How to grow your (speaking) business with Donnie Boivin
Release Date: 10/04/2022
Finding the Rhythm with Freddie Ravel
Speaking Business podcast
In this episode, I sit down with the wonderful Freddie Ravel, the internationally acclaimed keynote maestro who has performed with icons like Madonna, Prince, Carlos Santana and Earth, Wind & Fire. Freddie blends music with leadership, communication and human connection in a way that few can. He shares how his multicultural musical upbringing, his time with legends, and his long-standing practice of building bridges through music now shape his global work as a speaker. We explore why listening is the hidden superpower, how music can dissolve cultural friction in international teams, and...
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Market Eminence: Standing Out, Staying Relevant and Getting Hired with David Newman
Speaking Business podcast
In this episode, I’m joined by Certified Speaking Professional David Newman, author of Do it! Selling, Do it! Speaking, and Do it! Marketing. He has just published a new book titled Market Eminence. In our chat we get into the real commercial challenges speakers face today: obscurity, relevance, perceived expertise and why some speakers get three times the fee despite not being three times better. David breaks down why visibility, respect and brand preference matter more than ever, how to stop paying “obscurity tax”, and why your language, responsiveness and reinvention...
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From Boardroom to Mainstage: Lessons from Kevin Gaskell on Building a World-Class Speaking Career
Speaking Business podcast
From transforming Porsche and BMW to rowing across oceans, Kevin Gaskell has led a life packed with achievement. In this episode, he shares how he turned his boardroom experience into a thriving speaking career. Kevin talks about finding his niche, building his team, staying energised, and crafting stories that audiences remember. He also reveals the importance of preparation, humility, and humour in delivering real value to clients. A must-listen for anyone who wants to build a world-class speaking business grounded in authenticity, professionalism, and passion.
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What Speakers can Learn from Actors, Musicians and Dancers with Laura Penn
Speaking Business podcast
In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by Dr. Laura Penn, international keynote speaker, four-time TEDx speaker, and founder of the Leadership Speaking School in Switzerland. Laura believes that speaking is a performing art, one that requires craft, discipline, and heart. She shares how the world’s best speakers approach their work like artists, creating every talk with intention and soul. From building rituals around preparation to rehearsing like a dancer or musician, Laura lifts the curtain on what it takes to deliver a talk that connects deeply with your audience. If you’ve ever...
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What Event Organisers are Looking for with Bureau President Monique Sar
Speaking Business podcast
What really makes a speaker bookable today? In this conversation with Monique Sar, President of BNC Speakers, we dive behind the scenes of how a boutique bureau works and what event organisers are really looking for. Monique shares why the gap between personal branding and content strategy can hold speakers back, and how building a strong online presence supports bureau representation and live bookings. We also discuss the role of relationships, how to make yourself more memorable, and the importance of solving problems rather than just delivering a talk. Monique explains the bureau’s...
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Ridiculously Easy to Do Business with – David Avrin on Speaking, Fees, and Getting the Gigs
Speaking Business podcast
This week on Speaking Business Podcast I’m joined by David Avrin, one of the most in-demand customer experience speakers on the circuit. David shares how he went from theatre and radio to building a global speaking business, why “good enough no longer is,” and what it really takes to become ridiculously easy to do business with. We talk about the shift from marketing to customer experience, how speakers can raise their fees, the danger of being passive, and why speaking is not the business—getting the gigs is. Packed with practical advice and straight-talking insights, this is an...
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Funny Gets You Booked with Emmy Award-Winning Comedy Writer Beth Sherman
Speaking Business podcast
What do Ellen, the Oscars, and your next keynote have in common? According to Emmy Award-winning comedy writer Beth Sherman, plenty. In this episode, Beth shares what years in TV comedy taught her about connection, timing, and truth, and how those same tools help speakers win over audiences and get booked again and again. We talk about moving from Hollywood to the UK stage, how to use humour without losing credibility, and why being funny isn’t about punchlines - it’s about being real. If you're ready to add more impact (and laughter) to your talks, this is one not to miss.
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Relevance, Resilience and Real Connection with Felicity Ashley
Speaking Business podcast
What does it take to stay relevant, speak with heart, and connect deeply with your audience? In this episode, Felicity Ashley shares her journey from serious illness to becoming a sought-after speaker on resilience and wellbeing. We talk about how she keeps her message fresh, the power of honesty on stage, and why speaking isn't about being the hero—it's about being human. She also explains how her background in marketing gives her an edge and how her book, Stronger Than the Storm, helped shape her brand and her business. A powerful reminder that connection trumps performance, and real...
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Build a Speaking Business by asking better Questions with Marlo Clarke
Speaking Business podcast
In this episode of the Speaking Business podcast, I’m joined by Marlo Clarke — a former international rugby player turned global speaker. Marlo’s journey from Barbados to the stage isn’t just inspiring, it’s instructive. Instead of jumping straight into speaking, he spent a year travelling through 13 countries, asking people from all walks of life a simple but powerful question: What does a fulfilling life and career mean to you? That curiosity became the foundation of his talks — and his business. We talk about how Marlo builds tailored keynotes from scratch, why listening always...
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From the Philippines to the World Stage with Sha Nacino
Speaking Business podcast
When Sha Nacino answered a question at a speaker convention in Singapore, she had no idea her 30-second response would change everything. That moment led to global speaking invitations, virtual summits with tens of thousands of attendees, and a spot on Global Gurus’ Top 30 Motivational Speakers list, alongside Tony Robbins and Simon Sinek. In this conversation, Sha shares how she built a truly international speaking business from the Philippines, why leading with service (not sales) opens more doors, and how one idea from a webinar turned into a $20,000 leadership programme. We talk about...
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Donnie Boivin is an entrepreneur and serves as CEO and Founder of Success Champions and Success Champion Networking. He is considered one of the leading global minds on sales, business development and business growth.
He is described as the first person to make sales and business development relatable and human. A community builder at heart — he builds champions. Today he helps small business owners leverage sales and business development to grow then scale their businesses.
In addition to running multiple businesses, he runs a full working farm with goats, chickens ,ducks, turkeys and geese.
His podcast ‘Growth Mode’ ranks among the top podcasts globally. He is a five-time Best Selling Author and a highly sought-after public speaker.
Learn more about Donnie Boivin
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