Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, Senior Business Leaders, Managers, Sales Professionals, Female Leaders, and R&D, Innovation, DEI, and Other Critical Teams

Grab the Communication Guide

My Honest Review of Alexia Vernon's, The Spotlight Speaker Accelerator

Darlene Hawley

 

As a long time friend of Alexia Vernon and a graduate of the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator coaching program in 2019/2020, I get a lot of emails and messages asking about Alexia Vernons Spotlight Speaker Accelerator program so here’s my honest review of the program.

 

Alexia Vernon, Spotlight Speaker Accelerator (SSA) Darlene Hawley

Working with Alexia and improving my speaking was the best investment I could make in growing my business. I’ve been using speaking as a marketing strategy for years and was having trouble sharing my message in a clear, compelling way that really spoke to my audience and pulled them in from the stage.  After working with Alexia and watching her work her word magic, I was able to outline my presentation in a way that really spoke to my ideal audience, and now know how to ask powerful provocative questions that really connect with my audience and tie my story together. Not only has my confidence increased when presenting but I’ve been able to close more sales and make more money in my business. 

I'm sharing what Spotlight Speaker Accelerator (SSA) is, who I think will get the most out of the program and how to know if it’s the right investment for you and your business. I’m also going to tell you how you can score my New Course  Be You! AMPLIFY Your Personal Brand,  you can get it if you sign up for SSA using  my affiliate link.  so if you're contemplating enrolling, read right to the bottom to learn how you can get even more value for your investment!


What exactly is the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator?


The Spotlight Speaker Accelerator  is a 90 day coaching and training experience for entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, healers and change makers who want to transform stage fright into unshakeable stage presence, create high impact speaking content and get booked to speak, all lead by transformational speaking and women’s leadership expert, coach and author Alexia Vernon.


It is not just another online course.


The Spotlight Speaker Accelerator Coaching Program is much more personalized, with real 1:1 support and attention from Alexia — it's the perfect blend of business and speaking coaching in a group setting but specific to you and your business, nothing is cookie cutter around here.


The Spotlight Speaker Accelerator helps business owners & thought leaders get a steady stream of new clients coming in the door by using speaking as a power packed marketing tool.  It’s designed to give you the information, tools  AND support you need, so you can step up and do what it takes to make your speaking make a huge impact in the world and in your business.


Who is Alexia Vernon?


Alexia Vernon is the author of Step into Your Moxie: Amplify Your Voice, Visibility, and Influence in the World. Branded a “Moxie Maven” by President Obama’s White House Office of Public Engagement for her unique and effective approach to female empowerment, Alexia’s equal parts practical, poetic and playful delivery style make her a sought-after speaking and leadership coach, consultant and trainer. Alexia is the creator of The Spotlight Speaker Accelerator and Your Spotlight Workshop virtual coaching and training programs and leads the Spotlight Speakers Collective, a premier mastermind experience for female entrepreneurs who want to use speaking and live events to scale their businesses and advance their thought leadership.


Alexia has presented transformational keynotes and corporate training for Fortune 500 companies and professional associations, spoken at the United Nations and delivered a TEDx talk. She has gotten her gab on with media including CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, Forbes.com, Inc.com, European Business Review and Women’s Health Magazine. Alexia holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in women’s studies and began her career teaching women’s studies at several universities. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with her partner in business and life, Stephen, and their precocious, wide-eyed, preschool aged daughter.


My 100% Honest Review of the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator.


The Spotlight Speaker Accelerator took my business to a whole new level with getting speaking opportunities in my local community, invited to do webinars, training, podcast interviews as well as virtual summits.


Before I had enrolled into SSA I had been invited to speak locally at networking events and at virtual events but if I’m being honest I wasn't making any money from my presentations as they were not leading to clients like  I saw so many other online business coaches do.


The Spotlight Speaker Accelerator helped me know how to create the right spotlight talk and engage in the right outreach to book myself on the most appropriate stages that aligned with my business and speaking goals, and really use speaking as a powerful marketing tool. 


