415-SYB-Johanna-Murillo-v2.mp3: this mp3 audio file was automatically transcribed by Sonix with the best speech-to-text algorithms. This transcript may contain errors.
Carol Cox:
How can you get selected as a speaker or a panelist by event organizers? That’s what I talk about with my guest, Jo Murillo, on this episode of the Speaking Your Brand podcast. More and more women are making an impact by starting businesses, running for office and speaking up for what matters. With my background as a TV political analyst, entrepreneur, and speaker, I interview and coach purpose driven women to shape their brands, grow their companies, and become recognized as influencers in their field. This is speaking your brand, your place to learn how to persuasively communicate your message to your audience. Hi there and welcome to the Speaking Your Brand podcast. I’m your host, Carol Cox. Today we are talking about how to get selected as a speaker and as a panelist by event producers and event organizers. I know that so many of you are out there. You are involved in your local community, your networking locally as well as online, and perhaps you’re going to events and conferences and you’re wondering how do they select their speakers? How do those speakers get the opportunity to talk to that membership or to that audience? Well, I’m very happy to have with us as a guest today, Jo Johanna Murillo, who is here in Orlando, Florida, where I live, we met out locally in person at an event probably sometime last year, and since then I’ve attended a couple of her events and she does an amazing job putting on events. So many of the nice touches that really wow you, plus the venues, the locations that she chooses, and of course the quality of the speakers and the panelists. So after I attended a recent event, I knew I had to have Jo on the podcast to share with us all those inside secrets of what she looks for when she’s putting on events as far as who to bring on with her. Jo, welcome to the podcast.
Jo Johanna Murillo:
Thank you. Carol, I’m so glad to finally be here. It’s my pleasure.
Carol Cox:
Well, let’s dive into a little bit about the kinds of events that you put on and how they relate to your business. So tell us about Wow Brand Studios, your business and how you got started putting on events and why.
Jo Johanna Murillo:
Thank you. That’s a great question actually, because I think events oftentimes it’s one thing when we attend to them because we are from that perspective that we’re enjoying them. Correct. You can relate to this, but when you have to organize events, oh my, how different it is. It’s a whole other beast. So for those people that said, oh, I should organize an event, yes, I encourage you, but take in mind that it’s tough. But also what I can identify is that events, especially when you organize and organize them and bring that value to the world, it’s a perfect way to create brand awareness of your brand and speaking your brand. It’s a great way for your audience to see, okay, what do you bring to the table? What is? How can I connect with you that that was our first and pretty much the reason why we started creating events, especially in the category of helping other entrepreneurs, women, not only, but it’s our main focus. Men are always invited because we believe that they’re agents of change, and we have to bring them on as allies. So that’s the way that we started in the entrepreneurship, business ownership, brand marketing, finance, sales, all those things that nobody talks about when you have your business up and running. So that’s how we started. And through Wildbrain Studios, which is a full on agency that takes care of event production, social media and everything that has to do with AV production. That’s where we started because we wanted to be able to provide that value to other business owners that oftentimes don’t even know which questions to ask, right? I mean, we’ve all been there. So that’s that was how we started all this crazy race. And we are loving it.
Carol Cox:
I agree, Jo, that putting on events definitely gives you a lot of visibility and exposure in the community because obviously you’re promoting the event so people see it, people come and attend or they hear about it from other people who’ve attended the the event that I attended that you ran a few months ago was actually at a TV studio, which was really cool because we got to be on kind of the set, you know, the soundstage where they film news. And so can you tell us a little bit about what inspired you to have it at that location? And tell us a little bit about kind of like how you go about thinking about the set and setting for your events.
