My 3 Cavetts

Cavett Robert started the National Speaker Association in 1973. He believed that speakers could learn, mentor and share with one another to create better opportunities for all. He called it “Sharing the Pie.” His thinking that the more slices there were the more speaking engagements members could get as this principal became the foundation of NSA. And, every year one person is selected to receive the prestigious award. Recently, The National Speakers Association asked me to write an article for their Speaker Magazine. They wanted to know who MY Cavett was.

Not so quick!

There is no doubt in my mind earns the distinction of “My Cavett”. I don’t have to think twice. I’ve got this. And then, it gets a bit murky. I’m compelled to shout out the name because it’s a no brainer. And then, it gets complicated. This is relatively easy, yet my mind drifts to one person and then to two others.

Decision made!

Yep, it’s all three! No, this is not a cop out. Instead, I’m choosing to honor three people who helped craft me into the speaker and the NSA member I am today.

My Cavett is Eliz Greene. This is an easy call as she introduced me to NSA.

It began with coffee, then attending a meeting and finally, as many of you, a leap of faith that NSA might actually be where I belong; where a passionate, unique, caring guy could grow into a paid professional speaker.

Eliz mentored me. She taught the Wisconsin Speaker Academy for years, where I studied and then graduated. She was brilliant! Eliz mentored me more and proved to be honest, caring and giving. She not-so-gently nudged me to attend my first Influence in San Diego

What a positive role model.

Yes, Eliz brought me to the dance. We talked, shared and I began to mature as a speaker. We became friends. How cool!

Then, I had the honor, pleasure and down-right luck of having a lady approach me at a meeting, chat me up and asked if she may offer up a few suggestions. She appeared to be kind, genuine and full of knowledge. We quickly became buds and I would find myself hanging on her every word. Poised, articulate and wildly talented, I knew I had hit the “speaker jackpot” again!

Chris Clarke-Epstein, CSP and Cavett Award Winner, would become another mentor and friend. She made herself accessible, has a great sense of humor and is passionate about our profession. Professionally and personally, I knew that this lady was fantastic. I soaked up her knowledge, we laughed, and I became a better speaker yet again!

Finally, I met this guy with high energy, focus and passion. I was intimidated because he was successful like my other Cavett’s, plus direct and honest.

I needed that. Plus, he was also a giver, NSA ‘lifer’ and a good man! Mike challenged me to be my best, delivering encouragement along the way.

Mike Domitrz, CSP is Cavett # 3.

Oh, come on Lesnick. Just pick one!

Eliz brought me in, mentored me and helped me become a professional speaker. Without her there is no NSA for Scott.

Chris helped me polish who I was, gave me valuable tips about our business on the platform and off and was/is approachable to any member of her NSA family. How cool is that? CSP-Cavett Award winner. She could sit back and bask in her success. Not Chris!

Mike showed me more of who I was and could become in our business, had great suggestions that were succinct, based on experience and often spot on. He wanted me to succeed. He gave me time and he got a great sense of humor as do Eliz and Chris.

My Cavetts are @Eliz Greene, @Chris Clarke-Epstein and @Mike Domitrz.

They, along with many others, shaped the successful speaker I am today.

NSA has allowed me to give back which has always been important to me. In the tradition of my Cavetts, I also mentor, was the Dean of the Wisconsin Speaker Academy and love to learn from and spend time with my NSA family.

Who is/are your Cavett(s)? Have you thanked them? Who are you giving back to? It feels great!