it intentionally and vulnerably to attract those who resonate with your authentic story. Key Takeaways • The importance of vulnerability and self-acceptance in branding • How internal work and self-awareness influence authenticity • Differentiating yourself in a crowded market through unique traits • Overcoming fear and shame to connect authentically • Practical tips for public speaking confidence • Building community and accountability through leadership • The role of internal reflection and continuous iteration in personal growth Timestamps: 00:00 - Rethinking branding: beyond visual polish to inner authenticity 0 02:09 - The story behind Michael’s viral video and lessons on vulnerability 03:46 - How childhood experiences influence self-acceptance and branding 04:56 - Recognizing and embracing imperfections as assets 08:07 - Overcoming fear and embarrassment in public speaking 09:23 - The transformative power of feedback and self-awareness 10:36 - Connecting personal stories to professional growth 12:45 - The importance of being specific, authentic, and vulnerable 13:15 - How sharing imperfections creates connection and trust 16:05 - Developing a unique voice by reflecting on personal purpose and expectations 17:48 - Avoiding mediocrity by cultivating distinctiveness in branding 19:11 - Differentiating yourself in crowded markets using visual and personal traits 20:48 - The value of intentionality in sharing on social media and public platforms 25:11 - Using personal quirks and vulnerabilities as branding assets 27:54 - Common misconceptions about perceived flaws and how they can be strengths 33:40 - Building confidence through internal work and authentic connection 36:21 - The importance of confronting your shadow self for genuine branding 38:10 - Community building and accountability as tools for authentic growth 44:56 - The iterative nature of leadership and personal development 45:13 - How algorithms and social influences shape perspectives on branding 49:28 - Final thoughts on revealing your true self to attract the right audience Resources & Links: • https://312elements.com/ • https://headshothotsauce.com/ • https://www.instagram.com/312elements • https://www.linkedin.com/in/mischacht/

Growth requires more than encouragement. It requires honest feedback, the willingness to act on it, and the commitment to keep going when change feels uncomfortable. In this episode, Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Paul Brunoforte about lessons from 42 years in Toastmasters, the three principles behind The Olympic Method, and why coachability means more than politely saying thank you. Paul also explains how bad habits derail goals, why accountability and "skin in the game" help lessons stick, and how leaders can protect high standards without losing sight of people. The conversation closes with practical advice on taking speaking risks, entering contests, volunteering for more roles, and stretching beyond the safe version of yourself. Perfect for speakers, coaches, and leaders who want to turn feedback into lasting growth. Key takeaways - Honest, specific feedback helps people recognize where they are underperforming and what they can improve. - Coachability means applying suggestions, making adjustments, and practicing even when it feels uncomfortable. - The Olympic Method focuses on three principles: coaching, coachability, and commitment. - Lasting goal achievement requires replacing bad habits, creating accountability, and treating growth as a continuous process. - Speakers improve by taking risks, entering contests, accepting more speaking roles, and deliberately stretching beyond what feels safe. Chapters 00:00 - Why protecting feelings can prevent growth 02:06 - Speak Arizona and guest introduction 04:13 - What 42 years in Toastmasters teaches you 09:21 - From professional speaking to humor, leadership, and mentorship 16:23 - The Olympic Method: coaching, coachability, and commitment 21:45 - How bad habits and weak accountability derail goals 25:42 - Lessons from decades of goal-setting workshops 33:01 - Leadership advice for maintaining high club standards 38:41 - Honest evaluations and the Whitewash Award 52:32 - Why speaking contests accelerate growth 54:36 - Inspiration, speaking risks, major milestones, and rapid-fire advice 66:47 - Connecting with Paul and closing thoughts Guest Paul Brunoforte About the guest Paul Brunoforte is a Distinguished Toastmaster who runs The Olympic Method, where he helps people maximize their potential through coaching, coachability, commitment, goal setting, and accountability. Connect - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/paul-brunoforte-mba-dtm-24b705a - Email: [email protected] Referenced in the episode - Paul Brunoforte's speech, "The Great Race": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p37DUE55cJY&t=203s