Jo Johanna Murillo:
Yes, that event was fire, right? And not because we organized it, because it really was. It’s to create that unique element. Now that we talk about events and me also as an attendee, I can see like, oh, it’s more of the same. We want something different. And that’s why we always aim for to every single event that we do, the one that was prior to the one that you attended was in a theater full on big LED screen theater style, and we had two series of panelists. The one that you attended had that TV studio flow, and also allows people to be in spaces where they can be relaxed, because sometimes to break that barrier like, okay, I’m an event and I don’t know anyone know it allows you to connect a little more. So you have to talk to the person that you are next to you, kind of when you get into a plane sort of thing, because, okay, you’re stuck with this person next to you for the next three hours. I better start a conversation and makes the whole event flow and also provides a different atmosphere which is more conducive to learning. So those are the little details and nuances that we always take in consideration when organizing any type of event, or planning them or even producing them. So how can it be different from all that I’ve done or seen or attended out there for our anniversary night, which was last year. We, for instance, brought an opera singer, which that was like, what? What is that? Where is that coming from? And it made such a great impact because we were able to bridge that gap between culture and the concept that we were producing out there. So that’s how we think of it. Let’s find a way to make it different that it’s not the same old event that I attend, the same old networking event. When I see the same people over and over, how can we make it different? And that’s what inspires us every single time to push it a little further.
Carol Cox:
Well, you definitely do make them unique and different and that’s why they’re so memorable to me. So, Jo, let’s talk about how you go about selecting the speakers in the panelists for your various events. So I imagine you decide this is going to be the topic of the event, the content that you want to put on, and then you start thinking about speakers, panels and so on. So then how who comes up for you as speakers and panelists, and what are the qualities that you’re looking for?
Jo Johanna Murillo:
I am looking for people that have visibility that are out there. Not necessarily 100% social media, but the people that are in the field. I believe that you can learn more from someone that has been doing what they’re doing with excellence for a while, that someone that just, you know, do this in a camera. This this helps. Of course, I’m not taking that away, but what other people think or say about the speaker as well. I look for inspiration for someone that can give you a message that is going to leave you better than when you get there. Someone that is also willing to share knowledge. That’s really important because God forbid for you to know something and hold the keys to unlock someone else’s future, and you just do not do it or open it. Especially as women, we are not allowed to do that. We need to be able to share that knowledge, and also that it’s humble enough to say, I know all of this, but I also do not know what I do not know. That’s I think it’s really toughest one, because once you’re there at the top and you think, oh, okay, I know it all, that’s when you stop growing and learning. So I believe those three are really important people that are in the field doing the work and showing and leading by example, not by preach. Second of all, that are willing to share knowledge. And third, it’s that they are humble enough to be able to keep growing and evolving. I always love to see the journey of maybe one year we invited a speaker, and then we bring him back the next year and to see, oh my God, I’ve achieved all of these things because we all keep changing and evolving.
Carol Cox:
Oh, I love those. And so think, thinking about these speakers and panelists are these people you already know, so people you’ve already met at other events that you go to in the community, are you asking for recommendations and referrals from other event people that you know? Are you? Do people do speakers ever pitch you like send you emails or LinkedIn messages? Like how? Where do these speakers come from? A little bit.
Jo Johanna Murillo:
Of everything, actually. I guess the first is like people that I admire, people that I look up and say like, oh my God, I want to be like them when I grow up. And then I kind of like, get rid of the imposter syndrome. I was like, what would happen if I would just reach out to them via LinkedIn or send them an Instagram message and and tell them, hey, I love what you do. I would love to pick on your brain because I believe in and I and I am honest about it. It’s not me just being like, oh, that’s nice and sugar coating. No, it’s that sometimes have have been successful. Others I have got crickets but but it happens like that. Also people that I see that are out there spreading a positive message or something that can uplift.
Jo Johanna Murillo:
And I think that the main it’s also word of mouth when I share like, hey, I am thinking of doing and putting this event together. Who do you think would be a person that can provide value that could be perfect for this gig, for a lack of a better word? And of course you get recommendations. That’s the first stage. Then we go to sitting down and have that one on one. It can even be virtually on or onsite and see if there’s there’s a match, because sometimes depending on the audience that will attend the events, this might be like to pro or it could be like a little okay, you need to be a little bit more seasoned. And that happens. And when you get to meet that person, funny story in the Impact Summit that we did in February to kickstart Women’s History Month, I was suggested as a host on Kia malone. Hi, Kia. Yes, she’s amazing and you know her to for her to be the host of the event, given her experience in TV and. Et cetera, et cetera. And then when I started to talk to her, I was like, Kia, you are amazing, which you already knew. But all those nuggets and pearls of wisdom, you need to be in the panel. And it was great and amazing because people left so inspired by her, which I think probably she would have done a phenomenal job as a host, by the way, but as a panelist, it just brought that extra layer. So that’s something that you also have to give yourself some room to maybe pivot or change some things, depending on the concept that you have of of your event. That’s in our experience. What has worked so far?
