Like many passionate writers, Michaela faced a common dilemma: how do you ensure your voice is heard beyond the confines of the written word?
“I could write all day,” Michaela shares, “but it’s kind of like that question—if a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, did it make a sound? I didn’t want to be the author who wrote her books in the forest and left them there.”
That realization led her to Thought-Leader, the coaching company founded by TEDx speaker Taylor Conroy. Known for guiding aspiring changemakers onto TEDx stages, Thought-Leader offered Michaela a new way to bring her message to life—not just through books, but through powerful public speaking.
Michaela Cox always knew she had a story worth telling. As a published author, she was comfortable expressing herself on the page—but turning those powerful words into a spoken message that could move audiences in real time? That was a different journey entirely.
From the Page to the Platform
Michaela first encountered Taylor Conroy at an in-person Self-Publishing School event in 2019. At the time, she didn’t feel ready to step onto a TEDx stage. But as her writing career progressed and her message crystallized, she knew it was time to reach more people.
That’s when she took the leap and joined Thought-Leader’s TEDx program, followed by their writing intensive, paid speaking intensive, and accelerator programs.
“I didn’t have a TEDx yet,” she explains, “but after working with Thought-Leader, I now know how the application process works. I have the blueprint. And that’s huge.”
It wasn’t just about getting accepted to a stage—it was about learning how to distill years of personal experience into a talk that lands in under 12 minutes. As Michaela puts it, “It’s a completely different format than writing a 30-chapter book. You have to package your message into something that punches in a limited time frame—and still connects.”
Speaking With Power and Purpose
Through Thought-Leader, Michaela discovered the tools to bridge the gap between her writing voice and her speaking voice. From organizing content to crafting a compelling narrative arc to designing a talk that “performs,” she learned to transform her knowledge into a format that inspires action.
“Writing and speaking are both creative—but they require different skill sets,” she says. “Thought-Leader helped me understand how to transition between the two. I was already passionate about my message; now I can amplify it.”
One of the biggest takeaways for Michaela was realizing that becoming a great speaker isn’t about being flashy or perfect—it’s about clarity, structure, and intention. “It’s not hard,” she says, “it’s just new. And once you know how to do it, it’s like wash, rinse, repeat. I built one talk with Thought-Leader, but now I can branch off and build more.”
Beyond the TEDx Talk
While many people join Thought-Leader with a TEDx goal in mind, Michaela found the value went far beyond a single stage. She learned how to think about her message like an architect planning a home—foundational, intentional, and built to last.
The process also unlocked new opportunities: podcast interviews, paid speaking engagements, and the ability to reach audiences she could never have imagined reaching before. “It’s not about being a one-trick pony anymore,” Michaela notes. “Now I can write and speak. I have multiple avenues to share my story.”
That story—one of resilience, personal growth, and a desire to help others navigate their own life challenges—resonates deeply with the people she now speaks to. And it’s only gaining momentum.
A Message for Fellow Authors and Thought Leaders
To authors and changemakers sitting on a powerful story, Michaela offers this advice:
“Don’t stay in the forest. Don’t let your words go unheard. If you have something to say, find a way to say it—loud, clear, and in front of people who need to hear it. Thought-Leader gave me the tools to do that, and I’ll keep using them long after my first talk.”
For Michaela Cox, the transformation from author to speaker was more than a professional pivot—it was a personal evolution. With the stage set and her voice ready, there’s no question she’s just getting started.
Thought-Leader LLC is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by TED Conferences, LLC or any of its affiliates.
