The Presentation Designer

We specialise in creating impactful ⚡ visuals that help compassion leaders and changemakers to spread their ideas to audiences globally.

From mental health in the workplace, to the natural world, conservation and sustainability, we spark meaningful discussions on the important topics 🍃.

Our presentation slides empower speakers and purpose driven organisations to deliver their messages with confidence. 

By crafting engaging slide decks, we eliminate the fear of delivering lacklustre presentations and ensure your audience understands your message clearly.

We are also dedicated to working with non-profits, charities, and inspiring speakers across the globe 🌎 who share our vision of making the world a better place, one slide at a time. 

Whether you're looking to save time on PowerPoint slide creation within your organisation or need assistance creating a compelling fundraising deck to achieve your funding goals, we've got you covered.

Let us help you amplify your impact and create captivating presentations that drive positive change.

Founder & PowerPoint Presentation Specialist

Smartdog digital

Smartdog digital is the company behind my main businesses. 

- The Presentation Designer

With over 10 years of experience in digital marketing and building my own online websites, I consult with individual businesses on how to improve their overall website performance, traffic, social media and online content.

Managing Director

As an Digital Marketing Consultant at Smartdog digital I consult with local business helping them to:

-Generate new sales and enquiries to your business online
-Turn your website into an effective marketing tool
-Increase your visibility
-Increase your traffic
-Improve your conversion rate
-Make better online business decisions
-Reach new customers and target markets
-Measure your ROI from your digital marketing
- Improve website experience and usability. 

I offer friendly, honest knowledge giving companies the straight forward advice they need to help them and their teams implement and deliver real measurable results online.

Digital Marketing Consultant

Sumonix

Working alongside my brother, I work as the Website Editor as part of Sumonix Editorial team.

I'm responsible for the day-to-day management and technical side of the website. I also provide my graphic design expertise producing featured images, logos and graphic assets for the site. I also manage the link building and marketing of the website. 

Additionally, I also do the audio editing for our bi-weekly podcast & some video editing for our YouTube channel.

Website Editor

Magnitude

At Harrogate digital marketing & web design agency Magnitude I provided digital marketing strategies to the following clients and managed their accounts within the agency.

The strategy & services I managed for clients included:
-search engine marketing and reporting
-analytics training and reporting
-social media marketing
- e-mail marketing
- digital marketing consultancy
- digital marketing strategy

Successfully delivered a high level of existing business sales with the agency’s current clients. Won 5 brand new client accounts for the digital marketing agency, in 7 months delivered £80,000 worth of sales to the digital marketing agency. 

Clients included; Ping Pong Dim Sum, D&D London, Daddy Donkey, Clarion Solicitors, Armstrong Watson and others.

Digital Account Manager: Digital Marketing

Intermarketing Agency

Responsible for day to day project management of all web projects for the agency, including tracking costs and time management.

Developed search engine marking & paid search (PPC) as a service for Exstatik (Digital Marketing Agency) and the company group as a whole.

Presented pitches and wrote numerous top line digital marketing proposals not just for Exstatik, but the company group.

I was instrumental in winning an e-mail marketing campaign for the major European fashion brand Bon Prix.

Launched a search engine marketing and social media campaign for the charity SAFE@LAST for their charity music festival which generated 12,565 visitors in under 4 months. 
Re-developed the website for www.candsmarquees.co.uk and ran an SEO & PPC campaign that generated 82 enquires over 3 months and established the client's website 1st for 'marquee hire leeds' & 1st for 'marquee hire york' in the organic search rankings.

Managed digital marketing campaigns for clients included; WLS Group (medical surgery), Bon Prix (fashion retail), adidas, Morgans (property), Polkadotty baby (online e-commerce)

Netstep

A key member of the account management team for digital marketing agency Netstep.

Key clients: www.leedsthomasdanby.ac.uk, www.hihosilver.co.uk. I worked on the Lloyds TSB Commercial finance website & produced e-mail marketing campaigns for Engage Mutual Assurance.

Managed 26 small to medium sized company accounts on a daily basis, each account having different web & online requirements, providing specific solutions to suit their business and budget. I grew these accounts over nine months and increased their spending with the company.

Provided clients with Google analytics consultancy, e-marketing campaigns, digital marketing campaigns, digital marketing strategy, managed content management systems and full web design builds.

Account Executive: Digital Marketing

👋 I'm Illiya Vjestica. As your mindful messenger, I transform ideas for purpose driven leaders, changemakers and speakers into captivating visual narratives that inspire positive change. 🌍💡🎨

What I Do:

I'm not just another designer but your personal presentation guide. I'm here to support you and make your presentations the best they can be! My slide decks help you deliver your message with greater clarity and impact. I craft visuals that are thoughtful, idea-provoking, and inspiring.

Ready to work together?

A well-designed and story-driven presentation can help:

- Stand Out from Other Speakers
- Grow Your Influence
- Get Booked for More Talks
- Tell an Impactful Story 
- Improve Audience Retention
- Gain New Opportunities
- Increase Personal Brand Awareness 

My mission:

My mission is to improve the world, one slide at a time. I work with individuals who want positive outcomes for people and the world. 

We also work with non-profits and organisations across the globe 🌎 who share our vision and need help raising their profile, widening their reach, increasing their fundraising and recruiting new volunteers.

I've been creating presentations professionally for over ten years and have designed presentations for; 

TED, IATA, The National Forest, Konami, Embassy of Japan UK, Set Them Up Foundation, AquaSpark and many other global companies and speakers. 

Please take a look at my LinkedIn recommendations for testimonials from our clients. 

How to work with me:

If you are speaking at an event, promoting a book or sharing your ideas, why don't you message me for a chat? 

I can help you wow your audience and add clarity to your message. 

Email: illiya@thepresentationdesigner.co.uk
Or send me a LinkedIn message to book a call.

Specialities: Presentation Design, Sales Presentations, Pitch Presentations, PowerPoint, PowerPoint Templates, Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Google Slides, Photoshop & Photography.

How do you transform a single talk into a thriving content garden?

The concept is simple.

Maximise the content you already have.

Why should a great talk resonate only once?

Extend its reach, letting its insights ripple out again and again.

I've always encouraged speakers to transform their slides into social media carousels and images.

Chris Do's approach elevates this idea to encompass video, audio, and blog posts, creating a content ecosystem that continuously disseminates your message.

This strategy could benefit creators and professionals in the wellness, sustainability and climate tech sectors.

Here are three actionable insights for you:

1. Record your talk and repurpose it into bite-sized video clips for social media. Share key takeaways, inspiring quotes, or thought-provoking questions to engage your audience further.

2. Transform your talk into a series of blog posts or articles. Dive deeper into the topics you covered, provide additional examples, offering practical tips your audience can implement.

3. Create a podcast episode based on your talk. Expand on your ideas and invite guest experts to discuss the topic further. This provide listeners with a convenient way to consume your content through audio.

By implementing these strategies, you can extend the life of your talk, reach more people, and make a lasting impact in your field.

I hope this helps you with your content journey.

This advice was inspired by the wisdom shared with me by my mentor, Chris Do, during one of our pro group calls. If you're interested in learning more about Chris and the group, I highly recommend checking him out.

If you're interested in elevating your message and communicate to attract more thought leadership and create more impact, I'd welcome a chat with you. 

#contentmarketing #publicspeaking #sustainability

Illiya Vjestica

👋 I'm Illiya Vjestica. As a mindful storyteller, I transform ideas for compassionate leaders, changemakers and speakers into captivating visuals that inspire positive change. 🌍💡🎨

What I Do:

I'm not just another designer but your personal presentation guide. I'm here to support you and make your presentations the best they can be! My slide decks help you deliver your message with greater clarity and impact. I craft visuals that are thoughtful, idea-provoking, and inspiring.

Ready to work together?

A well-designed and story-driven presentation can help:

- Stand Out from Other Speakers
- Grow Your Influence
- Get Booked for More Talks
- Tell an Impactful Story 
- Improve Audience Retention
- Gain New Opportunities
- Increase Personal Brand Awareness 

My mission:

My mission is to improve the world, one slide at a time. I work with individuals who want positive outcomes for people and the world. 

We also work with non-profits and organisations across the globe 🌎 who share our vision and need help raising their profile, widening their reach, increasing their fundraising and recruiting new volunteers.

I've been creating presentations professionally for over ten years and have designed presentations for; 

TED, IATA, The National Forest, Konami, Embassy of Japan UK, Set Them Up Foundation, AquaSpark and many other global companies and speakers. 

Please take a look at my LinkedIn recommendations for testimonials from our clients. 

How to work with me:

If you are speaking at an event, promoting a book or sharing your ideas, why don't you message me for a chat? 

I can help you wow your audience and add clarity to your message. 

Email: illiya@thepresentationdesigner.co.uk
Or send me a LinkedIn message to book a call.

Specialities: Presentation Design, Sales Presentations, Pitch Presentations, PowerPoint, PowerPoint Templates, Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Google Slides, Photoshop & Photography.

Transform a Single Talk into a Thriving Content Garden

Hustle culture is destroying our creativity and well-being. It's time for a change.

I used to believe that working harder and longer 💪 was the key to success, but I discovered a better way.

When I started my business, I kept working the same 9-5 hours because that's all I knew. It was ingrained in me. 

That's all we are taught to believe.

I even had a quote on my wall that said...

"Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won't, so you can spend the rest of your life like most people can't."

Oh, how I cringe now. 

I fell into the 'Hustle Myth,' consuming content from well-known entrepreneurs who promoted working harder and longer as the key to success.

Yet, it had an impact on my mental health and productivity. 

What I lacked was balance. ⚖ 

As Mr. Miyagi would say, "Lesson for whole life, Illiya-san. When whole life has balance, everything be better."

But truthfully, it took me some time to find this out. 

It was at my lowest point when I was struggling with my mental health that I realised work had made me ill.

I needed a new focus and way to address my life, to help me find peace and heal. 

That's when I discovered Zen meditation and mindfulness.

Now, I apply these principles to my life and my business.

Many creatives and business owners I've spoken to have suffered from burnout because hustle culture is toxic.

As Arianna Huffington says, "Burnout is not a badge of honor. It's a sign that something is wrong."

No one should suffer burnout. 

We work too much. We shouldn't burn out. We should learn to live in balance.

As Jack Kornfield wisely said, "In the end, just three things matter: How well we have lived, How well we have loved, How well we have learned to let go."

I've put together this deck about Hustle Culture, the lessons I learned from it, and why there's an alternative approach to finding balance in success.

If this resonated with you, please consider sharing it. 

🤔 How do you find balance in your work and life?

P.S. I'm considering building a guide for freelancers on how to prevent burnout. If you're interested, I've included a 2-minute quiz below to fill out.

#burnout #freelancing #hustleculture

Hustle Culture a Toxic Drain on Mind & Body

Come sit with me by the river for a while.

It’s Monday, and it’s a time to pause for presence.

There’s something powerful and healing about the sound of water.

Wether it’s the sea or a winding river, water has a way of helping us to feel calm and grounded. 

“Many a calm river begins as a turbulent waterfall, yet none hurtles and foams all the way to the sea.” - Mikhail Lermontov

Whatever you are feeling today will pass, just like the river flowing into the sea. 

5 mins is all we need. 

5 mins to sit peacefully and focus on your breathing.

5 mins to connect to your innerself. 

Today’s Mantra 🙏:

“Flow like water, adapt effortlessly, carve your path like a river, embracing change with grace and resilience.”

It is my hope by sharing these short reflections we can cultivate more presence in our daily lives.

What did you do this weekend that brought you calm? 

#mindfulness #mindfulliving #mentalheath

When I was in school, all I wanted was for other people to like me.

I was terrified of being bullied more.

However, because of this fear, I tried to be someone different to make people like me.

I found that I lost my own voice because of that.

Through this journey of self-discovery, I realised that when I show up authentically, that's when I attract the right people for me.

This brings me to a recent experience I had. 

This week, I joined my mentor Chris Do for a late-night 4-hour workshop on sales.

Honestly, it was one of the most rewarding calls I've been on.

Chris is a genuinely passionate teacher who's always looking to make learning fun for his students.

We talked about the word "Authenticity".

One thing that came up was that a lot of people who post on social media are very different when you meet them in real life.

The content and tone don't mirror the person.

That's usually because they've chosen to either appear a certain way online or post content achieving a certain level of virality.

There are fewer people showing up as their authentic selves online.

The same applies when you talk to someone on a call.

People can feel when they are being sold to.

When we genuinely show up to help, listen, and understand another person, that's when we show we care.

But what does authenticity actually mean?

If something is authentic, it is real, true, or what people say it is.

1. It's being genuine.
2. It's staying true to your own values and beliefs.
3. It's saying what you think, not what you think others want to hear.

This leads me to a question I often ask myself. 

Have you ever caught yourself writing a post and thinking? 🤔 

"Should I really post this? Who is it actually serving, me or the audience? Does this mirror my values?"

I've caught myself a few times doing this and I’ve occasionally fallen into the trap of jumping on a trend or following the tips of an influencer.

When I first started posting, I was terrified of what people would think.

It took me a few months to find my voice and feel comfortable about sharing.

I genuinely want to help people. That's it.

You have to ask yourself, what do you want to stand for?

What do you believe to be true?

I feel this isn't possible until we look inward and speak from our heart. 

Do you agree that authenticity is important on social media and in business?

I'll be the first to admit that I've struggled at times with authenticity, and I don't have all the answers but I’d welcome others thoughts. 

Let me know in the comments below. I read them all personally and carefully.

#contentcreator #authenticity #sales

Have you ever considered your visuals might be holding your ideas back?

Over the Easter break, I found myself at a loose end, and when that happens, I can end up ruminating too much.

The solution is often go for a walk outside or get creative. 

Sometimes the best thing I can do is be creative.

When I create, I often lose myself in a design. Hours can fly by when I'm in the zone, as I really enjoy what I do.

I decided to look at the visuals of a thought leader I admire and I had the pleasure of meeting Daniel Priestley last year in Newcastle at one of his events. I've always been inspired by Daniel's ideas and his ability to communicate them effectively.

I was super nervous to meet him. I actually had to go meditate before going into the room, because my mentor Chris Do was also there and a certain coach I admire called Matt Essam. 

Daniel's book "Key Person of Influence" is a business classic that I recommend reading...he even signed my copy!

However, I've noticed that his current personal brand has some issues:

1. The navy and red colours were overpowering the great content
2. The colour choices were preventing diagrams and social assets from being clear (see the before and after comparison of the [specific element] below)
3. The colours didn't align with my idea of his personal brand

Here's what I did to improve it:

1. Refreshed his brand colours to make them more friendly and approachable
2. Updated the typography and reworked some messaging to make it clearer
3. Used imagery instead of icons to make it easier to connect to the message

I love working with speakers, authors, and leaders who believe in their message and want to impact more people.

I can help you do this by creating visuals that inspire action and get your message heard.

Currently, I'm offering a 30-min free visual review, where I'll offer my feedback about your website, brand, and presentation deck.

If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, comment "Review me" below, and I'll reach out to schedule a call with you.

Is there a brand you like that has great content but you feel the visuals could be stronger?

I hope you enjoy this little behind scenes to my creative process.

#branding #presentationdesign #thoughtleader

Rebranding a Thought Leader - A Case Study

Come take a walk with me through the cherry blossoms 🌸 this Earth day.

The world we live on is precious to us.

It sustains our lives. 

Without the soil, our fresh water, oceans and ecosystems we wouldn’t be able to survive.

Caring about the planet 🌎 can be begin with simple steps.

Just noticing what you are buying and how it might effect the world around you is a positive start.

The earth deserves better.

By 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than there are fish (by weight). (Source University of California, Santa Barbara.)

I encourage you this week to take a walk in your local nature area and just observe and notice.

What do you see?

How does it make you feel?

Nature provides us with more than just food, water and clean air.

It also provides us with a space to destress.

5 mins with nature is all we need. 

5 mins to sit peacefully and focus on your breathing.

5 mins to connect to your innerself. 

Today’s Mantra 🙏:

“I embrace the beauty of the earth around me, letting its energy help ground me as I take on the challenges ahead.”

It is my hope by sharing these short reflections we can cultivate more presence in our daily lives.

If this reasonated with you please consider sharing. 

#mindfulness #earthday #mentalheath

To boldy go where your presentations haven't gone before...

Growing up, Star Trek: The Next Generation had a profound influence on me.

One character stood out for me.

That was Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the epitome of leadership and communication.

Just as Captain Picard had a clear mission "To Boldly Go," your presentation needs a defined goal.

Here are 6 key takeaways to 'make it so!'

1. Plot Your Course 
A successful presentation requires vision, clarity, and exploration.

2. Engage Your Audience 
Communicate effectively, just as Picard does with his diverse crew.

3. Be Adaptable
Navigate unexpected presentation challenges like Picard becoming Locutus.

3. Analyze Data
Don't just present data. Provide insights, just as Lt. Data would.

4. Honour Your Audience
Value your audience's trust and attention as Worf does honour.

5. Seek Feedback
Like life advice from Guinan, seek feedback to enhance your presentation skills.

Attention all Trekkies on LinkedIn!

I'd love to know who your favourite character in the series is and why?

Remember, as Captain Picard would say, "Things are only impossible until they're not."

Live long and prosper 🖖

#startrek #presentation #publicspeaking 

Captain Picard's Guide to Stellar Presentations

Have you tried forest bathing before? 🌲 

I recently had a chat with Robert Fisher about his mission to enhance employee well-being through his forest bathing app, which helps people improve their mental and physical health.

