Apr 23, 2026
In this episode of Speaking Business Podcast, I’m joined by Elliot Kay, speaker, entrepreneur and CEO of The Speaker Awards and Speaker Summit. We talk about how to build a speaking business where everything works together, from keynote speaking and training to coaching and industry platforms, so that your positioning is aligned rather than all over the place. Elliot also shares the thinking behind his new keynote and book, Watch Me, why personal stories are landing so strongly right now, and the difference between speaking from a healed scar rather than an open wound.
We also get into the business side of speaking, including habits, timekeeping, productivity, managing a five-hour workday, staying out of overwhelm, getting better commercially, and why speakers need to pay more attention to what is actually left after they’ve been paid. We also talk about The Speaker Awards and Speaker Summit, the gap Elliot set out to fill, why recognition matters, how awards can open doors, and what makes the summit different for speakers who want insight, access and practical value. It’s a lively conversation packed with useful lessons for speakers who want to grow a credible, profitable business.