Today, I want to take a moment to honor someone who shaped not only a business, but my life. Larry Ketelaars, founder of Inspiring Speakers Bureau, passed away on April 17th, 2026. He was my stepfather, my mentor, my business partner, and one of the most influential people I will ever know. Larry built Inspiring Speakers Bureau from the ground up in the late 1990s. Through sheer persistence, optimism, and (most crucially) his belief in people, he guided this business through some of the toughest periods in modern history. Inspiring Speakers survived and adapted through 9/11, SARS, the 2008 financial crisis, and COVID—times when many in the speaking industry didn’t make it. Larry never lost faith. He never lost purpose. He just kept moving forward. In 2017, Larry entrusted me with the business and passed the torch. But he never stepped away in spirit. Up until his final days, he remained a powerful and invaluable mentor, guiding me, challenging me, and continuing to shape the direction of Inspiring Speakers. Everything I know about this business (and much of what I know about life) came from him. He taught me the ins and outs of the professional speaking world, but more importantly, he taught me about people. About human connection. About branding and marketing with integrity. About building real client relationships. About conducting yourself ethically, even when it’s difficult. Larry was an incredible leader. He led with positivity. With optimism. With a mindset that no matter what was happening externally, there was always a way forward. That attitude became the backbone of this business. Throughout his career, Larry had the privilege of working with some of the greatest voices in the world—Les Brown, Robin Sharma, Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Robert Kiyosaki, Dr. Wayne Dyer, and many more. But what stood out most wasn’t just who he worked with—it was how he showed up. With humility. With consistency. With genuine care. Larry was legally blind. He had only about 5% of his vision. And yet, I’ve always said—he was the most observant man I’ve ever known. Because he paid attention. He listened. He noticed what others missed. He recognized people for who they truly were. Larry saw more than most people, in both a literal and metaphorical way.

Last week, I was interviewed by Emmy-award winning journalist and investigative reporter Mark Allen. Our focus was on the intersection of artificial intelligence and human wisdom, and my work with leaders in this area. You can watch the full interview on my YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuwiQ5sxKv8&t=77s

Just when I thought I couldn't love this community more, I DO!! I needed a form. I had an idea of what I needed it to look like but I also knew other speakers/coaches in the group likely had a similar form, so I asked during yesterday's weekly Inspiring Talks meeting. AND I RECEIVED! They sent me their forms. I took their suggestions, added my spin to it and TAA DAAA! Form ready for use! CHI MIIGWETCH (BIG thank you) to @Jerry Fletcher and @Sunni Smith for your willingness to share and for the encouragement of everyone in this group. And remember, the best relationships are reciprocal so if YOU ever need anything, just ask! Love you all tons! HUGSSSSSSS Sandi

Okay, first off, if you haven't subscribed to @Jerry Fletcher 's newsletter on LinkedIn, you are missing the boat. Secondly, Jerry recently posted in his newsletter about emotional hooks you should use in your posting. I took screenshots than threw the info into Claude (AI). Then since Claude and I are now buds, he asked if I wanted examples specific to my industry. The two attached documents are the result. Quit fearing AI! USE IT along with the guidance of the experienced ... like Jerry Fletcher. Thanks Jerry!!

Trust me, eventually the flower blooms.