Most leaders avoid conflict. Not because they are weak, but because they want to be liked, respected and seen as reasonable.

In this episode of The Professional Speaking Show, John Ball and leadership expert Julie Holunga unpack how conflict aversion quietly erodes authority, credibility and influence — especially for leaders and professional speakers who rely on trust and presence to lead.

Julie introduces the idea of “lazy leadership” and explains why avoiding hard conversations feels easier in the moment, but costs leaders status, clarity and effectiveness over time. The conversation explores how language, tone and timing shape authority, and how leaders can address tension without becoming aggressive, performative or fake.

This episode is for leaders and professional speakers who want to lead with clarity, credibility and confidence — not just keep the peace.

Find out more about Julie's work at JulieHolunga.com or connect with her on LinkedIn

CHAPTERS

00:00 Lazy Leadership: A New Perspective

02:24 Empowering Women in Conflict Resolution

05:28 The Importance of Language and Tone

08:02 Navigating Male-Dominated Environments

10:48 Constructive Conflict: A Path Forward

13:43 The Spectrum of Conflict Engagement

16:19 Authenticity in Communication

19:07 The Three C's of Conflict Competence

21:54 Building Trust Through Effective Communication

24:48 Practical Applications in Everyday Life

42:11 Closing Thoughts

Key Takeaways

Credibility in leadership is crucial for effective communication.

Lazy leadership occurs when leaders avoid difficult conversations.

Effort and preparation are necessary for addressing conflict.

Language and tone significantly impact conflict resolution.

Women often face challenges in asserting themselves in male-dominated environments.

Constructive conflict can lead to better outcomes and relationships.

Clarity, choice, and communication are key components of conflict competence.

The Titanium Rule emphasises speaking to others as they need to be spoken to.

Authenticity in communication fosters trust and collaboration.

Being deliberate in our interactions can lead to more positive outcomes.

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Stand Out on LinkedIn: Strategies for Speakers and Coaches

SUMMARY

In this episode of the Professional Speaking Show, host John Ball engages with LinkedIn expert Michelle J Raymond to discuss the evolving landscape of LinkedIn and how speakers and coaches can navigate its complexities. They explore the challenges posed by AI-generated content, engagement pods, and the pressure to conform to viral trends, emphasising the importance of authenticity and genuine engagement. Michelle shares her insights on how to stand out in a crowded space by building real relationships and creating meaningful content that resonates with audiences. The conversation also touches on the necessity of maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile and the strategic use of various content formats to enhance visibility and engagement.

Connect with Michelle and sign up for her LinkedIn Newsletter here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejraymond/ and check out Michelle's podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-media-for-b2b-growth-linkedin-strategy-for-b2b/id1603908569

TAKEAWAYS

LinkedIn is becoming noisier and harder to trust, but authenticity can help you stand out.

Building real relationships is more valuable than chasing viral trends.

Your LinkedIn profile should be treated like your homepage; keep it updated and engaging.

Engagement pods may provide short-term visibility but can undermine long-term credibility.

Consistency in posting and genuine interaction are key to leveraging LinkedIn effectively.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to LinkedIn Expertise

02:16 Current State of LinkedIn

05:29 Authenticity vs. Automation

09:40 The Impact of AI on Content

11:40 Standing Out in a Homogenised Space

15:37 The Importance of Building Relationships

19:04 The Temptation of Quick Fixes

24:25 Integrity in Online Presence

26:24 Building a Community on LinkedIn

27:29 The Challenge of Engagement Pods

29:39 Navigating LinkedIn's Algorithm Changes

31:12 The Importance of Reciprocity on LinkedIn

34:31 Strategic Commenting for Engagement

36:54 Creating Effective Content on LinkedIn

44:46 Maximising Your LinkedIn Profile

52:30 Final thoughts

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Secrets of Personal Branding

SUMMARY

In this episode of Present Influence, John is joined by branding expert and bestselling author Mark Schaefer to explore what it truly means to become known in a noisy, copy-and-paste marketing world.

They explore why most personal brands fail, how guru-led thinking is killing originality, and why authority is built through relevance, consistency, and usefulness rather than visibility or hype.

Mark shares practical insights from his books Known and Audacious, including how speakers and experts can clarify what they want to be known for, choose the right content strategy, and avoid the trap of chasing platforms instead of building trust.

This conversation is essential listening for speakers, coaches, and consultants who want to build real credibility, stand out without selling out, and turn visibility into lasting influence.

Find out more about Mark and his books at https://businessesgrow.com/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Mark Schaefer

02:44 Contrarian Views in Marketing

06:02 The Importance of Personal Branding

08:51 The Role of Speaking in Business

11:49 Advice for Aspiring Speakers

15:00 Finding Your Unique Voice

17:59 Leveraging Social Media for Branding

20:51 Creating Content that Resonates

23:53 Opportunities in the Speaking Industry

26:39 Navigating AI in Marketing

29:59 The Need vs. Nice to Have in Speaking

33:01 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned

35:52 Conclusion and Resources

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Welcome to The Professional Speaking Show, the definitive podcast for keynote speakers, subject matter experts, and coaches who are ready to stop being "well-kept secrets" and start building a scalable, high-impact career.

Most speaking advice is either too "soft" (focusing only on stage presence) or too "sleazy" (focusing on aggressive, outdated sales tactics). We believe there is a third way: The Path of Professional Influence.

Each week, we dive deep into the three pillars of a sustainable speaking career:

1. Master the Stage: Advanced communication, storytelling, and delivery techniques that ensure you leave a lasting legacy.
2. Book More Gigs: Strategic marketing, high-ticket sales frameworks, and the business systems required to fill your calendar without losing your soul.
3. Grow Your Impact with Integrity: How to increase your reach and revenue while staying true to your values and ethical standards.

