Mic Drop

Guest Bio:

Frankie Russo is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker with a track record of launching successful ventures across various sectors, including technology and marketing. As the founder of Russo Capital and the mind behind companies like Potenza Inc. and 360ia, Frankie has demonstrated exceptional skill in driving exponential growth and innovation. Recognized with numerous accolades such as the I...

Guest Bio:

Raj Nathan, known as the Startup Hypeman, is a multifaceted entrepreneur, blending his passion for hip hop with expertise in startup pitch consulting. His dynamic approach to storytelling and audience engagement has made him a notable figure in the entrepreneurial and keynote speaking worlds. Raj's innovative pitch framework, Que PASA, has guided numerous startups to success, emphasizing the importance of empathy...

Guest Bio:

Vika, hailing from the former Soviet Union and now a global citizen, has carved a unique path through her adventures and storytelling. Her journey from fleeing political asylum to becoming an advertising executive and finally embracing a nomadic lifestyle underscores her belief in the power of narratives. A Moth story slam winner and a contributor to Vice, Vika uses her experiences to teach and inspire, advocatin...

Guest Bios:

Paul Mobley is an acclaimed American photographer and keynote speaker known for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, from celebrities to everyday heroes. With a background enriched by his work with Annie Leibovitz and a passion for exploring the human condition, Mobley's photographs transcend the visual, offering deep insights into the stories of those he portrays. His projects, including "America...

Guest Bios:

Michelle Anne Johnson: 

A transformative figure in leadership communication, Michelle leverages her extensive background in acting and personal development to help leaders harness the power of presence. Her journey from performing on television to coaching Fortune 500 executives showcases her unique ability to empower individuals to lead with authenticity, confidence, and purpose.

Doug Manuel: 

A ...

The Energizer (ft. Rachel Sheerin)

On powering your life and the lives of others

OPENING QUOTE:

“A lot of those titans, in 2020 and 2021, they weren't ready to say the B word yet. It wasn't viral on TikTok yet.”

-Rachel Sheerin

GUEST BIO:

Rachel Sheerin doesn't just motivate, she illuminates. She doesn't just speak, she electrifies any room. Her keynote message of finding both passion and success in life and work is amazing, but what's r...

Go Beyond (ft. Colin O’Brady)

From never-walk-again to never-stop-climbing

OPENING QUOTE:

“Man, I'd do anything for an ejector seat button to get me the heck out of here, as fast as possible, that's for sure.”

-Colin O’Brady

GUEST BIO:

Colin O'Brady is a 10 time world record holding explorer, New York Times bestselling author, professional athlete, multi-time entrepreneur, and collegiate athlete. Back in the early 2000s, Colin experience...

Letting Go to Move Ahead (ft. Jamie Hess & Matthew Vincent)

This business demands boldness, so we talked to two of the boldest

OPENING QUOTE:

“Do you want to be doing a hoe down for children's vitamins and a skit about band-aids on Instagram for the rest of your life?”

-Jamie Hess

GUEST BIO:

Jamie Hess

Jamie Hess overcame a slew of self-destructive behaviors and turned her so-called liabilities into her greatest assets. She became a top e...

From Comedy to Keppler (ft. Warren Jones)

An unexpected path brings surprising insights

OPENING QUOTE:

“Thunder applause, everybody on their feet. So happy, just ecstatic. And he said, "Here's the thought I had. I've got to write a new speech.”

-Warren Jones

GUEST BIO:

From a hugely successful career in entertainment, working as a manager at ABC and then at Professional Representatives Organization International, Warren Jones entered the...

The Virtuoso (ft. Felipe Gomez)

Singing, laughing, and connecting your way to the big stage

OPENING QUOTE:

“I really thought about it, but when I was there on the stage, I said, what the hell? I'm going to sing. I'm going to make them sing.”

-Felipe Gomez

GUEST BIO:

Felipe Gomez is a multi multi hyphenate who has given over a thousand performances across 65 cities, 25 countries and 15 impactful years. He's an artist, humanitarian thought...