Luis Garay won the District 3 Tall Tales contest after only a few months in Toastmasters, but his story goes far beyond one trophy. In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Luis about storytelling, humor, stage presence, addiction, sobriety, and the ayahuasca experience that helped him hear a powerful message: use your voice. Luis shares how a wild story about a self-driving Tesla, Optimus Prime, and Mesoamerican mythology became a district-winning speech rooted in real life. This episode is for educational purposes, not individual advice. Perfect for speakers, leaders, and storytellers who want to connect their personal journey with a more powerful voice. Key takeaways - A great tall tale can be wildly exaggerated while still carrying real emotional truth. - Luis’s Toastmasters journey began after an ayahuasca ceremony helped him recognize his voice as a tool for growth. - New speakers can bring freshness, instinct, and presence that energize a stage. - Speaking confidence can grow from purpose, visualization, lived experience, and practice. - Fear can point toward the conversations, stages, and goals that matter most. Chapters 00:00 - Addiction, ayahuasca, and what it means to use your voice 01:54 - Welcome to Speak Arizona 02:49 - A different kind of contest winner 03:52 - Luis Garay introduces himself 05:49 - What an icebreaker is and why it can feel hard 08:43 - What makes a Tall Tale work 12:56 - The self-driving Tesla, Mesoamerican mythology, and the winning speech 15:09 - How being late to a club meeting sparked the contest speech 17:26 - Ayahuasca, healing, and the story behind the story 25:11 - The ceremony message that led Luis to Toastmasters 31:22 - Purpose, dharma, and finding your natural gifts 39:23 - The setbacks behind the “overnight success” story 44:08 - Visualization, confidence, and preparing to win 46:34 - Table Topics: inspiration, speaking pet peeves, fear, and advice 54:31 - Sobriety, connection, and where to find Luis Luis Garay is a mortgage loan originator. Connect - Casa de los Abuelos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casadelosabuelos_official/

What makes a speech feel powerful, memorable, and emotionally true? In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Bryan Wammack about the hidden craft behind his contest-winning speech. Bryan breaks down how he shaped a personal story into a polished speech through stronger hooks, dialogue, humor, gestures, emotional pacing, feedback, and repetition. This conversation goes beyond winning a contest. It is about learning how to turn lived experience into a story that helps an audience feel, connect, and remember. Perfect for speakers, leaders, Toastmasters, and communicators who want to tell stories that land with more clarity, emotion, and craft. Key Takeaways - A powerful hook can place the audience inside the story within seconds. - Dialogue helps listeners experience a moment instead of just hearing about it. - Humor can support emotional storytelling when it is tested, refined, and placed with intention. - Gestures work best when they feel natural, specific, and connected to the speaker’s message. - A contest-level speech is not just a good story. It has a clear point, emotional shape, and refined delivery. Chapters 00:00 - The first line that made the room lean in 01:40 - Welcome to Speak Arizona 02:18 - The hidden craft behind Bryan’s speech 03:24 - Bryan’s Toastmasters story 05:03 - The personal story behind the speech 08:58 - How the contest journey began 13:56 - Building a powerful opening hook 17:34 - Dialogue, humor, and living the story 28:52 - Emotion, repetition, gestures, and refinement 38:57 - Rapid fire, advice, and where to connect About the guest Bryan Wammack is the 2026 District 3 Toastmasters International Speech Contest Champion. Connect - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanwammack/

What makes a speech connect, land, and win? In this special Speak Arizona episode, Matt Malan steps into the host seat for a live workshop with Darren LaCroix, the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. Darren gives real-time feedback on Matt's Division contest speech and breaks down practical ways to make a message more memorable. They explore how to use dialogue instead of narration, create vivid scenes, build emotional moments, speak directly to the audience, and stay coachable on the path to stronger communication. Perfect for Toastmasters, speakers, leaders, and presenters who want to turn a good speech into one that truly connects. Key takeaways - Use dialogue to create a scene instead of simply narrating what happened. - Make the audience feel like you are speaking to them one by one. - Build speeches around emotional moments, not just events. - Add sensory detail to help listeners see, hear, feel, and remember the story. - Stay coachable because the right feedback can completely change a speech. Chapters 00:00 - Intro and why this episode matters for speakers 01:52 - Matt welcomes Darren LaCroix to Speak Arizona 02:25 - The International Speech Contest journey 04:25 - Darren's first speech and learning to be coachable 08:04 - Why clarity matters more than cleverness 13:43 - What Darren notices first in Matt's speech 18:55 - How to step in and out of a scene 19:30 - Use "you" language to connect with one listener at a time 21:45 - Turn narration into dialogue and emotional moments 26:55 - Introduce characters with vivid detail 30:00 - Use sensory details to build a memorable scene 34:04 - Stage Time University and the value of stronger feedback 39:05 - Darren's final advice: decide to be world class About the guest Darren LaCroix is the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. After a rough first comedy club set, he committed to mastering the craft of speaking and eventually became a world champion. Today, Darren helps presenters, executives, professional speakers, and trainers become more unforgettable on stage through his coaching, keynote work, books, and Stage Time University. Connect - https://darrenlacroix.com/ - https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenlacroix/ Watch Matt's full 2nd Place Contest Winning Speech: - https://youtu.be/kWtvZWwhblI?si=bgnyHvWjZZb0gN3B   About the host Matthew Malan is a data-driven marketer and Marketing Manager at Vemo Smart Energy. He focuses on growth, experimentation, and performance, with experience leading digital acquisition across paid social, email, and content. He is also the editor on the Speech Arizona Podcast and hosts his own podcast called Stay Hungry. - https://matthewmalan.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/@matthewmalan