Whether you are looking to pivot from breakout sessions to the mainstage, increase your keynote fees, or build a business that scales beyond your time on the lectern, this show provides the tactical roadmap to get you there.

Stop "giving talks" and start building a brand that commands attention.

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

SUMMARY

Many speakers, coaches, and consultants say they hate sales. In reality, what they hate is manipulative, impersonal, high-pressure selling that feels out of alignment with who they are.

In this episode of Present Influence, sales expert Katie Nelson dismantles the myth that selling high-ticket offers has to feel sleazy. We explore why sales is fundamentally human, not transactional, and why relationship, curiosity, and courage matter far more than funnels, scripts, or AI shortcuts.

We cover how speakers and coaches can sell premium services ethically, why relying solely on referrals is risky, how fear and rejection really work in sales, and why the founder must stay involved in selling longer than they think. Katie also challenges the overuse of “sales mindset” rhetoric and explains why action, not affirmation, is what actually builds confidence and cash flow.

If you sell your expertise, your voice, or your presence and want a sales process that feels honest, effective, and sustainable, this episode will change how you think about selling.

Find Katie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesalescatalyst/ or go to SalesUprising.com

Here's the link for Katie's video series Feed The Fire: https://youtu.be/WfYrsNgSRoA?si=PaL5n0tRByqnJiOY

Takeaways

Sales is not a personality flaw; it's a human process.

Embracing sales leads to quicker business success.

Referrals should be seen as gifts, not strategies.

Sales is about people before it's about systems.

Mindset is important, but action is crucial in sales.

You can't outsource your courage as a business owner.

Sales is a service in both directions.

Understanding your target audience is key to sales success.

Fear and rejection are part of the sales journey; learn to overcome them.

Building relationships is essential for effective sales.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Human Element in Sales

06:57 Reframing Sales: From Fear to Service

10:47 Sales as a Reflection of Humanity

17:27 Building Resilience in Sales

21:20 The Evolution of Sales Models

26:48 Simplifying Sales Funnels for Success

32:25 Sales Strategies for Speakers

35:17 The Power of Referrals in Business

40:04 Mindset vs. Action in Sales

43:54 Embracing Sales as a Business Owner

44:45 The Importance of Referrals and Stability in Sales

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

SUMMARY

In this conversation, John Ball discusses the importance of treating speaking as a business rather than just a performance. He emphasises that many speakers struggle not due to a lack of skill but because they fail to position themselves effectively in the market. The discussion highlights the need for speakers to shift from hoping for opportunities to actively creating strategies that lead to sustainable careers. By focusing on serving specific audiences and building trust, speakers can enhance their impact and success in the industry.

You can connect with me using the links below.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Business of Speaking

02:05 Shifting Mindsets for Success

04:05 Building Trust Over Attention

06:39 Close

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

How to Beat Digital Distraction and Do Deep Work From Home

Summary

In this conversation, John Ball and Steven Puri explore the challenges of remote work, emphasising the importance of focus, intention, and managing distractions. They discuss how digital distractions are engineered to capture attention and the significance of establishing rituals and habits to enhance productivity. Puri shares insights on achieving a flow state for peak performance and the role of luck in success. The discussion also highlights practical strategies for overcoming procrastination and the power of prioritisation in achieving meaningful work.

Takeaways

Focus is about intention, not discipline.

Most of us are overwhelmed, not lazy.

Distraction is engineered to steal your attention.

You can do meaningful work without burning out.

Don't die with the great thing inside you.

You need to jealously guard your brain energy.

The difference is I hit play in your app?

Intention is key to moving your life forward.

You can achieve more by doing less.

Don't let distractions dictate your day.

Sound bites

"Most of us are overwhelmed, not lazy."

"Don't let distractions dictate your day."

"You can achieve more by doing less."

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Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Remote Work

07:17 The Role of Luck in Career Paths

13:16 Distractions in the Digital Age

18:35 Active Procrastination and Focus Strategies

24:37 Weekly Planning and Daily Tasks

32:35 Personal Development and Productivity Mindset

39:36 Understanding Flow State for Enhanced Productivity

48:42 The Challenge of Focus in a Distracted World

49:11 The Importance of Intention and Environment

49:37 Finding Clarity and Direction in Work

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

SUMMARY

In this episode, John addresses the challenges faced by speakers and coaches in gaining visibility and securing bookings. He emphasises the importance of marketing and the need for professionals in these fields to shift their identity from being just a performer to becoming a business owner. By focusing on marketing, networking, and consistent visibility, speakers and coaches can improve their chances of success. John also discusses the significance of setting clear goals and taking actionable steps to achieve them, urging listeners to treat their speaking or coaching endeavours as a business.

The LinkedIn Article: READ HERE

Key Takeaways

• Many talented speakers and coaches struggle to get bookings.
• Skill alone is not enough; marketing is crucial.
• Successful individuals take action before they feel ready.
• Recognition comes to those who actively seek it.
• Being known is more important than being the best.
• The best speakers often excel at running a business.
• Identity shift is foundational for success.
• Spend at least half your time on marketing activities.
• Set clear revenue goals and reverse engineer them.
• Treat your speaking or coaching as a business.

Sound bites

"Your identity shift is not optional."

"Prospecting should be a daily activity."

"Now's the time to start taking action."

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Pain Point of Speakers and Coaches

02:28 The Importance of Marketing in Speaking

05:05 Identity Shift: From Speaker to Business Owner

07:44 Setting Goals and Taking Action

10:13 Call to Action and Future Insights

11:41 Close

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.