February 4, 2025
61: From Reluctant Speaker to Hall of Fame: Cy Wakeman’s Path to Speaking Greatness
In this electrifying episode of Speaker Driven Business, Cy Wakeman, global thought leader and celebrated keynote and Hall of Fame speaker, pulls back the curtain on a truly unconventional rise to speaking greatness.
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What does it take to transform from a reluctant speaker into a Hall of Fame powerhouse? In this electrifying episode of Speaker Driven Business, Cy Wakeman, global thought leader and celebrated keynote and Hall of Fame speaker, pulls back the curtain on a truly unconventional rise to speaking greatness.
Cy shares how she turned a groundbreaking discovery into a thriving career on the world’s biggest stages—while staying true to her mission of cutting through noise, inspiring transformation, and delivering impact. For emerging and aspiring speakers, this episode is packed with insider wisdom: how to craft a message that resonates, why expertise and authenticity are your ultimate differentiators, and how to build a speaking career that aligns with your life—not buying into the hustle culture which can dominate the profession.
Cy’s approach to prioritising transformation over transactions will inspire you to rethink your strategy and tap into the true power of your voice. This isn’t just a chat about speaking.
It’s a masterclass in navigating your own speaking breakthrough. If you’re ready to cut through the noise and make your voice heard YOUR WAY hit play now.
WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:
- Meet Cy Wakeman (00:51)
- How much time is wasted daily on workplace drama (03:10)
- Why traditional leadership unintentionally fosters drama over accountability (07:24)
- How to stand out in the speaking world (11:51)
- The value of prioritising transformation over transactions in speaking (16:19)
- How expertise unlocks freedom, success, and a thriving career (22:16)
- How to drive true impact in your work and relationships (26:36)
- Why publishing a book is no longer enough (33:32)
- The must-have mindset for creating a sustainable speaking career (42:42)
- How success can come from authenticity, breaking norms, and choosing balance over hustle (44:42)
- A powerful reminder to design a life you don’t need a vacation from (50:48)
“The average person spends two and a half hours a day in drama, time needlessly suffering based on storing that reality, energy that takes away from results and their well being.” – Cy Wakeman
“Speakers need to do this: Have an area of expertise, but always have a research agenda. Always have something you’re working on next or deeper to bring, and that keeps your clients coming back.” – Cy Wakeman
“Grow yourself so that you can calmly walk through the world, offer what you have, and then design a way that works for you.” – Cy Wakeman
“When you are in frantic motion, which is where hustle is, you can’t be generous to those around you, and you can’t be creative, and you can’t go into deep thinking work. And that will stall your speaking career” – Jacqueline Brooker
RESOURCES
WHERE TO FIND CY WAKEMAN
- Website: http://www.realitybasedleadership.com/meet-our-team/cy-wakeman/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cywakeman/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cywakeman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CyWakeman/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cywakeman
- Speaker Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPzpffkQRWw&t
- The Reality-Based Leadership Podcast
If you are on a mission to amplify your message to make a more meaningful impact, and you’d love to join a vibrant community of people all harnessing the power of speaking, we’d love you to join us in our private Facebook group. Here you will gain access to exclusive live trainings, free resources and the opportunity to ask Jacqueline anything. It’s all designed to take the speaking game to the next level. We can’t wait to welcome you – Join here : https://www.facebook.com/groups/paidspeakerbreakthrough
WHERE TO FIND JACQUELINE BROOKER
To connect and learn more about creating a Speaker Driven Business connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn. You can also follow Jacqueline on Instagram or join the private Facebook group
Join the Speak More Collective.