The Spotlight Speaker Accelerator coaching program's strategic, step-by-step outline helped me shift my mindset, gave me the toolbox of tips i needed to keep calm before I present, helped me discover what my secret sauce as a speaker is, uncover what my big idea worth spreading was about and allowed me the ability outline my talk so that I could draw my audience in and get them to take massive action. The support of the other women  and men in the program and the personalized guidance to map out how I wanted to use speaking in my business was EXACTLY what I needed to truly make my speaking work as a strong marketing tool in my business.


You might be wondering, Is this program for me?


How the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator works.


Every week for the 90 days of the program, you get a new, laser-focused lesson that teaches you how to create and present yourself to grow your speaking career. You receive access to the lesson and then complete a very targeted assignment that takes all the guesswork out of what you’re doing.


Then, you hop onto the weekly group coaching calls where you get personalized feedback and support from not only Alexia but from your peers too, so you can be confident you’re creating your best spotlight talk.


Assignments include creating a vision board with your speaking goals, shifting your mindset for speaking success, daily gratitude mirror work, EFT, developing your spotlight talk, determining your best stories to use on stage, how to ask provocative questions, draw your audience in with a strong opening and how to craft a call to action that helps you sell from the stage, book a call or get them to sign up for your newsletter.


On top of all this, Alexia Vernon is in the private Facebook group answering questions, giving feedback and cheering you on. (It really is like having your own private speaking coach and copywriter on call – for the fraction of the cost.)



Who I think the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator is perfect for?


The Spotlight Speaker Accelerator is designed to support new and experienced female and male speakers to transform stage fright into unshakeable stage presence, create high impact (and high converting) speaking content, and get booked to speak!


If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to step onto stage and know you’re ready to own the stage, call in your ideal audience and start making more money in your business then the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator is perfect for you.

If you’re tired of watching everyone else step out on stages delivering keynotes, TedX Talks or killing it delivering virtual training then you’ll want to learn from Alexia Vernon now!  What are you waiting for?


Who I think the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator is not for


If you’re not ready to do the hard work to determine how you can overcome your fears of speaking on stage or really dig into what your spotlight talk could look like, or what stories you can share to really pull your audience in when you’re on stage, then this program is not for you.  You’ll need about 5 hours per week to really do the work and make the most of the program, it’s worth the time investment.


Why the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator 


I’m a huge fan of Alexia Vernon and the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator. Alexia’s ability to speak quickly on her feet, craft clear messages and identify exactly how and what you should share on stage has made a huge impact on my business and my ability to own the stages I step out on.


A successful speaking career isn’t built overnight, but with Alexia’s guidance you’ll be set up for success to keep putting yourself out there and building deeper relationships one stage at a time.


Once you’ve crafted your spotlight talk in the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator you’ll be ready to up level your business which is why I’m offering my New Course Be You! AMPLIFY Your Personal Brand to anyone who enrolls in the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator with my affiliate link  being released late Spring 2021. You’ll have everything you need to build a strong personal brand foundation so that you can build an online brand that attracts your ideal audience and has you standing out in your industry.


Frequently Asked Questions about the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator


Here are a few of the most frequent questions asked about the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator. If you don’t see yours or are still wondering about your unique situation, feel free to email me (darlene@darlenehawley.com) – I’ll get back to you with my honest thoughts within 48 hours.


When does enrollment open?


Applications for the 2021 class of the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator will open Tuesday, November 17th 

9am - 10:30am PST AND 2.00pm - 3:30pm PST 


Alexia hosts her LIVE, 90-minute virtual workshop, Discover Your “Secret Sauce” as a Speaker, two times (early bird enrollment opens) (More details here.)


November 23, 2020 10am - 11:00am PST

Alexia hosts an encore LIVE, 60-minute virtual workshop, How to Create an Amazeballs Speaking Pitch More details here.

and doors will close Tuesday, November 24th at 5pm PT.


How much does the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator cost?


