Public Speaking & Communication Coach - helping leaders and teams transform their meetings, presentations and pitches!

When I was 7 years old, I became an actor.

My first audition was for a lead role in a movie with Oscar Winner Anne Bancroft… and I got it.

This wild stroke of luck started a childhood acting career which included:

- 30+ film, TV, and theatre credits
- the lead role on YTV’s “Screech Owls”
- & getting recognized on the street as “that nerd from Life With Derek” (please don’t Google it)

I planned to go to theatre school, get some “real training”, and start my life as a movie star.

But when I was 17, my life broke apart.

My little brother Lukey died while on a canoe trip in Northern Canada.

I was destroyed, and I turned to weed, alcohol, and eventually cocaine to try and forget the pain I was in.

I went to theatre school as planned, but my mental health was so bad I barely graduated, and quit acting after a year.

So I ran away:

First to Spain, then to China, where I discovered teaching and entrepreneurship, respectively. This made me confident and motivated, but still depressed and anxious.

When I came back to Canada, I went to therapy, and quit doing drugs.

And I realized:

I could tell my story, and teach others to do the same, onstage, in person, and online.

So I became a speaker & storytelling coach. Since then:

- 250+ talks for Google, Remax, Boston Dynamics, etc 
- 30+ leadership dev cohorts for Ericsson, Wayfair, etc
- Helped tech founders raise $350 million
- Coaches over 5000 individuals worldwide
- Scaled my service biz to $250K
- And been nominated for multiple speaking and business awards, including winning “Best Small Coaching Biz in Canada” in 2024, and a Speaker Award in 2025.

But the things that make me happiest are my wife, my 2 daughters, and my insane Corgi Mathilda.

AND my mission, which is to:

Build a million dollar speaking business, teach 100K coaches to do the same, and retire in the country with enough room to host family and friends whenever they want to come. Oh, and a bunch of dogs.

DM me about speaking, coaching, or partnering up. Looking forward to hearing your story 🙏

Will Greenblatt

Yesterday, I lost a great opportunity cause of my filthy mouth 🥲 

This is the first time that it's ever been CONFIRMED, but I actually think it's good news:

This person is someone I really respect (no names obvi), and my industry really respects.

I was THRUMBLED (trademark pending) when they agree to do a LinkedIn Live with me, and I was excited to learn from them. Even to be associated with them.

And then I got a DM, saying that after reading a recent post of mine, they weren't interested in collaborating with me anymore.

My immediate reaction was a vague sense of:

- hurt
- indignation
- disappointment
- & confusion (I had a suspicion, but wasn't sure)

I asked, politely, what the reason was, and they let me know:

"You posted about how much you swear, and I just don't feel comfortable with that." (paraphrased)

Just as I suspected lol. Me and my big fuckin mouth 🥲 

BUT although I'm sad not to have this opportunity anymore, I do think it's ultimately a good thing:

If they hadn't seen my post about swearing, and then I swore on Live with them, they would have been extremely uncomfortable. That would have soured the whole experience, and been worse for both of us. 

BECAUSE I put out there that swearing is part of how I communicate when I'm being truly myself - which I believe is part of the value I bring as a speaker/creator - this person was able to make an informed decision, and say no before it got to that.

I was honest via LinkedIn, then they were honest with me, and we ended it with mutual respect.

This is an important lesson for me, to realize that I can't please everyone despite my desperate biological & historical impetus to do so:  

I grew up as a child actor, performing to get people to like me as my literal job from the age of 7 to 32 goddam years old.

I was really good at performing likeability, but miserable living that way. My happiness and success, such as they are, have come from CONSTANTLY TRYING to decouple the way I talk from the objective of being liked, and although that's a lifelong process, I'm not gonna turn around now.

I just have to trust that I'll keep finding my people.

If you're one of them, nice to be here with you. 

And if you're not, all the love in the world too! You can be you, I can be me, and we can all GET THIS MONEY BAYBAY. 

(Or, ya know, try to be good people even as the internet tries to convince us it's lame and unprofitable, but you know it's still the right thing to do even though you and your wife live in your mother's basement with two kids and a dog, as nicely renovated as it is, and you sure would like some more space.)

Wait what were we talking about?

Recovering child actor 😂 I help coaches become paid speakers | As a speaker I help leaders build a culture of trust through storytelling | DM me if you’re a real human

I got a SUPER spicy email from an event planner last night 😬 

For context:

I agreed to be the keynote speaker at a virtual summit next year in the spring, for an honorarium of $600.

I've been doing this (speaking) for 9 years, given almost 300 talks, and generally charge between $5K-$15K. But:

I do speak for free or for small honorariums, usually when the audience is: 

- solopreneurs (like this one)
- or immigrant entrepreneurs, 
- or early-stage startup founders. 

That's who I've done lots of work for in the past, who I identify with & like helping, and who I like "giving back to" by offering my services for free or for basically a 90+% discount.

My big mistake was:

I didn't thoroughly read the "slide deck guidelines" they sent me, which were actually "rules."

Partly because the event is 5 months away, partly because of a health issue in my wife's family, but still, that's on me. 

However, I didn't think I had to - certainly not 5 MONTHS ahead of time - because:

In my 9 year career, I've never once been demanded to follow a slide deck template. And certainly not one that demanded I remove all "branding, logos, and self-promotion" (most of which were just pictures of me growing up and a single slide listing some professional accomplishments for credibility).

(Definitely not from someone paying so little, asking so much, and speaking so spicily 😅)

This would have been a red flag, and I didn't see it. Again, my responsibility.

Then last night, I received this spicy "come-to-Jesus" email, and was so pissed I almost responded right away with a wall of text justifying my own worth, "how dare you" blah blah blah.

But I decided to sleep on it, then re-write it with other speakers in mind, both in the small chance she treats the next one better, AND:

To lay out for YOU all what I think her mistakes are as an event planner, and my own as well.

Please enjoy this email exchange, and tell me:

Was I wrong for this? Or as a speaker, would you have done the same?

And if you're an event planner, is there anything I'm missing here?

Recovering child actor 😂 helping coaches become paid speakers | DM for speaking availability

"Who cares if writers use A.I.? What's with the hate?"

Lemme answer your question with these questions:

1. Why do rappers hate ghostwriting?

2. Why do comedians hate joke thieves?

3. Why do natural bodybuilders hate steroids?

4. Why do committed mountaineers hate the people who get flown near the top of Everest and then line up to get their picture taken at the summit?

This is the first part of the answer:

All of us who respect the craft, process, discipline, etc of writing hate cheating, and cheaters. And using A.I. is cheating, plain and simple.

It devalues the art, and it devalues our hard work.

Now, YOU lose out on the BENEFITS of writing if you use A.I., not me; so I can see the argument that it's your choice, so why do I care.

But at least for me, the second & more important part is about the discourse around it:

A.I. in general, GenAI in particular, is one of the most insidious and powerful technologies ever invented.

It is clearly meant serve the interests of a few sociopaths at the expense of humanity.

And every comment, post, conversation about how great, or even NEUTRAL A.I. is, is a point for them, and against us.

Especially when it comes to writing, to creativity: 

Its use will rot our brains worse than social media already has, and everyone will suffer for that.

So OF COURSE it's your choice to use A.I. to write.

Just so you know:

That's why writers hate it.

New LinkedIn banner alert! Whaddya think? 

Full transparency:

I'm trying to let ppl know about my monthly 'Free "Workshop Workshop" Webinar' without CONSTANTLY mentioning them in my posts.

I thought the banner might help direct people there, if they're interested in my posts. 

Is this stupid?

Also, clearly a "bold" choice with the headline, but that's kinda the way I talk, so may as well get that out of the way.

Anyway, would love your thoughts, the lovely and talented Isabel Sterne 🟡 did the original branding for me btw, check her out!

P.S. Here's the link to sign up for that Free Webinar (nailed it!):

https://lnkd.in/g6CzSPPr

Dec 22nd, 12 PM EST, hope to see you there!

I've seen great speakers make $0.
I've seen average speakers make $15,000. Why? 

Most aspiring speakers have absolutely no idea what to charge when they start speaking:

"Should it be $500? $5? $5 MILLION?!"

Here’s the real question you need to answer first:

Are you willing to give up being a "keynote" speaker?

At least for now?

I mean, you could give keynotes tomorrow... for free.

Any small:

→ Association
→ Club
→ Group
→ Or end-of-days cult with a real nice venue space

...will happily let you be their keynote speaker for no money at all.

But if you want to get PAID as a keynote speaker, you need to have the kind of fame, online profile, or job title that will draw a crowd to the event you're speaking at.

And I dunno about you, but I don’t have that.

Here’s the good news:

You can get paid real money in 6–12 months if you take a different path:

The path of workshops.

