Elizabeth Henson

221: Teaching Is a Skill: The Gap Costing Creatives Money and Credibility with Laylee Emadi

1/21/2026

Date

Welcome back to the Messy Success Podcast…

Just because you’re exceptional at your craft doesn’t automatically mean you’re ready to teach it—and in the creative industry, that gap is quietly costing people money, credibility, and opportunity.

In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with educator, speaker, and conference host Laylee Emadi for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really takes to step into leadership through speaking and education. From pitching and rejection, to ethics, messaging, and what most people skip before chasing visibility, this episode pulls back the curtain on an industry many creatives want to enter—but few are truly prepared for.

If you’ve ever thought “I’m not getting chosen” or wondered what’s missing between where you are and where you want to be, this episode will meet you there—with clarity, honesty, and grounded encouragement.

Press play, listen with an open mind, and take a moment to reflect on what kind of leader you’re becoming.

SHOW NOTES:

08:25 The industry gap between talent and effective teaching

11:50 Why the Creative Educator Conference was created

14:30 Why education businesses grow slower than service businesses

18:51 Internal barriers, imposter syndrome, and rejection in speaking

21:13 Building your own stage instead of waiting to be chosen

25:43 What event hosts actually consider when selecting speakers

29:52 Community and trust matter more than credentials

39:55 Visibility won’t fix unclear messaging or misalignment

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