In this conversation, Jia Jiang shares his transformative journey through rejection therapy, where he intentionally sought rejection for 100 days to overcome his fear. He discusses how this experience not only helped him build resilience but also led to his rise as a speaker and author. The dialogue explores the importance of humor in handling rejection, the psychological aspects of dealing with obstacles in the speaking industry, and the balance between persistence and adaptability in pursuing goals. Jiang emphasizes the value of turning rejection into learning opportunities and creating momentum in projects, ultimately advocating for a life open to new experiences.

On our final Mic Drop episode of season three, 11 keynote speakers delivered rapid, impactful insights in just 11 minutes. They shared strategies to elevate professional speaking, such as cultivating positive emotions, crafting personalized connections, and leveraging storytelling. Emphasizing authenticity, purposeful humor, and strategic customization, they provided practical tips like using AI tools or engaging with local media. A recurring theme was the importance of building deep relationships, resonating with audiences, and leaving lasting impressions. With actionable advice and inspiration, this episode encourages speakers to refine their craft and expand their influence effectively.

In this episode, Shola Richards shares his deeply personal journey from a toxic workplace experience that led him to the brink of despair to becoming a global advocate for kindness, civility, and mental well-being in the workplace. Shola, author of Civil Unity, talks about how he turned his painful experience into his life's work, helping organizations create positive cultures and strong interpersonal connections. He emphasizes the need for leaders to see people as whole beings, not just "workers," and to build workplaces where kindness and results coexist. With a unique perspective, Shola discusses his philosophy of Ubuntu—the African principle of shared humanity—encouraging leaders and employees alike to embrace a mindset of togetherness and respect.

In this episode, Josh Linkner speaks with Patrick McAndrew, a thought leader in attention management and founder of Hara, a self-mastery community for entrepreneurs and leaders. Patrick shares his unconventional journey from teaching speed reading workshops to developing a deep focus on human attention and mental performance. He discusses the modern challenges of focus, why most attempts to fix productivity fail, and how a mastery-based approach can transform business leaders into true pioneers. Together, they unpack the critical importance of learning, unlearning, and finding clarity in a world dominated by information overload.

In this episode, Josh Linkner interviews Gaby Natale, three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, bestselling author of The Virtuous Circle, and one of People Magazine’s most powerful Latinas. Gaby shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Argentina to becoming a media trailblazer and successful speaker in the United States. They discuss her struggles to break into the competitive world of journalism, her decision to carve her own path when faced with conformity, and how she now helps others harness their uniqueness to become unstoppable. With energy and authenticity, Gaby shares her insights on what it means to be a true pioneer, the power of embracing discomfort, and the importance of breaking barriers for those who follow.

In this powerful and introspective episode, Josh Linkner hosts two influential voices—Shelley Paxton and Chris Schembra—who share their unique journeys from corporate success to deeper personal fulfillment. Shelley, former Chief Marketing Officer of Harley-Davidson, and Chris, renowned for his 7:47 Gratitude Experience, discuss the pivotal moments that shifted their careers, their drive to help others break free from the chains of conventional success, and their strategies for building lasting connections. Through humor, vulnerability, and practical insights, they unpack how embracing authenticity and leading with empathy can not only transform lives but create impactful, sustainable professional practices.

In this episode of Mic Drop, Josh sits down with Carla Johnson, a globally recognized expert on innovation and creativity, to discuss how to break past limiting beliefs and drive greater impact in life and business. Carla shares her journey from studying architecture to becoming a leading innovation strategist and speaker. They explore her unique perspective as an “innovation architect” and how she has successfully blended creativity with structure. Throughout the conversation, Carla highlights the power of curiosity, how speakers can cultivate it, and why it's essential to question the status quo. She also reveals her approach to constantly re-evaluating and improving her own work, as well as offering practical strategies for speakers to stand out in a crowded market.

In this episode of Mic Drop, Josh speaks with Amy Eddy, a seasoned expert in the speaking industry with over 17 years of experience. Amy shares her insights on the evolving dynamics of the speaking market, including how companies are navigating trends like AI, innovation, and the renewed focus on business outcomes. Amy also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look into the speaker-bureau relationship, offering valuable advice for speakers looking to stay relevant, build deeper relationships with bureaus, and adapt to client needs. Beyond her professional expertise, Amy opens up about her personal journey of growth and fulfillment, including the mission behind her nonprofit, iFlourish, aimed at empowering women to thrive in all areas of life.

In this episode of Mic Drop, Smiley, a leading expert on belonging and human connection, dives into the importance of these concepts in today's fast-paced, hybrid work environment. Smiley discusses the tangible business impacts of fostering a culture of belonging and how it drives productivity, reduces turnover, and enhances overall job satisfaction. With a deep understanding of how human connection influences workplace dynamics, Smiley shares practical strategies for building strong, connected teams. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to create a more inclusive and supportive organizational culture.

In this episode of Mic Drop, April shares her journey from small-town beginnings to becoming a leader in hyper-growth environments and a sought-after speaker. She discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her career, how she navigated challenges, and her passion for helping others grow. April also introduces her Growth Game Plan, a framework for achieving success in the face of turbulence, and shares personal insights on balancing ambition with resilience.