Carol Cox:
Oh well, I’m such a big fan of Kia’s. We actually met in January of this year at an event, of course, because that was my commitment at the beginning of this year was to make sure that I went to many, many more events. I went to so many before the pandemic started and then obviously stopped right, like a cold stop. Like we all did. And then it took me a while to kind of get back into it, but I I’ve been doing it all of this year, and I have met so many amazing women like Kia and like you. So for all of you who are listening, get involved in your local community, your city. Find those events, show up, go to them. Make a commitment to do that because you’re going to meet amazing people. And that’s how then more opportunities will come to you, like being a speaker or being a panelist. So, Jo, when you think about putting together your panels and the speakers for an event, how what role does diversity and inclusion play when you’re thinking about the curating the speakers and the panelists?
Jo Johanna Murillo:
It’s the main goal, to be honest. It’s that’s something that I would I’m not thinking of changing anytime soon. It’s something that I go headfirst with because I believe that when we have diversity, equity and inclusion in all the activities that we perform, the conversation becomes richer because we have different avenues and different perspectives and points of views that we probably didn’t invite or even considered prior. We were exposed to this, and that’s for me. It’s it’s key. I and I will not stop doing that, because I also am very confident that that brings an extra added layer of value, hence why the events are successful, because it invites people to reflect and to change some perspectives. And even if you don’t change it, okay, at least now you know and you understand a different perspective that prior you didn’t even think that existed. So yes, that’s that’s my, my my goal.
Carol Cox:
And I do see that reflected in your events, which is why I wanted to bring this up. And I agree, every we all have such different lived experiences. And if we’re only going to events or we’re only seeing speakers and panelists that look like us or have very similar backgrounds to what we have, we’re really shortchanging ourselves because we’re not learning as much. I know that my policy now is if I get invited to be on a panel, I will ask who the other panelists are and if they’re all white. If they’re all white women like me, I will very kindly suggest to the person putting the panel together like, I would love to see more diversity if I have to give up my spot to someone else. Like, here are some other women that I know who I think would be a great fit. I’m happy to do that because I just I don’t want to sit on a panel that is not diverse because it just it doesn’t make me feel good. And it’s not going to be a great experience either for the audience.
Jo Johanna Murillo:
Yes, yes. And there’s only tangibility in the representation if you don’t see it. How do you think it’s possible? How can you believe it? And you never know how other personal experiences that probably do not look like you do not talk like you can help you shape and make it think like, oh my God, you know what? If this person can do it with all the limitations and also with all the advantages, why can I not do it as well? So I believe it just enriches the conversation. It doesn’t limit it. It makes you expand your knowledge and it’s just a no brainer for me.
Carol Cox:
Absolutely. So, Jo, can you share? Do you have a memorable story of a speaker or a panelist who exceeded your expectations? You knew they were going to be great, but something that they did at the event just really made them stand out. You already mentioned Kia, so we’re gonna we’re gonna put her aside as that. But is there anyone else who comes to mind?
Jo Johanna Murillo:
Sorry, Kia. Sorry, Kia. You’re out. Well, all the panelists were phenomenal, but one of them that stand out. And maybe because it was on the recent event actually two one of the recent and one of the other ones. So that way I can have a little bit of both was Brianna Anderson, which I believe you were at that event where she she spoke. It was that when you see her, she since she’s so put together like she has all her ducks in a row, successful, Uber brilliant. You would not imagine that she went through all the struggles that she did to become the woman that she is right now. And I believe her testimony was the the proof that there’s a test in the testimony. And once you are willing to expand yourself and put yourself out of your comfort zone and go through the mess, and after that, the message that you can help spread, it’s it’s amazing. So I believe that that was one of the key moments that when we had the speakers, because people. Know that she has everything put together. But no, when she started sharing her story, she was going to kill it anyway.
