Roger Fisk: How To Engage Millions Of People – #129
SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor
Release Date: 10/27/2021
Top Tools for Professional Speakers – The Tech Stack That Powers a Modern Speaking Business #SUP213
SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor
In this highly practical episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni share the essential tools they use every day to run successful, scalable speaking businesses. From payments and scheduling to CRM systems, international banking, SEO, video production, writing, and travel management, this episode delivers a full behind-the-scenes tour of a modern professional speaker’s tech stack. Maria reveals how she automates coaching bookings end-to-end using Stripe, Calendly, Zapier, Xero, and Zoom, plus the browser tools she relies on for productivity, documentation, and client...
info_outline
Speaking Business Trends – What’s Changing and What’s Next #SUP212
SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor
In this forward-looking episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni unpack the key trends shaping the global speaking industry as we head into 2026 and beyond. Maria shares insights from her presentation at the Speaker Summit & Awards on the Future of the Speaking Industry, while James brings field reports from 25 countries — including Saudi Arabia, Dubai, the Philippines, and New Zealand — revealing what’s really happening in global event markets. Together they discuss where speaking opportunities are growing, which regions are slowing down, the rise of hybrid...
info_outline
Speaker Showreels – How to Create a Reel That Gets You Booked #211
SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor
In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni reveal exactly what makes an outstanding speaker showreel — and what mistakes stop speakers from getting booked. Maria, drawing on her years running one of Europe’s leading speaker bureaus, explains why a showreel is your movie trailer — and how to hook bookers in the first 30 seconds. She shares her recipe for a perfect reel, complete with examples of her three favourite videos from top professional speakers. James adds insider tips from producing his own showreels, including scripting, storyboarding, and using AI...
info_outline
Getting Known as a Keynote Speaker – How to Build Your Brand and Stand Out #210
SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor
info_outline
Top Speaker Bureau Tips – How to Work With Them Effectively #SUP209
SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor
In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni pull back the curtain on the world of top speaker bureaus — how they work, what they look for in speakers, and how to build mutually beneficial relationships that generate bookings. Maria draws on decades of experience running one of Europe’s most respected bureaus to explain how agents think, what differentiates a bookable speaker, and the dos and don’ts that every professional should know. James adds his perspective as a speaker represented by leading bureaus around the world, revealing how he collaborates with...
info_outline
Keynote Speaker Fees – How to Set, Raise and Negotiate Your Keynote Speaking Fees #SUP208
SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor
In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni tackle one of the biggest questions every professional speaker faces: how much should I charge? Drawing on decades of experience as a bureau owner, Maria explains how to set your keynote fee, when to raise it, and why you should never discount. James shares insights from his own speaking business — including how he tests price levels, manages international vs. virtual fees, and negotiates without losing value. Together they explore the psychology, strategy, and market realities of pricing yourself in the global...
info_outline
Books for Speakers – Should Every Speaker Write a Book? #SUP207
SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor
In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni dive into one of the biggest decisions every professional speaker faces — whether or not to write a book. With reading habits changing and attention spans shrinking, is publishing still worth it? Maria shares what she learned from writing The Bookability Formula, including how a book clarifies your thinking, protects your IP, and raises your authority. James discusses his upcoming SuperCreativity book, why he waited five years before writing it, and how books can elevate your speaking brand. Together they explore the...
info_outline
Ego – The Hidden Career Killer for Speakers #SUP206
SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor
In this candid episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni tackle one of the most dangerous traps for professional speakers — ego. While confidence is essential to step on stage, unchecked ego can sabotage client relationships, damage reputations, and even end careers. Maria shares shocking true stories of “speakers behaving badly,” from diva demands and drunken disasters to midnight tantrums over hotel rooms. James reveals how cultural differences, gender perceptions, and even microphone preferences can blur the line between professionalism and arrogance. Together...
info_outline
Speaker Contracts – How to Protect Yourself and Get Paid as a Professional Speaker #SUP2-5
SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor
In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni dig into one of the least glamorous but most important parts of every speaking business — speaker contracts. Whether you’re new to professional speaking or a seasoned pro, understanding how to protect your intellectual property, ensure timely payment, and manage client expectations can make or break your business. Maria explains why every speaker should have their own agreement rather than signing the client’s, outlines the three most essential contract clauses, and shares tips learned from decades of managing...
info_outline
Staying Relevant as a Speaker – How to Future-Proof Your Speaking Career #SUP204
SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor
In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni explore one of the most important challenges for professional speakers: how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing marketplace. Maria explains why relevance to a paying market is the first element of her Bookability Formula and how speakers can identify what audiences will need today—and in five years’ time. James shares how he blends perennial topics like creativity with fast-moving ones like AI, and why staying a few steps ahead of clients keeps him in demand. From industry reports and boardroom insights to...
info_outlineOur guest this week is Roger Fisk. He is a global communications expert widely credited with key behind-the-scenes roles in Barack Obama's two presidential campaigns. He served in both Administrations leading trade and diplomatic missions all over the world and more recently has been putting those experiences to work for Fortune 100 companies, causes, brands, and NGOs through his firm New Day Strategy. Roger provides analysis and commentary to Fox News, the BBC, Times of India, China Daily, SKY News, Bloomberg, and others.
Questions:
• The Obama brand seems bigger than ever, any CEO/Speaker would love to know how do you sustain and continue to building popularity after 15 years?
• You speak about the importance of culture in communicating your message, how did the Obama campaigns use culture in order to create the change that they wanted?
• How do you get your people and your advocates singing from the same hymn sheet? (message discipline and control v leadership)
• Do you continue to work with the Obama’s (Michelle story)
• They called Judy Garland the triple threat because she could dance, sing and act. Obama was a triple threat- amazing on stage, on tv, and on social media. Any advice you can give speakers on how to translate their message across these v different media.
• What’s happening in terms of events and conferences in the US currently?
https://speakersu.com/how-to-engage-millions-of-people-129