Secrets to a Speaker's Overnight Success
Gail Davis, 23 April 2025
Earlier this year, I came across a LinkedIn post from speaker Felipe Gomez that really stuck with me. He shared photos from his early days—back when the stages were small, the audiences were few, and the work was anything but glamorous. In his post, Felipe reflected on the themes of evolution, time, and patience. He talked about honing his craft in breakout rooms in tiny towns, delivering speeches to modest crowds while sharpening his skills and perfecting his delivery.
What really made me smile was when he mentioned traveling with his piano. To make it happen, he had to pay oversized baggage fees and rent larger cars just so the piano could come along for the ride. It’s a great visual and an even better reminder of what commitment looks like.
Fast forward to today—1,200 speeches later—and Felipe is at the top of his game. I had the privilege of seeing that firsthand earlier this year when he spoke at a global sales kickoff for one of our long-time clients. Watching him command the stage and connect with the audience was pure magic. He had them in the palm of his hand.
I couldn’t resist sharing Felipe's LinkedIn post and three powerful photos. They told a story:
The stages got bigger.
The audiences grew larger.
But Felipe’s humility stayed the same. And that, my friends, is the secret.
I hope every speaker reflects on this. No one wakes up one day at the top. It takes years of hard work, grit, and dedication to get there.
This is also why, at GDA Speakers, we’ve always valued clients of every size. We know budgets vary, but we believe in the power of giving emerging speakers a platform early in their careers. It’s a win-win—the client gets fresh, passionate talent, and the speaker gains invaluable experience on their way to the big stage.
Over the years, I’ve loved keeping an eye on the next big speaker. It’s a privilege to watch talented individuals grow and evolve. But the real reward is seeing a successful speaker who never forgets where they came from. As a former event planner, I join my colleagues around the world in saying thank you to those speakers who show up ready to serve their audience—ego checked at the door.
-Gail Davis
Founder & President, GDA Speakers