Over the weekend at NSA Thrive, I experienced a whirlwind of learning, inspiration, and transformation. As a speaker, I often emphasize the importance of resilience and adaptability, but this event reinforced something deeper—the need for uniqueness in a crowded space.
Dr. Lisa Jenkins Brown summed it up perfectly:
“There is no shortage of money. There is a shortage of uniqueness in our community.”
That one line echoed throughout the event, urging every speaker and leader in the room to uncover what truly sets them apart.
This got me thinking—when the next big challenge (or “winter”) arrives, will your team be prepared? Will you stand out, adapt, and thrive? Here are the key insights I took away from NSA Thrive that will help you prepare for any storm that comes your way.
1. The Formula for a Blockbuster Speech & The Magic of ‘You’
Excellent communication isn’t about the speaker; it’s about the audience. Patricia Fripp shared a robust framework that makes storytelling more engaging and impactful:
- Introduce someone with a problem
- Share their backstory
- Explain the depth of the problem
- Take the audience into the future, where the problem remains unsolved
- Bring them back to the present and then to the past
- Close with a powerful and memorable ending
A crucial detail?
Focus on ‘YOU’!
Replace generic phrases like “you all” with the singular “you.” This slight shift makes your audience feel like you are speaking directly to them, creating a deeper connection.
2. YouTube Domination for Lead Generation
YouTube is an untapped goldmine if you’re a speaker or thought leader. Here’s a simple strategy to create high-converting content, shared by Nate Woodberry:
- Choose a specific, niche topic
- Film multiple ‘leaf’ videos covering different aspects of that topic
- Structure each video with a question, a curiosity-driven table of contents, and a strong call to action
- Create sensational thumbnails to capture the attention
- Release videos consistently (1-7 per week)
3. The Power of Thoughtful Questions in Networking
NSA Thrive was a masterclass in networking done right. Chad Littlefield emphasized the importance of asking questions that spark meaningful conversations. Instead of the usual “What do you do?”, try asking:
- What recent failure did you face, and what did you learn?
- What excites you the most about what you do?
- What would it be if you could share one lesson with your younger self?
I built stronger, more authentic connections by genuinely listening rather than just swapping business cards.
In fact, after his session, when I congratulated him, he asked me, “What are you hoping to get from NSA Thrive?” My answer sparked a conversation between us, and his follow-up question brought tears to my eyes!
4. Presentation Secrets from John Edwards
Before an audience listens, they subconsciously ask:
- Do I want to listen?
- Do I need to listen?
- Will I get a reward if I listen?
The key to keeping them engaged?
Use stories, humor, novelty, provocative statements, and emotions to captivate attention every 7-10 minutes.
Silence can be as powerful as words—knowing when to pause allows your audience to absorb and reflect.
5. Stand Out by Being YOU
On the first day of NSA Thrive, I wore my favorite Teal Suit—not because I wanted attention, but because it felt like me. That’s my brand. As I walked into the conference, compliments poured in. By the end of the day, people stopped me in the hallways, asking where I got that suit from. It became a conversation starter. One even said, “When will you not be in your room? I would sneak in and steal this suit!”
By day two, people started associating me with my unique clothes and brand identity: Comments like “Yet another fabulous suit!” “Where do you get your clothes from?” “Do you design them yourself?” kept pouring in.
By day three, it had become my unique identity, a brand statement, and a way to strike conversations.
The lesson? Your brand is more than just your expertise—it’s your presence, your energy, and how you show up. Find what makes you memorable and own it.
6. Embrace the Unexpected
When Christine Cashen pulled me aside and said, “Come with me now!” I had no idea what I was walking into. I hesitated for a split second, but something told me to go with it. Before I knew it, I was standing in front of a camera, being part of a spontaneous, fun recording that captured the essence of the event.
Later, when I saw the final video, I was blown away. That moment of spontaneity turned into one of the best memories of NSA Thrive. The takeaway? Say YES more often. Some of the best experiences happen when you step into the unknown.
Click on the Link to Watch the Video.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Next Conference
✅ Be present. Engage fully, ask deep questions, and truly listen.
✅ Brand yourself. Find a way to stand out, whether it’s your outfit, tagline, or unique introduction.
✅ Teach helpful something. I taught attendees to connect via LinkedIn QR codes instead of exchanging business cards. By the end of the event, everyone was doing it!
✅ Say YES to new experiences. Some of the best moments happen when you step outside your comfort zone.
NSA Thrive was a game-changer, and I’m taking these lessons forward in my journey as a Speaker, Advisor, and Thought Leader.
