BusinessMarketingEntrepreneurship

Why They Resonate

Jay Acunzo

Speakers, authors, experts, and entrepreneurs develop their ideas in real-time, so you can see what it really takes to resonate. Join professional speaker and public speaking advisor Jay Acunzo as you get closer to the process of how exceptional communicators actually craft their materials. You'll hear how new ideas take shape, speeches become great, and stories evolve from meh to memorable. The show is part celebration, part workshop, and you'll walk away ready to compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

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#76
September 4 · 20 min
What if my baby is ugly?
It's a metaphor, calm down. But this is the missing link between someone with expertise and ideas, and someone who actually develops, owns, and grows a business around an ownable, bookable idea. EPISODE CREDITS: This episode sponsored by Wistia. Hosted and produced by me, Jay Acunzo. Music from Embleton. *** CONNECT WITH ME: Subscribe to my newsletter to turn inspiration into action. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for regular insights into idea development, signature talk development, and growing a speaking business. Follow me on LinkedIn for random rants and routinely re-thinking how we build our businesses. *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I'm a public speaking and storytelling advisor trusted by bestselling authors, TED speakers, seven-figure coaches, and brands like Mailchimp, Wistia, and Salesforce. Before starting my advisory firm (where I work 1:1 with clients and run group programs), I was a digital media strategist at Google and head of content for 3 organizations, including HubSpot. I've given keynotes across the US and several other countries to marketers and managers, designers and dentists, leaders and landscapers, and my journey as a speaker has been featured in 3 different books. Today, I teach business leaders how to communicate with greater clarity, influence, and resonance. Learn more about my advisory work at jayacunzo.com Book me to speak at jayacunzo.com/keynotes Watch video versions of some episodes, plus get regular insights into stronger public speaking and growing a speaking business, at youtube.com/jayacunzo *** IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for your support! Keep making what matters.
#75
August 18 · 39 min
Rework in Real Time: Fixing a data-heavy keynote opener | Amanda Natividad
Amanda Natividad joins the show to rework the opener of her keynote with Jay. It's extremely data-heavy and leads to a lot of "throat-clearing" by Amanda, which she notices rewatching it. Making things harder, she was introduced onto the stage in a strange way, presenting her with a tricky decision: acknowledge it or push ahead? Amanda is the author of the book, Zero Click Marketing: How to Build Brands and Earn Customers on a Traffic-Starved Web, which she coauthored with Rand Fishkin. WATCH THE KEYNOTE PUNCH-UP: https://youtu.be/cBRIKNYnFx4?is=X9SqqELKNjAOZwio Learn more about Amanda at https://zeroclickmarketing.co/ and follow her at https://linkedin.com/in/amandanat Watch the full keynote from MicroConf: https://linkedin.com/in/amandanat * KEEP LEARNING: 🧰 Resources for professional speakers: https://jayacunzo.com/speaking-resources 🎤 Book Jay to speak: https://jayacunzo.com/keynotes 📬 Jay's Newsletter: https://jayacunzo.com/newsletter 📈 Work with Jay to develop your keynote and grow your speaking business: https://jayacunzo.com/services * ABOUT THE SHOW: On WHY THEY RESONATE, speakers, authors, experts, and entrepreneurs develop their ideas in real-time, so you can see what it really takes to resonate. Join professional speaker and public speaking advisor Jay Acunzo as you get closer to the process of how exceptional communicators actually craft their materials. You'll hear how new ideas take shape, speeches become great, and stories evolve from meh to memorable. The show is part celebration, part workshop, and you'll walk away ready to compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing. Music for Why They Resonate is by Embleton: https://linktr.ee/embleton This episode is sponsored by Wistia, the platform for all your webinars, podcasting, and video marketing needs: https://wistia.com * ABOUT JAY: Jay Acunzo is a public speaking and storytelling advisor trusted by bestselling authors, TED speakers, seven-figure coaches, and brands like Disney, Mailchimp, and Salesforce. Before starting his advisory firm, Jay was a digital media strategist at Google and head of content for 3 organizations, including HubSpot. He’s directed documentaries, hosted podcasts, and created award-winning content for innovative startups and Fortune 500 brands. Today, Jay teaches business leaders how to communicate with greater clarity, influence, and resonance. Keynote Speaking & Business Inquiries: https://jayacunzo.com/
#74
August 10 · 1 hr 13 min
Live podcast audit: Jeremy Enns and Jay overhaul this show's strategy