In this episode of Mic Drop, Jeff Civillico shares his remarkable journey from a childhood street performance volunteer to a Las Vegas headliner and professional speaker. He discusses the key moments that ignited his passion for entertainment, the lessons he learned from over 5,000 shows, and how he transitioned to keynote speaking. Jeff reveals his unique approach to creating impactful performances and highlights his dedication to charitable work. This episode offers valuable insights for both emerging and established speakers, as well as anyone looking to take their events or stage presence to the next level.

In this episode of Mic Drop, Brittany Hodak shares her remarkable journey from working in the entertainment industry to becoming a leading expert on customer experience and professional speaking. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to start her own company, the insights gained from her research on consumer behavior, and her passion for creating superfans. Brittany also reveals her five-part framework for turning customers into lifelong advocates and offers valuable advice for both emerging and established speakers.

In this dynamic episode of Mic Drop, Josh Linkner sits down with Clint Pulver, a professional drummer turned keynote speaker and employee retention expert. Clint shares his incredible journey, starting from his dream of becoming a helicopter pilot, through his discontent in the medical field, to his ultimate passion for speaking and drumming. Listeners will be inspired by Clint's story of transformation, his innovative Undercover Millennial Program, and his commitment to living a life of purpose and impact. This episode is packed with actionable insights for speakers, leaders, and anyone looking to create a meaningful career while balancing personal and professional life.

In this riveting episode of Mic Drop, Josh Linkner interviews Anne Mahlum, an extraordinary entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and philanthropist. Anne shares her inspiring journey from a small-town girl in North Dakota to becoming one of the most successful female entrepreneurs. She delves into the challenges she faced growing up, the impact of her father's addiction, and how running became a crucial outlet for her. Anne's story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. She discusses founding the nonprofit Back on My Feet, which helps the homeless through running, and her venture into the fitness world with Solidcore. This episode is packed with lessons on overcoming fear, betting on yourself, and creating a life driven by passion and purpose.

Join us for an inspiring episode of Mic Drop as Josh Linkner sits down with Naren Aryal, CEO of Amplify Publishing, a trailblazer in the world of hybrid publishing. Discover the innovative strategies that have positioned Amplify at the forefront of the industry, offering a unique blend of traditional and self-publishing benefits. This conversation is packed with invaluable insights for thought leaders, speakers, and aspiring authors. Naren breaks down the pros and cons of various publishing models, shares essential advice on maximizing the ROI of your book, and reveals the secrets behind successful book marketing. Whether you're considering your first book or looking to refine your publishing strategy, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge to help you amplify your voice and expand your impact.

Dive into a riveting episode of Mic Drop as Josh Linkner engages with the visionary John Winsor, who has significantly shaped the landscapes of advertising, innovation, and the gig economy. This episode isn't just about John's journey from being one of the early adopters of the digital nomad lifestyle to his influential role in redefining creative industries; it's a treasure trove of actionable insights for speakers, leaders, and anyone eager to make an impact in their field. Discover how John's philosophy of "exploring something new" can invigorate your own strategies, enhance your leadership style, and broaden your professional horizons. By blending tales of personal adventures with professional breakthroughs, John offers a masterclass on thriving amidst change and seizing opportunities in the flux of the modern workforce.

In this episode of Mic Drop, Josh Linkner interviews Mary Ellen Slayter, a seasoned leader in content marketing and the founder of Rep Cap. With a rich background as a columnist at the Washington Post, Mary Ellen offers a unique perspective on blending journalism with content marketing to address business challenges effectively. This episode explores the transformative power of storytelling in marketing, the shift towards digital media, and the strategic integration of interviewing skills into business practices.

In this episode of Mic Drop, we converse with Shawn Kanungo, a trailblazer in the realm of professional speaking, known for his creative approach to innovation and disruption. Shawn outlines his journey from a successful career at Deloitte to becoming a dynamic keynote speaker influencing global audiences. He emphasizes the significance of leveraging digital platforms to enhance his reach and impact, detailing his pioneering venture into producing streaming content for platforms like Apple TV and Prime. This discussion not only highlights Shawn's forward-thinking strategies but also his belief in the transformative power of speaking to shape careers and businesses.

In this episode of Mic Drop, we connect with Susan Drumm, a seasoned leadership consultant with a diverse background spanning Harvard Law School, London School of Music and Dramatic Arts, and significant consulting experience. Susan shares her expertise on what it means to be an "enlightened leader" and the transformative power of understanding and reshaping one's internal narrative. Her insights reveal common patterns among high achievers and the significant impact of self-awareness on leadership effectiveness. Susan discusses how she utilizes music to transform limiting beliefs into empowering ones, illustrating her approach with vivid examples. Join us as Susan unpacks the journey from a high-powered corporate career to profound personal changes, offering guidance for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills or navigate their own transformative paths.

In this engaging episode of Mic Drop, we are joined by Frankie Russo, a multifaceted entrepreneur, author, and speaker known for his unique approach to business and personal growth. Frankie shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the significance of embracing one's weirdness and authenticity to drive innovation and success. His insights delve into the transformation from achieving financial success to pursuing a deeper, more meaningful impact through keynote speaking. Frankie discusses his methodologies for cultivating authenticity, the critical difference between confidence and conviction, and the power of weirdness as a catalyst for creativity and connection. His perspective challenges listeners to reconsider their approach to personal and professional development, advocating for a life and career built on genuine self-expression and daring innovation.