In this episode, I sit down with event planner Rachel Marie to unpack what really happens behind the scenes when organizers choose speakers — what they’re optimizing for, how they define “fit,” and why capable speakers still get passed over.
This isn’t about speaking tactics or how to impress a stage.
It’s about understanding the system you’re stepping into.
Because when you see how decisions are actually made, you stop taking outcomes personally and start focusing on what you can actually control.
If you’ve ever questioned your value after a rejection, this conversation will change how you see the process entirely.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
beyondthespeech.substack.com
Beyond The Speech