Jo Johanna Murillo:
But I don’t think people knew as much until they saw it. People saw taking out their notebooks and, you know, they were just writing, you know, Pearl after Pearl after Pearl. And it was a mic drop moment. So Briana, thank you so much for sharing all those things you did. And second, but not because it’s the last one. It’s Kay Rollins, the founder of Orlando City Soccer and Orlando Pride when she was in the panel. She’s very seasoned. She knows what she’s doing. I mean, but the part that made everyone wow was when she shared that when us as women want to excel in a male dominated world, we need to befriend and make men our allies as well, because no war has been won if the allies are not a part of it. So that was also one of those micro moments where I think that that at that time everybody went like, whoa, like crazy. So yes, those are the few little moments that have lit up my heart and made me okay, this is great. This is speakers. Yeah. Can can take it and make it fire.
Carol Cox:
I love those examples. And we are very fortunate here in the Orlando, Central Florida area to have amazing women like Brianna and Kay Rollins to for these events. Jo, let me ask you this. So we talked about kind of what what great speakers and panelists do. Now. What are some red flags that make you hesitant to choose a speaker or panelist, either beforehand or after you’ve had an initial conversation with them, some red flags? And also, what are things that you wish more speakers or panelists understood about working with event producers like, you know, red flags? Plus, what do you wish we all knew to make your life as an event producer easier?
Jo Johanna Murillo:
Oh, how many times? How much time do we have? Well, a big, big, big red flag. It’s when they show up late to conversations to interviews, unprepared guys. That’s a red flag. And I know that life can happen. We’ve all been there when we have had to arrive a minute or two late, but when you already see that, there’s a bigger chance it’s a 99.999%. And I tell you this from experience, that they’re going to do that to you at your event, which is going to add an extra layer of stress to an already stressful situation, which is producing and putting an event together. Another one, it’s when, unfortunately, you don’t see a flow in the way that they present that there’s not a structure which can also bring a little bit of complication when you come to your event. Because when it comes to speaking and you know this better than anyone, preparation is key. It’s gold. You need to be prepared. You don’t get ready. You stay ready. So even if you get a phone call, which has happened to me and I’m sure that has happened to you, like, hey, Joe, I had a speaker that cancelled. Can you please help me? Okay, good. When is the event? In an hour. Whoa. Okay. Don’t worry. I got you because I already have my speech ready. If you. I can put a presentation. I already have it ready, so I’m game. I’m ready to go. So that’s why it’s important for you to see how prepared and ready the person is. Because there will be moments that you will have to pivot. Then, okay, you know that you can count on that person. Um, another red flag and not I don’t want to just go with red flags. I’ll go with the good stuff later.
Jo Johanna Murillo:
Um, it’s when you see that the speaker is not as engaged into getting to know the event as well. You know, it’s just like, hey, I can speak at your event. I mean, like, okay, so what do you think? No, whatever. Wherever you put me, that can also be another thing. Okay. Are you really willing to share knowledge, make some improvement? Leave people better than they arrive, or you just want to be there for exposure, which is okay. It’s fair. It’s fair for you to try to put yourself out there, but also what’s the value? Where is those things that reach to a people’s heart? Yeah, because we’re in the business of doing business with people. So we need to connect at some different level. Those are the little red flags that I will encourage to event organizers to take into consideration before bringing someone in. Because and also understand this is a commitment, a two way street. Also, as an event organizer, I do not encourage those organizers that only reach out to book the person and then okay, the day before, yes. Like no, stay in contact, let them know what you’re doing, share with them the post the social media tag them. So that way you can also warm up leading towards the event. Ask them, hey, will you be willing to share this on social media so you can help amplify, of course. You know, share all the information that as much as you can. So that way you can also prepare them and you help edify them as a speaker. I think that’s also very important as event producers showcase the speakers in such a way that they also feel pleased to be part of the events that you are organizing. What are your thoughts on that?