The investment into the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator is $2997 if paid in full.  (A 10-month payment plan of $327/month is available.)  Details here


How can I get a bonus when I enroll in the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator?


I’m not only a proud Spotlight Speaker Accelerator graduate, but I’m also a program affiliate. That means I receive a commission for every person who enrolls at my referral. If you know me, then you know that I only share things that I truly know will improve your business and life, and Alexia Vernon’s Spotlight Speaker Accelerator is one of the few things I share about other than my own business.  I'd shout from the rooftops about how the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator has changed my business regardless (and have!) but my affiliation doesn’t increase the cost of the program AND it allows me to offer you a thank you bonus!


Darlene Hawley’s Spotlight Speaker Accelerator BONUS: I’m offering my brand new course Be You! AMPLIFY Your Personal  Brand to anyone who enrolls in the Spotlight Speaker Accelerator with my affiliate link. being released late Spring 2021. You’ll have everything you need to build a strong personal brand foundation so that you can build an online brand that attracts your ideal audience and has you standing out in your industry. (Valued at $997)


✨Ready to Own Your Story and Attract Your Dream Clients?✨

If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your message and start using storytelling as a powerful tool to connect, inspire, and sell—then I’d love to invite you to my It’s Time to Own Your Story: Mini-Course.

In this self-paced course, you’ll learn how to:
✔️ Identify the key moments in your story that captivate your audience.
✔️ Share your story in a way that builds trust and positions you as the go-to expert.
✔️ Use storytelling across your website, social media, and sales conversations to attract and convert more clients.


Plus, you’ll get a step-by-step workbook and personal feedback on your brand story—so you can start sharing with confidence.

Get Instant Access for just $47

10 Effective Communication Tips
Darlene Hawley, Personal Branding & Business Coach for service based entrepreneurs

Hey There!

I'm Darlene



As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.


My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.


Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.


Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.


Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.