What changes when public speaking stops being about applause, trophies, or proving yourself? In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Don Ratliff and Matthew Malan about mentorship, belief, and learning to speak from the heart. Matthew shares how bullying, stuttering, and years of speech therapy shaped his relationship with his voice, while Don reflects on what it means to see potential in someone before they can see it in themselves. Together, they explore how coaching, encouragement, and service can transform a speaker from performer to messenger. Perfect for speakers, mentors, coaches, and leaders who want to communicate with more courage, connection, and purpose. Key takeaways Mentorship can help someone rebuild belief when their own confidence feels fragile. A speaker grows faster when coaching includes both honest feedback and heart-centered encouragement. Public speaking becomes more powerful when the goal shifts from performing to serving. Speaking from the heart helps create real connection with an audience. The best mentors do more than improve speeches. They help people see what is already inside them. Chapters 00:00 - Cold open: The neck brace story and the power of eye contact 00:19 - Speak Arizona intro 00:56 - Host intro and episode setup 01:14 - Matthew's voice, bullying, stuttering, and rebuilding trust 02:02 - Why this story is also about mentorship 02:49 - Don and Matthew join the conversation 05:47 - Why mentorship and service matter in this story 09:01 - What Don saw in Matthew 10:14 - Don shares why he wanted to pass mentorship forward 11:21 - Generational service and mentorship 23:08 - Moving from performance to service 23:15 - Speaking from the heart, not just the head 43:53 - Advice for new public speakers Guest: Don Ratliff LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-ratli... About the guest Matthew Malan is a data-driven marketer and Marketing Manager at Vemo Smart Energy. He focuses on growth, experimentation, and performance, with experience leading digital acquisition across paid social, email, and content. His work combines analytics, campaign execution, and marketing systems to generate measurable business results. Connect Website: https://matthewmalan.com/

We often think communication begins with words, but the body is already speaking before we ever say a thing. In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Robin Afinowich about embodied communication, yoga, trauma-informed leadership, and what it means to listen with more than just language. Robin shares how presence, breath, intuition, nervous system awareness, and authentic self-expression can change the way we speak, lead, teach, and connect. The conversation explores public speaking, de-armoring, reading a room, moving beyond performance, and learning to trust the body as a source of wisdom. Perfect for speakers, leaders, coaches, and professionals who want to communicate with deeper presence and connection. Key takeaways - Communication is not only verbal. The body communicates through posture, breath, energy, and nervous system signals before words ever land. - Presence is a leadership skill. Reading the room, staying grounded, and adapting in the moment can build trust with an audience. - Authenticity deepens expertise. Robin explains that mastering content matters, but showing up as your whole self gives the message meaning. - Breath and movement can help people de-armor. Simple practices like breathing, shaking, and slowing down can support safety, connection, and readiness to learn. - Connection matters more than perfection. Whether teaching, speaking, or leading, the goal is not flawless performance. The goal is shared humanity and meaningful connection. Chapters 00:00 - Intro and welcome to Speak Arizona 00:39 - Rupesh introduces communication beyond words 02:00 - Robin shares her work in yoga, somatic therapy, trauma resolution, and consulting 04:30 - A yoga class moment that helped Rupesh hear, "You're good at what you do" 06:25 - How Robin reads body language, nervous systems, energy, and presence 12:35 - Rupesh connects Robin's words to teaching yoga and trusting the next step 14:30 - Being good at what you do by being fully yourself 18:45 - Work identity, golden handcuffs, entrepreneurship, and the leap of faith 22:27 - Testing decisions through the body instead of only the intellect 24:28 - Hiring, leadership, presence, and looking beyond credentials 26:25 - Notes, public speaking, and moving from content to embodied delivery 33:14 - How speakers can de-armor before presenting 38:27 - Breathwork, shaking, introductions, and helping an audience feel safe 41:12 - Robin's breathwork language and why predictability supports the nervous system 43:20 - Authenticity, stuttering, and letting the whole story be heard 45:00 - Contest speaking, intention, and sharing instead of performing 47:21 - Connection before perfection 49:50 - Robin's message on embodiment, resilience, and helping people show up whole 53:33 - Rapid fire: inspiration, public speaking pet peeves, collaboration, and advice About the guest Robin Afinowich is a licensed trauma therapist, Master Yoga teacher, and nationally recognized presenter specializing in somatic psychology, trauma resolution, and body-mind interventions. Connect - Trauma Forward: https://trauma-forward.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-afinowich-47237232/ - Website: https://www.robinafinowich.com/

