343: Why YOU are the Messenger for Your Idea and Audience with Carol Cox

Show Notes

I often hear from clients that they feel like their topic isn’t unique, that what they would present on others have already been said. 

And they’re right: That will always be the case - there are always going to be lots of people out there who do or say something in the same umbrella as you.

What you need is an IDEA, not just a topic.

Ideas look for a messenger - and it’s up to you to activate the idea.

YOU are the messenger your audience needs to hear.

In this episode, I share with you:

• Why ideas are so important

• The four layers of thought leadership

• The different ways ideas can come to you

• What can stop you from activating an idea

• Inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert’s book “Big Magic”

• Why Greta Gerwig was *the* messenger the Barbie movie needed

About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. 

 

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/343/

Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/

Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ 

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

 

Mentioned:

• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

• Elizabeth Gilbert on the On Being podcast

• KLF: Chaos Magic Music Money by JMR Higgs

• “Who says big ideas are rare?” by Malcom Gladwell

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 341: Unearthing Your Unique Message: Discovering What Makes You Stand Out with Judy Carlson

• Episode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation with Karen Keene

• Episode 262: The Four Layers of Thought Leadership with Carol Cox

• Episode 92: Deconstructing My TEDx Talk: Why We’re Uncomfortable with Women in Power with Carol Cox

 

JOIN US: Our in-person Speaking Accelerator Workshop is coming up in Downtown Orlando on October 30, 2025. Create and practice your signature talk in one day using our proven framework, so you can confidently share your message and attract more opportunities. It's a fun, supportive environment where you get personalized feedback, professional photos, and more. Limited to 15 attendees. Get the details and secure your spot at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/.

What is Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies?

It's time to escape the expert trap and become an in-demand speaker and thought leader through compelling and memorable business presentations, keynotes, workshops, and TEDx talks. If you want to level up your public speaking to get more and better, including paid, speaking engagements, you've come to the right place! Thousands of entrepreneurs and leaders have learned from Speaking Your Brand and now you can too through our episodes that will help you with storytelling, audience engagement, building confidence, handling nerves, pitching to speak, getting paid, and more. Hosted by Carol Cox, entrepreneur, speaker, and TV political analyst. This is your place to learn how to persuasively communicate your message to your audience.