If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to not just survive, but to thrive in a corporate environment filled with challenges, shifting priorities, and the need for real human connection, you’re not alone. Recently, Mitch Savoie Hill, an inspiring first-generation Cuban American CEO, TEDx speaker, author, and corporate trainer, shared her unique journey and practical advice that can reshape how you think about leading teams, overcoming obstacles, and injecting meaning into your professional life.
A First Taste of Inspiration
For many professionals, the spark to create something impactful starts early, and for Mitch, it was a Jackson 5 concert in 1984 at Miami’s Orange Bowl. She describes the electric energy, not just from the stage, but from being part of a live audience, all sharing in the “group wow factor.” That memory wasn’t just about music, but about realizing the difference genuine, immersive experiences can make compared to anything on a screen or in a memo. Such moments often prompt the age-old question: “How do I do this for a living?”
But for Mitch, the journey began even younger, at three or four, after witnessing a Cuban classical dancer command an entire room. That sense of enchantment, the power of uplifting an audience, sowed the earliest seeds for a life spent in front of crowds, whether on stage as a performer or at the head of a boardroom as a leader.
Fueling Energy on the Road
In today’s professional arena, burnout and fatigue are real threats, especially for those constantly on the move and facing new crowds. So how does a speaker, trainer, or leader maintain enthusiasm and engagement, event after event, city after city? As Mitch puts it, it’s about loving what you do. And it helps to recall the dream that set you on the path in the first place.
But beyond passion, there’s strategy. No matter how tired from a late flight or the pressures of travel, stepping into the room and feeling the energy of a live audience is, for her, instantly rejuvenating. And knowing you could touch just one person- help them find their next step, give them courage, inspire a change- is worth every late night and long trip. As soon as the lights come up, the adrenaline takes over, and that’s a feeling you can’t replicate in isolation.
Education, Not Just Motivation
Not all presenters are created equal, and Mitch distinguishes herself by blending motivation with actionable advice. She doesn’t just deliver feel-good messaging; she arrives with tools, real stories, and frameworks that attendees can implement immediately.
She adapts her delivery, recognizing that everyone in the audience learns differently. Sometimes her style is interactive with inviting people to share stories with neighbors, get out of their seats, and engage in exercises. This human-centered approach fosters connection, ensuring that the message sticks and the session isn’t just another item on the agenda. A leader’s role, after all, is to communicate vision in a way that resonates with every style, whether your team is full of extroverts, introverts, visual or auditory learners.
Choosing the Right Speaker: Advice for Planners
An often-overlooked skill is knowing how to select the right speakers. Mitch suggests that the most insightful planners should watch out for the questions a speaker asks in the early conversations. Do they dig into your company culture, your goals, and your audience’s unique challenges? Are they able to customize their message, or are they rigid, delivering the same speech everywhere they go?
A versatile presenter is an asset, especially for multi-session meetings. Anything can happen: last-minute cancellations, schedule changes, even technical failures. A flexible speaker who can roll with these changes and even fill in on short notice can be the difference between a crisis and a seamless experience.
The Secret Sauce: Reading the Room
No prep work replaces the skill of reading an audience in real time. Sometimes, energy lags. Maybe it’s right after lunch or at the end of a long day. Mitch keeps things lively with music, dance, or interactive exercises. She’s not afraid to call an audible, shifting her approach to wake up a room and get everyone involved. Even engineers, not typically known for busting a move, can find themselves out of their seats if the vibe is right and the presenter leads with confidence and warmth.
And if you’re planning a packed afternoon slot, take her advice: don’t save drier, more technical topics for the post-lunch lull. That’s when people need something energizing, shorter, or physically engaging.
How to Set Your Speakers Up for Success
As a planner, think beyond just logistics. Schedule a walkthrough before the meeting and clearly communicate the flow, objectives, and context. Bring speakers in the night before if possible, and include them in social gatherings. This helps them absorb the culture, meet attendees, and tailor their material to the nuances of your group. The small, human touches, like connecting speakers with the AV crew ahead of time, are vital. These relationships ensure everyone is invested in pulling off a smooth session.
Facing Imposter Syndrome
Mitch’s book, Volar: How to Turn Roadblocks into Runways to Success, lays out a toolkit for overcoming the all-too-human theme of imposter syndrome. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “enough” (good enough, prepared enough, experienced enough), you’re not alone. Mitch reframes this feeling as a natural part of growth. Confidence isn’t magic. It’s built from small wins, strung together through a willingness to keep showing up and learning.
And if you doubt yourself, seek out mentors and allies. It doesn’t always require an official request; sometimes coffee and conversation with someone more experienced is all you need. And when it comes to asking for help, remember, you’re likely to pay it forward someday. Lastly, make peace with failure. Each setback is a lesson, not a definition of your worth.
Do It for Joy, Not Applause
Borrowing wisdom from ancient texts, Mitch believes in pursuing what you love without being overly concerned about who will notice, praise, or reward you. It’s not always about landing huge deals, dream clients, or viral recognition; it’s about building a life filled with fulfillment and joy. Sometimes side projects blossom into main gigs. Sometimes your efforts build a legacy more valuable than any number in a bank account.
For Mitch, working the 1994 MTV Awards in New York, surrounded by icons, coordinating chaos behind the scenes, was one of many unforgettable milestones. But her real impact comes from years of helping teams and individuals discover their own “wow” moments, both in their careers and in themselves.
Takeaways for Professionals and Planners
– Passion is non-negotiable. It’ll get you through the late nights, early mornings, and thankless tasks.
– Equip your speakers (and your team) with clear communication, logistical support, and authentic connection.
– Interactive sessions win the day: Get people moving and talking, especially during energy slumps.
– Panel selection and agenda design matter. Consider flexibility, not just expertise.
– Embrace vulnerability and failure. They’re steps on the road to real confidence.
– Joy and fulfillment are lasting metrics of success.
When it all comes together, dynamic presenters, intentional design, compassion for the human side of performance, you don’t just facilitate a meeting. You create a transformational experience.
To follow more from Mitch Savoie Hill, including insights from her book, connect via her LinkedIn or head to SavHill Consulting. And if you find yourself wrestling with your next roadblock, remember: you just might be at the start of your next runway to success.
Listen to Mitch and host, Seth Macchi, discuss these topics here:
