"Nobody Cares About Your Story" - What Actually Gets You Booked as a Speaker | Simone Heng
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Show Notes
Most people trying to build thought leadership are doing it backwards. They share their story online, wait for people to connect with it, and wonder why the bookings aren't coming.
Simone Heng has a blunter take: nobody cares about your story. Not unless you're Michael Jordan.
Simone is a human connection specialist, award-winning author of Let's Talk About Loneliness, and one of the few Asian women speaking at the level she does - at Harvard, Google, the UN, and stages across the Middle East and Southeast Asia. She spent six figures educating herself before anyone paid to hear her speak. For four years, her former radio employer controlled her Instagram and stopped her from being herself. The week that ended, she built a six-figure business in a pandemic.
In this conversation, we talk about what actually gets you booked, why your story is the least interesting thing about your thought leadership, and what the "sophomore slump" looks like when your first book receives six international awards.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Introduction
(01:57) "I've never seen an Asian woman speak like that"
(03:13) Developing a subject matter expertise
(07:17) Choosing your topic of expertise
(09:20) Being told to hide parts of you
(10:41) The behind the scenes work
(12:36) Your story isn't enough
(16:09) Do you need a PhD to be a thought leader?
(22:24) Reviewing Simone's past content
(26:52) Become a speaker or author
(30:49) What's next for Simone
(35:43) Actionable Takeaways
CONNECT WITH SIMONE HENG
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simoneheng
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-heng-speaker
Website: https://simoneheng.com
Thought Leaders Now: https://www.thoughtleadersnow.com
CONNECT WITH CHERYL LAU
Website: https://cheryllau.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau
WORK WITH CHERYL LAU
I produce distinctive and deeply resonant podcasts for leaders and organizations who want their content to command attention, spark meaningful conversations, and attract high-value opportunities.
I ensure your podcast isn't just another show in the feed - it's an asset that elevates your authority and moves your work forward.
Here are 3 ways we can work together:
✨ 1:1 Editorial Podcast Production
✨ Corporate Podcast Producing & Consulting
✨ Hosting for Corporate Shows
Schedule a discovery call for us to explore what working together might look like: https://cheryllau.com/discovery
CONTACT
Please email [email protected] for business inquiries.