The A&S FrontRow Podcast is where professional speakers, thought leaders, and industry shapers come to stay future-ready, share their journey and stories.
Hosted by the team behind the Speaker Summit, Speaker Awards, and a growing global speaker network, each episode explores what it really takes to build a speaking business with substance, strategy, and staying power.
We go beyond performance, we interview people in the industry, to talk about positioning, platform, partnerships, trends and the mindset required to lead in today’s ever-evolving speaking landscape.
Expect honest conversations, practical insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and interviews with those redefining what it means to speak with impact.
If you are scaling a global speaking brand, this podcast is your seat at the table.
Welcome to FrontRow Podcast!
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Judging Criteria and Diversity in the Speaker Industry with Michelle Raymond
Episode 10
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 • Duration 52:19
In this episode of The A&S FrontRow Podcast, Elliot Kay speaks with speaker, judge, and LinkedIn expert Michelle Raymond about what it really takes to stand out in the Speaker Awards and beyond.
Michelle shares insights on judging criteria, what separates good speakers from great ones, and why authenticity, simplicity, and storytelling matter. She also explores pricing, value perception, and the importance of diversity and community in the speaking industry.
🔑 Key Takeaways
What judges look for in award-winning speakers
The importance of storytelling, simplicity, and authenticity
How pricing reflects value in professional speaking
The role of diversity and inclusivity in judging
Why community matters in building a speaking career
Beth Sherman on Turning Laughter into Trust on Stage
Episode 9
Friday, March 20, 2026 • Duration 01:03:30
In this episode of The A&S FrontRow Podcast, Elliot Kay interviews Speaker Awards winner Beth Sherman about her journey into public speaking, the role of humor in communication, and the importance of connection in professional and personal settings.
Beth shares her background in the entertainment industry, her unique approach to creating a showreel, and what it meant to be shortlisted and win a Speaker Award. The conversation highlights humor as a powerful way to build trust, diffuse tension, and create connection in a divided world.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Speakers often dislike talking about themselves
Humor can diffuse tension and build connection
Intent matters when using humor in communication
Building trust quickly is vital in speaking and leadership
Humor is a tool for humanity, not just laughs
The speaking community celebrates each other's success
Moving from stand-up to speaking involves growing pains
Connection matters in both personal and professional life
In this episode of The A&S FrontRow Podcast, Elliot Kay speaks with broadcaster, author, and keynote speaker Bruce Whitfield about his journey from radio journalism to becoming an award-winning thought leader.
Bruce shares insights on authenticity, using awards to build credibility, and his Chaos Advantage approach to navigating uncertainty. The conversation also explores trust, media negativity, and why resilience and optimism matter in a rapidly changing world.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Bruce Whitfield’s move from radio to professional speaking
From Everest to the Stage: Bonita Norris' Journey of Courage and Confidence
Episode 7
Thursday, March 12, 2026 • Duration 01:18:40
In this conversation on The A&S FrontRow Podcast, Elliot Kay speaks with mountaineer and keynote speaker Bonita Norris about her journey from climbing Mount Everest to becoming an award-winning speaker.
Bonita shares how perseverance, authenticity, and human connection shaped both her climbing and speaking careers. She reflects on how winning awards boosted her confidence, opened doors in the industry, and reinforced the power of sharing real stories on stage.
The conversation also explores imposter syndrome, resilience, and how AI is influencing content creation while reminding speakers that genuine human stories remain irreplaceable.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Bonita's journey from mountaineering to professional speaking
How winning awards can transform confidence and career growth
The importance of authenticity and human connection on stage
Navigating imposter syndrome and self-doubt
Perseverance and continuous growth in the speaking industry
The influence of AI on content creation and authenticity
📚 Resources Mentioned
Bonita Norris' Book - The Girl Who Climbed Everest
How Andrea Pacini Became the Undefeated Virtual Speaker Champion
Episode 6
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 • Duration 58:43
In this episode of The A&S FrontRow Podcast, Elliot Kay sits down with Virtual Speaker Award winner Andrea Pacini to explore his journey to becoming an award-winning speaker and the impact recognition can have on credibility and business growth.
Andrea shares insights on effective communication, the power of storytelling, and why truly understanding your audience is the key to impactful presentations. The conversation also touches on personal growth, mindset, and how awards can support a speaker’s journey while reinforcing the importance of continually developing your craft.