Workshops are the breakouts, training sessions, and/or facilitated learnings at events or organizations.

Less inspirational.
More practical.

Workshop speakers...

• Don’t need a big name
• Don’t need a big job title
• Don’t need a crazy story like running an ultramarathon while legally dead before resurrecting and curing Crohn's disease 

Why?

Because corporate event organizers and L&D people NEED GOOD SPEAKERS, who will help their audiences SOLVE A BUSINESS PROBLEM.

It’s surprisingly hard to find someone who can command a room of 5-50 people, while also teaching them something that they can use in their business TODAY.

A strong workshop speaker can earn $5–10k easily.

$15k with enough reps.

Want to start landing paid workshops?

Check out the 7 steps in the infographic below.

DM me if you have questions.

P.S. OR you can come to my "Free Workshop Workshop" next Monday at 12 PM (nailed it)! Link in my profile and comments below 😘 

P.P.S. Thanks to Vincent Pierri for the image and the inspiration for the caption (he made me keep the hook). You're the Christian pastor friend I never had 😂 ❤️

My bullshit fatigue is at an all-time high.

AI music, the Epstein Files, billionaires giving dating advice…

I just can’t write a LinkedIn post anymore where I pretend to be doing something when I’m really doing something else.

So:

This is me blatantly promoting my free webinar tomorrow (The Free Signature Workshop Workshop).

https://lnkd.in/g6CzSPPr

Which in turn is a promotion for my video course “Create Your Signature Workshop.”

It’ll save you months, if not years, on your journey to becoming a paid speaker. And it’s designed for coaches and consultants.

It costs $699 (the webinar is free though and you’ll actually learn a good amount. Plus there’s a $100 discount for the course if you sign up).

Those are the facts, and now you know my intentions.

My only other intention is to actually teach you stuff. I love teaching. I did it for 8 years between being an actor and a speaking coach.

So please join me for 57 minutes of teaching, 3-5minutes of pitching you my course, and then a 30 minute Q&A.

Tomorrow at noon EST.

Love ya 😘😘😘 

P.S. That’s not bullshit. If you read this far I actually do.

No alternative text description for this image

Today’s my birthday.

My wife knows how much of a book nerd I am, so she took me on a shopping spree 😅

Here’s the booklist and why I chose them, in case anyone gives a shit:

1. Intermezzo - Sally Rooney
• BOTY from so many publications, and I’ve never read her work. Literary fiction, about grief which is unfortunately my jam lol

2. For the Love of a Son - Scott Oake
• Oake is a hockey reporter for the CBC, which means I grew up watching him on TV. His son Bruce, whose death is the focal point of this tee account, I knew through my love of battle rap. Memoir is kind of the medium I teach, albeit via public speaking and content. 

3. Smartphone Nation - Dr. Kaitlyn Regehr
• I don’t know about you, but I’m fucked when it comes to my phone addiction. I’ve begun the process of fighting back, so this is for recovery and an attempt at whatever “sobriety” means

4. Culpability - Bruce Holsinger
• A novel about a family who loses a member to an autonomous vehicle, and what that means for who’s responsible. No idea about the authour but looks interesting. Grief and the dangers of AI, sign me up!! 🥲

5. Katabasis - R.F. Kuang
• I judged this book by its cover, which is beautiful. Fantasy novel about a hero’s descent into the underworld, which is apparently what the title means in Ancient Greek.

6. Everyone In My Family Had Killed Someone - Benjamin Stevenson
• A fun-sounding remix of the Agatha Christie-style locked-door whodunnit. 

7. The Seven Rules of Trust - Jimmy Wales 
• The founder of Wikipedia says he has learned 7 things that made people trust each other to make Wiki what it is today. As someone who teaches personal storytelling & communication as a way to earn trust… yeah I’m reading this.

8. The Book of Alchemy - Suleika Jaouad
• I heard her on my favourite podcast Armcgair Expert, and I was sold. All about journaling as a means for creative expression & ideas.

And on that note:

I also noticed that many of the books in the “BOTY” category were about art, writing, creativity, and reclaiming humanity. 

We’re not extinct yet people.

Ok back to my family now. 😘😘

The speaking business is just like every other business:

Most of the big opportunities go to the top ~5%.

So instead of trying to be a KEYNOTE speaker:

(I.e. the highest paid at any given event)

Be a WORKSHOP speaker instead.

Workshops are also more fun - and I’d argue, valuable - cause they’re educational and interactive, and for a smaller group.

