257 - The Real Truth About Becoming a TEDx Speaker—And Why You Don’t Need to Be Perfect with Sara Connell

Ever dreamed of stepping onto the TEDx stage? Or maybe having your very own bestselling book?

If that whisper of “one day…” has ever crossed your mind, then listen in, because today we’re talking about how lesser known experts can become in-demand thought leaders, and if this kind of visibility is really possible for ordinary people.

I’m joined by the brilliant Sara Connell, founder of Thought Leader Academy, five-time bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and coach to women visionaries ready to amplify their message.

Sara’s appeared everywhere from Oprah to the New York Times, but more importantly, she’s mastered the art of turning a powerful idea into global influence.

She speaks candidly about what it actually takes to get on the TEDx stage and become recognized as a trusted authority, even if you don’t see yourself as a polished “speaker”.

Here’s what we cover in this refreshingly down to earth chat:

1. Why you don’t need to be a professional speaker - or have thousands of followers - to land a TEDx talk or write a book that creates real impact.

2. What organizers and publishers are really looking for right now (hint: it’s authenticity and a fresh perspective, not perfection or big stages).

3. How the TEDx pitch process works today, and the key changes you need to know -including the real number of applications it takes and the evidence you now need in every submission.

4. What types of messages and stories make you memorable - and which mistakes hold most would-be thought leaders back?

5. How to avoid the AI “shortcut” that could damage your trust and what truly builds credibility in a world overflowing with content.

If you’re craving a bigger audience for your message and wonder if TEDx or a book is actually within reach, don’t miss this episode. Sara’s advice is practical, honest, and will spark you into action - without all the “shoulds”.

Ready to rethink what’s possible for your voice? Tune in now!

About our guest:

Sara Connell is a bestselling author and founder of Thought Leader Academy where she helps coaches, writers and entrepreneurs become successful, published authors and in-demand speakers.

She has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The View, FOX Chicago, TEDx, The Today Show, and Katie Couric. Her writing has appeared in: The New York Times, Forbes, Good Housekeeping, and Parenting. She’s the author of five books and has been nominated for a national book award and ELLE magazine Book of the Year.

Connect with Sara:

Thought Leader Academy: www.saraconnell.com
IG: @saraconnell
YouTube: @thoughtleadermedia

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Sara’s gift to you: 7 Steps to write a revenue generating bestselling book in as little as 2 months even if you've never written before. Please sign up here: https://www.saraconnell.com/7-steps-to-write-a-revenue-generating-bestselling-book

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