Public speaking can be a game-changer for startup success, and this episode of Moments Podcast dives deep into how it can transform your career and business. Host Kobi Omenaka sits down with Alex Merry, the founder of Mic Drop, a thriving community for keynote speakers and thought leaders. Alex shares his journey from charity fundraising to becoming a trusted guide for speakers looking to make an impact on stage and beyond. In this value-packed conversation, you'll discover how public speaking isn't just about being in the spotlight—it's about sparking change, building connections, and amplifying your message. Alex reveals three powerful takeaways: why you don't need to be the hero of your story, how rejection can build resilience, and the importance of community in the often-lonely world of thought leadership. Want to know how public speaking can elevate your startup? From actionable strategies to personal insights from Alex's work with leaders and visionaries, this episode provides the tools to help you craft your message, connect with audiences, and achieve long-term success. Whether you're a founder, entrepreneur, or aspiring speaker, this conversation will inspire and empower you to take the stage with confidence. If you're ready to unleash the power of public speaking and take your startup or personal brand to the next level, this episode is for you. Join us as we explore the intersection of thought leadership, personal growth, and business strategy. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content like this! #brandbuilding #contentcreation #herostory #keynotespeaking #impactfulbrands#contentcreation #startupsuccess #publicspeaking #herostory #keynotespeakers CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 01:38 - Personal Check-In 03:12 - Journey to Success 05:55 - Entering Public Speaking 08:13 - Building Experience 09:16 - Long-Term Strategy 13:00 - Cost of Entry in Speaking 16:52 - Understanding the Spotlight Effect 19:16 - Getting Started in Public Speaking 22:00 - Monetizing Public Speaking 26:15 - Founding Mic Drop 28:13 - Connecting with Chris Donnelly 29:30 - Running a Community 31:05 - Qualities of a Great Mic Drop Candidate 33:31 - Memorable Moments in Companies 36:13 - Impactful Products or Services 38:20 - Personal Life Hacks 40:35 - Book Title Reveal 41:57 - Outro Follow Alex Merry: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexmerry/ • Website: https://alexmerry.com/ Follow Kobi (aka Kobestarr): • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kobiomenaka/ About This Podcast: On Aha Moments with Kobi Omenaka, we explore the stories and strategies of inspiring leaders, innovators, and creatives. Each episode brings you actionable insights, industry secrets, and personal aha moments from our guests. Sponsors: Kobestarr Digital - for Digital and Growth Marketing expertise https://snip.ly/3479b9 DealFlow Media - for B2B Podcasts and Content Marketing https://snip.ly/87p2ld Stripped Media - For Entertainment and Sports Podcasts https://snip.ly/n5vrvc