How do you go from dancing and singing in the West End to becoming a luxury event designer working all over the world, with brands like Dior and celebrities like Adele and Benedict Cumberbatch?

According to Larry Walshe, who’s done just that - you follow your creative instinct and your authenticity and relish a challenge.

In this episode of Story Slurp Podcast, event designer Larry Walshe shares his unique journey from a background in musical theatre to becoming a successful event designer. He discusses the importance of storytelling in event design, the challenges of building trust with clients, and the significance of creative frustration in finding one's path. Larry emphasizes the need for authenticity in business and the role of sustainability in the events industry. He reflects on his proudest moments and his vision for the future, highlighting the importance of creativity and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.

Larry simply oozes with positivity and self awareness, and I loved hearing all about his journey and his business wisdom on how to build trust with clients, follow your creative path and never give up.

Takeaways:

• Larry's journey into event design was accidental (he had to give up his West End career after an accident), but fulfilling.
• Creative frustration can lead to discovering one's true path.
• Building trust with clients is essential for successful collaborations.
• Listening to clients is crucial for effective communication.
• Every project, big or small, deserves the same level of quality. It's this attention to detail which leads to further business, recommendations and business growth.
• Creativity thrives in resourceful environments.
• For Larry, all of his projects start with the client's story - and how he can tell that visually.
• Authenticity in business decisions leads to greater satisfaction.
• Sustainability is a key focus in modern event design especially since Covid.

You can find out more about Larry and his exquisite work here.

Story Slurp is hosted and produced by Victoria Brown.

LINKS:

• Get your Brand Story Canvas here.
• Get on the Brand Story Clarity Challenge wait list here.
• Find out how we can help you tell your story here.

What's your Brand Story? Some people say Brand storytelling is a bit ‘fluffy’, or ‘nice to have’ for their business, but I believe digging deeper into your Brand Story has the potential to transform it into your dream business.

Far from being ‘airy fairy’, your Brand Story is the beating heart of your business, the solid foundation. And there are endless benefits to getting it right. The only brands that thrive are the ones that truly understand this. And the ones that don’t, usually fail.

That’s goes not just for global brands, but for small businesses too.

Brand Story is often misunderstood by business leaders, so in this episode I explain what your Brand Story is and why it’s essential to understand it if you are a business leader.

In this episode you’ll find out what your Brand Story is, the many benefits of getting cleary on it and why digging deeper into your Brand Story could give you the answers you didn’t know you needed.

Find out more about I can help you get clear on your Brand Story here.

Takeaways from this episode:

🟠 Brand story is everything in your business.

🟠 A Brand Story isn't 'fluffy' or a 'nice to have', it's an essential solid foundation for your business.

🟠 Brands that do not truly understand their Brand Story are more likely to fail.

🟠 Big brands need brand stories, but small businesses do too.

🟠 Your Brand Story is made up of your: Brand foundation (purpose, vision, values); Understanding your customer; understanding what you do and what makes you different from your competitors; Origin Story.

🟠 Understanding your brand story has lots of important benefits.

🟠 Your brand story helps you brief designers effectively.

🟠 Understanding your Brand Story helps you make better decisions and save time.

🟠 Standing out in the marketplace is crucial and is an important part of your Brand Story.

🟠 Knowing your brand story empowers your team to work more independently and make better decisions.

🟠 Attracting the right customers is essential for business and is an important part of your Brand Story.

🟠 A strong Brand Story makes you feel good about your business.

Story Slurp is hosted and produced by Victoria Brown.

LINKS:

• Get your Brand Story Canvas here.
• Get on the Brand Story Clarity Challenge wait list here.
• Find out how we can help you tell your story here.

Alex Merry is the Founder of MicDrop, a public speaking community that helps founders, solopreneurs, and thought leaders get clear on their message, build their personal brand, and get paid to speak.

A former start-up COO and Founder of TEDxClapham, Alex is the go-to public speaking coach for the leaders of some of fastest-growing startups and scale-ups in the world. He’s helped founders raise over £300M in funding, worked on talks that have changed government legislation, and helped craft messages that have gone viral online.

What makes him different?

His expertise lies in messaging strategy, not just stage presence - helping leaders articulate their ideas in a way that cuts through the noise, builds authority, and drives action.

In this episode Alex gives us loads of practical tips on how to be a better speaker, why he thinks most of us put too much pressure on ourselves and why the Ted events we see on our screens are never the same as what actually happens in real life.

Alex firmly believes that presentations don't have to be perfect, storytelling is vital to create engaging talks, speaking can be a tool for change and that everyone can improve their speaking skills, if they try.

In this episode Alex gives us loads of practical tips on how to be a better speaker, why he thinks most of us put too much pressure on ourselves and why the Ted events we see on our screens are never the same as what actually happens in real life.

Alex firmly believes that presentations don't have to be perfect, storytelling is vital to create engaging talks, speaking can be a tool for change and that everyone can improve their speaking skills, if they try.

If you’ve ever wanted to get better at speaking or peep behind the scenes of what it takes to do a Ted talk, this episode is for you.

Takeaways:

• Alex Merry is a public speaking coach with a unique journey - he's been a TedX organiser and has learned to speak well, despite not enjoying it himself.
• He emphasizes the importance of imperfect presentations.
• The right message can create monumental impacts.
• Storytelling is crucial for engaging diverse audiences.
• Understanding your own story enhances your communication.
• Intention behind sharing stories is key.
• Public speaking can be a tool for change.
• It's important to connect with the audience's level of understanding.
• Everyone can improve their speaking skills with practice. Understanding the purpose of storytelling is crucial.
• Personal stories should connect with the audience, not manipulate them.
• Communication should focus on the audience's needs and goals.
• Reluctance to share personal stories can indicate deeper insights.
• Coaching experiences can significantly enhance communication skills.
• Master communicators use unexpected examples to engage audiences.
• Data should be used sparingly and effectively in storytelling.
• Finding a unique voice is essential for impactful communication.
• TED talks can have a significant impact beyond view counts.
• Acknowledging one's limits can lead to growth and success.

Story Slurp is hosted and produced by Victoria Brown.

LINKS:

• Get your Brand Story Canvas here.
• Get on the Brand Story Clarity Challenge wait list here.
• Find out how we can help you tell your story here.