One of the greatest gifts in a speaking career is the support of those you most admire.
Recently, I was reminded of that in the most meaningful way.
Two weeks ago, I had the joy of speaking for NSA Minnesota. As you would expect, the chapter leadership and audience were warm, welcoming, and deeply engaged. That alone would have made it a wonderful experience.
Then the pressure, and the delight, went up another level.
Three NSA legends came to support me.
First was Dr Lyman K. “Manny” Steil, one of the great pioneers in the speaking profession, renowned for his groundbreaking work in listening and communication. Manny is one of those rare professionals whose influence extends far beyond the platform. He has helped shape how generations of speakers think about connection, credibility, and audience trust.
Then there was Hall of Fame speaker and author, David McNally, CPAE.
David and I first met on an airplane in 1985. Since then, it has been a privilege to watch each other’s careers, ideas, and influence continue to grow.
There is something deeply moving about professional friendships that span decades.
They remind us that success is never a solo journey. It is built through shared encouragement, mutual respect, and watching one another evolve.
And one of my personal heroes, another Hall of Fame speaker and author, Mark Scharenbroich, CPAE, joined us as well. Mark’s brilliance in performance, stagecraft, and emotional connection has long inspired me. Few speakers understand how to create a complete audience experience the way Mark does. His presence alone raises your standard because he represents what mastery looks like on a platform.
What touched me most was not simply that these legends attended.
It was their presence.
Their support.
Their generosity.
The longer I am part of the NSA (the National Speakers Association), the more I appreciate this truth: we do not just build careers. We build each other.
Here is what becomes even more meaningful over time.
There is a moment in every professional’s journey when you realize you are no longer only the student.
You have become the example.
You have become the mentor.
One of the greatest joys in my career now is working with speakers who are earlier in their journey and helping them shorten their learning curve. I remember how long it took me to learn certain lessons. Through coaching, incorporating what I have learned and experience, I can help others achieve in months what might otherwise take years.
That is deeply satisfying.
When I watch a speaker refine their message, strengthen their structure, and connect more powerfully with their audience, I see the ripple effect. Their audiences benefit. Their clients benefit. Their careers accelerate.
As I often say, “You improve what you focus on. And with the right guidance, you improve faster.”
This is how our profession grows stronger.
We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we extend a hand to those coming up behind us.
That is the real legacy.
Yes, there is pressure when those you admire are in the audience.
However, there is also something far more important. Gratitude.
Gratitude that we are part of a profession where excellence is encouraged, relationships are valued, and success is shared.
One of the greatest gifts in a speaking career is the support of those you most admire.
And one of the greatest responsibilities is to become that support for others.
Do you need help?
If you are a leader, subject-matter expert, or speaker who knows your ideas deserve greater influence, this is your moment. Do not leave your communication success to time and trial. Accelerate it.
Whether you are preparing for a high-stakes keynote, board presentation, or sales conversation, the right structure, message, and delivery will elevate your results.
If you are ready to shorten your learning curve and raise your standard, I invite you to explore how we can work together.
Your ideas deserve to be understood, remembered, and acted upon.
“Your Masterclass was a magical experience. Based on my prior learning from you, I knew it would be good. However, your content, energy, and personalisation to each attendee exceeded all expectations.” Paul Coleman
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