Darlene Hawley smiling with her husband, sharing a moment of connection and support.
By Darlene Hawley April 28, 2025
Discover how living with an invisible illness taught me the true meaning of self-care. In this personal reflection for Mental Health Awareness Month, I share daily wellness rituals that support mental health and how we can build a stronger foundation for well-being in life and in the workplace.
By Darlene Hawley April 15, 2025
In this episode of the Attract and Standout podcast, host Darlene Hawley chats with Lisa Raebel, owner and founder of Rebel Girl Marketing. Lisa shares her journey from corporate sales to starting her own marketing firm, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and telling the truth in marketing. They discuss the challenges of marketing oneself as an entrepreneur, the significance of storytelling in marketing, and the essential differences between marketing and sales. Lisa also introduces her latest projects, including a new workbook and training sessions designed to help businesses excel in their marketing strategies. Tune in to learn actionable tips on how to effectively market your business and connect with your ideal clients. 00:27 Lisa's Journey to Entrepreneurship 02:35 Challenges of Marketing Yourself 05:44 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing 11:43 Differentiating Marketing and Sales 17:35 Back to Basics: Effective Marketing Strategies 20:45 Mindset and Persistence in Business 23:25 Upcoming Projects and Personal Insights ----- Lisa is the Founder, Author, Speaker & Chief Storyteller of Rebel Girl Marketing, where she has developed her proprietary RebelMindset approach to help businesses stay in business by utilizing focused, uncompromising marketing strategies. With over thirty years of experience as a successful marketing executive and leading sales professional, Lisa cuts through the noise and breaks down marketing to what makes sense for her clients, creating strategies that are simple, relatable to their target audiences, and result in double-digit sales growth year after year. Lisa is an accomplished speaker and book author, sharing her expertise and insights with audiences around the world. Her approach emphasizes the importance of creating a positive first impression through attention-getting Power Pitches, and she believes that everything is marketing, from how you answer your phone to your final conversation with a customer. Her ability to help professionals make a great first impression sets her apart in the world of marketing, and she is passionate about teaching others the benefits of a RebelMindset. When Lisa is not working, she enjoys spending time with her two children and husband of 30 years. Her passion for inspiration is found in her cooking, paddleboarding in Lake Country, or enjoying long hikes through the numerous trails in southeast Wisconsin. https://rebelgirlmarketing.com/ / lisaraebel / rebelgirlmarketing ----- Hi I'm Darlene Hawley, and I help entrepreneurs and executive leaders find their voice and mastering communication in high-stakes conversations and presentations, whether in the boardroom, on a sales call, or around the dinner table. Grab my 10 Do's and Don't for Effective Daring Conversations: https://mailchi.mp/297e8105e904/commu... Grab my 6 Steps To Attract & Stand Out digital guide, a free roadmap to create a successful business with less hustle and more ease: https://bit.ly/attractandstandoutonline Grab a Chai and let's Connect: https://darlenehawley.com / darlenehawley
Woman walking on a quiet trail with children, surrounded by nature—taking a break to reset and care
By Darlene Hawley April 15, 2025
After a tough week and a canceled beach day, a spontaneous hike reminded me of the power of rest, movement, and presence. In this personal story, I share how honoring my energy... and my invisible illness... helped shift my mood and perspective. A gentle reminder for women leaders to care for themselves before burnout hits.
By Darlene Hawley April 1, 2025
Welcome back to the Attract and Standout podcast with Darlene Hawley! Today’s episode 108 features the inspiring story of Leigh Burgess CEO of Bold Industries Group and co-founder of the company with her daughter in 2020. Tune in as Leigh shares her transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship amidst burnout during the pandemic. Discover how her ‘Be Bold Today’ framework (Believe, Own, Learn, Design) has empowered women in leadership roles, and learn about the unique dynamic of building a business with her daughter. She provides insight into the importance of storytelling, continuous learning, and maintaining a growth mindset. Don't miss practical tips on achieving success, the power of thought leadership, and the significance of sharing authentic stories to connect and inspire others. Whether you're an established entrepreneur or just starting out, Leigh's journey offers valuable lessons in boldly pursuing your dreams. 