But I make money by teaching people to create a workshop, so I’m biased.

Just think about it, ok? 

Ok.

33 people purchased my "Create Your Signature Workshop" video course since I launched it in September.

Here's some highlights, so that you can check out these amazing peeps, but also so you know the work we do in there is not just a bunch of bullshit:

Toni Stratis, who just launched her marketing biz Purple Canvas, has delivered 3 talks and is now one of 2 workshop speakers at the upcoming Scarborough Business Association's Holiday Event!

Namrata 'Nammy' Sirur solidified her phrase: 'Adapt, don't assimilate' to help immigrant professionals in the US. She also spoke at #CreativeMornings as their November speaker, created her Speaker One-pager, and booked two "successful" workshops!

Martha (M. J.) Lindeman Ph.D. teaches AI in a way that makes even ME want to listen 😂 she created and delivered her Signature Workshop recently and got 2 warm leads for her coaching business 🔥 

(As I like to say: there's no warmer lead than someone who has just watched you speak!)

Jason H. Grice came up with his brand: The "Emotional Support Gorilla" 😂, which captures his energy perfectly, and launched his Get Your Shift Together newsletter for retail leaders. He also put out his first Demo Reel, with footage from his last Signature Workshop. See his page to check it out!

Eric Harris crystallized his vision for a Signature Workshop so much, he ended up leaving our community so he could focus on his book!! Which is a huge win, I must say, even though I miss his presence on the calls 🥲 

These coaches are brilliant, funny, magnetic, and so driven to bring their message to the world.

If you want to join us, & make 2026 the year you start your speaking journey, then check out the course + community in my Featured section.

P.S. There's also a free webinar that'll teach you the basics of creating and selling your Signature Workshop, and why it's better than keynotes.

Dec 22, 12 pm EST: 

https://lnkd.in/g6CzSPPr

Hope to see ya there. It'll be vaguely holiday themed, so feel free to wear a sweater and/or be drunk.

Some people feel uncomfortable as soon as they hear a swear word.

And other people don't feel comfortable UNTIL they hear one 😅 and I definitely lean towards the latter group.

Which is why I say words like (brace yourself):

"Fuck" and "shit" onstage. 

And in conversation. And in my LinkedIn posts. And pretty much everywhere I write or say anything. I swear all the fucking time.

Because that's how I express myself when I'm fully comfortable, and being most MYSELF.

It's how I grew up, in a family and community of artists, who were mostly anti-establishment and even if they were educated, used the full breadth of the English language to communicate, which includes all its delightful vulgarities and invective.

And it's who I was friends with: smart and creative, if a little rough, people who loved to shock, to laugh, and to play with language.

(And I'm Canadian for fuck's sake. Have ya ever talked to one of us??)

So I try to bring that version of myself onstage, on camera, and online. Even in the conservative, risk-averse, & overly-butthole-clenched (thank you Jillian Richardson 👋) corporate world in which I work as a speaker and a coach.

And ya know what? About once every 3-4 workshops I give, I get some form of the feedback:

"I really liked it, but don't swear so much."

To which I always reply:

"Thanks for the feedback, and go fuck yourself 😘😘"

(Not really. I just THINK that in my own head).

But to stop swearing because some people don't like it, even though it's how I authentically communicate, makes no sense to me.

I'd rather lose those people and be myself for the ones who appreciate that.

That's part of my message as a coach and speaker! So I'd be a hypocrite to change myself to conform to corporate standards. We need LESS of that, not more.

So if you're someone who's thought of hiring me as a coach or a speaker, but swear words make you uncomfortable, then I'm probably not the guy for you!

Better to know that now than be shocked later, eh?

P.S. Now is the time where I ask a question so you engage in the comments:

What's YOUR version of this?? (I actually am interested though)

When I lived in China, I noticed that there seemed to be 2 types of foreigners:

(Or 老外 as we were called 😅)

1. The ones who sat around in Western bars with other English speakers, complaining about EVERYTHING:

The food, the culture, the air, the water, the traffic, and the language (Mandarin where I lived)

2. And the ones who made an effort to learn the language, make friends, and try to understand the culture of the place they were living

I always found the first type really awful to be around, and I knew from previous experience living in Spain:

Learning the language is the key to learning the culture.

But weirdly enough, when I came back to Canada and started my company, I made the same mistake:

I though I was too good to learn the language of BUSINESS.

