Use Your Story for an Inspirational Talk with Tanea Smith [Speaking Prep Series]: Podcast Ep. 230

Have you ended up somewhere in life that you did not expect (or was not expected of you)? Do you have a life story that people have told you is inspirational?

For my guest and client Tanea Smith, the answer to both of these questions is YES.

In this episode, Tanea and I talk about how she’s using her life journey for her signature talk, including identifying her big idea, how we selected specific stories, and what happened to her recently that confirmed the message she wants to share.

Tanea is the founder of She’s Got Papers, where she creates and sells witty and empowering stationery, journals, and planners.

In April 2021, Tanea and her business were featured on Good Morning America – and the response was incredible. She shares about that experience plus how having VISION has shaped her reality.

Tanea and I recently did a VIP Day to create her signature talk so that she’s prepared and confident to share her message with her audiences.

This episode is part of the current podcast series we’re doing called Speaker Prep. 

About My Guest: As a teenage mother living on welfare back in 1994 Tanea Smith made a conscious decision that she would defy the odds and would not become a statistic. She began what eventually became a 21-year career as an Executive Assistant on Wall Street in New York City. With the acknowledgment that gratitude & ambition can dwell in the same apartment she knew that despite having a “steady” job the click she felt in her spirit to do & be more was too strong to ignore. After the birth of her 2nd child in 2007 she used her creativity & life’s experiences and created a witty & empowering stationery collection, She’s Got Papers. While the “papers” were keeping America connected one handwritten note at a time, in 2013 she expanded her platform. As an Inspirational Speaker & Transition Expert, Tanea motivates, inspires and walks alongside other women who are “in the hallway”, a space that she knows all too well. And if one pivot was not enough in 2021 Tanea introduced the world to “Gloria” – a journaling series that gives her “pen pals” life lessons, writing prompts and a blueprint for life, love, and everything in between. Tanea has been featured on Good Morning America, Essence, Ebony, More, Pen World, American Express Open, New York Live, The Peacock Network & The Wendy Williams Show. Tanea has spoken at St. John’s University, City College of New York, New York University and teaches workshops throughout New York City. 

About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it’s through women’s stories and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. 

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/230

Tanea’s website She’s Got Papers for stationery, journals, and planners: https://www.shesgotpapers.com/ 

Tanea’s Good Morning America TV segment: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/news/video/bringing-back-art-letter-writing-76974714 

Schedule a consult call with us to talk about creating your signature talk and thought leadership platform: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/contact. 

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Tanea Smith (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/taneasmith/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 82: How to Create an Emotional Connection with Your Audience with Leanne Kabat [Coaching]
• Episode 139: Selecting the Best Stories to Include in Your Signature Talk with Marie Fiebach [Storytelling Series]
• Episode 215: Moving Past the Surface to Find Your Deeper Story and Message with Zaribel Clay
• Episode 229: 3 Speaking Styles You Can Use