🔑 Key Takeaways
The impact of awards on credibility and business growth
The mindset behind becoming an award-winning speaker
Strategies for effective communication and storytelling
Why understanding your audience is critical for great presentations
Balancing personal growth with professional recognition
The Future of Retail & AI with Futurist Kate Ancketill
Episode 5
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 • Duration 01:13:27
In this episode of The A&S FrontRow Podcast, Elliot Kay sits down with futurist and retail expert Kate Ancketill to explore her journey to industry recognition and her insights on the future of retail and technology.
Kate shares how AI is transforming industries, the trends shaping the future of retail, and the challenges businesses face around staffing, cybersecurity, and margins. She also reflects on the importance of curiosity, resilience, and continuous learning in a fast-changing world.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Kate Ancketill's journey to industry recognition
Future retail trends and the impact of AI
Personal development and stoicism
Industry challenges including staffing and cybersecurity
In this episode of The A&S FrontRow Podcast, Elliot Kay sits down with speaker, coach, and award winner Alex Atherton to explore his journey to winning a prestigious speaker award and the impact that recognition has had on his career.
Alex shares how awards can build credibility, strengthen personal branding, and open doors in the speaking industry. He also reflects on the importance of continuous learning, strong relationships, and staying committed to developing your craft.
The conversation also explores Alex’s mission to tackle challenges in education and youth development, particularly around supporting young people and helping organisations better understand the next generation entering the workplace.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Alex's journey to winning a speaker award
The impact of awards on speaking careers
Strategies for personal branding and growth
Addressing challenges in education and youth development
Why Your Story Matters to Winning an Award with Adele Bates
Episode 3
Friday, March 6, 2026 • Duration 01:14:19
In this episode of The A&S FrontRow Podcast, Elliot Kay sits down with award-winning speaker and Best Storyteller recipient Adele Bates to explore her journey to recognition and the power of authentic storytelling in the speaking world.
Adele reflects on what it meant to win the Best Storyteller award and the courage it takes to put yourself forward in the first place. She shares the role community plays in supporting speakers, why diversity and representation in awards truly matter, and how recognition can shine a light on the dedication and commitment behind the scenes.
The conversation also offers practical insight for speakers considering applying for awards, highlighting how the process itself can be a powerful moment of reflection on your work, your impact, and your growth in the industry.
🔑 Key Takeaways
The significance of community within the speaking industry
The importance of diversity and representation in awards and recognition
Practical steps and mindset shifts when applying for speaking awards
💬 Sound Bites
"Statistically, I won't win, but I did anyway"
"I go into freeze when I win an award"
"The award is about the commitment, dedication, and work"
In this episode of The A&S FrontRow Podcast, Elliot Kay sits down with award-winning professional speaker and former magician/TV personality Ben Hanlin to explore his unconventional journey from performing magic on stage to delivering powerful keynote speeches around the world.
Ben shares his strategies for success, the importance of blueprinting, handling rejection, and staying present to truly connect with audiences. This episode is full of actionable insights for anyone looking to elevate their speaking career, embrace challenges, and perform at their best every time.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Always seek the blueprint of success and follow it
Rejection is part of growth; embrace it and learn
Stay present and fresh in every performance to connect deeply
Consistent practice and feedback are key to mastery
Build relationships and do the groundwork for opportunities
Being 10% Braver from Multiple Speaker Award Winner, Jaz Ampaw- Farr
Episode 1
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 • Duration 01:42:59
We are live. We are launched. And we are setting the standard from Episode One.
Welcome to The A&S FrontRow Podcast, where professional speakers, thought leaders, and industry shapers come to stay future-ready, share their journeys, and build speaking businesses with substance, strategy, and staying power.
We go beyond performance. We go behind the scenes. We talk positioning, platform, partnerships, trends, and the mindset required to lead in today’s ever-evolving speaking industry.
For our launch episode, Elliot Kay sits down with two-time Speaker Awards winner Jazz Ampaw-Farr for a bold, honest, and energising conversation about her journey to success, overcoming self-doubt, the importance of community, peer recognition, and the impact of the Speaker Awards on her career.
Jazz also shares personal insights, including her love story with Ed, and reminds us that resilience and joy can coexist. This episode is a heartfelt call to action: be 10% braver, step into the arena, and leave the world better than you found it.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Community fuels growth and sustainability in the speaking profession
Overcoming imposter syndrome is essential for personal and professional evolution
Recognition from peers significantly strengthens confidence and credibility
Applying for awards is a powerful exercise in reflection and growth
Continuous learning keeps speakers relevant and impactful
Courageous conversations create breakthroughs on and off the stage
If this episode inspired you, share it with a fellow speaker, leave a review, and tag us with your biggest takeaway.
Ready to be 10% braver? Participate in the Speaker Awards and be part of a community that celebrates excellence, courage, and growth.
#TheASFrontRowPodcast
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