Carmen Braidwood

About this episode

Carmen Braidwood returns to discuss the expectation for women speakers to work for free and the importance of media training.

This week on The Experts Podcast, former co-host Carmen Braidwood returns to unpack what may well be the LinkedIn post of the year and a conversation that has struck a nerve across the events industry. The topic? The ongoing practice of event organisers asking speakers, particularly women to appear on stage for free. With International Women’s Day on 10 March, calendars are filling with breakfasts, conferences, panel events and corporate celebrations recognising the progress of women, especially in the workplace. Yet behind the scenes, many experienced female speakers are still being asked to “donate” their expertise. In January, Carmen posted this on LinkedIn: “Hey women speakers: who’s already been asked to speak for free on International Women’s Day? I have. It’s disappointing that highly experienced women are still expected to donate their expertise.” She went on to share how a high-profile company once asked her to act as a media spokesperson in exchange for “the exposure”. An offer she declined. “Yes, there are times when a reduced or waived fee can make sense. But only when there’s a genuine value exchange. Write it into your contract. Make sure your worth is recognised.”…

People in this episode

Host: Nic

Guest: Carmen Braidwood

Topics covered

• event industry
• women speakers
• media training
• recognition
• remuneration

Keywords

• event organisers
• female speakers
• expertise
• media spokesperson
• value exchange

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LinkedIn

More episodes of The Experts powered by Media Stable

• Dr Neryl East · June 2, 2026 · 38 min
• Valerio Veo · May 27, 2026 · 42 min
• Pat Panetta · April 23, 2026 · 43 min
• Darryl Sparey and Simon Murphy talk GEO · April 15, 2026 · 42 min
• Kathryn Taylor · April 7, 2026 · 37 min
• Medianet Media Landscape Report 2026 · April 1, 2026 · 42 min