The inside scoop with Meridith Elliott Powell
Ahead of the show, we caught up with Top 40 Motivational Speaker (and IMEX America speaker), Meridith Elliott Powell, for an inspirational chat on being bold, being different and being at IMEX America.
You’ve been voted one of the Top 40 Motivational Speakers in the US. What inspired you to start your speaking career? And how did you do it?
It’s interesting—I never set out to be a professional speaker. I didn’t even know it was a career option. What I did know was that I had a dream to own my own business. About 20 years ago, I set out to make that dream a reality.
I started as a business growth strategist, writing and implementing the sales and leadership plans companies needed to grow and scale. Fortunately, the companies I worked with thrived, even during the crash of 2008. Others wanted to know how we managed to grow through such disruption, and organizations like Rotary and Kiwanis invited me to speak.
Those early engagements introduced me to the National Speakers Association. I joined, volunteered for everything, and in return, I learned about the speaking profession and how to build a successful career in speaking, consulting and coaching. I’ve never looked back.
Your career has taken you through corporate sales, leadership and business strategy. Looking back, which moment in your career has been the most transformative and why?
There have been many, but for me, it was 2008. While most experts called it a recession, I saw it as a complete shift in how customers buy, businesses grow and employees engage. I wrote down my thoughts and published my first book—Winning in the Trust and Value Economy. It became a bestseller and put me on the map.
More importantly, it was the moment that built my confidence in my skills and intuition for growing through disruption. That experience gave me the courage to be bold and different.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from working with diverse organizations and audiences?
No matter the audience, the leaders I work with, or the organizations that engage me, one thing remains true—people need hope, a shift in perspective and a plan of action.
As a speaker, I need respect that my audience is giving me something incredibly valuable—their time. I’ve learned that audiences can Google information. What they need from me is insight delivered in a way that makes them believe they can succeed, a bold different approach to their challenges, and most importantly, a clear and actionable plan they can implement easily and effectively.
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that my job as a speaker is to deliver return on investment for my audience.
Can you share insight into why uncertainty is the key theme you’ll be exploring during your sessions at IMEX America?
I passionately believe that the greatest competitive advantage in today’s marketplace is how you think, feel and act in response to uncertainty. Let’s face it—uncertainty is not going away. The pace of change is accelerating. Change initiatives are failing at a rate of 70%, and four out of five employees are burned out and overwhelmed.
Uncertainty is set to speed up, not slow down. It’s time for a new approach. I’ve cracked the code on how to consistently turn uncertainty from fear into fuel.
What do you hope attendees will take away from your sessions?
So much! First, I want them to walk away with hope and a new belief about uncertainty. I want them to leave ready to implement the proven, well-researched formula I’ll share. And I want them to understand they already have everything they need to turn disruption to opportunity.
Bottom line—I want this audience to gain a strong return on investment.
Apart from your own sessions of course, what are you most looking forward to at IMEX America 2025?
The people. The connections. The relationships. I’m excited to meet new people, reconnect with longtime friends, and make the most of every networking opportunity IMEX offers.
I love listening to speakers and gaining new insights, but for me, the true power of IMEX is always the people.
What excites you most about spending time in Las Vegas?
I love everything about Vegas—the energy, the excitement, the people. I plan to experience it all while I’m there: attend as much of IMEX as I can, catch a show, and sneak in a quick visit to Red Rock.
I always wake up early and run the Strip in the morning. I love to watch Vegas wake up.
Do you have a favorite Las Vegas memory or tradition you’re hoping to revisit during your stay?
I’ve been to Vegas many times, and every time I go, I do two things: visit the fountain at the Bellagio and watch the sunrise at Red Rock. Diverse, I know—but both reflect the incredible range of experiences Vegas offers.
Meridith Elliott Powell at IMEX America
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