Insights from the World’s Largest Bureau (ft. Ryan Heil)

What we can learn from an industry powerhouse with a startup attitude run by a philosopher

OPENING QUOTE:

“So, I think that's our job, is to help speakers identify those nuggets, and the speaker's job's to take the complex and make it super applicable.”

-Ryan Heil

GUEST BIO:

Ryan Heil is the president of Washington Speakers Bureau, the largest and quite possibly the single most res...

Behind the Curtain: An Open Convo with a Buyer and a Bureau (ft. Tim Mathy & Lynne McNees)

How do you find out what buyers and bureaus want in a speaker? You ask them.

OPENING QUOTE:

“That standing ovation, it's not about the speaker, it's not even about the audience to me. It's about the people planning the event. That's who that standing ovation is for.”

-Tim Mathy

GUEST BIO:

Lynne McNees is president of the International Spa Associati...

Exactly What to Say (ft. Phil Jones)

How to be a perfectionist and an improviser all at once

OPENING QUOTE:

“... woke up seven days later, 120,000 free downloads. I'm like, okay, I might have something.”

-Phil Jones

GUEST BIO:

Phil Jones has founded not one but five multimillion dollar companies, became the youngest ever winner of the British Excellence of Sales and Marketing Award, and produced the most listened to nonfiction audiobook ...

The Soulful Giant (ft. Justin Wren)

Fighter-turned-lover Justin Wren on what it means to fight for a greater purpose

OPENING QUOTE:

“And so now, whenever I've gotten into a fight and the cage door locks, I'm looking this guy in the eyes and I know that I know, but I also believe that I know he knows, that I have stronger reasons than he does, so I can take him to deeper waters.”

-Justin Wren

GUEST BIO:

Justin Wren knows what it's like to...

An Insider’s Look (ft. Ivy Gustafson & Jenny DeRosse)

Insights from two amazing experts right here at Impact Eleven

OPENING QUOTE:

“If you really open yourself up and show who you are and you're not afraid to show your weaknesses and your flaws, the audience really relates to you because we're all human.”

-Jenny DeRosse

GUEST BIO:

Ivy Gustafson spent over 20 years in the bureau world, first as an agent for the Washington Speakers Bureau,...

The Biggest Stage in the World (ft. Emily Ford, Jordan Tarver, & Giselle Ugarte)

Three experts help make the monster of social media a lot less scary

OPENING QUOTE:

“We are in the business of impact. And the way I've changed my approach with social media is that social media is another stage, but it's a stage that has the reach of millions of people.”

-Jordan Tarver

GUEST BIO:

Emily Ford has built businesses and organizations with hundre...

The Best Story Wins (ft. John Livesay and David Burkus)

John Livesay and David Burkus on telling stories and picking fights

OPENING QUOTE:

”Whoever tells the best story is the one that's going to win that pitch, not who has the best price or who has more bells and features.”

 -John Livesay

GUEST BIO:

John Livesay, also known as The Pitch Whisperer, is the speaking industry's sage of storytelling and the go-to expert for helping brands te...

The Brooklyn Badass (ft. Alec Melman)

OPENING QUOTE:

“Being adaptable and being patient, that'll answer for those feelings of frustration. If you can hold on long enough, good things happen.”

-Alec Melman

GUEST BIO:

Alec Melman is co-founder and CEO of Gotham Artists, one of the most successful and respected talent agencies in the country. Founded in 2009, Gotham is known for its innovative approach and unique roster of talent that stre...

Grounded in a Higher Calling (ft. Jessica Encell Coleman, Jesse Israel, and Light Watkins)

Three purpose-based speakers share their perspectives

OPENING QUOTE:

“We often think that time is our most valuable asset, but if you're not present during the time that you have, then you're essentially squandering that time.”

-Light Watkins

GUEST BIO:

Jesse Israel is the founder of The Big Quiet, which turns meditation into the social practice of...