KPIs, B2B vs B2C, interdepartmental communications…

Only LOSERS talked like that. Not ME.

Needless to say, that made me pretty miserable & unsuccessful as a business owner, who was selling workshops and coaching services to corporate.

I had to get over myself, and realize that just like living in Spain, then China…

I had to learn to speak the language to connect with the people, and be happy living there.

I go deeper into how to speak the language of “KPIs” in my newsletter, but not fall into soulless corporate robot-speak:

https://lnkd.in/gGyhuExj

Dropping at 3:07 today, subscribe now if you don’t wanna miss it.

P.S. Greg Brisendine is coming to speak to my community tomorrow about selling workshops to corporate buyers. He wrote the book on KPIs. (Like, literalllyyyy)

I’m opening 10 free spots for non-members. DM if you’re interested!

I’m officially sick. But LUCKILY:

I used to be an actor.

(What the fuck does that mean, Will?)

It means even though I’m sick, I still have lots of SPEAKING to do today:

- A sales call
- 2x 1:1 coaching client calls
- AND a 90-minute webinar 

(Today at 12 EST, link below!) (Nailed it.)

BUT:

From my days as a THESPIAN I’ve learned tricks to help you show up onstage or on camera, even when you feel like hammered shit.

Here are 5 of them:

1. Nasal spray 👃

- Being stuffed up both feels and sounds bad 🤧
- Use a decongestant spray (I use Simply Saline by Arm&Hammer) and you sound WAY better 

2. Steam 💨

- A sore throat is the worst, obviously, but steam helps. You CAN just shower, but if it’s really bad:
- Boil a pot of water, bring the heat down to medium high, and then drape a towel over your head and the pot to create a closed environment (seriously. Just be safe)
- Breath deeply for as long as you can stand it
(Extra points for putting a drop or two of Olbas Oil in the water, IYKYK)

3. Cough Drops 🍬

- May seem obvious, but we forget about these really important little f*ckers.
- I used X-Strength Halls, or Ricola in a pinch. Fisherman’s Friends do nothing.

4. Oil of Oregano 🌿

- My mum was a hippie, and gave us all sorts of wacky remedies growing up.
- I don’t know if there’s any data to say OOO works to cure a cold, but it tastes like sh*t and burns my throat so it definitely FEELS like it does. I make sure to always have it when I feel sick

5. Honey Lemon Tea ☕️ 

- A piping hot drink, that soothes the throat, bolsters your spirit, and ideally has caffeine.
- I use 2 black teabags for the energy, and add honey and lemon, but buy one of the decaf bags if you’re one of those people who rawdogs life with no stimulants.

So there you have it!

I really hope this helps, despite my sarcastic tone, and if you learned somethin:

https://lnkd.in/g6CzSPPr

(nailed it again).

I’ll be there, today at 12, full of oils, steams and nasal sprays, ready to teach, answer questions, and briefly pitch you my course.

P.S. Please drop your best cold remedies - especially for speaking - in the comments!

Kaffy Rice-Oxley Adam Stadius Pascal Langdale I’m looking at you guys!!

Let’s play a game called:

“Why am I like this?”

Here’s how it works:

I’m gonna share with you several weird things I do.

You tell me if it’s because I’m:

A) A man
B) ADHD
C) A sleep-deprived parent
D) A regular human being 
E) Or it’s just a “me” thing and I should be ashamed of myself 

Obviously, such a scientific question needs a rigorous method like a LinkedIn poll.

Ready? Let’s do this:

1. I regularly find myself standing in a room unable to remember what century it is, let alone why I went in there.

2. I cram loose papers into my backpack that emerge 3 weeks later looking like a blind sociopath’s origami

3. I often wipe one of my daughters’ nose with a discarded t-shirt of the other

4. I originally wrote this post with a specific, hilarious behaviour in mind, and then I didn’t write it down and now I can’t remember it

5. I feel like I talk about myself just… a truly disgusting amount really 

6. I (Shit, I’m doing it again!) use a lot of parentheses (like I just did)(and again just now)

7. And finally: I often hide behind humour and performative, low stakes vulnerability when I actually have something really earnest to say. 

(That’s not the case today, just something I’ve noticed.)

Submit your answers below, using the format:

1. A)
2. C)

Etc. 

Judgmental yet humourous commentary is not only welcome, but mandatory.

