Becoming a Speaker Who Moves the World with Coach AK Ikwuakor

Welcome back to the Speak to Freedom podcast! Today, we have an incredible guest, Coach AK Ikwuakor, joining us. Coach AK is a speaker, coach, and consultant who has worked with major companies like Google, run nonprofits globally, and developed workshops for businesses across the world. His vast experience in life and business makes him an inspiring figure for anyone wanting to improve both personally and professionally.

In this episode, Coach AK dives into his journey, sharing how he transitioned into speaking, his philosophy on making an impact, and the systems he developed to build a successful speaking career. Whether you're an aspiring speaker or just someone looking to grow, Coach AK offers actionable insights and wisdom on how to create lasting change in yourself and others.

[1:20] Coach AK, if someone asked you what you do, how would you respond?

"I'm a speaker, coach, and consultant who helps individuals and organizations unlock their potential. I believe in the power of storytelling and connecting with people on a deep level. Over the years, I’ve developed systems that allow people to excel, whether in business, sports, or personal development."

[4:59] How do you manage consistency, speaking at 60 events a year?

"It’s all about creating systems. I streamline the friction by scheduling time to plan out topics, refine my processes, and minimize mental load. This allows me to focus on delivering quality, even when I don’t feel like it. Over time, consistency becomes second nature."

[6:36] How did you discover the importance of branding yourself as a speaker?

"It didn’t come overnight. I realized that after delivering a great talk, something needed to be talking about me when I wasn’t in the room. That’s when I started focusing on branding and marketing, understanding that being good on stage is only half the battle. The other half is ensuring people know who you are."

[10:12] What’s the secret to telling powerful stories on stage?

"Practice. I’ve spent years learning how to speak extemporaneously and connect with audiences. It’s about understanding the message and then letting the story unfold naturally. Over time, storytelling becomes a part of who you are, not something you have to think about."

[23:54] What drives you to keep pushing boundaries in your career?

"For me, it’s about weighing the cost of inaction. Every time I hesitate to take action, I remind myself that not doing something can be even more costly than failure. That’s what pushes me to move forward, even when it’s uncomfortable."

Key Quotes:

• [6:52] "Being good on stage is only half the battle. The other half is ensuring people know who you are."

• [10:07] "You become the stories you tell, and those stories need to resonate with your audience."

How to Connect with Coach AK Ikwuakor:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akikwuakor/ 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ak.ikwuakor/ 

• Website:https://akikwuakor.com/ 

Tune in Next Time

That’s a wrap for today’s episode of the Speak to Freedom podcast. If you enjoyed our conversation with Coach AK Ikwuakor, be sure to subscribe and check out his work. Visit speaktofreedom.com for more information about our speaking programs. Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll see you in the next episode!