Carol Cox:
Oh, these are excellent. Excellent points here, Jo. I agree, as a speaker, I always want to make sure that whatever the event organizer needs, it is there on time, if not early, if they need slide decks, if they need my bio, they need my photo, whatever it is. I mean, I send all that to them right away, and I also make sure I stay in regular contact with them. And I’m promoting the event as well because I want it to be a successful event. And to your point, I want to show that I’m invested in the success of that event along with the event team. And but I love your point also about the the people who are putting on the event. Yes. Keep in touch with us speakers because we want to know how can we help you? Is everything going smoothly? You know a request. Do you need us to bring our laptop? What kind of laptop do you have? What format do you need the slides in? Like, we’ll ask those questions as speakers, but it’s helpful for you all to have all that ready to go. Because if you all are organized as the event team, then we feel confident as a speaker walking into that event that is going to be as smooth as an experience as it possibly can be. Setting aside the AV gremlins that no one has any control over and who knows when they’re going to rear their ugly head. But that’s okay. We know that happens.
Jo Johanna Murillo:
I think that I always tries to pamper them while they’re there, you know, have a green room ready for them so they can unwind and see the event before it’s their turn. Get them some water. If they have teeth like something, appetizers so they feel comfortable because getting on stage as soon as you could be, it’s always like a challenge, you know? Okay. Let’s go. So there is the inevitable to say like, ah, I’m not nervous. Then if you’re not nervous, you have a problem. You have to be nervous, because that means that and shows that you care. So to try to make them as comfortable once they are at the at the place of the venue so they can give their best as well when they’re in front of their audience.
Carol Cox:
Yes, I love those extra touches that you do. And again, that’s why your events get raved about so much by everyone that I talked to here in the community. So let me share a little bit more about your background with the listeners. So you are originally from Ecuador and you also you’ve lived in Argentina as well as the Netherlands. So you really do have this multicultural perspective. And that’s why I love living in Orlando. I’ve lived here for 20 years, is because I feel like it is such a diverse community of so people from so many different parts of the world, and kind of, I don’t know if it’s because of Walt Disney World, even though we don’t live anywhere near that, and I never go there, but I feel like it attracts people from everywhere. And so I think that so can you tell us a little bit more, Jo, about your background, you know, living in these different countries and having these different experiences, then what how that has led to some of the the work that you do in your business.
Jo Johanna Murillo:
Yes, I understand, and I love Orlando because of that too. I’m going to make like a little story. Long story short, I would if you would have asked me five years ago, are you going to live in Orlando? It was like, hell no. Why can we say that? Yeah. Can we say, hell? You’re not going to get rated. Okay. Um, why would I go there? It’s just Harry Potter and Mickey Mouse. But after a while, when I got stuck here during the pandemic because we couldn’t leave, I started to get to know the communities. I realized that Downtown Disney is not downtown Orlando. I realized that there’s a mills district, there’s a Winter park, Baldwin Park. There’s, um, Bambi. Et cetera. All those smaller neck of the woods that made the community amazing. And I fell in love with the people, to be honest, people in Orlando, since I believe they have that different multicultural perspective and access, are more open to integrate other people into the culture. So that’s the great thing about our beautiful city. So with that being said, yes, I’m originally from Ecuador, born and raised this little country just to test the geography between Colombia and Peru, which it’s it’s beautiful. We have all different zones.
Jo Johanna Murillo:
We have the beaches, we have the islands, we have the Andes and the Amazons. And for me, it was a gift to be able to to be born and raised there, because it allows us to have some extra layer of resilience, of enduring difficulties and still be able to offer kindness to people because we are all in the struggle. Bus, like I say. So after a while, you know, studying, growing, working, being a teacher. Yes, I was a university teacher back in the day. I decided to move to Argentina to pursue my master’s studies, and it was a place that I also fell in love with. It was supposed to be just a year and a half deal. It turned into a five year long five seasons episode. And I loved it too, especially because it was so different, even if it’s in South America. Argentina is considered the Europe of South America and also a hub as well, where a lot of people from different parts of the world, you know, Australia, England, the US, even within South America will come and have experiences there. And it was a great learning process as well, because that allowed me and enabled me to see that, not because we come from different backgrounds.
