People often ask how I got into public speaking especially since I now speak 15–20 times a year around the country (and occasionally overseas).
Truth is, it started pretty simply.
About four years ago, I was at a FutureCon CyberSecurity Events conference sitting at a table with two people I didn’t know at the time, but who turned out to be excellent presenters — Marc Ashworth and Teri Green-Manson. Marc happened to be the keynote that day. I remember thinking, “That looks fun. I’d like to do that someday.”
So after the event, I told Kim Hakim and the FutureCon CyberSecurity Events team that I’d be interested in speaking if they ever needed someone.
The very next STL event, they had me on a panel with Tim Marsden, Andrew Wilder, and Rebecca Harness and that’s where it started. A few local panels led to solo presentations, then to regional events, and eventually to international stages (even Germany a time or two).
It wasn’t luck. It was curiosity and a willingness to ask. Turns out, people want to hear your stories if you’re willing to tell them. And willing to help if you ask for it.
So if you’ve ever thought, “I’d like to be up there someday,” here’s my advice:
👉 Raise your hand.
👉 Tell someone.
👉 Start local.
The opportunities show up once people know you’re interested.