Podcast Summary: Slay The Gatekeeper – Episode: Ungatekeeping Public Speaking w/ Renee Murphy

Introduction

In the February 18, 2025 episode of "Slay The Gatekeeper," host Courtney Johnson welcomes Renee Murphy, an environmental scientist and dynamic public speaker, to discuss un-gatekeeping strategies for public speaking. This episode delves into Renee's unique career trajectory, her rapid ascent in the speaking world, and the actionable "cheat codes" she employs to secure speaking engagements and build a compelling personal brand.

Renee Murphy’s Career Journey

Renee begins by sharing her transition from the fashion industry to environmental science, emphasizing the alignment of personal values with professional pursuits. Reflecting on her first foray into public speaking, Renee explains how a spontaneous opportunity to host a webinar for Master Gardeners ignited her passion for speaking:

[01:37] Renee Murphy: "If it scares you, that's when you realize that is for you."

She attributes her successful speaking career to this alignment of passion and purpose, noting how each speaking opportunity naturally led to the next.

Cheat Code #1: Proactive Application for Speaking Opportunities

Courtney introduces the first cheat code: applying for speaking opportunities on platforms like LinkedIn, even when applications direct elsewhere. Renee elaborates on the importance of thinking outside the box and directly reaching out to event planners or TEDx curators:

[06:22] Renee Murphy: "It's a game. How can I find that person who's in charge of that event?"

Renee emphasizes persistence and the strategic use of social media to connect with key decision-makers, leading to her securing two TEDx talks in quick succession.

Cheat Code #2: Leveraging LinkedIn as a Dynamic Marketing Tool

Renee underscores the significance of a robust LinkedIn presence, likening it to a "living, breathing version" of oneself. She advises consistently posting relevant content tailored to target audiences and potential event organizers:

[11:32] Renee Murphy: "My content will change and evolve based on maybe an opportunity I'm trying to get."

This strategic approach ensures that her LinkedIn profile actively showcases her expertise and enthusiasm, attracting speaking opportunities organically.

Cheat Code #3: Building a Supportive Referral Network

Courtney and Renee discuss the value of creating a network of like-minded individuals who can support each other's speaking endeavors. Renee shares her strategy of dividing responsibilities and referring speakers within her group to avoid redundancy:

[19:23] Renee Murphy: "The most valuable thing that you could do is find people that are similar to you."

She highlights the benefits of shared knowledge and collaborative planning, which accelerate success and expand opportunities for all members involved.

Cheat Code #4: Developing Your Personal Brand

Renee advocates for active personal branding, especially for those in scientific fields who might fear social media. She encourages scientists to share their work passionately and accessibly:

[21:48] Renee Murphy: "If you can make your posts about what you're doing or what your project is on, people can see that they're interested in collaborating..."

Renee illustrates how engaging storytelling and showcasing enthusiasm can demystify science, making it more relatable and engaging to broader audiences.

Cheat Code #5: Negotiation Skills for Speaking Engagements

Renee discusses the importance of negotiating beyond just the speaking fee. She suggests negotiating aspects like video recording, referrals, and travel arrangements to maximize the value of each engagement:

[42:57] Renee Murphy: "What other things can you negotiate that would make you happy?"

This approach ensures that every speaking opportunity contributes to her professional growth and personal satisfaction.

Cheat Code #6: Overcoming Procrastination with Minimal Viable Actions

Addressing common procrastination hurdles, Renee advises focusing on the smallest actionable steps to begin one's speaking journey. By adopting a "minimum viable product" mindset, speakers can overcome mental barriers and start building momentum:

[44:52] Renee Murphy: "What is the least amount you have to do to just get started today?"

She shares personal anecdotes of utilizing platforms like TikTok to practice and refine her speaking skills without the fear of judgment, ultimately leading to significant improvements.

Cheat Code #7: Focusing on Impacting One Person

Renee emphasizes the profound impact of focusing on changing the life of just one individual. She recounts her experience with Maya, a Girl Scout inspired by her talk, highlighting how meaningful change doesn't always correlate with audience size:

[53:59] Renee Murphy: "I see what you're doing to do it for yourself. Then I started getting friends sending me their own walking video."

This perspective shifts the focus from audience metrics to genuine, personal influence, fostering a more fulfilling speaking experience.

Overcoming Stage Fright by Seeing the Audience as Supportive Friends

Renee addresses the universal fear of stage fright by encouraging speakers to view their audience as friends who genuinely want to see them succeed. This mindset helps reduce self-judgment and anxiety, allowing authentic connection and delivery:

[46:42] Renee Murphy: "The first couple times, it's about you. Trust me, you're not gonna be able to do anything else but think about you after that. It is your time to rise up and say, it's no longer about me."

Practical Tips and Final Insights

Throughout the conversation, Renee offers practical advice on starting small, such as speaking to local schools or small community groups, to build confidence and experience. She shares her transformative experience at her first international TEDx event, detailing the challenges and triumphs that solidified her belief in her place as a speaker.

[36:52] Renee Murphy: "I will never say to myself, I don't belong here."

Renee's journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, strategic networking, and authentic self-presentation in achieving success in public speaking.

Conclusion

In this inspiring episode of "Slay The Gatekeeper," Renee Murphy provides invaluable insights and actionable strategies for aspiring speakers, especially those from technical or scientific backgrounds. By implementing her "cheat codes," listeners can navigate the complexities of the speaking world, build a strong personal brand, and make meaningful impacts one person at a time. Renee's story is a testament to the transformative power of aligning one's passion with purpose and the relentless pursuit of growth.

Notable Quotes:

• "If it scares you, that's when you realize that is for you." — Renee Murphy [01:37]
• "It's a game. How can I find that person who's in charge of that event?" — Renee Murphy [06:22]
• "My content will change and evolve based on maybe an opportunity I'm trying to get." — Renee Murphy [11:32]
• "The most valuable thing that you could do is find people that are similar to you." — Renee Murphy [19:23]
• "If you can make your posts about what you're doing or what your project is on, people can see that they're interested in collaborating..." — Renee Murphy [21:48]
• "What other things can you negotiate that would make you happy?" — Renee Murphy [42:57]
• "What is the least amount you have to do to just get started today?" — Renee Murphy [44:52]
• "I will never say to myself, I don't belong here." — Renee Murphy [36:52]
• "It's a game. How can I find that person who's in charge of that event?" — Renee Murphy [06:22]

Connect with Renee Murphy:

• LinkedIn: Renee Murphy (Search for "Environment Scientist Renee Murphy")
• Instagram & TikTok: @midlifefarmgirl