Forest Bathing, known as Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴), is the Japanese practice of being still and quiet in the trees and observing nature while taking deep breaths.

Why is this important for employee well-being?

64% of those in work across the UK and Europe reported their work-related stress levels had increased compared with pre-pandemic levels.
(Research by AXA Health)

Approximately, 17.9m lost working days lost due to work-related
stress, depression or anxiety in 2019/20. 

(Health & Safety Executive Work-related stress, anxiety or depression statistics in Great Britain, 2020)

We've built a world that thrives on stress. Especially, in the workplace. 

And it's effecting people's mental health and wellbeing. 

Spending time in the forest can help us to:

🌿 Lower heart rate and blood pressure, showing that it can help avoid heart disease and high blood pressure. 

🌿  Boosts your body's calming nerves and reduces the nerves that make you feel stressed, helping to keep your body's natural balance in check.

🌿  Improves sleep quality and production of melatonin 

🌿  Lowers stress hormones like adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol in your body, which helps you manage stress better.

(Source Qing Li. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan)

Yes, all these benefits just from trees. Amazing, right?

Here's some tips for how you can get started.

1. Put away your phone. 
2. Tune into the sounds and smells.
3. Take mindful steps as you walk.
4. Touch the ground and the trees,
5. Observe the surroundings and the scenery.
6. Take full deep breaths. 

It's important to be mindful and present to fully appreciate the benefits of observing nature in the forest. 

In my own life spending time in nature has been incredible healing and supportive to both my work life balance and my mental well-being. 

I like to regular get out for a nature walk at a couple times a week. 

I encourage you give it a try, and if you're interested further check out the work Robert is doing. 

Have you given forest bathing a try? How has it helped you recently? 

#mindfulness #forestbathing #workplacewellbeing 

I don’t just design pretty slides. I help you to tell an impactful story.

My goal is to guide your thoughts in a thoughtful way to help you find clarity in your message.

The process involves mirroring your story with great visuals to leave your audience amazed.

I start by asking you your why?

1.  Together we help the audience to understand what you want to say and why it matters.

2. Your presentation won’t just be noticeable, you’ll be the speaker that people remember.

Imagine for a moment 🤔, you’ve spent years building your expertise in a field and you’ve finally landed a speaking opportunity.

When your presentation finishes nobody comes to speak to you after or ask you questions. 

You’ve worked too hard to get your chance only to not be invited back to speak again.

Together we will craft a presentation that:

- Captives audience attention 
- Creates actionable impact 
- Makes you stand out 
- Mirrors your personal brand
- Tells your story powerfully 
- Gets you in front of bigger audiences
- Help shares your ideas far and wide

These outcomes aren't just hypothetical - they're the real results my clients have achieved.

That’s what Fanny Dunagan did, and someone immediately hired her after her talk because the presentation positioned her as "go to expert".

You deserve the best presentation to support your message to help you deliver the most impact. 

If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, I’d love to organise a chat with you. Simply pop “Chat” into the comments below. 👇 

#presentation #publicspeaking #storytelling

Can awe inspire us to solve the world’s problems together? 

What if the key 🔑 to working closer together was to experience more awe? 

Yesterday, millions of people stepped outside to witness a rare and breathtaking phenomenon, a solar eclipse. 🌑

I was reading a BBC article discussing the power of awe and how it can bring people together and it got me thinking…

This sense of awe captured the attention of people around the globe, creating a sense of togetherness and community. 

“Our ego guides our perceptions and decision making, but when you feel a self-transcendent emotion like awe, it diminishes the power that it has over you." - Jennifer Stellar, psychologist at the University of Toronto. 

Awe it seems has the power to shift our focus from our individual selves to the larger world around us.

It's not just rare celestial events that can inspire awe. 

Nature itself is a constant source of wonder. 

We can experience the same awe when standing beneath a huge ancient tree or seeing vibrant coral reefs with lots of colourful fish. 

It remind us that we are more than just individuals, we all share a planet together and exist in a galaxy as one planet in a vast universe. 

Powerful talks or presentations can also inspire awe.

When a speaker shares a ground breaking idea or a powerful story it transcends our individual experiences, and can motivate us to take action and work together towards a common goal. 

That’s the feeling of being awe inspired. 

For me it can be…

Watching David Attenborough’s nature documentaries. 

When Florian Ledoux shares his stunning polar images I’m awe inspired. 

Seeing Carlos Terol & Oliver Dauert build something from nothing to connect people together all over the global to work together.

When a Robin lands next to me on a bench and looks at me.

A beautiful sunset…

By sharing these awe-inspiring moments together, whether in nature, as communities or through powerful talks it can help us foster togetherness and to see ourselves as more than individuals. 

It might just be what we need to address the global challenges we face. 

🤔 When was the last time you experienced a moment of awe? 

How did it make you feel, and did it inspire you to see the world differently? 

Share your experiences in the comments below. 👇 

#community #inspiration #nature #globalchallenges

🌲 Nature has been my guiding light this week.

It’s helped me deal with how I’m feeling and been the release to clear my mind.

Sometimes running your own business can be a challenge and it can feel overwhelming. 

This week I’d been overthinking too much and I started to second guess myself.

Being surrounded by trees helped ground my thoughts and brought me back to my root focus. 

A walk in nature will always make you 💯 feel better. 

Nature doesn’t judge.
Nature doesn’t place expectations on you.

“Earth has no sorrow that earth cannot heal.” - Jon Muir.

Nature simply is.
Our ever present healer.
Our restorative transformer.
Our grounding compass. 

Here are some recent phone pictures I’ve collected on some of my nature walks. 

I hope they lift you up as much as they did me. 

How has nature helped you recently?

#naturewalks #nature #wellbeing

It’s the end of April and the transition begins to summer.

Today, I’m pausing for gratitude. 🙏 

Gratitude for the people who show up for me here.

Gratitude for my family and friends.

Gratitude for my health.

When we stop and pause we see the abundance of the world around us. 

We can appreciate its beauty and wonder. 

Here’s a short clip of an evening walk 🚶🏻‍♂️ where I couldn’t help but be in awe of the sounds, light and feeling.

The weather has been truly awful in the UK 🇬🇧 so these moments have been even more appreciated. 

Can you take 5 mins today to practice gratitude?

“Be grateful for what you already have while you pursue your goals. If you aren’t grateful for what you already have, what makes you think you would be happy with more.”

- Roy T. Bennett

5 mins is all we need. 

5 mins to sit peacefully and focus on your breathing.

5 mins to connect to your innerself. 

Today’s Mantra 🙏:

“I am grateful for what I have in my life, I am mindful of the joy that the simply things bring. When I pause, I have all I could want right here in this moment.”

It is my hope by sharing these short reflections we can cultivate more presence in our daily lives.

If this reasonated with you please consider sharing. 

#mindfulness #mentalhealth #nature

It’s Monday. Let’s take a breath for 5 mins.

This weekend I battled the April showers to go for a muddy walk in the countryside.

Getting away from the noise and pace of the busy towns and cities is the perfect tonic.

I couldn’t help but notice the spring blossoms and flowers making their presence know.

Today, there is also a solar eclipse happening . 

I’m told this is a great day to set any intentions you might want to cultivate for the rest of the year. 

Let’s take 5 mins now together…

5 mins is all we need. 

5 mins to sit peacefully and focus on your breathing.

5 mins to connect to your innerself. 

5 mins to reset.

What are your intentions for the rest of the month?

Write them down on a piece of paper 📝 

Today’s Mantra is this:

"Embrace the power of mindfulness, harness the energy of intention. As the sun eclipses, let our visions align with our purpose, guiding our journey towards success."

As you go on with your week remember that this feeling of peace and bliss is available to you anytime.

All you have to do is stop and pause for presence. 

5 mins is all it takes.

With Grattiude,
Illiya 🙏

#mindfulness #meditation #solareclipse

Don't compare yourself to others. It is after all a pointless pursuit.

I was chatting with Chris Hutchings yesterday who invited me on his amazing 10Q podcast last year. 

We were discussing the value of staying authentic with your content and not chasing vanity numbers and metrics.

Chris shared something that stuck with me.

"Often when you are comparing yourself to these established creators, it's not even a level playing field anymore, there’s other factors involved and they have other people helping them."

And he's dead right.

Because what you see on social media is often the best version of a person.

It's the top highlights of what they offer and do, you don't see the struggles or the worries or the concerns.

Yet, sometimes we idolise these types of creators and take their word as the way it has to be done.

What we both agreed on is this…

Just because someone experiences success one way doesn't mean their way will work for you.

Everyone has a unique set of challenges and each person's journey is their own.

Be you.

Show up for your audience.

Focus on your story, not theirs.

Take your own counsel on things.

Learn what works for you.

In the end, all the worrying we do about what to post or how to grow really doesn't matter.

It's about being true to yourself and creating content that you enjoy.

Not pleasing an algorithm or following a creator's own playbook.

What's your experience with comparing yourself to others on social media? 

How do you stay true to yourself and focus on your own unique journey?

#creator #linkedin #comparison

Attention all future Vault Dwellers and Public Speakers! 🚨 

Do you want to improve your public speaking skills?

Of course, you do!

I've been inspired by watching the Fallout TV series on Amazon Prime.

I've created this handy-dandy guide to help you navigate the challenges of public speaking and audience engagement.

I'm also been a big fan of the video game ever since I played the first Fallout game back in 1997 (showing my age now). 

Introducing the "10 Atomic Age Tips to Master Public Speaking" - it's a collection of tried-and-tested tips to help you survive and thrive on stage!

From harnessing the power of your voice to sharing your story so it resonates like a storytelling pro, these tips will equip you with the skills to become a tip top speaker. 🌟

Whether you're giving a presentation at work, speaking at a conference, or fending off Ghouls in the wasteland, strong public speaking skills are essential for success.

So, grab yourself a bottle of Nuka-Cola, put on your best Vault suit, and get ready to level up your public speaking game!

Check out the full carousel below and let me know which tip you found most helpful. 

Remember, in the world of public speaking, prior preparation is key! 🔑

Your story is worth hearing! Get out there and let the world hear it.

#Fallout #publicspeaking #publicspeaker

How to become an Atomic Speaker

Sometimes the beauty in LinkedIn isn’t just showing up to post, it’s the people you meet.
 
It’s the power of connection with like-minded colleagues and thinkers. 
 
One such person is Lara Wallace, PhD. 

We’ve become friends over our shared work in communication, Star Wars, and love for nature amongst other things. 
 
Next Friday, May 10th at 1.00 pm (GMT) 9.00 am (EST) we will be hosting a 1-hour LinkedIn live together called...
 
🗓 Harness Your Inner Force: Confident Presenting for Sustainable Speakers
 
Lara Wallace is a Communication Coach helping climate solutions professionals & advocates speak with unshakable confidence.
 
Myself, I am a presentation designer and visual storyteller helping leaders communicate their ideas authentically for impact. 
 
We can promise a relaxed and laid-back conversation around public speaking, communication, and visual storytelling. 
 
We’re also big nerds, so expect Star Wars, Star Trek and other geeky references. 
 
Here's what you can expect on the call:

- How to overcome the fear of public speaking
- How to communicate your ideas with confidence and clarify for impact
- Lessons from the Jedi Path and how the Star Wars universe can help you communicate with more confidence.
- Tips to improve your public speaking and feel less nervous. 
- What makes an effective presentation, and what to avoid. 
- Q&A to ask us anything about public speaking, communication or presentations, we will do our best to help you.
 
If that sounds like it would be helpful to you. RSVP to the event and we’ll see you next Friday.

#presenting #publicspeaking #communication 

Want to know the surprising truth about presentations? They might just be the key to growing your success.

As Nancy Duarte, fellow presentation expert and author of 'Resonate', puts it...

"Presentations are the most amazing persuasion tool available in organizations today."

With over a decade of designing presentations, I'm still in awe of their untapped potential...

So, why should we embrace using presentations more?

Well-crafted, story-driven presentations can help you:

1.Stand Out from Other Speakers 
2. Grow Your Influence 
3. Get Booked for More Talks 
4. Garner Support for Your Vision or Cause 
5. Tell an Impactful Story 
6. Boost Audience Retention 
7. Gain New Opportunities 

Many innovators and thought leaders I've collaborated with use their presentations, shared as PDFs as comprehensive guides for prospects to aid in decision making. 

Take Matthew Cicanese, for example. He used his capabilities deck as a stepping stone to secure his first paid speaking gig. 💰

Or Carlos Terol, who used his presentation to onboard new members to his growing community, fostering a sense of belonging from the start. 🤝

In my own journey, the presentations I create have been instrumental in securing opportunities and simplifying the process of explaining my offering to the people I aim to serve. 

Just as majestic rivers shape our landscapes, persuasive presentations can shape your ideas and amplify their impact on the world. 

So, I ask you this...

What's holding you back from harnessing this powerful tool in your organisation?

I'm curious to hear your thoughts. 

Have you ever seen a presentation that made you reconsider a topic or shifted your perspective? 