This conversation blew my mind, and I found so much clarity talking my friend Jeremy Enns (founder of the Podcast Marketing Academy) as he helped rework my show's strategy so it better serves others and my business at the same time. You’ll hear a BIG realization about 30 or so minutes into our chat, plus get an inside look at the strategy, my creative execution, and how the show connects to other content and my revenue-generating offerings. EPISODE CREDITS: Learn more about Jeremy Enns and the Podcast Marketing Academy This episode sponsored by Wistia. Hosted and produced by me, Jay Acunzo. Music from Embleton. *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I'm a public speaking and storytelling advisor trusted by bestselling authors, TED speakers, seven-figure coaches, and brands like Mailchimp, Wistia, and Salesforce. Before starting my advisory firm (where I work 1:1 with clients and run group programs), I was a digital media strategist at Google and head of content for 3 organizations, including HubSpot. I've given keynotes across the US and several other countries to marketers and managers, designers and dentists, leaders and landscapers, and my journey as a speaker has been featured in 3 different books. Today, I teach business leaders how to communicate with greater clarity, influence, and resonance. Learn more about my advisory work at jayacunzo.com Book me to speak at jayacunzo.com/keynotes Watch video versions of some episodes, plus get regular insights into stronger public speaking and growing a speaking business, at youtube.com/jayacunzo *** IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for your support! Keep making what matters.
#73
July 20 · 17 min
Book announcement! Plus a sneak preview
I'm writing my next book! In this episode, I lay out all the details for why I'm taking a risk, where the book fits in the market, and just how much of a delusional project this might be. Then, listen to the empathy statement—a kind of prologue or "starter dough" writing which sets the tone and answers the question, "Why should I care?" Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for book updates, exclusives, and behind-the-scenes, as well as the chance to submit your stories for inclusion! EPISODE CREDITS: Written and produced by me, Jay Acunzo. Music for Why They Resonate is by Embleton (Instagram - Facebook). *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I'm a public speaking and storytelling advisor trusted by bestselling authors, TED speakers, seven-figure coaches, and brands like Mailchimp, Wistia, and Salesforce. Before starting my advisory firm (where I work 1:1 with clients and run group programs), I was a digital media strategist at Google and head of content for 3 organizations, including HubSpot. I've given keynotes across the US and several other countries to marketers and managers, designers and dentists, leaders and landscapers, and my journey as a speaker has been featured in 3 different books. Today, I teach business leaders how to communicate with greater clarity, influence, and resonance. Learn more about my advisory work at jayacunzo.com Book me to speak at jayacunzo.com/keynotes Watch video versions of some episodes, plus get regular insights into stronger public speaking and growing a speaking business, at youtube.com/jayacunzo *** IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for your support! Keep making what matters.
#72
July 10 · 42 min
BEST OF: Seth Godin dissects his signature story
In this episode, Seth Godin takes us into how he thinks about storytelling and the intersection of strategy and story, and then we hear him dissect one of his go-to stories. Plus, Seth and I trade stories in the back half of the episode—business storytelling nerdery on full display. Seth is a world-renowned author, speaker, and thought leader who has written more than 20 bestsellers, including Purple Cow, The Practice, and This Is Marketing. At the time of this recording, Seth was focused on promoting This is Strategy. Together, Seth and I discuss his delightful story about recumbent bikes. This "super-story" has found its way into Seth’s work repeatedly for over a decade. We discuss ‌the evolution of this story, how he conceptualizes status and affiliation, and why focusing on pedagogy as a storyteller is essential. Also in the episode: why the idea of your "posture" matters for storytellers, the role of the storyteller in the world today, and why smaller stories often have a bigger impact. Learn more about Seth's work and subscribe to his daily blog at seths.blog EPISODE CREDITS: Written and produced by me, Jay Acunzo. For more, subscribe to my newsletter→ Production support for the original edit by Ilana Nevins. Music for Why They Resonate is by Embleton (Instagram - Facebook). *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I'm a public speaking and storytelling advisor trusted by bestselling authors, TED speakers, seven-figure coaches, and brands like Mailchimp, Wistia, and Salesforce. Before starting my advisory firm (where I work 1:1 with clients and run group programs), I was a digital media strategist at Google and head of content for 3 organizations, including HubSpot. I've given keynotes across the US and several other countries to marketers and managers, designers and dentists, leaders and landscapers, and my journey as a speaker has been featured in 3 different books. Today, I teach business leaders how to communicate with greater clarity, influence, and resonance. Learn more about my advisory work at jayacunzo.com Book me to speak at jayacunzo.com/keynotes Watch video versions of some episodes, plus get regular insights into stronger public speaking and growing a speaking business, at youtube.com/jayacunzo *** IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for your support! Keep making what matters.
