Mandy Herold speaking on stage at the Global Speakers Summit, showcasing expertise as a global professional speaker

Lessons from Bali – 3 Takeaways from the GSS

Attending the Global Speaker Summit (GSS) in Bali last month was a transformative experience. It left me reflecting on the journey I’ve taken as a speaker, facilitator, leadership & Strengths coach. While the summit offered so many nuggets of wisdom, three key takeaways stuck with me. These lessons were both affirmations of my path and reminders of how far I’ve come.

72-75% of people fear public speaking and at a funeral most would rather be in the coffin than giving the eulogy! This is not me. I have been speaking to large groups of people for as long as I can remember.

In this post, I want to share three lessons from the GSS that I hope will resonate with anyone aspiring to take the stage, whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just getting started.

1) You Don’t Need a PhD, LLB, or MBA to Be a Professional Speaker

This was a big one for me. Somewhere along the way, the message got out that in order to be considered “professional,” you need a string of fancy qualifications to your name—PhD, LLB, MBA. You get the idea. Well, GSS reminded me that this couldn’t be further from the truth. Authenticity will always trump fancy degrees and flashy titles.

 Don’t get me wrong, education is invaluable. I have the deepest respect for academics and work that goes into those credentials. However, when it comes to being a professional speaker, the power of authenticity is unmatched. People are drawn to your story, your energy, and your ability to connect with their hearts more than their brains! 

 When I reflect on the most powerful sessions, they were real and deeply connected to the audience. That’s the beauty of professional speaking, if you can inspire, educate, or entertain through your truth, you’re already ahead of the game. The GSF reminded me of this simple yet profound reality.

2) You Can’t Do It on Your Own: Get a Tribe

 As the African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This is a lesson I’ve been learning and relearning for years. GSF (Global Speaker Federation) reinforced the importance of having a tribe—a community of people who support, cheer, and challenge you to be better.

In the world of professional speaking, it’s easy to think you have to do it all yourself. Write the talk, create the slides, market yourself, manage your calendar, negotiate contracts, and still have energy left to deliver a dynamic presentation. But the reality is, you can’t be everything to everyone all the time. You need a tribe—a network of fellow speakers, mentors, coaches, and friends who have your back.

 We rise by lifting each other. The GSS was a space where people were willing to generously share tips, tricks, and tools to help each be successful. There were no egos, just genuine support.

 Your tribe doesn’t have to be huge, but it needs to be intentional. These are the people who see your potential, even when you can’t. They’re the ones who will cheer you on when you’re doubting yourself and give you the tough love when you’re playing small. They hold you accountable and celebrate your wins.

 If you’re serious about speaking (or any endeavor, really), don’t try to go at it alone. Surround yourself with people who share your vision, values, and goals. It’s the only way to grow in a sustainable, healthy way. The GSF wasn’t just about the content; it was about the people. I came away from the summit with a renewed sense of community, and that is invaluable.

3) Progress Over Perfection: Done Is Better Than Perfect

 I am a recovering perfectionist. There, I said it.

 For the longest time, I believed that if I didn’t have the perfect slides, the perfect opening line, the perfect closing, the perfect QR code for downloadable resources—you get the point—I wasn’t ready to take the stage. The overthinking is exhausting and the fear is delibitating. 

 The truth is, waiting for everything to be “just right” is a waste of time. In the world of Professional speaking (and life), you will never feel 100% ready. There will always be something you could tweak or improve. But if you spend all your time polishing and perfecting, you’ll never actually get out there and make an impact.

 Done is better than perfect. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare or aim for excellence. Preparation is crucial. I saw on a FB post of one of the main speakers, that he had prepared for 6 months to deliver his 45 min keynote! 6 months. But there’s a difference between being prepared and being paralyzed by perfectionism. The latter is a trap that keeps you stuck. The former is a practice that propels you forward.

 I’ve learned to embrace the messiness of the process. It’s not always neat and tidy, but it’s real. And in that realness, there’s growth. Every time I step on stage, I’m learning something new—about myself, my message, and my audience. I’m no longer waiting for the perfect slides or the perfect moment. I’m focused on showing up and delivering value, because that’s what matters most.

 

The Global Speaker Summit was more than just a conference. It was a pivotal moment in my career. These lessons aren’t just applicable to speaking; they’re relevant to any area of life where you want to grow, contribute, and lead. So, if you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or like you need to be “more” before you start, take a deep breath. Trust in your authenticity, lean on your tribe, and remember that done is better than perfect. The world needs your voice. Get out there and use it. 

If this resonated with you, please let me know, either by email hello@mandyherold.com or whatsapp 082 829 2112.

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