Being Unapologetic: Empowering You to Become an Influential Speaker and Visionary Leader

By Davide Di Giorgio

When you speak, do people listen? Can you inspire others into action with your words and presentation style? Do you speak your truth and empower with your vision?

If you want to be a powerful speaker, a sought-after influencer, and confident leader, this book will give you the confidence and know-how to do so!

I know you hide who you are and you often bury what you truly believe.

I also know you're ready to be your true self and shine for all the world to see. You are ready to unleash that hidden X factor that will propel you to be an influential speaker and leader who positively impacts others.

Davide Di Giorgio knows what it’s like to hide your true identity. He spent years repressing the truth that he was gay. But one day he found the courage not only to own his truth, but also to build a life for himself with a wonderful husband.

Davide also knows what it’s like to have second thoughts and doubts. He’s overcome those doubts, embraced his talents, and become one of the world’s foremost speaking and leadership experts. For more than a quarter of a century, he has been helping high achievers like you to become visionary leaders, speakers, and influencers.

Now, in Being Unapologetic, Davide shares a lifetime of experiences and the tools he offers his clients so they can embrace their identities, develop their gifts, and become the leaders the world needs. Joined by eighteen influencers who share their own stories of living unapologetically, Davide presents a goldmine of wisdom, hope, courage, and confidence for his readers.

And best of all, once you learn to be unapologetic, you’ll never look back!

In this book, through powerful stories, lessons, and experiential exercises you will learn how to:
* Discover your purpose
* Develop your influential confidence, leadership, and speaking skills
* Reverse engineer ideas to craft powerful talks and presentations
* Communicate in a way that moves your audiences and followers into inspired action
* Speak your truth to empower others
* Deliver vision instead of value, and why that is far more powerful
...and so much more

Testimonials:

"In Being Unapologetic, Davide Di Giorgio charts a path others can follow to find their voices and deliver their messages in an authentic and impactful way. Davide asks only that you unabashedly and unapologetically communicate to those who need your message the most. This book will inspire you to engage the world with your story for positive change. This is the perfect read for anyone on the sidelines needing an inspirational push to be heard.”

Brian Tracy
International Motivational Speaker and Author of Seventy-Plus Self-Development Books

“Being Unapologetic is funny, heartfelt, and hopeful. But most of all it’s helpful. In a very relatable way, Davide encourages you to ask the right questions, not the popular ones in order to identify your natural gifts, nail down your why, and find your confidence throughout the process. You will be empowered and enlightened by this book and loaded with tools to take your life to the next level.”

Katy Temple
Founder & CEO, Katy Temple Media Coaching, Emmy Award Winning Sportscaster

If you're ready to positively transform your life, then read and absorb the strategies in this brilliant book by my friend Davide Di Giorgio! Davide is an amazing speaker and coach who truly cares about helping others and his ideas will make a positive difference in your life!

James Malinchak
Featured on ABCs Hit TV Show, "Secret Millionaire"
Authored 20 Books, Delivered 3,000 Presentations & 1,000 Consultations
Best-Selling Author, Millionaire Success Secrets
Founder, www.MillionaireFreeBook.com

From the Author:
“My wish for you is that you believe, deeply, in yourself and the work you’re doing in the world.”
— Davide Di Giorgio

• Language: English
• Publisher: Davide Di Giorgio
• Release date: Aug 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781947937550

Davide Di Giorgio

Davide Di Giorgio is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, TEDx speaker coach, and leadership coach. As one of the world’s leading speaking experts, he’s worked with thousands of on-purpose speakers, performers, executives, and leaders across multiple industries for more than twenty-five years. He’s also an award-winning theater producer, acclaimed educator, and entrepreneur. He’s been featured around the world in major media for his work as Founder of the unWorld Leaders Network and Creator of the Mastermind and Speaker Experience at Sea. Originally from Toronto, Davide now lives in his dream city, San Diego, with his dream husband Heath and their dog, Galileo.

Book preview

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT

DAVIDE DI GIORGIO AND BEING UNAPOLOGETIC

"In Being Unapologetic, Davide Di Giorgio charts a path others can follow to find their voices and deliver their messages in an authentic and impactful way. Davide asks only that you unabashedly and unapologetically communicate to those who need your message the most. This book will inspire you to engage the world with your story for positive change. This is the perfect read for anyone on the sidelines needing an inspirational push to be heard."

Brian Tracy

International Motivational Speaker and Author of Seventy-Plus Self-Development Books

"Being Unapologetic is funny, heartfelt, and hopeful. But most of all it’s helpful. In a very relatable way, Davide encourages you to ask the right questions, not the popular ones in order to identify your natural gifts, nail down your why, and find your confidence throughout the process. You will be empowered and enlightened by this book and loaded with tools to take your life to the next level."

Katy Temple

Founder & CEO, Katy Temple Media Coaching, Emmy Award Winning Sportscaster

If you're ready to positively transform your life, then read and absorb the strategies in this brilliant book by my friend Davide Di Giorgio! Davide is an amazing speaker and coach who truly cares about helping others and his ideas will make a positive difference in your life!

James Malinchak

Featured on ABCs Hit TV Show, Secret Millionaire

Authored 20 Books, Delivered 3,000 Presentations & 1,000 Consultations

Best-Selling Author, Millionaire Success Secrets

Founder, www.MillionaireFreeBook.com

True wealth lies in a person’s story. Telling it in a way to transform others and create personal freedom is a craft. Davide Di Giorgio has mastered it and has now crafted a true instructional vessel to teach the masses to do the same. No doubt the lives who take hold of this tool and use it accordingly will experience a transformation that will awaken a new level of success and fulfillment. Written with excellence, timed to perfection, with an undeniable mix of humor and heart, this one is one for the record books. Dive in. Your true wealth awaits you.

Danelle Delgado

CEO Life Intended, World-Renowned Speaker & High-Performance Business Strategist

© 2018 by Davide Di Giorgio. All rights reserved.

Published by:

Aviva Publishing

Lake Placid, NY

[phone]

AvivaPubs.com

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of the author. Address all inquiries to:

Davide Di Giorgio

Telephone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

DavideSpeaks.com

ISBN: 978-1-947937-55-0

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018908082

Editor: Tyler Tichelaar/Superior Book Productions

Cover Design: Nicole Gabriel/AngelDog Productions

Interior Paperback Layout: Nicole Gabriel/AngelDog Productions

Interior Ebook Layout: Elaine York/Allusion Graphics, LLC

Chapter Graphics: Adam Bartanus

Cover Photo: John Antezana/Caliphoto Dreamin Photography

Author Photo: Nikki Incandela/Nikki Incandela Photography

Every attempt has been made to source properly all quotes.

Printed in the United States of America

First Edition

Table of Contents

An Unparalleled Speaker

Dedication

Foreword

Introduction: It All Begins With Celebration

Part I Discovering Your Purpose

Chapter 1 Uncovering the Truth

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unbroken by Christina Rosas

Chapter 2 Asking Better Questions

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unchained by Carson Cooper

Chapter 3 Accepting Yourself

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unloved by Re Perez

Chapter 4 Acting Courageously

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unafraid by Niraj Mendis

Chapter 5 Letting Go

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unburdened by Heather Joy Bassett

Chapter 6 Going All In

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unleashed by Christine Gail

Chapter 7 Knowing You Are Already Enough

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unbeatable by Randy Molland

Part II: Developing Your Leadership Skills

Chapter 8 Accountability

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unbreakable by Kat Halushka

Chapter 9 Embracing Different as Normal

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unconventional by Milana Leshinsky

Chapter 10 Taking a Stand

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unmessable by Casey Nicole Fox

Chapter 11 Storytelling

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Uncorked by Cindy Ashton

Chapter 12 Having Faith

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unwavering by Nick Unsworth

Part III: Delivering Your Vision

Chapter 13 Speaking Your Truth

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unquiet by Carmenza David

Chapter 14 Showing Up and Making a Statement

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unboring by Vanessa Shaw

Chapter 15 Becoming Unforgettable

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unforgettable by Joie Cheng, MSW

Chapter 16 Measuring Your Value

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unorthodox by Sarah-Nada Arfa

Chapter 17 Leading With Vision

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unreasonable by Brian K. Wright

Chapter 18 Being Unstoppable

Spotlight: Unapologetic Influencer

Unapologetic by LaKeisha Michelle

A Final Note: Who Are You Being?

About the Author

Project Unapologetic

unWorld Leaders Network

The Mastermind & Speaker Experience at Sea

Additional Resources

Book Davide to Speak

Acknowledgements

What Others Are Saying

An Unparalleled Professional Speaker for Your Next Event!

Any organization, enterprise, or educational institution that wants to develop its people to become extraordinary leaders and speakers needs to hire Davide for a keynote and/or workshop training!

His talks are customized for corporate, entrepreneurial, and educational (educator and student) audiences.