The best comment will win:

Several fleeting hits of dopamine as your notifications alert you to the fact that something you wrote gained a digital reaction from a stranger!! 🥳🥳🥳

With ABSOLUTE love and respect 😂: 

Whenever I'm at a conference about to do my little workshop, and I meet the keynoter backstage, I can't help feeling like I'm meeting someone WAY out of my tax bracket 😂 

I think that's why newer speakers always want to be a keynote speaker:

A) Partly because it's the only thing they've heard of, but

B) It looks like a glamorous, well-paid life.

And it is, in some ways:

- Keynotes pay more than workshops
- The keynote speaker is much more publicized
- And the stage is always way bigger than the breakout rooms I do

BUT:

If you're just starting out, you won't get booked as a keynote speaker anyway, cause you're competing with people who are:

1. Famous
2. High up at a big company
3. Or have a crazy personal story

... and likely have been in the speaking game for years, if not decades.

SO, for all new speakers out there:

Start with WORKSHOPS > keynotes.

Follow me to learn how.

Watch till the end 😂😂😂

For all my public speakers out there, stay alert and stay safe 😅

Thanks to Fuckup Nights Toronto, Marsha Druker for having me, and to Simba Wakatama and Kimberly N. for your stories.

“Keynote speaker” is a misleading term, I think.

It used to mean something like: 

“Speaker that sums up the central idea or theme of a conference in their speech.”

Nowadays - for newer speakers at least - a more helpful definition might be:

“HEADLINER.”

Imagine you’re at a concert, or comedy show.

There’s the opening acts, and then the headliner.

The headliner is the main draw.

The one whose name is on the marquee.

The reason most people bought tickets.

And THAT’S the main function of a keynote speaker, at least at most the events I’ve ever been a part of.

The keynote speaker’s job is to help sell tickets.

So that means:

Unless you’re well-known, or impressive enough after a quick Google, then you’ll find it hard to book paid keynote speaking gigs.

If you wanna get paid to speak:

Think WORKSHOPS instead.

They’re more interactive, for a smaller group, and you don’t have to be famous to do one.

You just have to have something valuable to teach.

P.S. Pic of me doing a workshop. Way more fun imo 🤷🏻‍♂️

How do you communicate your value to a corporate client?

Especially when THEY don't even know what they need/want half the time??

This was the subject of Greg Brisendine's talk for my Coaches Who Speak community just now, and he melted our faces off. LITERALLY.

(Figuratively. He was awesome though!)

Our November Speaker, Greg is the authour of "Measuring Success: A Practical Guide to KPIs," and he dropped multiple gems about communicating your value to corporate:

- Talk to HR/L&D if you want to get brought in for a workshop (Sales is its own thing, but totally viable if that's the route you wanna go)
- Ask them "What does 'good' look like?" if they say they want something to 'improve'; 
- Then: "How will you know it when you see it?"
- Also: "6 months after this, somebody asks you about this program, and you say: 'Best decision ever!'... why would that be?"
- Once you're clear on what they're trying to accomplish, then make your proposal based on the "outcomes" they said
- If you can't help them with their problem, SAY THAT!
- Don't actually SAY "KPIs"; most ppl think in "outcomes"
- The Kirkpatrick Model is how many L&D people measure the success of a workshop/training program. Learn it.
- "When the data and the anecdote disagree, go with the anecdote" when talking about the outcomes of your work (Bezos quote. Smart, but a dick. I'm paraphrasing)
- All KPIs eventually boil down to: "Revenue In" or "Cost Out". Work your way back to the thing you help with
- Your workshop is an accelerator for change, but the momentum will die quickly (like the HotWheels spinning wheels thingies!) 
- Offer ongoing support via coaching/consulting to keep momentum up

And so many more!! 

Thanks Greg for edu-taining us, please check him out if you're a coach/consultant, he's so smart & clear on this topic and really funny 👏 

P.S. If you want to learn how to create a Signature Workshop you can sell to companies & events, and launch your speaking career, then:

Come to my "Free 'Signature Workshop' Workshop" on Dec 22nd, 12 PM EST.

https://lnkd.in/g6CzSPPr

This'll be the FIFTH one ( 🫨 ) so it should be pretty good by now!

See ya there

People don’t trust strangers.

Especially in business, where the default assumption is:

“The person talking to me cares more about making money than they do about helping me.”

And for good reason. 

We’ve all been on the other side of the greasy salesman or onstage huckster, and sometimes paid the price for a lack of skepticism.

So, when YOU get up in front of an audience to give a talk, workshop, or presentation:

You’re basically guilty before proven innocent.