Please share your experiences in the comments below. 👇

--------
I'm Illiya, and I help conscious leaders cut through the noise through authentic, impactful presentations. As a mindful storyteller, my mission is to amplify your message and create positive change through compelling visual narratives.

#presentations #leadership #positivechange 

7 Key Benefits to Unlock the Hidden Power of Presentations

It's okay to doubt yourself. I do too.

It's okay to feel anxious 😟 about your upcoming talk.

That's normal. 

You wouldn't be human if you didn't.

I know public speaking can bring a lot of anxiety for speakers.

You see, anxiety and I are best friends.

I've been on a journey with anxiety ever since I was a teenager, and we've been inseparable since.

As author of The Alchemist 📖  Paulo Coelho notes

"Anxiety was born in the very same moment as mankind. And since we will never be able to master it, we will have to learn to live with it—just as we have learned to live with storms."

Now I have the tools to help calm and manage those storms. 

It's kind of my superpower.

It allows me to be empathetic to others' feelings and guide them through these emotions.

I've worked with speakers who were incredibly talented and passionate, but there was some self-doubt holding them back from showing up fully.

I'm here to guide you through those feelings so you can share confidently and authentically.

Working together, we will overcome any limiting self-beliefs or fears you might have.

I want to champion you and help you to get your ideas out there and share your story in an authentic and meaningful way.

In order to do that, we have to get to the heart of what matters.

Sometimes that means embracing our fears and doing it anyway.

Have you ever felt anxious about your work?

I welcome an open and supportive discussion below. 👇

#selfdoubt #publicspeaking #fearofpublicspeaking

7 simple steps to find calm before your next talk. 

For some the idea of speaking on stage brings up fear, nerves and anxiety.

Your first talk doesn’t have to be something to fear.

Not if we apply mindfulness 🙏 in our preparation.

A calm mind can accomplish anything.

An anxious mind can only embrace fear.

Here’s 7 steps you can take to shift your mind from anxiety and into mindful awareness.

1. Know that the audience are rooting for you. They want your talk to go well.

2. Find a quiet space, close your eyes and take 10 full deep breaths. Inhale in, exhale out. 

3. Your story is worth hearing. 

Yes, you’ve gotten this opportunity because you deserve it. Repeat this “I deserve be heard”.

4. Notice your surroundings. 

Notice the speakers before you, notice the audience. Welcome this attention in. You are part of a collective community. Here to spread ideas. 

5. Picture your talk going well. Imagine how you will feel once you’ve completed it. 

6. Put some relaxing music on. I like listening to bird song 🎶 it always brings me peace.

7. When you are on stage. Ground yourself. Before you begin to speak. Take 3 long full breathes. And realise.

By doing this you can shift your mind from feeling anxious to feeling positive and calm.

Remember, the best speakers you have seen still get nervous. 

I hear it all the time, even from the pros.

It’s natural to feel this way.

I wish you the best of luck with your talks.

Are you looking to speak this year? What are your goals for 2024?

I’d welcome a chat. I can help you get where you want to be with your speaking.

#publicspeaking #speaking #mindfulness

When Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone in 2007, it transformed presenting, not just technology.

“Every once in a while, a revolutionary product comes along and changes everything…”

This was the presentation that changed the world…

Steve Jobs had a narrative approach and delivery that made Apple keynotes resonate with audiences worldwide.

Analysing his legendary keynote, I’ve distilled these presentation secrets that anyone can use:

1. Dress for comfort. A signature black turtleneck, jeans and white trainers were more than just a look, they were a statement of authenticity.

2. Pause for effect. These are the moments for your message to sink in.

3. Design slides for share-ability. Each slide should pack a punch, ready to be shared on social.

4. Embrace hand gestures. Use hand gestures to highlight your most impactful points.

5. Own the stage. Relax, and move with purpose, using the space to engage and connect with your audience.

6. Build up anticipation. Steve didn’t just unveil iPhone he led the audience through the journey building at every slide.

(He also put a joke image of the iPhone in before the actually image to get the audience to laugh)

7. Treat the audience as friends. He made the audience part of the experience. It was like he was talking to a bunch of friends at a dinner party.

8. Keep hydrated. It’s okay to take a break and grab a drink. There’s no rush to race through your slides.

9. Use a presentation clicker. Advance your slides with ease by using an easy to hold clicker.

Do you remember watching the Apple Keynote in 2007?

How did it influence your perception of what presentations could be?

#publicspeaking #stevejobs #speakingtips 

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