What happens when you move to a new country at 35 and can't speak the language? Marie Feutrier grew up in France, lived in Japan for three and a half years, and moved to Arizona in 2008 with the ability to read English but not speak it. In this episode of Speak Arizona, she sits down with host Rupesh Parbhoo to talk about what it really feels like to not be understood, how frustration and anger show up when you can't find the words, and how Toastmasters became the place where she finally found her voice in English. Marie shares the networking event that broke her, the moment she decided to stop hiding, and why she believes learning a language is less about grammar and more about vulnerability. She also talks about the physical side of language that nobody warns you about, how French is spoken from the front of the face while English lives in the throat, and why something as simple as knowing where to put the emphasis on a word can be the difference between being understood and getting blank stares. Rupesh opens up about his own avoidance of learning Spanish in high school and why it took him years to realize he was just afraid of being bad at something. Together they explore what it means to be a beginner again, how to give yourself grace, and why finding your voice sometimes starts with being brave enough to sound terrible. Key takeaways Not being understood can create real frustration and even anger, for adults and children alike Learning a second language is an act of vulnerability, not just an academic exercise Toastmasters provided a safe, supportive community to practice speaking without judgment Measure your progress against where you were, not against where someone else is Impromptu speaking is the hardest challenge for non-native speakers because it requires thinking, translating, and delivering at the same time About the guest Marie Feutrier is a professional photographer, the PR Manager for Speak Arizona, and Past President of Gilbert Toastmasters. She is the founder of Headshots by Marie, a professional photography business based in the Phoenix metro area. Connect with Marie Website: https://headshotsbymarie.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariefeutrier/ Subscribe to Speak Arizona YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakArizona Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/53gLq1FiWjTgPR4q9n7Kc4 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/introducing-speak-arizona/id1463493084 Speak Arizona is powered by District 3 Toastmasters International. Courageous Conversations for Better Communicators and Leaders.

What happens when you do everything right and the answer is still no? Rose Swearingen is a 25-year Toastmaster, former District Director, and one of the most experienced volunteer leaders in District 3 history. She recently ran for International Director on the Toastmasters International Board and was not nominated. In this episode of Speak Arizona, she sits down with host Rupesh Parbhoo to talk about what that moment really felt like, how she processed the disappointment, and why it didn't define her. This is not a comeback story. This is a conversation about resilience in real time. Rose shares how she evolved from a leader who walked into rooms with a marching band to one who leads with a string quartet. She talks about the difference between feedback that helps you grow and feedback that tries to make you smaller. And she explains why rejection is redirection, not the end of the road. Rupesh also opens up about his own experience of being passed over for a promotion, leaving his corporate career in anger, and looking back a year later at everything that came from it. If you've ever been told no when you knew you were ready, this episode is for you. Key takeaways Rejection does not define your value as a leader or a person Not all feedback deserves equal weight. Know who you're listening to Prepare for leadership physically, mentally, and spiritually, not just technically Have a plan B so your energy has somewhere to go when things don't work out Authenticity matters more than fitting the mold others built for you Chapters 00:00 - Cold Open 01:34 - Speak Arizona Introduction 03:38 - Rose introduces herself 05:16 - The decision to run for International Director 10:09 - Finding out the answer was no 13:45 - What the moment taught her about herself 16:40 - Processing blame, stories, and feedback 21:33 - Qualified feedback and knowing what to listen to 29:59 - Where confidence comes from after being knocked down 33:10 - Rupesh shares his own story of rejection and growth 38:29 - Rejection is redirection 41:01 - Advice for anyone who just got told no 41:33 - Rapid fire questions Speak Arizona is powered by District 3 Toastmasters International. Courageous Conversations for Better Communicators and Leaders.

Toastmasters International has spent more than a century helping people become better speakers and leaders. But as communication changes through podcasts, video, AI tools, virtual communities, and short-form content, the question becomes: what does Toastmasters need to become next? In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Stefano McGhee, DTM, International President Elect of Toastmasters International, about service, leadership, confidence, member experience, and his vision for the next year. Stefano shares why clubs remain the heart of Toastmasters, how leaders can better support volunteers, and why the organization must stay flexible while protecting what makes it powerful. Perfect for Toastmasters, emerging leaders, and communicators who want to lead with service and help others grow. Key Takeaways - Service begins with noticing what can be better and choosing to do something about it. - Toastmasters clubs have the power to build confidence because real transformation happens at the club level. - The organization must stay flexible as communication changes through video, virtual clubs, AI, and new content formats. - Volunteer leaders create engagement by understanding why people show up and helping them reach their goals. - Great speakers build confidence by knowing their material and trusting what they already know. Chapters 00:00 - Opening clip: confidence, service, and Toastmasters 00:47 - Speak Arizona intro and show setup 01:43 - What does Toastmasters need to become next? 03:04 - Stefano introduces himself and his Toastmasters journey 04:17 - The thread of service across life, work, and leadership 07:25 - What great leaders learn by caring for their people 11:12 - Why Stefano has stayed in Toastmasters for 20 years 13:43 - Why now was the time to run for President 15:58 - The biggest challenges and opportunities facing Toastmasters 26:02 - Stefano's vision, rapid fire, and advice for new speakers About the guest Stefano S. McGhee, DTM, is the International President Elect of Toastmasters International and Senior Director of Technology Operations for Harvard Business Publishing. Connect - Email: [email protected] - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefano-mcghee/ - Toastmasters: https://www.toastmasters.org/

What makes an elevator pitch memorable is not a perfect script. It is the ability to clearly share who you are, what you do, and why it matters in a way that feels natural and invites conversation. In this episode of Speak Arizona, Rupesh Parbhoo and cohost Tatum O'Kennedy talk with Eloïse Eonnet about how to move beyond rambling, résumé recitals, and self-doubt. They break down a practical framework for building an elevator pitch, explain why delivery matters just as much as content, and even workshop Tatum's pitch live on the show. Perfect for professionals, job seekers, and emerging leaders who want to communicate their value with more confidence and connection. Key takeaways - An elevator pitch should begin a conversation, not try to say everything at once. - Strong pitches are built by making clear decisions about your audience, your goals, and the story you want to tell. - Confidence often improves when you practice the experience of speaking, not just the exact words. - Sharing just enough about you is generous: it helps others engage in conversation with you and remember you - Executive presence comes through credibility, relatability, and reliability. Chapters 00:00 - Cold Open 02:05 - Why first impressions depend on clarity, not just confidence 03:25 - Eloise demonstrates a strong elevator pitch 05:43 - Defining the elevator pitch as a conversation starter 07:19 - Why people freeze and how to choose the right narrative 11:14 - Eloise's framework for building a strong elevator pitch 16:22 - Common mistakes: saying too much, too little, or not practicing 18:32 - How to get out of your head and make it conversational 21:24 - Younger professionals, confidence, and finding your voice 23:53 - Practice the experience, not just the content 27:54 - Why future impact makes a pitch more engaging 29:30 - Using your elevator pitch beyond job interviews 33:39 - Live workshop: Tatum rewrites her pitch in real time 42:34 - Executive presence: credible, relatable, and reliable 46:08 - Rapid fire: charisma, public speaking habits, and audience connection 51:51 - Where to connect with Eloïse About the guest Eloïse Eonnet is the founder of Eloquence, where she helps leaders strengthen their presence and communication ability so they are seen as strategic, credible, and ready for greater responsibility. Connect - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eloise-eonnet/ - https://www.eloquencecoaching.com/   About the co-host Tatum O'Kennedy is a Senior Solution Consultant who built her career on the front lines of manufacturing, where data is abundant but clarity is rare. Today, she helps organizations cut through that complexity, turning operational data into insights that drive smarter decisions and continuous improvement. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatum-o-kennedy/