Everything you need to know to become a paid public speaker | With VaynerSpeakers
Aug 14, 2026 · 27m
Summary
Gary Vaynerchuk hosts Zach Nadler and Steve Weiner from VaynerSpeakers to discuss the current state of the speaking industry, noting that fees are rising and physical events have fully recovered. They advise aspiring speakers to prioritize humility, niche expertise, and authenticity over memorized decks, while urging event planners to focus on audience value and strategic content. The trio also shares personal anecdotes about misjudging talent and the importance of holistic career management for speakers.
Topics discussed
Intro: Gary Vee, Zach Nadler, and Steve Weiner from VaynerSpeakers
State of the Union: Speaker fees, virtual vs. physical, and market trends
Advice for event planners and VaynerSpeakers' exclusive roster
To agent or not to agent? The value of exclusive representation
Breaking in: Speak for free, humility, and staying in your lane
Authenticity: Don't fake expertise on AI or trending topics
The future of live events and the enduring power of human connection
Behind the scenes: Organizing VCon and prioritizing the audience
Relevance: How speakers who have fallen off can get back on stage
Missed opportunities: Speakers Zach and Steve initially overlooked
Closing thoughts: Authenticity, education, and final recommendations
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