At least subconsciously, most people are waiting for a reason to trust you.

The best way to START that process, imo:

Start with your 3-Act Origin Story.

Tell them:

1. A relevant snapshot of your CHILDHOOD
2. A turning point in your YOUTH*
3. And the moment as an ADULT when you started this work (and your credentials since)

(*YOUTH can mean anytime in your life, it’s just meant to represent the MIDDLE of the story.)

I want people to trust each other. Or rather, I want us all to be worthy of each other’s trust, by sharing our stories, recognizing our shared humanity, and treating each other accordingly.

Sounds milquetoast maybe, or naive, but that’s honestly my mission.

So take this PDF with no charge, not even a “comment TRUST to be sucked into my sales funnel” thing.

I hope by reading it, you understand more about me, and why I do what I do.

Then, I hope you’ll do the exercises to write your OWN 3-Act Origin Story.

And maybe start sharing it with the world.

P.S. Comment “SALES” to download the AI avatar I created of myself and download it right into your Neuralink so I can farm your brain for data.

(Just kidding. Too real though?)

3-Act Origin Story

Last month, I did my first "paid" post. 

And by paid, I mean:

I posted about Kay Korsh 🇺🇦🇬🇧's Masterclass:

"What To Wear To Get Booked As A Speaker."

(And if someone signs up for her services, I get some money.)

But to be honest, I felt really weird - one might even say 'icky' - before I hit publish. I know it's normal, and people I respect do it, but:

I realized I'm obsessed with people trusting me. My "audience" especially. But not necessarily in a good way.

I'm so worried people will think I'm full of shit, that maybe I overcompensate in the other direction:

- NOT pitching my course for long enough at the end of my webinars (feedback I got from someone last week, who actually bought the course too)

- NOT talking enough about results, numbers, accomplishments etc, for fear of people writing me off as a lying business douche (an "LBD" if you will)

- Or even TOO MUCH transparency at times: a paragraph or monologue of context about my financial incentives, when just a few words would suffice

(Case in point: this whole fucking post lol)

BUT, the response to my post last month was:

"Looks great! Thanks for sharing. I need this!" Et cetera

So there ya go. It wasn't just for me, it was genuinely helpful for people to know about Kay's work.

Despite my wish to be Mr. Integrity In Business, I'm almost certainly gonna make money from advertisements & affiliates one day if my career continues on its current trajeckt, so I may as well get more comfortable with this.

As long as I ONLY recommend good people/things.

SPEAKING OF WHICH (nailed it):

Kay Korsh 🇺🇦🇬🇧 Korsh is having another Masterclass!! 

"What To Wear To Get Booked As A Speaker" 🔥

(or WTWTGBAAS)

Deets: December, 4th, 2025 4PM GMT/ 8AM PT / 11 AM ET.

If you want to look more:  "This speaker looks great and I should give them lots of money" ✅  and less: "Adam Sandler on a BAD day" ❌ 

... then Kay is your girl. She's a:

- Former fashion consultant to CELEBRITIEZ *Bruno voice*
- Speaker stylist & coach who works with top keynoters
- And speaker herself, who understands the biz and knows how to help you dress for the job you want, i.e. well-paid speaker who everybody wants to make love to and ask "where did you get that shirt?", in that order

Here's the link:

https://lnkd.in/g7UJU3KN

It's free, although OBVIOUSLY there's a pitch for a paid thingy later (do I even need to say that anymore 🙄)

Sign up. I very well may see you there, given that I often look like Adam Sandler on the worst day of his life 🥲 

P.S. If you want to know how to make an affiliate post all about yourself, sign up for my course: "Neurotic Narcissism Disguised as Transparency (NNDT)"

Next week, I'm turning 38.

Here’s 38 lessons I wish I knew when I was 3.8 months old:

Just kidding, obviously. 

I mean, I AM turning 38 next week BUT that has nothing to do with this post EXCEPT:

Because I'm in my late 30's, everyone I know is either too sick, pregnant, or lazy to come out on a Thursday night to listen to me, Simba Wakatama, & Kimberly N. talk about our greatest entrepreneurial fuckups. 

I've got FOUR FREE TICKETS (sorry for yelling) and I would like to give them to 4 ppl who've always wanted to either:

a) Go to a Fuckup Nights Toronto event, or
b) Listen to me speak in person (pff, as if right)

... but the cost has been the barrier.

(And if nobody qualifies for that, then just whoever asks first who I don't hate or whatever. I don't THINK I hate any of my contacts, but statistically that seems unlikely?)

