How Dr. Jinneh Built a Corporate Speaking Empire Without Social Media

If you’ve ever felt pressure to post content daily, chase the algorithm, or pitch endlessly just to grow your speaking business—this one’s for you.

On this week’s episode of the Published and Paid Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with one of the most brilliant minds in corporate speaking: Dr. Jinneh Dyson Williams. Not only is she a powerhouse communicator and trainer, but she’s also proof that you don’t have to live on Instagram or constantly pitch yourself to secure major speaking deals.

In fact, she built a six-figure corporate speaking empire—without social media being her main strategy.

Let me repeat that: no daily reels. No aggressive pitching. Just clear messaging, strong relationships, and value-driven positioning.

Here’s how she did it.

1. She Focused on Value—Not Vanity

Dr. Jinneh didn’t get caught up in chasing followers. Instead, she focused on the value she brings into rooms. She became known as a disruptor who helps companies shift dysfunctional thinking and solve real organizational problems.

Her advice? Don’t talk about what you do. Talk about the problem you solve. That’s what decision-makers care about.

2. She Built Relationships, Not Just a Following

Forget pitching cold. Dr. Jinneh teaches (and lives) the power of authentic relationship-building. Her biggest contracts have come from genuine conversations and value exchanges—not sliding into inboxes with cookie-cutter proposals.

If you think you're not a "networker," she gets it. She's an introvert too. But she breaks it down: start with the people you already know. Let them know what you're doing. Ask how you can help them. Relationship-building doesn't require a stage—just intentionality.

3. She Used Her Book as Leverage

Dr. Jinneh’s bestselling book, Think Your Way Up, wasn’t just a product—it became part of her pitch. When organizations book her to speak, the book isn’t optional. It’s packaged with her services, and she’s licensed it for translations in multiple languages to serve diverse school districts.

One of her most powerful stories? She spoke for free at an event that couldn’t afford her speaker fee—but they bought 400 copies of her book at full price. That opportunity turned into a 9-year partnership with the district.

4. She Knows When to Speak for Free (and When Not To)

Her perspective on speaking for free is radical—but it works. She treats free engagements as high-level marketing opportunities. If the room is full of decision-makers who can write checks, she’s in.

As she put it: “You don’t need exposure—God is your PR.”

She’s not showing up for likes. She’s showing up for leverage.

5. She Sells First—Then Builds

Dr. Jinneh shared a truth many of us need to hear: she’s never had a program fully built before she sold it. She validates demand first, then delivers. That’s how she’s been able to build with clarity and avoid wasting energy on unproven ideas.

This episode was a full masterclass in corporate speaking, sales, and smart positioning. If you’re building a thought leadership brand and want to work smarter—not just louder—you need to go listen to this one.

🎧 Listen to Episode 55: “How Dr. Jinneh Built a Corporate Speaking Empire Without Social Media”

LISTEN HERE

No fluff. No gimmicks. Just wisdom that works.

— Jasmine