Welcome to the episode of The Lindsey Anderson Show. I’m so excited for today’s guest, Mr. Darren LaCroix. In this episode, we dive into the power of stage time and the habit of showing up even when it’s uncomfortable. We talk about how taking risks and facing failure head-on can fuel growth in both public speaking and business.
Guest Introduction
Today’s guest is Darren LaCroix, an internationally recognized speaker and coach. He outshone 25,000 contestants from 14 countries to become the world champion of public speaking. Darren is the author of two books—Laugh and Get Rich and The Speaker’s Edge—and he holds the unique distinction of being the only speaker in the world who is both an accredited, certified speaking professional and a world champion of public speaking. He’s known for his mantra, “Stage time, stage time, stage time,” and his relentless commitment to doing the work—even when it means looking bad. Darren’s approach offers transformational insights that are essential for online coaches and for anyone looking to scale their business.
How to Build a Profitable Speaking Business – Key Takeaways
- Consistent Practice Is Crucial: “Any day you don’t get on stage is a day you don’t grow.”
- Failure Is Fuel: I embraced failure after a business setback and learned that having no ego opens the door to growth.
- Mentorship Matters: Mentors saw my willingness to do the work, even when I was a nervous, wannabe comedian.
- The Power of Stage Time: Driving two and a half hours for a five-minute open mic set taught me that showing up, even in less-than-ideal circumstances, builds resilience.
- Transformative Storytelling: Use your personal experiences—your struggles, failures, and breakthroughs—to create stories that captivate and transform your audience, and ultimately, help you scale your business.
Overcoming Fear and Failure
- I started as a shy, introverted wannabe comedian with zero confidence.
- My comedy mentors said, “Any day you don’t get on stage is a day you don’t grow.”
- After a business failure, I had no ego—just the drive to learn and improve.
- Despite the risk of embarrassment, I embraced every open mic night as a chance to evolve.
- These experiences not only transformed my public speaking but also shaped my approach as a business coach for coaches, teaching me to overcome fear and build resilience.
Growth Through Stage Time
- I drove two and a half hours just to secure five minutes on stage.
- Even when my high school buddy called me “stupid” for chasing my dream, my mentors recognized my determination.
- The consistent habit of showing up, regardless of the outcome, is what built my foundation.
- This is a core principle in transformational coaching and scaling an online business—consistency creates growth.
Transition from Comedy to Public Speaking
- I learned that while comedy clubs were great for initial failures, they weren’t the right fit for my soul.
- Finding Toastmasters was a game changer—a warm, encouraging space where I could build my public speaking skills during the day.
- I joined multiple clubs to “quadruple my failure rate” and maximize stage time opportunities.
- This transition is a prime example of transformational coaching in action, illustrating how real-world challenges can prepare you for scaling your online coaching business.
The Art of Storytelling
- A mentor once told me: “Stop trying to find that story that launches your speaking career. Instead, take the stories you already have and make them so good someone will pay to hear them.”
- A good story starts with who you were—your visuals, your emotions—and then takes the audience on a journey through challenges, a breaking point, and a transformative revelation.
- This approach applies whether you’re delivering a keynote, pitching your business, or guiding transformational coaching sessions.
Key Quotes
- “So, we, the purpose of story for us as educators is to deliver the message in a way that the brain is programmed to receive it, which is story.”
- “If you’re not coachable, there is no cure.”
- “You can’t transform your life by dipping your toe in the water.”
- “I waited nine years to get a coach because I thought I knew I was cheap. My buddy Ed Tate says you can’t cheap your way to the top.”
Resources Mentioned
- Darren’s website: https://darrenlacroix.com
- Follow Darren on TikTok: darren.lacroix
- Join my upcoming free LIVE workshop: https://www.lindseya.com/workshop
