One look at Brian Fanzo and you can tell he’s bold, brave, and not afraid to put himself out there. He encourages his customers to do the same.
I have grown up with technology, and it’s an important part of how I stay connected to my friends. From my perspective, technology makes the world a better place. Some people might not realize how to use technology for their own benefit – or the greater good – especially in business. That’s where Brian can really help.
For my 8-part Summer Speaker Series, and to learn more about Brian as a speaker, I interviewed him on the following topics:
CJ: What was your first job?
BF: At 14, I started working at my family’s frozen yogurt store called “Fanzo’s It’s Yogurt”. I would ride my bike there after school and work the 3pm to 6pm shift. My first job that wasn’t a family company was working at the roller-skating rink at age 15. I worked there until I was 18 as the rink guard and DJ.
CJ: How did you become a professional speaker?
BF: While working for the United States Government in cyber security, my boss explained to me that since I was the youngest and most outgoing employee, I would need to get certified and start speaking at the Pentagon for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During this position, I maintained the highest civilian security clearance and delivered numerous presentations – which led to a passion for teaching others how to innovate and embrace change.
CJ: What inspired you to choose your keynote program topics?
BF: Early on, I picked the topics that I thought my fans would like to hear me talk about. Over the last few years, I began to focus on topics that I’m passionate about – connecting stories of my past experiences in cyber security, as a technology evangelist, and as a social media influencer.
CJ: How did the COVID-19 quarantine affect you as a professional speaker?
BF: It was a big shock, and although I had done more than 3,000 live streams and used virtual to build my offline speaking business, it required a massive shift to use virtual to sell virtual. As much as I love doing virtual presentations, I do miss the stage and the live audiences.
CJ: What is your favorite thing about speaking?
BF: Each time I step on stage, the audience gives me two of the most valuable things they have: their time and attention. Getting the chance to shift their perspective and inspire them to do things they haven’t done before is the best feeling in the world.
CJ: What advice would you give to a middle school student?
BF: Focus less on what you want to become, or what job you want to do, and more on being self-aware. Discover things you like to do and things you don’t like to do. Being yourself is the secret to making it in life, but as you get to high school you’ll feel the pressure to be like everyone else. If you can focus on being self-aware in middle school, you’ll start to realize what makes you different – and what you love to do is really what makes you special.
Thanks so much, Brian! I really loved this interview… even though you are a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. (Go Bengals!)
To help tell your company tells its story, and to connect better with your customers using technology, you should hire Brian Fanzo.
Our guest blogger Connor Joyce is a rising 7th grader from Huntersville, North Carolina. With a keen interest in learning more about the professional speaking industry, he produced an 8-Part Summer Speaker Series for www.MichelleJoyce.com. He is the firstborn child of Founder and President, Michelle Joyce. When he’s not interviewing speakers, he enjoys football, Fortnite, and watersports.