00:32 Lee Burgess' Journey to Entrepreneurship 01:47 Mother-Daughter Business Dynamics 02:59 Generational Perspectives and Challenges 04:51 Corporate Skills in Entrepreneurship 06:18 The Bold Framework and Its Impact 10:31 Sharing Stories and Building Confidence 15:03 The Importance of Authenticity and Resilience 21:33 Business Growth and Strategic Planning 25:41 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights ----- Leigh Burgess is a thought leader, game-changer and powerhouse connector determined to ignite and support the bold journeys of others. After over twenty years in healthcare, she founded Bold Industries Group, a platform for uniting, inspiring and empowering women that brings together a unique global network via her Bold events, the Bold Leaders Collective membership, The Bold Lounge podcast and through her dynamic speaking, coaching, and consulting engagements. With a focus on the intersection of mindset, strategy and wellness, her Believe-Own-Learn-Design (B.O.L.D.) Framework is your map to the bold life. Leigh’s forthcoming book, Be BOLD Today: Unleash Your Potential, Master Your Mindset, and Achieve Success, which is all about how to apply the framework to your own life, will be distributed by Simon & Schuster in November 2024. LinkedIn: / leighburgess23 Instagram: / theleighaburgess YouTube: / @boldindustriesgroup Pre-Order Her Book, Be BOLD Today: https://www.simonandschuster.com/book... https://leighburgess.com/ ----- Hi I'm Darlene Hawley, and I help heart-centered entrepreneurs and executive women leaders solve the problem of not being seen, heard, or valued in high-stakes conversations, presentations, and marketing, so they can lead with confidence and attract aligned opportunities. Grab my 10 Do's and Don't for Effective Daring Conversations: https://mailchi.mp/297e8105e904/commu... Grab my 6 Steps To Attract & Stand Out digital guide, a free roadmap to create a successful business with less hustle and more ease: https://bit.ly/attractandstandoutonline Grab a Chai and let's Connect: https://darlenehawley.com / darlenehawley
By Darlene Hawley March 25, 2025
The Day I Learned That Selling Isn’t About Selling Ten years ago, I was on a sales call with someone who I knew would benefit from working with me. I had all my points prepared, I knew the value of my offer, and the moment I started “explaining” the coaching package, I could feel her pulling back. She went quiet. Her energy shifted. You know that moment when you can tell someone is already backing away even though you're still mid-sentence? I paused, smiled and took a deep breath and said, “Can I tell you a quick story?” I shared how I’d once been in her exact shoes... unsure, overwhelmed, and wondering if investing in myself was really the right move. I told her how I’d made that leap anyway… and shared what had changed for me during that process. That’s when she leaned in. She wasn’t sold by my offer. She was moved by the story. And that’s when I realized: Storytelling sells—without the “salesy used car salesman” vibe. Why Storytelling Works So Well in Sales Let’s be honest...no one wants to feel sold to, yet we all love to buy. What people do want is to feel seen, heard and valued. And storytelling does exactly that. In fact, studies show that people remember stories up to 22x more than facts alone. And even more powerful? A story creates emotion... and emotion drives action. If you’re struggling to convert prospects into clients, it’s not that your offer isn’t good. It’s that you might not be telling the right story to make someone feel why it matters. 3 Types of Stories That Sell (Without Feeling Pushy) 1. The “I’ve Been Where You Are” Story This is your empathy bridge. When you share a relatable story from your own experience, your audience sees themselves in you. You’re not just a coach, consultant, or expert.... you’re a human being who gets it. Example: “I used to feel invisible online. I would write a post, hit publish, and hear crickets. It wasn’t until I started sharing my story that people began engaging, reaching out, and eventually becoming a client.” This story builds trust and shows them, “If she figured this out, maybe I can too.” 2. The Client Success Story People like proof, evidence of how it will work. And no, this doesn’t mean sharing stats or results in bullet points. It means telling the transformation journey. Example: “Jackie, a life coach, came to me unsure of what to say in her content. After taking my storytelling course, she started sharing her story in her newsletter and during conversations and landed three new clients within the first month. Why? Because her audience felt connected to her.” It’s not about showing off, it’s about showing what’s possible. 3. The Vision Story Paint the picture of what life could look like for them if they take action. The power of this story lies in aspiration. Example: “Imagine waking up with clarity around your message. You open your laptop, write a post with confidence, and get a message from someone who says, ‘I felt like you were speaking directly to me.’ That’s what happens when your story connects.” When people can see their future selves in the story you tell, they want more of what you have to offer. How to Start Using These Stories in Your Sales Process Now that you’ve got the story types, here’s where to use them: On your website – especially your About page and sales pages In your emails – every time you’re adding value or selling connect with a story On strategy calls – as a way to shift from pressure to connection On social media – to build relationships and nurture your community Tip: Start building a Story Bank. Open a notes tab or a doc and jot down 2–3 small moments from your life or business each day. That way, when it’s time to write content or show up for a launch... you’re never starting from scratch. Selling Through Story Isn’t Manipulative—It’s Meaningful When you tell stories with heart and authenticity, you’re not convincing people to buy, you’re helping them see that they’re not alone. You’re offering a way to move forward. And when you do that? Selling doesn’t feel awkward, It feels like service. One of my mentors, Kendrick Shope, always says: “Selling is helping.” And she’s absolutely right. Because when you sell through storytelling, you’re not pushing, you’re guiding. You’re inviting people into a transformation that you know is possible. When you lead with your heart and with empathy and share your truth, you're not just building a business... you’re building trust What might shift for you if you started weaving more of your story into how you connect with your team, clients and community?
