Corporate events often bring to mind logistics, technology, and the cascade of moving parts that unite brands and teams. Yet at the center of these experiences are people whose stories reveal what truly makes gatherings transformative. One of those people is Larry Long Jr., Chief Energy Officer of LLJR Enterprises, whose recent podcast conversation underscored the human elements that elevate events from occasions to unforgettable experiences. Larry’s career path isn’t just a tale of professional growth; it’s one of personal resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to positively impacting those around him. His journey offers plenty of teachable moments for anyone in event production, event planning, speaking, or corporate leadership.
Larry recalls his early days as the kid who “talked too much” in class, often finding himself sent to detention for his boundless enthusiasm and propensity for conversation. While most would see this as a liability, Larry recognized, even at a young age, the power of presence, communication, and being in the spotlight. As he says, “I wanted to be a movie star. I wanted to be an actor. I like when the spotlight is shining on me.” This comfort with attention and his desire to connect would later become his superpower, translating into a career where speaking, motivating, and coaching became not only his livelihood, but also his way of serving others.
One of Larry’s earliest and most vivid recollections was attending a monumental concert as a child with his cousin. He doesn’t remember every detail, but he remembers how he felt ecstatic, inspired, and uplifted. “You don’t remember exactly what it was,” he shared, “but you remember how it made you feel. And that’s the power of events.” This sentiment echoes Maya Angelou’s famous words about the enduring feeling people take away from experiences. For event planners and producers, this is gold. The logistical details matter but never at the expense of the feelings, emotions, and atmosphere you create. Emotional resonance is the true legacy of any event.
His official start as a paid speaker arrived on March 17, 2020, a date memorable not just for being St. Patrick’s Day, but for falling days after the rapid onset of the pandemic. What was meant to be a new phase quickly became a test of adaptability. Corporate offices shut their doors, live events were canceled, and the new reality meant pivoting to virtual engagements. Rather than view this as an obstacle, Larry saw an extraordinary opportunity. “I get the opportunity to speak and serve, and they’re gonna write me a check, and I get to do it from the comfort of my own home.” For countless event pros, this story resonates. The pandemic forced a leap into digital platforms, accelerated tech adoption, and ultimately broadened horizons, allowing speakers like Larry to serve multiple audiences in diverse locations, sometimes even in a single day.
Larry’s candidness about failure is a refreshing counterpoint to endless success stories that gloss over the hardships. He admits his biggest learnings came from his failed venture (an indoor baseball and softball academy)and from striking out, both professionally and personally. “Strikeouts, they’re a part of life,” he says. These setbacks taught him about resilience and growth. Professional speakers and corporate event leaders who only tout wins risk alienating their audiences. Larry’s approach is a reminder: authenticity matters more than polish and relatable stories of overcoming adversity can be more motivating than tales of uninterrupted triumph.
When asked about the biggest hurdle professionals face in advancing their careers, Larry points first to mindset. Every day, as he drops his children off at school, he says, “Make it a great day.” Their response? “It’s my choice, Daddy.” This simple ritual reflects a profound truth: perspective and attitude shape outcomes. Henry Ford’s famous saying, “Whether you believe you can or you believe you can’t, you’re right”, is the foundation of Larry’s philosophy. He encourages others to narrate their own stories consciously and to beware falling into the trap of self-imposed limitations. While coaching, Larry learned about the concept of “fake news” in our internal narratives. Challenging these narratives and maintaining clarity on goals can drive success far more effectively than technical skill alone.
Larry’s sales philosophy is refreshing: “Sales is not a four-letter word,” he jokes, reframing the act of selling as serving rather than persuading. His third keynote topic—leveraging LinkedIn to build powerful relationships—grows directly from this principle. For speaking professionals, planners, and corporate leaders, his advice is to use platforms like LinkedIn not just for broadcasting content, but for forging real, meaningful connections. A favorite tip? Personalizing outreach. Larry goes beyond the canned message, doing his homework and referencing specific details, which immediately sets the conversation apart. “Show me that you know me,” he says.
Success is a highly personal metric, according to Larry. While business numbers matter (such as touchpoints, income, and engagement), he also tracks family time and health. This holistic approach offers a timely reminder: achieving professional goals shouldn’t come at the cost of personal well-being or meaningful relationships. He’s learned the importance of documenting goals, whether through note-taking, whiteboards, or digital lists, but stresses that “learning is good, action is gooder.” Taking focused, intentional steps toward what you want is what brings about real change.
Modern life bombards us with distractions, negative headlines, and reasons to stress. How do you maintain focus? Larry shares the acronym “TEA” as a guide:
T: How you treat others and yourself. Give yourself grace, don’t dwell on mistakes, and lift yourself up.
E: Your emotions. Choose positivity, even when circumstances test you.
A: Your actions and attitude. While you can’t control every external event, your response is within your power.
Surrounding yourself with positive people also makes a huge difference. In Larry’s words, “It’s contagious in a good way where I don’t need to put the mask on.” Those positive vibes ripple outwards, improving not just your own experience but the experience of others in your orbit.
Larry predicts corporate events will continue evolving toward interactivity and immersive experiences. “It’s less of the ‘speak-at-you’… it’s the interactivity.” He shares an example of an event incorporating holographic elements and dynamic engagement, illustrating the rising demand for memorable experiences that go beyond lectures and PowerPoints. For event planners and organizers, the message is clear: Never be satisfied with the status quo. Innovate, experiment, and look for “wow” moments at every touchpoint, from the smallest details to the main-stage presentations.
Larry Long Jr.’s journey is a testament to what happens when you bring energy, authenticity, positivity, and perseverance into the corporate event arena. His message is universal: focus on feelings, serve first, celebrate setbacks as learning opportunities and take small, deliberate steps toward building meaningful professional and personal relationships.
As events continue to evolve, remember Larry’s mantra: make it a great day, and remember, it’s always your choice. By controlling the controllables, making intentional deposits in others, and measuring success in ways that matter to you, anyone can create moments that matter, and build a career rooted in service, growth, and genuine connection.
To listen to more of Larry’s uplifting message, tune in here: