Monique Bradley
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In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of The Cappuccino Podcast, host Constable Brian sits down with Monique Bradley, a globally recognized keynote speaker, storyteller, and pioneer in the field of creative practice. Monique shares her journey from a bullied child to becoming the first person in the world to earn a Master of Creative Practice in keynote speaking with first-class honours. Her transformation was catalyzed by the tragic loss of two brothers in 2022, which prompted her to pivot from a digital agency career to fully embracing her calling as a professional speaker dedicated to helping others tell their stories. She unpacks the cultural barriers New Zealanders face in sharing their stories—rooted in humility, the 'tall poppy syndrome,' and Te Ao Māori whakatauki—and emphasizes that every story matters, especially those from everyday leaders like single parents or frontline workers. Monique also reveals her powerful framework for speaking: the 'Te Ara o Te Harakiki' model, inspired by Māori principles like whanaungatanga and kaitiakitanga, which grounds her practice in identity, connection, and purpose. She offers practical wisdom on the differences between public speaking, keynote speaking, and TEDx speaking, stressing that authenticity, research, and emotional intelligence are non-negotiable. Her insights into vulnerability, imposter syndrome, and post-performance 'after-show blues' provide a raw, human look at the emotional labor behind the stage. Ultimately, Monique’s mission—to help one million people tell their stories—stems from her own childhood trauma and the life-changing power of finding her voice through performance.
Your story matters—even if you think it's not interesting; every lived experience holds unique value and can change someone's life.
Confidence isn't a prerequisite for speaking; it's built through competence, repetition, and doing the work.
The most powerful speaking comes from authenticity, not perfection—especially when balancing vulnerability with purpose.
Cultural humility and the fear of judgment (glossophobia) are major barriers to storytelling in New Zealand; overcoming them requires intentional practice and community.
Great speakers prepare relentlessly—rehearsing not just content, but energy, connection, and audience reading.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction & Monique's Multifaceted Career
Constable Brian introduces Monique Bradley, highlighting her groundbreaking achievements: first in the world to earn a Master of Creative Practice in keynote speaking with first-class honours, PSANZ MC of the Year, and a 30-year veteran of performance and speaking. The episode begins with a playful Keanu Reeves and Speed reference.
The Power of Pausing and the Flavor of Confidence
“If Confidence had a flavour, what would it be? I think of it as, one of my favourite flavours is the grape flavour Hubba Bubba. It is intense. It's a full mouth flavour. And it's that flavour of, if you can chew this, you can totally back yourself.”
The Turning Point: Losing Her Brothers
“Coming back from that tangi, I looked at my partner Pete and we were on the plane. I said, I can't do digital marketing anymore. That's a realm of competency for me, but what matters to me are the stories that we tell, the stories we share, the stories we tell ourselves. That matters.”
Why New Zealanders Hesitate to Share Their Stories
“If that's not a leader, tell me what is because you know it's just bizarre. So what do you think the Monique Bradley of today would tell the 20-year-old Monique? I wish I had found her 15 years ago or you know 10 years ago. And had backed myself enough to go, you are a speaker. You'll crack it. Get on the stage. Now just do it.”
The Birth of Te Ara o Te Harakiki: Her Speaking Framework
“When we honour the rito which is the central part of that flax bush, when we honour that first all the other leaves which are kaitiakitanga, rangatirutanga, manaakitanga, all of those other leaves flourish.”
“Your story matters because your voice matters because the way you see and experience the world is different from the way I see and experience the world.”
“Coming back from that tangi, I looked at my partner Pete and we were on the plane. I said, I can't do digital marketing anymore. That's a realm of competency for me, but what matters to me are the stories that we tell, the stories we share, the stories we tell ourselves. That matters.”
“You're not there to give yourself therapy on stage. As speakers, we are there to serve the audience.”
Host
Guest
Monique Bradley
person
Constable Brian
person
Te Ao Māori
other
Te Ara o Te Harakiki
other
Whakapapa
other
TEDx Winyard Quarter
organization
Toastmasters
organization
Neighbourhood Support New Zealand
organization
Napoleon Dynamite
media
Glossophobia
other
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