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About the Book

You’re on stage, the audience is with you, and your message lands. It feels incredible. But here’s the truth—what makes that moment possible isn’t just what happens on stage. It’s everything that happens before you step up there.

The hours of shaping an idea, finding your story, and building slides that support (not drown) your message. The rehearsals where you trip over your words, adjust, and try again. The nerves you learn to manage long before the spotlight hits.

That’s why I wrote Zero to Keynote. It’s not a book about faking confidence or winging it. It’s about preparation—the small, repeatable steps that take you from blank page to a talk you can deliver with clarity and confidence.

Because once you’ve put the work in, the delivery often takes care of itself. You walk on stage knowing your material, owning your story, and ready to connect. Whether it’s your first talk or your first keynote, this book is your roadmap for the journey that really matters: the one that happens before the audience is even in their seats.

And it's not just about conferences. These skills translate directly to your career. Imagine the impact of presenting with clarity and confidence in the workplace. You'll influence decisions, lead with authority, and become the go-to expert.

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Want a beautiful printed version (available in UK only) - https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/zero-to-keynote/

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Speaking at conferences has been a highlight of my career. It's a journey I want to share with you. Whether you're a complete beginner or aiming for that coveted keynote spot, this book is your roadmap.

Here's what you'll discover:

• A Clear Path: From idea to submission, writing your talk, rehearsing, and presenting—a logical, step-by-step process.
• Conquer Your Fears: Practical strategies to manage nerves and speak with confidence.
• Master Communication: Proven principles to captivate your audience and deliver your message effectively.
• Insider Secrets: Anecdotes and stories that bring the principles to life, and show you how to land those sought-after speaking slots.
• Conference Survival Guide: A mini-guide to navigate conferences like a pro.

Inside, you'll find:

• Learn how to generate compelling talk ideas that resonate with your passions.
• Discover how to craft conference proposals that get accepted.
• Learn a proven structure to create engaging presentations.
• Unlock the principles of effective communication for every speaking situation.
• Conquer your speaking anxieties and build unwavering confidence.
• Navigate the logistics of conference speaking with ease.
• Handle questions with grace and confidence.

What you won't find:

Quick fixes or superficial presentation tricks.

Instead, I focus on the foundational elements of impactful speaking: your purpose, your audience, the context, your genuine enthusiasm, and the art of storytelling.

Why? Because a truly memorable talk isn't about flashy techniques; it's about genuine connection and sharing a valuable message.

"Zero to Keynote" is about the belief that everyone has a "keynote-worthy" message within them. By focusing on clarity, purpose, and passion, you can create talks that resonate deeply, no matter the size of the stage.

Imagine the satisfaction of sharing your ideas, connecting with others on a meaningful level, and finally giving voice to that creative soul within you. That's the transformative power of "Zero to Keynote."

About the Author

Rob Lambert

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Rob didn’t set out to be a business coach, consultant, or speaker. He began as a journalist and publisher, chasing stories about people and ideas  — and trained as a media communication scientist, learning how to cut through complexity and share ideas in ways people actually understand. 

That curiosity eventually pulled him into the world of tech — building products, leading teams, and riding the full start-up → scale-up → sale journey.

Along the way he discovered what really makes organisations succeed: not just talent, but clarity, creativity, communication, and continuous learning.

Rob went on to hold senior roles; VP of Software Engineering (twice), VP of HR, Head of Communication and Head of Agility— and those experiences now shape the work he does with leaders and teams.

Through Cultivated Management, his books, workshops, and keynotes, Rob helps organisations cut through complexity, align around value, and create cultures where people thrive.

He’s also the co-host of Stationery Freaks, a podcast for those who love notebooks, pens, and the analogue tools of creativity.

Rob lives in Winchester, England with his wife and three sons. Outside of work, he’s a keen photographer, film maker, and car enthusiast.

Rob is the founder and director of Cultivated Management.

Rob is the founder of Creativesoulprojects.

Rob is also a co-host of Stationery Freaks podcast.