Episode 164: I Want to Be a TEDx Speaker—How Do I Do That?

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FEATURING

Luzy King & Victoria Carrington Chávez

Luzy King is a 3X award-winning Latina Money Expert and Financial Strategist. She became a first-gen investor after unexpectedly learning about wealth building during her MBA program in 2019. That same year, Luzy was denied access to financial advice because she didn’t have $100K to invest—so she took matters into her own hands, committed to self-education, and became the first in her family to invest.

Today, Luzy empowers women of color with the strategies she wishes she’d learned in school. She is a certified trauma-informed Financial & Business Strategist, a contributing author, and a passionate community leader. Luzy is on a mission to destigmatize the desire for more—more money, more freedom, and more options. Through stock market education and entrepreneurship, she helps women of color build lasting wealth and legacy.

Victoria Carrington Chávez is a celebrated storyteller, TEDx speaker, and expert branding and content creation strategist, blending creativity, communication, and community into powerful narratives. As founder of Lilac & Aspen Creative Co., she helps purpose-led brands share their stories authentically. Victoria inspires others with the motto: “Your story is too important to go untold.”

In this inspiring episode of the Say Hola Wealth Podcast, Luzy King sits down with TEDx speaker and storytelling coach Victoria to explore the path to the TEDx stage. From navigating identity to overcoming rejection, this conversation is filled with tips, mindset shifts, and hard-earned wisdom for mujeres ready to amplify their voice. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping on the red dot, this episode is for you!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How to start your TEDx speaker journey and what makes a pitch stand out
  • The power of storytelling and identity in public speaking
  • Why rejection is redirection—and how to keep going
  • Real numbers: what TEDx speakers can earn and how it leads to paid speaking gigs

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How to Start Your TEDx Speaker Journey

[00:05:00]
The journey to the TEDx stage often begins with inspiration. Many speakers are first drawn to TEDx after watching transformational talks online—moments that make them think, “I have something to say too.” But inspiration alone isn’t enough.

To start your journey, you’ll need to:

  • Identify the unique idea only you can deliver
  • Understand the TEDx application process
  • Develop a strong, personal narrative
  • Prepare emotionally and mentally for rejection and revision

It’s not just about having a good idea—it’s about sharing it in a way that feels both personal and globally relevant.

What Makes a TEDx Talk Application Stand Out?

[00:08:00]
When applying to speak at TEDx, your topic needs to be crystal clear, unique, and aligned with TED’s core mission: “ideas worth spreading.” Applicants often make the mistake of pitching generic or overly broad ideas. Instead, the most successful TEDx talks focus on highly specific insights grounded in lived experience.

Applications that stand out typically:

  • Share a clear, one-sentence idea
  • Offer a new or surprising perspective
  • Demonstrate why you are the only person who can tell this story
  • Avoid motivational clichés or vague language

Why Rejection is Redirection in the TEDx Process

[00:09:00]
The truth about TEDx that many people don’t talk about? Rejection is common. It’s not unusual for speakers to apply multiple times, to different events, over several years. In this episode, we hear how it took three years of rejections before that one “yes” finally came.

Each rejection was a stepping stone. “Rejection is redirection,” the speaker says. “And what’s for you, is for you.”

What TEDx Organizers Are Really Looking For

[00:11:00]
TEDx organizers aren’t looking for motivational speakers. They’re looking for thought leaders—people who can bring new perspectives to their audience. In this episode, we hear what it really takes to stand out: vulnerability, originality, and clarity.

Organizers want:

  • A speaker who’s open to coaching
  • A topic that sparks curiosity
  • A message that can shift perspectives

How Healing and Identity Shape Public Speaking

[00:13:00]
Public speaking isn’t just about confidence—it’s about readiness. Sharing stories rooted in cultural identity, family history, or trauma requires more than technical skill—it demands emotional strength. The speaker reflects on how she had to do personal healing before stepping into this visibility.

“There are stories we were told not to share,” she says. “But those stories are often the ones that help others feel seen.”

What Happens After You Get Accepted to TEDx?

[00:15:00]
Getting selected is a milestone, but the real work begins after the acceptance. TEDx requires multiple rounds of script revisions, coaching, rehearsals, and full commitment to excellence. The speaker describes it as “a part-time job that doesn’t pay you.”

Be prepared for:

  • Rigorous feedback
  • Emotional vulnerability
  • Endless practice and refinement

Do TEDx Speakers Get Paid?

[00:17:00]
One of the most common myths about TEDx is that speakers are paid. They aren’t. This platform is voluntary, and though some events may reimburse expenses, the speaking itself is unpaid.

But the opportunity pays off in other ways:

  • Visibility and social proof
  • Opportunities for paid speaking gigs
  • Greater access to influential networks

From TEDx to Paid Speaking Opportunities

[00:21:00]
TEDx is a powerful launchpad into the world of professional speaking. The guest shares how her talk led to paid invitations from companies, universities, and major events—with rates now ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 per engagement.

She breaks down how she used her TEDx talk as:

  • A credibility builder on her speaker page
  • A conversation starter in outreach emails
  • A magnet for aligned clients and media

Owning Your Voice and Message

[00:24:00]
“I realized I didn’t have to change who I was to be heard,” the speaker shares. “I could be fully myself—and that’s what resonated most.” The TEDx experience became a reclaiming of identity, visibility, and voice.

She encourages listeners to:

  • Stop waiting to be “perfect”
  • Share their story, their way
  • Lead with the truth, not the polish

The Real Meaning of “Ideas Worth Spreading”

[00:27:00]
What makes an idea worth spreading? It’s not about grand theories or motivational catchphrases. It’s about authenticity, perspective, and impact. The speaker explains that the best TEDx talks are often simple, but deeply human.

If you’re sitting on an idea that lives in your heart, this episode is your sign to start shaping it—and sharing it.

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What sets Luzy Apart

She is an exceptional, sought-after speaker whose passion for financial empowerment resonates powerfully with her audience. Her presentations left a lasting impact on the community, with attendees describing it as engaging, empowering, and providing clear actionable steps.

 

What sets Luzy apart is her ability to demystify complex financial concepts, making them easy to understand and incredibly engaging. Attendees have expressed gratitude for her tailored content that addresses their unique identities, creating a relatable and inclusive learning environment.

Join us as we break barriers and redefine financial success!

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Let’s Build Wealth Juntxs,

Luzy King