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Carmen Braidwood

Carmen Braidwood

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 This week on The Experts Podcast, former co-host Carmen Braidwood returns to unpack what may well be the LinkedIn post of the year and a conversation that has struck a nerve across the events industry. The topic? The ongoing practice of event organisers asking speakers, particularly women to appear on stage for free. With International Women’s Day on 10 March, calendars are filling with breakfasts, conferences, panel events and corporate celebrations recognising the progress of women, especially in the workplace. Yet behind the scenes, many experienced female speakers are still being asked to “donate” their expertise. In January, Carmen posted this on LinkedIn: “Hey women speakers: who’s already been asked to speak for free on International Women’s Day? I have. It’s disappointing that highly experienced women are still expected to donate their expertise.” She went on to share how a high-profile company once asked her to act as a media spokesperson in exchange for “the exposure”. An offer she declined. “Yes, there are times when a reduced or waived fee can make sense. But only when there’s a genuine value exchange. Write it into your contract. Make sure your worth is recognised.” Carmen and Nic break this down candidly and call on event organisers to rethink the expectation that professionals should work for free. Recognition without remuneration is not empowerment. The second major discussion centres on the growing importance of media training. Carmen, a sought-after confidence-on-camera trainer, has seen a significant surge in demand. As communication channels multiply and audiences grow larger and more unforgiving, the ability to present clearly, confidently and strategically has become essential. Importantly, Carmen doesn’t separate “traditional” and “social” media. It’s all media. Whether you are speaking to a journalist, recording a video, appearing on a panel or posting online — you are communicating in a public arena. Media training is no longer a nice-to-have professional development exercise. It is a business necessity in an environment where audiences are bigger, faster and less filtered than ever before. This episode challenges outdated industry norms and reinforces a simple message: know your value and be ready to communicate it.
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