68: Speaking Truths You Rarely Hear with Lisa McInnes Smith

March 25, 2025

68: Speaking Truths You Rarely Hear with Lisa McInnes Smith

In this episode, Jacqueline chats with Lisa McInnes-Smith, a global speaking powerhouse, and takes us behind the scenes of her extraordinary journey, from humble beginnings touring rural schools to captivating thousands on international stages.

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Your voice has power. Here’s how to shape it into a message the world remembers. 

Today Jacqueline Brooker chats with the brilliant Lisa McInnes-Smith, a global speaking powerhouse, Hall of Fame inductee, and genuine Aussie legend. Lisa takes us behind the scenes of her extraordinary journey, from humble beginnings touring rural schools to captivating thousands on international stages. Discover how mentorship from the iconic Zig Ziglar shaped her career, why vulnerability on stage is your greatest asset, and the surprising power of volunteering. 

This episode is a masterclass in authenticity, practical wisdom, and the kind of heartfelt advice that only comes from decades in the spotlight. You’ll laugh, learn, and walk away inspired to elevate your speaking game.

Lisa’s warmth and insight are contagious, reminding us that speaking isn’t just about standing ovations. It’s also about authentic connections. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just stepping onto your first stage, this conversation is your personal invitation to embrace your unique voice, turn setbacks into setups, and realise the speaking business isn’t a solo sport. 

Packed with powerful insights, this episode reveals the mindset shifts, storytelling secrets, and career strategies that most speakers never hear, but absolutely need to succeed.

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:

  • How Lisa’s speaking journey began (02:00)
  • Speaking success starts with bold moves and your true voice (08:28)
  • Career growth starts with one word: Yes! (18:29)
  • How volunteering your talents can unlock powerful doors (23:05)
  • Speaking from your zone of genius is what makes you shine (26:33)
  • Authenticity and wisdom open doors in unexpected places (30:20)
  • Great speakers know their lane and never go at it alone (33:48)
  • Why you must embrace feedback and invest in experts to fuel progress (41:06)
  • Theory informs, but your uniqueness transforms (47:21)
  • Global stages come from partnerships, not one-off gigs (50:37)
  • Let purpose lead, and opportunity will follow (53:21)
  • The value of learning to open well and finish strong for unforgettable impact (58:15)

QUOTES

“Your responsibility as a speaker is to take people from where they are now to where you want them to be to where they never expected to be.” – Jacqueline Brooker

“Don’t compare your year one to someone’s year 11, and your first rep to their 1,000th rep.” – Jacqueline Brooker

“We get paid well for what we do. However, we do what we do for far stronger reasons than getting paid. I will do this all my life, whether I get paid or not. This is what I love to do. This is why I share.” – Lisa McInnes Smith

“Only speak in places where you add value. Don’t speak in places where someone else can do it.” – Lisa McInnes Smith

“Pour out what you’ve got wherever you get the opportunity, and you will find that it will be poured back into your lap way beyond what you expect.” – Lisa McInnes Smith

“If you’re not getting what you want, there’s something you need to change.” – Jacqueline Brooker

RESOURCES

Zig Ziglar

Jim Rohn

Why Wasn’t I Told? I’m a Walking Talking … Miracle by Lisa Mclnnes

Denis Waitley

Sheila Murray Bethel

Tony Alessandra

Allan Pease

Why Wasn’t I Told?

Naomi Rhode

Amway

Janine Shepherd

Lindy Chamberlain

Winston Marsh

ABOUT LISA MCINNES SMITH

In her 20’s, Lisa set and achieved a personal goal to positively influence 1 million young Aussies!  When her first book became an instant best seller, she was catapulted onto corporate stages around the world. Since then, Lisa has become recognised as a vibrant ambassador of high performance, inspiring organisations, teams and leaders to new levels of achievement through her high-energy presentations, workshops and executive coaching.

Along the way, Lisa has authored seven best selling books, spoken to over 2½ million people across 30 countries, and shared the stage with Presidents, Personalities and Rockstars.  Lisa is also an inductee of the international Speaker Hall of Fame, the first Aussie to achieve this recognition for excellence. 

WHERE TO FIND LISA MCINNES SMITH

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.