You are the Messenger: How to Activate the Idea that’s Been Calling You

Have you ever had an idea that tugged at you, asking to be brought to life?

In this episode, I share why I believe so strongly that you are the exact messenger for your idea and your audience. Not someone else. You.

Yes, your topic may be similar to what others are talking about. But ,your idea, your lens, your story, and your experiences are what make it yours.

And your audience? They’re waiting for you to say it in the way only you can.

We dig into:

• The difference between having a topic versus having an idea (this is a game-changer for standing out!)

• Why thought leadership is more than just expertise—it’s about the courage to show up with your unique take

• The two ways ideas tend to come to us (and what stops us from activating them)

• Why fear and perfectionism are such sneaky dream stealers (and how to move through them)

• What Lin-Manuel Miranda, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Greta Gerwig can teach us about being the messenger for your idea

I even share a behind-the-scenes moment from preparing my 2016 TEDx talk when I realized I needed something more than a “good” talk - I needed to say something only I could say.

If you’re feeling that nudge that there’s an idea stirring inside you - or one that’s been sitting dormant - it’s time to give it voice.

Remmber: Your audience is waiting for you.

This episide originally aired as episode 343 on August 21, 2023.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/343/

Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/

Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

Mentioned:

• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

• Elizabeth Gilbert on the On Being podcast

• KLF: Chaos Magic Music Money by JMR Higgs

• “Who says big ideas are rare?” by Malcom Gladwell

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 341: Unearthing Your Unique Message: Discovering What Makes You Stand Out with Judy Carlson

• Episode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation with Karen Keene

• Episode 262: The Four Layers of Thought Leadership with Carol Cox

• Episode 92: Deconstructing My TEDx Talk: Why We’re Uncomfortable with Women in Power with Carol Cox

Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026
If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.

A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.

In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.

As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.

Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable