Episode 166: Learn how to think differently, build belief in yourself, and create deeper engagement through integrity and commitment with Kevin Snyder
What does it take to turn an unexpected opportunity into a speaking career? And how can belief in yourself, keeping your commitments, and thinking differently help you create meaningful engagement?
In this episode, John Chen sits down with Kevin Snyder, CSP, a professional keynote speaker who has presented to more than a million people across all 50 states and several countries. Kevin shares how appearing on The Price Is Right became a signature story that helped shape his speaking career, and how his experiences in higher education eventually led him to leave his dream job and pursue professional speaking full-time.
Kevin also talks about the importance of treating your passion like a business, finding your niche, working with coaches and mentors, and continuing to build your skills. He opens up about the personal experiences that shaped his message around mental health, self-belief, resilience, and learning how to “think differently.”
The conversation also explores engagement through a memorable karaoke experience, where Kevin chose to honor his commitment despite the freezing Minnesota weather. They connect that experience to business, leadership, and the reality that success often requires doing things you may not want to do. Kevin also shares his lessons from the Pike Place Fish Market and why people can experience burnout when they lose sight of why they do what they do.
Key Takeaways
🎤 How The Price Is Right became Kevin’s signature speaking story
💡 Why believing in yourself can change how you approach challenges
🧠 How to recognize negative thoughts without automatically agreeing with them
🚀 Why you need to treat your passion like a business if you want to make it a career
🤝 How honoring your commitments can create stronger connections and engagement
🐟 What the Pike Place Fish Market teaches about engagement, purpose, and burnout
😂 Why humor can be one of the most effective tools for creating engagement
🎯 How finding your niche can help you create greater value for a specific audience
Whether you’re a professional speaker, meeting planner, leader, entrepreneur, or someone considering a major career change, this conversation with Kevin Snyder offers practical lessons on belief, resilience, engagement, integrity, and finding the courage to follow your calling.
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Connect with Kevin Snyder:
Website: https://www.KevinCSnyder.com
Connect with John Chen:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceojohnchen/