#71
June 25 · 45 min
BEST OF: The only way to figure out a story is to tell it | Andrew Davis
The man, the myth, and the legend Andrew Davis appeared in the first-ever episode of the show. We're running it back today, so you can hear how a master operates and thinks. Andrew Davis is a bestselling author and internationally acclaimed keynote speaker. Before building and selling a thriving digital marketing agency, Andrew produced for NBC’s Today Show, worked for The Muppets in New York and wrote for Charles Kuralt. He's appeared in the New York Times, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and on NBC and the BBC. Davis has crafted documentary films and award-winning content for tiny start-ups and Fortune 500 brands. Recognized as one of the industry's "Jaw-Dropping Marketing Speakers," Andrew is a mainstay on global marketing influencer lists. Wherever he goes, he puts his infectious enthusiasm and magnetic speaking style to good use teaching business leaders how to grow their businesses, transform their cities, and leave their legacy. Learn more about Drew, his speaking, and his books at akadrewdavis.com EPISODE CREDITS: Written and produced by me, Jay Acunzo. For more, subscribe to my newsletter→ Production support by Ilana Nevins. Music by Embleton (Instagram - Facebook). *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I'm a public speaking and storytelling advisor trusted by bestselling authors, TED speakers, seven-figure coaches, and brands like Mailchimp, Wistia, and Salesforce. Before starting my advisory firm (where I work 1:1 with clients and run group programs), I was a digital media strategist at Google and head of content for 3 organizations, including HubSpot. I've given keynotes across the US and several other countries to marketers and managers, designers and dentists, leaders and landscapers, and my journey as a speaker has been featured in 3 different books. Today, I teach business leaders how to communicate with greater clarity, influence, and resonance. Learn more about my advisory work at jayacunzo.com Book me to speak at jayacunzo.com/keynotes *** IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for your support! Keep making what matters.
#70
June 10 · 23 min
How YOU can appear on the show [+ ranting on thought leaders and AI]
Here's how to turn Why They Resonate into Why YOU Resonate. Plus, a rant in two parts about the troubled relationship between thought leaders with big followings and AI. You see, they've all taken unpaid jobs working for other people. They just don't seem to notice yet. EPISODE CREDITS: Written and produced by me, Jay Acunzo. For more, subscribe to my newsletter→ Music by Embleton (Instagram - Facebook). *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I'm a public speaking and storytelling advisor trusted by bestselling authors, TED speakers, seven-figure coaches, and brands like Mailchimp, Wistia, and Salesforce. Before starting my advisory firm (where I work 1:1 with clients and run group programs), I was a digital media strategist at Google and head of content for 3 organizations, including HubSpot. I've given keynotes across the US and several other countries to marketers and managers, designers and dentists, leaders and landscapers, and my journey as a speaker has been featured in 3 different books. Today, I teach business leaders how to communicate with greater clarity, influence, and resonance. Learn more about my advisory work at jayacunzo.com Book me to speak at jayacunzo.com/keynotes *** IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for your support! Keep making what matters.
