In this insightful episode, Jessica Dumas breaks down the true value of public speaking and why it’s more than just a hobby—it’s a powerful industry. Jessica highlights how public speaking can help entrepreneurs and thought leaders build authority, promote their businesses, and create additional income streams.

She explains the profound impact of storytelling and inspiration, showing how sharing your experiences can help others see what’s possible. Jessica also emphasizes that public speaking isn’t reserved for elected leaders or those with large audiences—it’s for anyone ready to share their message and make a lasting impression.

For those looking to transition from honorariums to commanding premium fees, Jessica walks through the mindset shift required to recognize the value of expertise. She also shares practical advice on setting speaking fees and scaling up as experience grows.

What Jessica Covers:

• Reframing Public Speaking: Why speaking is a $1.9 billion industry (and growing annually at 4.1%).
• Inspiration Through Speaking: The power of storytelling to inspire and create meaningful connections.
• Building Credibility: How having an opinion and sharing it boldly makes you a thought leader.
• From Honorariums to Premium Fees: The journey to valuing your expertise and commanding higher fees.
• How to Set Your Speaking Fee: A starting point and guide for scaling your rates over time.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Public speaking is a powerful way to inspire and build trust with an audience.
• It’s a tool to establish authority, generate premium opportunities, and grow your business.
• Starting with a baseline fee (e.g., $1,000) and increasing it as your expertise grows helps you position yourself as a professional.
• Present your fee with confidence—it’s a service and a reflection of your value.

Quick Fee Tips:

• Start small and scale up based on experience and audience size.
• Industry standards, such as rates from the Speakers Bureau of Canada ($7,500–$20,000), can guide you.
• Approach your speaking fees as a business item—structured and professional.

Connect with Jessica Dumas: Jessica invites listeners to connect with her for more insights and opportunities:

• Follow Jessica on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes content: @jessicadumas.ca
• Interested in professional growth or mindset coaching? Learn about her services here: Work with Jessica.

Call to Action: Jessica encourages listeners to see public speaking as a pathway to deeper connections, personal growth, and professional success. Whether you’re starting out or looking to refine your speaking career, Jessica can help you clarify your goals, amplify your voice, and step into premium opportunities. Reach out today!

Episode Description: In this captivating episode, I sit down with Jill Featherstone—a mother of eight (including stepchildren), grandmother, university professor, author, entrepreneur, and podcaster—who has dedicated her life to empowering Indigenous youth and rewriting narratives. A proud member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation, Jill shares her journey of transitioning from a stable career in education to pursuing her passions full-time.

Jill opens up about her struggles, triumphs, and the pivotal moments that led her to leave her job and embrace the unknown. From the doubts and fears that held her back to the ultimate moment of clarity, Jill’s story is one of courage, trust, and resilience.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to walk away from something secure and pursue a path more aligned with your purpose, this episode is for you.

What We Talked About:

• How long Jill wrestled with the idea of quitting her job
• The top three things that held her back and the thoughts that made her hesitate
• The defining moment that pushed her to take the leap—and the story behind how it all unfolded
• How she learned to trust herself and let go of the need for a steady salary
• What opened up in her life once she took the plunge
• Whether she has any regrets and what she’s learned along the way

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of trusting your instincts when your current path no longer serves you
• How to navigate fear and self-doubt when making big life changes
• The freedom and opportunities that come with stepping into your authentic purpose

Connect with Jill Featherstone:

• Instagram: @featherstonesupport
• Website: Featherstone Support Services FREE DOWNLOAD GIFT FROM JILL: https://www.jillfeatherstone.com/_files/ugd/bc3a08_303a24f32b7a4867b76b70b0ee2cf806.pdf

Connect with Jessica Dumas: Let’s stay connected!

• Follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration, personal insights, and behind-the-scenes moments: @jessicadumas.ca
• Ready to work on your mindset and take bold steps toward your goals? Explore my 1-on-1 coaching and other services here: Work with Jessica.

Call to Action: I’d love to hear what resonated with you in this episode! Share your thoughts on Instagram and tag me @jessicadumas.ca. If you’re ready to take your mindset to the next level or need guidance navigating a big decision, reach out—I’m here to help you find clarity and confidence in your journey.

The emotional side of charging for your services! Let’s talk about the journey! If something in here inspired you and you want to know what it's like to work together, send me an email at jessica@jessicadumas.ca

Connect with Jessica:

• Follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes content: @jessicadumas.ca
• Explore ways to work with me, including 1-on-1 mindset coaching and joining the Confidence Collective: Work with Jessica

Sponsor Shoutouts:

• A special thank you to our sponsor, Johnston Group Inc., for their continued support. Learn more about them at Johnston Group Inc..
• Use code "JESSICADUMAS" for 15% off your nixit purchase at this nixit.com site
• Don’t forget to try my new fav skincare BBTallow! Use for 100% guarantee @bbtallowb on Instagram and www.bbtallow.ca for shopping! Use code Bbjessica15 for 15% off

Hey! Also sending a shout out to Feedspot for having the Confidence and Communication Podcast in the top 60 Manitoba Podcasts. Thank you! https://blog.feedspot.com/manitoba_podcasts/