Increase Your Status: How to Leverage Credibility for Corporate Speaking Deals | 1PM: 152

Podcast Description In this eye-opening episode, Bertrand Ngampa shares a game-changing conversation he had with Ron Story Jr., software owner and founder of Speaker Hub. After investing in one of Ron's companies, what started as a support call turned into a revelation about the goldmine Bertrand was sitting on—his published articles in Entrepreneur, Black Enterprise, and Business Insider. Ron showed Bertrand that corporations pay $10,000+ for speakers with his level of credibility, but Bertrand had no idea how to leverage his status. This episode breaks down the concept of "borrowing status"—how being featured on major platforms, writing for prestigious publications, or appearing on shows like Oprah instantly elevates you in the eyes of potential clients and customers. Bertrand emphasizes the importance of increasing your status through strategic moves like writing books, contributing to major publications, and building your credibility. He also touches on the reality that first impressions matter, especially for Black men navigating professional spaces where presentation can determine how you're perceived and treated. Whether you're looking to break into corporate speaking, command higher fees, or simply be taken more seriously in your field, this episode will shift how you think about building and leveraging your status. If this episode inspired you to level up your credibility game, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to The 1% Man podcast and follow Bertrand on all social media @bngampa for more strategies to elevate your life and business.