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Articles by Brian J.
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17K followers
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Brian J. Olds reposted thisBrian J. Olds reposted thisCold outreaching to someone with 100K followers feels impossible. So I never did it. My content did it for me. Brian J. Olds did not know me. He was scrolling TikTok, came across my content, and reached out. No pitch. No application. No carefully crafted DM from me. Just a body of work that spoke loudly enough for someone with over 100,000 people in his community to stop and say, "I want her on my platform." My honest first reaction was wait... He wants to talk to me? Because in full transparency I had been targeting joint venture partners in the 5K to 20K audience range. People I felt were "reachable." Brian was not on that list. Not because he was not the right fit but because I would have talked myself out of reaching out before I ever hit send. You don't always have to find the room. Sometimes the room finds you. But ONLY if you are visible enough to be found. That TikTok conversation led to one of the Black Speakers Network most watched interviews of the year. Not because I sought out the biggest platform. Because I kept showing up consistently until the right person saw something worth sharing. Your content is working even when you cannot see it working. Someone with the access you need is already watching. They just need enough proof to reach out. Give them that proof. Keep posting.
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Brian J. Olds shared thisDid Airb did more to disrupt the speaking industry than AI? The answer is just was one surprising insight I walked away with after sitting down with Ron Story Jr CEO of SpeakerHub, for my latest episode of Free Speaker Game. In this conversation, Ron and I explore how the economics of speaking have changed, why many speakers are chasing the wrong opportunities, and what it actually takes to generate consistent revenue in 2026 without being famous. If you're a speaker, consultant, trainer, entrepreneur, or simply curious about where the industry is headed, I believe you'll find this conversation worth your time. Thanks in advance for checking it out. The episode link is in the comments below. 🎙️
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Brian J. Olds shared thisThis man future is so bright, I had to close my eyes 😎 Congratulations Dr. Eric L. Holmes on another incredible Power of the Pen Author's Expo Event 💯🎊💯
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Brian J. Olds shared thisMost people creating content never stop to ask one question: who is this actually for? It sounds simple. But the gap between posting consistently and actually connecting with an audience often comes down to that single blind spot. You are responding to your own interests instead of the interests of the people you are trying to reach. I sat down with Mwale and Chantel Henry, founders of Created for More Publishers, for this conversation on BSN BookShelf. The reverse engineering framework they walk authors and experts through completely reframes how you think about showing up online. Start with who you want to serve, research what they are already paying attention to, and build your content from there. They have helped over 200 leaders turn their expertise into bestselling books and paid speaking opportunities. The information and resources exist. The real work is learning how to share them in a way that actually lands.
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Brian J. Olds shared thisSome people solve million-dollar problems in the boardroom every single day, but freeze when it's time to package that genius for themselves. That's exactly what we unpacked in the latest episode of BSN BookShelf with Mwale and Chantel Henry, the husband-and-wife team behind Created for More Publishers. They've helped over 200 leaders turn their expertise into bestselling books, high-ticket programs, and paid speaking opportunities. In this conversation, we broke down their Monetize Your Message roadmap, the "dual-preneur" concept for building your brand without quitting your career, and why you should never just write a book but write the book people actually want to read. If you've ever been told "you should write a book," this one is for you. NEW EPISODE: now available on the Black Speakers Network YouTube channel.
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Brian J. Olds shared thisShe started with 5 people on a couch, Popeye's chicken, and $25. Twelve years later she's shutting down one of the most recognized personal branding conferences for women entrepreneurs. Dr. Shadé Adu joined me to go behind the scenes of the final Big Deal Conference. We got into why she's walking away after 12 years, the 4 Bs of building profitable events, and what the current economy means for speakers and entrepreneurs who are still playing small. Her take: "Waiting is not a wealth-building strategy." If the milk is still there, milk it. Because it won't be there forever. If you're a speaker, coach, author, or entrepreneur building something, this one's for you. Full episode link in the comments.
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Brian J. Olds shared thisThis interview with Andy Henriquez was so much fun! 🎤😁
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Brian J. Olds reacted on thisShe built the media career so many of us dream of, then walked away from it all to bet on herself. Amy DuBois Barnett is a journalist, editor, and media executive who stepped back from her 25-year corporate career to publish the book that had been on her heart for over a decade. In this episode of She's So Lucky, we talk about what it actually means to bet on yourself, why you need to learn to love your weaknesses as much as your strengths, and how to start moving like you deserve what you're calling in. I guarantee this conversation will change your life. Full episode will be linked in the comments.
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Brian J. Olds reacted on thisWhew. What a surprise to wake up to 💕 I didn’t set out to just build a dryer. I set out to build possibility for an industry, for a community, and for girls who deserve to see themselves as inventors and innovators. Spundle is proof that culture and innovation can exist in the same conversation. Still building. Still believing. Still becoming. ✨ #BeautyTech #Spundle #WomenInSTEM #BlackInnovators #DivaneeringBrian J. Olds reacted on thisInnovation is being reshaped by founders who understand both the culture and the need. Shawna Stepp-Jones is the CEO and founder of Divaneering Lab. She is leading the development of Spundle, the first no-heat dryer designed specifically for wigs and bundles, bringing a new level of care, efficiency, and innovation to the beauty-tech space. Beyond product innovation, Shawna is deeply committed to expanding access and representation in STEM. Through hands-on, culturally relevant workshops, she is inspiring the next generation of girls in urban communities to explore creativity, engineering, and possibility. Her work reflects what it means to build with intention, merging technical expertise with community impact to shape industries and futures. #WeavingImpact #WomenInSTEM #BlackInnovators #BeautyTech #SocialImpact
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Brian J. Olds reacted on thisBrian J. Olds reacted on thisIf BIG has become a burden in your business watch my NEW TEDx Talk "The Audacity to go SMALL!"
