In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, our host revisits his aspiration of becoming a CEO, defying early skepticism from a high school teacher. Joined by Will Weche, founder and CEO of Willful Change, they dive deep into Will's journey from working in nonprofit organizations to leading a successful training and development firm. Will shares insights on leadership, self-awareness, and personal development while also emphasizing the importance of knowing your audience and building genuine connections in business. They explore public speaking techniques, overcoming self-doubt, and staying true to oneself in the professional realm. The episode wraps up with Will providing valuable strategies for effectively communicating and tailoring one's message to various audiences. 00:00 Introduction: The Dream of Becoming a CEO 00:30 Guest Introduction: Meet Will Weche 01:19 Will Weche's Journey: From Nonprofit to CEO 03:32 Leadership Insights: Good vs. Bad Leaders 05:08 Starting a Business: Costs and Challenges 06:32 Taking the Leap: Faith and Business 09:09 Building Connections: Networking and Community 11:26 Public Speaking Tips: Engaging Your Audience 13:01 Tailoring Your Message: Knowing Your Audience 16:10 Effective Communication: Asking the Right Questions 21:30 Understanding Communication Styles 22:04 Tailoring Messages for Different Audiences 24:08 Adapting on the Fly 25:44 Determining Your Speaking Fee 27:01 Overcoming Self-Doubt 28:41 Developing a Selfless Mindset 33:06 Captivating Your Audience 35:17 Building Authentic Confidence 36:52 Fun Fact and Conclusion