By Darlene Hawley March 21, 2025
Women leaders with chronic illness face unique challenges in business. Learn how to manage energy, set boundaries, and build sustainable success.
By Darlene Hawley March 19, 2025
The 3 Biggest Storytelling Mistakes Entrepreneurs & Leaders Make (And How to Fix Them)
By Darlene Hawley February 18, 2025
Welcome back to the Attract and Stand Out Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Darlene Hawley chats with her long-time friend Danielle Hawthorne, a compassionate disruptor and truth teller devoted to honoring her worth and supporting others on their journey. Danielle shares her path to founding 'Worthy of Dignity,' a company dedicated to teaching leaders to recognize and elevate their teams based on their core values and holistic well-being. Discover how Danielle's experiences in toxic work environments led her to prioritize health and wellness, reducing burnout, and increasing team morale. Learn actionable insights on how leaders can foster inclusive and compassionate workplaces. Don't miss exciting details about Danielle's upcoming women's conference, 'Enough 2025,' aimed at empowering women to embrace their worth without having to earn it. Tune in for powerful stories, practical tips, and much more! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:16 Danielle's Journey to Worthy of Dignity 03:09 Impact of Leadership and Wellness 05:45 Creating a Culture of Value and Respect 13:23 Leading with Curiosity and Human Connection 16:55 Challenges and Changes in Leadership 17:36 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories 18:48 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth 19:21 The Importance of Rest and Setting Boundaries 21:46 Practical Tips for Slowing Down 25:47 Upcoming Women's Conference: Enough 2025 29:04 Ways to Work with Danielle 30:06 Rapid Fire Questions: Getting to Know Danielle 35:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
By Darlene Hawley February 4, 2025
Welcome back to the Attract and Stand Out Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Darlene Hawley sits down with transformational coach and author Lenore Kantor. They dive into Lenore's journey from corporate executive to transformational coach, where she now helps high achievers unlock greater personal growth, professional fulfillment, and higher income. Lenore discusses the importance of authenticity, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and her new book, 'So What Do You Do? The Authentic Alchemy Path to Find Who You Are'. Whether you're a leader looking to navigate career transitions or an entrepreneur seeking authentic alignment in your work, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to discover how to embrace change, align with your true self, and show up authentically in your professional and personal life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:51 Lenore's Background and Journey 03:12 Navigating Career Transitions 06:36 Challenges of Entrepreneurship 09:11 Adapting to Change 14:50 Authenticity and Leadership 23:52 Future Plans and Projects 26:59 Rapid Fire Questions 30:14 Conclusion and Farewell ------- Lenore Kantor is a transformational coach, author, mentor, career advisor and inspirational speaker who guides smart high-achievers to greater personal growth, professional fulfillment and higher income by overcoming their blocks to creating soul-aligned work. She is the author of So, What Do You Do? The Authentic Alchemy Path to Find Who You Are, an unconventional guidebook and eight-step path for conscious leaders to discover their work in the world (launching February ’25). Lenore's holistic multi-disciplinary approach evolved over 30+ years as a former corporate marketing executive, soulpreneur and founder of Growth Warrior. Lenore integrates empathy with no BS, business strategy, marketing and product launch expertise with intuitive insight and multiple healing modalities. She's a former corporate marketing executive and has been a strategic advisor and outsourced CMO to high-growth businesses, mentored founders across multiple startup accelerators, and is a Capstone and Career Advisor to Bard’s MBA in Sustainability and part of Columbia’s Career Coaching Network. www.growthwarrior.co https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenorekantor https://www.instagram.com/lenorekantor/ https://www.facebook.com/growthcoach/ ---- Hi I'm Darlene Hawley, and I help entrepreneurs and executive leaders find their voice and mastering communication in high-stakes conversations and presentations, whether in the boardroom, on a sales call, or around the dinner table. Grab my 10 Do's and Don't for Effective Daring Conversations: https://mailchi.mp/297e8105e904/communicationguide Grab my 6 Steps To Attract & Stand Out digital guide, a free roadmap to create a successful business with less hustle and more ease: https://bit.ly/attractandstandoutonline Grab a Chai and let's Connect: https://darlenehawley.com https://linkedin.com/in/darlenehawley
Show More

Say Hello & Send Me a Message~