#69
May 8 · 33 min
NEW SHOW NAME! Here's why, plus a tiny concept with big implications
How Stories Happen is now Why They Resonate. Here's why and what to expect next. Plus, learn the single Italian word which says so much about our creative work — and why it's the driving force behind the show's rebrand and revival. EPISODE CREDITS: Written and produced by me, Jay Acunzo. For more, subscribe to my newsletter→ Music by Embleton (Instagram - Facebook). *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I'm a public speaking and storytelling advisor trusted by bestselling authors, TED speakers, seven-figure coaches, and brands like Mailchimp, Wistia, and Salesforce. Before starting my advisory firm (where I work 1:1 with clients and run group programs), I was a digital media strategist at Google and head of content for 3 organizations, including HubSpot. I've given keynotes across the US and several other countries to marketers and managers, designers and dentists, leaders and landscapers, and my journey as a speaker has been featured in 3 different books. Today, I teach business leaders how to communicate with greater clarity, influence, and resonance. Learn more about my work at jayacunzo.com. *** IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for your support! Keep making what matters.
#68
April 27 · 43 min
A look inside my business
I've been through the ringer these past few years and come out the other side with something special. It's time for a transparent look inside my business. *** To get regular advice, frameworks, and stories helping you communicate with greater clarity and resonance, subscribe to my newsletter→ PS: As mentioned in previous episodes, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come! *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek. I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates. Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com Don't market more. Matter more. Think resonance over reach. Don't be the best. Be their favorite. *** IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!
#67
April 7 · 18 min
I can't believe people can do that
I can't believe people can do THAT. I can't believe people can DO that. I can't believe PEOPLE can do that. *** To get regular advice, frameworks, and stories helping you communicate with greater clarity and resonance, subscribe to my newsletter→ PS: As mentioned in previous episodes, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come! *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek. I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates. Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com Don't market more. Matter more. Think resonance over reach. Don't be the best. Be their favorite. *** IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!
#66
March 30 · 1 hr 3 min
Something bad happened to me thanks to AI
I'm sharing the full story in this episode. It's time to take stuff like this more seriously. To get regular advice, frameworks, and stories helping you communicate with greater clarity and resonance, subscribe to my newsletter→ PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come! *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek. I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates. Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com Don't market more. Matter more. Think resonance over reach. Don't be the best. Be their favorite. *** IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!
#65
March 23 · 39 min
How to (actually) grow your paid speaking
When you want to make speaking a real revenue engine, the temptation is to invest in a couple of incorrect things. In this episode, I set the record straight for what actually works to drive results as a keynote speaker, so you can focus on the right things, in the right order, for the right results. This is Part 2, to be paired with my last episode, "The last great advantage." To get more ideas like this, subscribe to my newsletter→ PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come! *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek. I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates. Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com Don't market more. Matter more. Think resonance over reach. Don't be the best. Be their favorite. *** IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!
#64
March 18 · 14 min
The last great advantage
Thanks to the ubiquity of AI, this is the last great advantage. To get more ideas like this, subscribe to my newsletter→ PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come! *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek. I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates. Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com Don't market more. Matter more. Think resonance over reach. Don't be the best. Be their favorite. *** IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!
#63
March 11 · 18 min
How to write better pitches to book speaking gigs [Jay's go-to format]
The way we write pitches is broken compared to what actually works, all because of one nuanced but critical reality: We're good at describing our talks. We're bad at describing why they'd BOOK US TO SPEAK. But isn't that the point? In this short episode, you'll learn how to re-think your pitches and write better session descriptions to pitch event planners. It'll also be useful for pitching podcast hosts, editors, and any gatekeeper who might platform you. To get more ideas like this, subscribe to my newsletter→ PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come! *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek. I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates. Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com Don't market more. Matter more. Think resonance over reach. Don't be the best. Be their favorite. *** IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!
#62
March 2 · 30 min
Content ARCs: how to own your ideas in the market
There is a very big difference between having a good idea and actually owning it publicly. In this episode, a means to re-think your approach to crafting and publishing your content, no matter the channel or medium. The goal is to both clarify your thinking to yourself and build an audience of passionate fans along the way. Subscribe to my newsletter→ *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek. I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates. Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com Don't market more. Matter more. Think resonance over reach. Don't be the best. Be their favorite. *** ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!