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Brian J. Olds reacted on thisBrian J. Olds reacted on thisThe countdown is on. The State of Baltimore Business Summit is officially sold out. On June 5, leaders from business, technology, economic development, workforce development, healthcare, and community engagement will gather at Camden Yards for a conversation focused on the future of Baltimore’s economy and business landscape. Over the coming days, we’ll be highlighting some of the distinguished leaders joining this year’s panel discussion, including: • Alicia Wilson, Vice President for Civic Engagement & Opportunity at Johns Hopkins University, leading initiatives that strengthen partnerships between anchor institutions and communities. • Kelly Schulz, CEO of the Maryland Tech Council and former Maryland Secretary of Commerce, bringing deep expertise in economic development, workforce growth, and innovation. • Chenire Carter, Chief Engagement Strategist at Baltimore Peninsula Partnership, focused on community engagement, placemaking, and neighborhood investment. These are just a few of the voices helping shape this important conversation. Stay tuned as we continue introducing additional panelists and thought leaders who will share their perspectives on Baltimore’s opportunities, challenges, and path forward. We look forward to welcoming a room full of entrepreneurs, executives, policymakers, innovators, and community leaders for what promises to be a meaningful morning of dialogue and connection. #StateOfBaltimoreBusiness #BaltimoreCityChamber #EconomicDevelopment #BaltimoreBusiness #Leadership #Innovation
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Brian J. Olds reacted on thisBrian J. Olds reacted on thisCold outreaching to someone with 100K followers feels impossible. So I never did it. My content did it for me. Brian J. Olds did not know me. He was scrolling TikTok, came across my content, and reached out. No pitch. No application. No carefully crafted DM from me. Just a body of work that spoke loudly enough for someone with over 100,000 people in his community to stop and say, "I want her on my platform." My honest first reaction was wait... He wants to talk to me? Because in full transparency I had been targeting joint venture partners in the 5K to 20K audience range. People I felt were "reachable." Brian was not on that list. Not because he was not the right fit but because I would have talked myself out of reaching out before I ever hit send. You don't always have to find the room. Sometimes the room finds you. But ONLY if you are visible enough to be found. That TikTok conversation led to one of the Black Speakers Network most watched interviews of the year. Not because I sought out the biggest platform. Because I kept showing up consistently until the right person saw something worth sharing. Your content is working even when you cannot see it working. Someone with the access you need is already watching. They just need enough proof to reach out. Give them that proof. Keep posting.
Experience & Education
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BlackSpeakersNetwork
View Brian J.’s full experience
See their title, tenure and more.
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Publications
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Speak Up! The Ultimate Guide to Dominate in the Speaking Industry
Black Speakers Network
See publicationGain access to the expertise and wisdom of over 30 remarkable co-authors who are current and emerging thought leaders, entrepreneurs and expert speakers dedicated to advancing the mission of Black Speakers Network.
" No matter if your speaking journey has been a life-long calling or a newly kindled interest, Speak Up! The Ultimate Guide to Dominate in the Speaking Industry is here to serve as your road map to the next level."
-Brian J Olds,
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Toastmasters Spotlight
Toastmasters Website
See publicationLearn about toastmasters from around the world. Each member has a unique story and purpose for joining Toastmasters.
Courses
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Corporate Distance Training
EDUC 647
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Intro to ISD II
EDUC 603
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Introduction to ISD
EDUC602
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Principles of Training and Development
EDUC 671
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The Adult Learner
EDUC 605
Honors & Awards
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2019 Speaker Development Organization of the Year Award
SPEAKERCON
#SpeakerCon2019 is the FIRST OF ITS KIND convention, conference, and gala for public speakers, media professionals, and verbal communication experts to connect, grow, and celebrate!
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Special Recognition Young Entrepreneurs Award
U.S. Black Chambers Inc.
U.S. Black Chambers, INC presents this certificate of recognition to Brian Olds on this eighteenth day of August, two thousand nineteen. Presented for redefining the definition of leadership with an entrepreneurial spirit. The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc is committed to supporting young entrepreneurs as they are the transformational leaders needed to continue driving momentum and influencing future generations in the black community.
Presented by: Ron Busby, President, U.S. Black Chambers,…U.S. Black Chambers, INC presents this certificate of recognition to Brian Olds on this eighteenth day of August, two thousand nineteen. Presented for redefining the definition of leadership with an entrepreneurial spirit. The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc is committed to supporting young entrepreneurs as they are the transformational leaders needed to continue driving momentum and influencing future generations in the black community.
Presented by: Ron Busby, President, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. -
BPM (Black Professional Men) Rookie of the Year
BPM General Body
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Aerotek Guiding Principles Award
Todd Mohr CEO
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