It's from 6:30-9:30 PM tonight, Nov 27th at STACKT Market, Front & Bathurst.

Marsha Druker (host and founder of FUN Toronto) is awesome, and I want her event to be packed, so I'm gonna do that annoying thing where I make you:

1. Comment "F*CK" to be eligible to get a ticket, so that the algorithm boosts this post and more people see it and learn about the event. I'll also except "F*ck, please!"

2. Then DM me and hopefully I can hook you up

(For Marsha, not me. I'm a good person I swear.)

Hope to see ya tonight! 😘

Jim Atkinson

Relief Buddy Inc

Relief Buddy is a new way to help alleviate the growing healthcare staff shortage crisis in healthcare.  We bring together the key industry players to benefit and to solve the current fractional, inefficient and expensive recruiting and relief currently in place.

Strategy & Corporate Growth

Gold Water HealthTech

Sought out by US/Canadian clients, business partners and competitors to provide insight
and to develop product strategies and plans around patient engagement and the "client" experience.
Advise, mentor & invest in health IT start-ups & scale-ups on product and market growth strategies and accessing cross-border markets.

Founder / Chief Consultant

Boundless Accelerator

Boundless Accelerator (formerly Innovation Guelph) business acceleration programs are designed for high-potential startups and small to medium-sized enterprises from across southern Ontario, and across Canada, that are ready to scale. We serve as single point of entry to a province-wide network of regional innovation centres (RICs) and business support services. The outcome is an innovation ecosystem that drives economic growth, supports environmental sustainability and enhances the quality of life for everyone in our region, and beyond.

Mentor / Industry Specialist

Dapasoft

My mission is to lead US market development for Dapasoft products and services through business development, strategic partnerships and solution alignment with emerging healthcare priorities.  Dapasoft brings cloud enablement, cybersecurity and modern interoperability together with thought leadership and the proven ability to deliver success for our clients base by securing, enabling and enhancing their complex clinical workflows, serving their clinical and business intelligence needs, and supporting their revenue and risk initiatives and goals.  Dapasoft is on FHIR!

Senior Director Business Development

EHRchain Partners, LLC

Provide market and product input to this innovative blockchain-enhanced EHR model that puts control of health records in the hands of the patient.

Advisory Board Member

Caredove

Led US business development and the US market entry for this exciting company focused on helping patients gain much needed access to home care and community services.

Chief Growth Officer

Prompt Alert Inc.

Led the vision, comprehensive strategies, and rollout of a new total customer experience
initiatives for an industry leader in innovative patient-centered communications. Developed
and led strategies to commercialize product and service SaaS-based offerings to US and
Canadian markets. Stericycle Inc. acquired Prompt Alert Inc. in June 2014.

Chief eXperience Officer (CXO) / Director of Operations (Stericycle)

Diebold Corporation

Innovated, developed, and delivered market differentiated healthcare technology solutions in
three healthcare software/hardware product lines through product management leadership
of, and collaboration with, highly specialized technical business, development and service
teams in North and South America. Held key division accountabilities (including strategy,
business development, marketing, sales, pricing, services, competition research and M&A
activities) and shared P&L responsibilities reporting regularly to global senior executive
leadership team (CEO/COO/CTO).

Senior Director, Product Management

Aurillion Micro Systems Inc.

Led product and market strategy supporting Aurillion’s rapid growth and transition from a
custom software development and services organization to a commercialized software
product focused organization. Led organizational vision, corporate and business development,
and investor strategy and relations. Led M&A strategy resulting in Aurillion’s acquisition by
Diebold Corporation in January 2009.

President, Chief Technology Officer

Business leader experienced in complex healthcare process and systems models with insight,
experience and an innovative eye tuned to successful system / product design and solution
execution. Critical thinker, innovator/inventor, serial-entrepreneur, business and corporate
developer who delivers practical, marketable, market- differentiating solutions. Strong technical and
operational systems, process re-engineering background with clear communication skills and a
strong sense of accountability. Market focused, possessing deep understanding of value proposition
and buyer and user personas from both a public and private sector perspective, with international
experience in business development and strategic partnerships. Approachable leader who
communicates vision, drives passion and commitment, and builds strong goal-oriented
organizations through recruiting and developing personnel and mentoring team culture.

Comments & posts are my own.

taplio

The Battle

Will Greenblatt

Jim Atkinson

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The Battle

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