#61
February 16 · 23 min
The metaphor and the magic: My take on AI in 2026
It's been a good long while since I've had a good long rant. *Cracks knuckles.* Let us begin. Join the next cohort of Design My Signature Talk (starts Feb. 23, 2026)→ Subscribe to my newsletter→ *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek. I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates. Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com Don't market more. Matter more. Think resonance over reach. Don't be the best. Be their favorite. *** ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!
#60
February 9 · 25 min
My favorite story structure to captivate and teach
When you give a presentation of any kind, you don't actually have a captive audience. YOU need to captivate. This is a story structure that can both captivate your audience AND deliver the message or lesson they most need (and you need to distribute to do your job). As mentioned, there are just a few spaces left in the next cohort of my public speaking accelerator. Grab yours here: Join the next cohort of Design My Signature Talk (starts Feb. 23, 2026)→ *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek. I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates. Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com Don't market more. Matter more. Think resonance over reach. Don't be the best. Be their favorite. *** ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!
#59
January 9 · 36 min
Improving the signature speech of a marketing entrepreneur
Go inside inside my public speaking accelerator, Design My Signature Talk, with this clip from our final group call. Watch the full video of this episode→ Join the next cohort of Design My Signature Talk (starts Feb. 23, 2026)→ In this episode, hear Brian Piper deliver his brand new signature story as a reliable opener of his brand new signature talk that we developed in the cohort. He used this material to get 3 brand new client leads from his first attempt. Brian is a marketing consultant and an author who works with people in higher ed. He helps them embrace AI and become more analytical and data led. But for years, he struggled with developing a SIGNATURE speech, instead building new talks every talk. He also struggled to draw from a major source of ideas and identity and stories in his life, refusing to put that material on stage -- a problem we navigated in the cohort to finally crack the code on a stronger opening story for him. *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek. I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates. Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com Don't market more. Matter more. Think resonance over reach. Don't be the best. Be their favorite. *** ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!
#58
Dec 19, 2025 · 25 min
My process for booking keynotes (the engine most overlook)
If you want to book more and better speaking opportunities, this is the episode for you. I take a closer look at the process most speakers miss, not because they haven't had any success selling their offerings, but precisely because they have. Speaking works in the opposite way to almost everything else. It's an inverted commercial model. We need to embrace this fact and invest our time, energy, and budget accordingly, if we want to book more and better stages, charge or raise our speaker fees, and develop a sustainable pipeline of keynotes and speaking engagements. There's a paradox at the center of what it takes to do this well. Get ready to reverse your process! Join the next cohort of Design My Signature Talk (starts Feb. 23, 2026)→ Get the full transcript and visual model from this episode→ Get my best resources for keynote speakers→ *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek. I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates. Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com Don't market more. Matter more. Think resonance over reach. Don't be the best. Be their favorite. *** ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!
#57
Dec 11, 2025 · 42 min
Scott Stratten: Keynotes say, "I dare you to look away"
There’s this THING that happens to a public speaker and storyteller that feels addicting. It happens after you’ve internalized your content and put in the reps. You’re no longer consciously thinking about what to say next or how to say it. Instead, you can just walk up on stage, or fire up the camera, or switch on the mic, and just BE. Few speakers and storytellers have achieved that level of internalized, authentic performance like Scott Stratten (LinkedIn). Scott is a Hall of Fame public speaker and the founder of UnMarketing. He believes we can build a better business world based on integrity, community, and authenticity. Together with his wife and business partner Alison, they’ve written 6 bestselling business books, while Scott travels the world performing from stages to thousands of people at a time. To hear Scott is to experience just that. A performance. Today, we’ll hear an incredible story Scott tells in his keynotes, then we’ll talk shop about the mechanics of storytelling, the misnomers and opportunities in becoming a stronger public voice, and frankly, we have some of the most fun I’ve had on this show … ever. *** ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek. I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates. Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com Don't market more. Matter more. Think resonance over reach. Don't be the best. Be their favorite. *** ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

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