David Burkus: From Aspiring Writer to One of the World's Top Business Thought Leaders

Connect with Carmen SederinoWebsite: illuminatedstory.com LinkedIn: Carmen Sederino YouTube: Illuminated Story Instagram: @illuminatedstory Free Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote MasterclassConnect with David BurkusWebsite: davidburkus.com LinkedIn: David BurkusDavid Burkus: From Aspiring Writer to One of the World's Top Business Thought LeadersEpisode DescriptionIn this compelling episode of Beyond the Keynote, Carmen Sederino sits down with Dr. David Burkus, a bestselling author, organizational psychologist, and globally recognized keynote speaker who has built one of the most sustainable and strategically designed speaking businesses in the industry.Key MomentsHow a childhood dream of becoming a writer evolved into a global speaking careerHis first speaking experience at the Iowa Creativity FestivalThe real economics behind a thriving speaking businessWhy storytelling structure and theatrical elements separate good speakers from unforgettable onesQuotes to Remember"85% of my revenue comes from speaking engagements.""It's not just about what you say on stage. It's the ecosystem you build around it."David's Incredible JourneyAlways wanted to be a writer, which naturally led to speakingFormer business school professor turned full-time speaker and authorBestselling author of five books on leadership and businessRanked multiple times as one of the world's top business thought leaders since 2017Works with organizations including PepsiCo, Fidelity, Adobe, and NASAFeatured in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, CNN, BBC, NPR, and CBS MorningsSpeaking Career HighlightsAverages 25 in-person events and 10 to 15 virtual events annually85% of revenue comes directly from live speaking engagementsAdapted to the challenges of virtual speaking during COVIDBuilt a full ecosystem around his speaking business to enhance the audience experienceAdvice for SpeakersFollow a structured narrative arc in your storytellingRehearse in small increments for consistent improvementUse theatrical elements and props to elevate audience engagementStudy other speakers and borrow techniques that resonateAlways customize your keynote to the specific audienceStay adaptable during a presentation and read the roomBalance work and family life with intentionFree ResourceBeyond the Keynote MasterclassAbout the HostCarmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders and experts create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.