Jo Johanna Murillo:
We all are different. There are things that are similar regardless of your language or where you’re born or where you were brought up. I never met anyone that doesn’t want to feel good, that doesn’t want to learn, that doesn’t want to expand, that doesn’t want to be loved. So I believe those are things that regardless of where you come from, stay. And of course, the cherry on top. Netherlands. It was less than a year, but I count it. I mean, it’s still good, but it allowed me also to see it from the other side of the pond. How it is, you know. And what I loved is that Netherlands is actually the beacon of diversity, equity and inclusion. You see everything and everywhere, and it’s kind of like Orlando in a country, pretty much. I think it’s the same size the country, like with Florida. But you, you get to see that. And that also brought me so much inspiration. So but when I made the decision of staying in Orlando, it’s like, okay, this this is also I can see it. I can see that this is a city, that it’s evolving. It’s growing towards the right side. It’s and it’s not going to stop. I mean, the growth that our city has had in the last years has been exponential, and it’s because of its people.
Carol Cox:
Oh, I love that. Thank you for sharing that, Jo. And tell us about your company. Wow Brand Studios, who are your typical clients and what do you do with them?
Jo Johanna Murillo:
Well, Wow Brand Studios, like I was mentioning earlier, is a full on production agency that we help entrepreneurs and business owners become the rock stars that they already are, with a beautiful visuals and brands. I learned the tagline finally. So what? We help them by offering them the possibility of showing themselves as they are. Because when you start a business, of course, sometimes the budget can be a limitation, but not with us because we have different standards or packages that can go along with whatever you are in your road. We have the smaller package when you’re starting, and the whole idea is to take you to the bigger one once you are successful, because success is just what you define from it. So we are a full on team of marketers, designers, photographers, videographers, even stylists. Because why not? You can get styled and and help you present yourself in the best way possible. Not because you don’t have a budget. It doesn’t mean that you cannot present yourself as the rock star as you are. So that’s what we do. Of course, now we are here. But when we started, we just hit a lot of roadblocks because of course, coming from another country, you think that you know what you know and when you come here okay, games and the rules are different. So instead of getting better, uh, in my case, I decided to learn how to play. And that was what we’ve been doing ever since. You know, try to help as much as we can be of service. Sometimes it’s been good. Sometimes it’s just a lesson to be learned. But like I said, it’s a matter of how open you are to learn, to grow, to learn from your mistakes and take them as lessons and put yourself out there as an agent of service. Because once you put yourself out there as an agent of service, only good things will come.
Carol Cox:
Well, absolutely. And I business is definitely a roller coaster for sure. Anyone who’s been an entrepreneur knows that there is the high highs where like if things are amazing, you get to do this amazing work that you choose to do with the clients that you choose to. And then there’s definitely the down parts of the roller coaster where you’re like, okay, I tried that, that did that totally failed, or I really wanted to do this and that didn’t work out. But I just feel like so much of it is just a learning lesson. And when you get to meet amazing people along the way. Jo, let me, uh, as we wrap up here. So for everyone listening, check out Jo’s website. It’s at Wow Brands Studios.com. The link is also in the show notes for this podcast episode. Also, make sure to connect with her on LinkedIn her. The link to her profile is also in the show. Notes, so make sure to connect with her there and say hi. Let her know that you heard her here on the Speaking Your Brand podcast. Jo, thank you so much for coming on and sharing your insights and your experiences to help our listeners land more speaking opportunities and more panels for them. I really appreciate your time.
Jo Johanna Murillo:
No, thank you so much for having me. This has been in the works for a long time, and I’m so happy that we’re finally able to make it. Thank you so much, Carol, and for all that you do, it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Carol Cox:
And for everyone listening. If you would like to develop your signature talk so that you are ready in a moment’s notice, if someone calls you and they need a speaker, whether it’s in a week, a day, or even an hour, you can work with us on your thought leadership, your signature talk, and learn the business of speaking in our Thought Leader Academy. You can get all the details and join us at speaking your brand.com/academy. Until next time, thanks for listening.
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