How to Land Paid Speaking Gigs (Even If You're Just Starting Out)

One of the questions I get asked most often is “How did you start getting paid to speak?” And honestly, I wish someone had broken it down for me the way I’m about to break it down for you. Landing paid speaking gigs is not about having a bestselling book or a viral moment — it’s about positioning, preparation, and knowing your worth from day one. In this episode, I’m giving you the full playbook.

We cover everything from building your speaker one-sheet to pitching conferences, universities, and corporate events. I share the exact email templates I used when I was just starting out, how I determined my speaking fee, and the mindset shifts that took me from “I’ll speak for free just for the exposure” to charging what I’m actually worth. I also talk about the mistakes that almost derailed me — like undercharging, over-delivering for the wrong audiences, and not having clear boundaries around what I would and wouldn’t speak on.

Whether you’re a coach, entrepreneur, educator, or community leader, speaking is one of the most powerful ways to grow your brand and your income. This episode is for anyone who has a message and is ready to get paid to share it. You don’t need to wait until you feel “ready” — you need to start now and refine as you go. Let me show you how.