For corporate engagements, learn how Davide also includes the opportunity for you to give back to a local high school performing arts program of your choice. Not only will he speak to the school, but he’ll surprise the school by donating a portion of his speaking fee to its program.

To Contact or Book Davide to Speak:

UNapologetic Enterprises, Inc.

[phone]

[e-mail]

DavideSpeaks.com

DEDICATION

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To my mentor, friend, and greatest teacher, Fredrick H. Thury (1945–2006): While you were teaching me how to become a successful musical director and theater producer, you actually taught me how to be me. Your greatest gift was the ability to see possibility in others and support people in bringing that possibility into the light. Not only did you bring out the best in me, but you taught me how to do the same for others. This book is a testament to your legacy, and now my legacy for the world. I did it, Fred! I finally wrote a book, just like you told me to. Until we are together again for the first time in the great beyond, I will continue to carry on the legacy of being you gifted to me.

To my American parents, Anita and Pete: Thank you for seeing me for who I am when I didn’t know it myself. Thank you for your unconditional love. Thank you for helping me redefine family and feel like I belong. I love you both and I wish for you to continue to live all the days of your lives with unprecedented celebration and love.

To Heath, my husband: This book would not have been possible without your unselfish support and love. Thank you for giving me the space and time to grow my wings. Thank you for being who you are, unapologetically, and for honoring who I am as we continue to build our lives together. Oh, the adventures we will have! Love you, babe.

CELEBRATION

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WHAT ARE YOU CELEBRATING RIGHT NOW?

No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.

— P. T. Barnum

FOREWORD

by

Patrick Snow

Bravo!

Every now and then, I stumble across a book that forever changes my life. A book I will cherish always and let no one else borrow from fear it won’t be returned. Being Unapologetic is one of those books, and it certainly will be a classic in the decades to come! So if you are standing in a bookstore reading this foreword and contemplating buying this book, my best advice to you is to buy this book now or forever live a life of regret!

For as long as I can remember, I have lived by the adage that it is better just to do something first without asking for permission, and then apologize later (if needed). I also have lived by the philosophy for years that Leadership is not given; it is taken! To me, that is what being unapologetic is all about, and it’s exactly the way Davide Di Giorgio and the others featured in this book have lived their lives, and hence, their massive success should not surprise you!

Davide Di Giorgio certainly is unapologetic in every aspect of his life. But more importantly, he is one of the most authentic, genuine, and warm-hearted people I know, and I am honored to call him my friend! He is truly one of my favorite people on this planet, and I am honored to write this foreword and support this project as his publishing coach.

I believe successful people live their lives being unapologetic. They live by the advice of Les Brown: Never let someone else’s opinion of you determine your reality. I would take it a step further and add: Never let someone else’s opinion of you stop you!

You see, successful people are rule breakers; they are unapologetic; they do what is right even if it is not popular or what the majority of people would do. This mindset, which you will learn in this book, is exactly the opposite of what we are taught in school: Don’t speak up. Don’t get out of line. Play it safe. Get a good education so you can find a solid job. I believe if you follow this advice, you will eventually be apologizing to your family for losing your job, and then you will be begging the unapologetic entrepreneurs for a job.

I believe being unapologetic means following your passions, not seeking permission from others, doing what you love, serving others, living on your own terms while still solving a need in the marketplace, and serving others to make the world a better place!

Furthermore, as you develop this mindset, you will achieve what this book’s subtitle promises: Empowering high achievers to be visionary leaders and successful speakers. Additionally, I believe you will achieve your freedom and get what we all want, which is more time, more money, more health, more love, and more happiness in life.

In this powerful book, you will learn how to discover the leader within and be empowered to build a leadership platform and a movement based on who you are being (and who you’ve always been). You will learn what it truly means to be courageous in order to bring a vision or dream to life. You will overcome personal limiting beliefs that are keeping you from achieving the success for which you are destined. You will learn why starting with why could actually be stalling you from your biggest success.

Furthermore, you will develop the accountability to achieve personal and business success. You will learn how to uncover your true identity and worth. You will develop the discipline and confidence of a visionary speaker and leader—one who dares to challenge the status quo and create lasting positive impact for the world and others. You will take on the attitude of champions. You will learn how to lead with vision, as opposed to value, so you can exponentially increase results and deepen relationships. And finally, you will be able to deliver your story, message, and vision unapologetically and successfully so you can radically inspire others into action and positive transformation.

In these pages, Davide Di Giorgio will provide you with the knowledge, skill set, and confidence to live your life the way you have always desired without having to seek approval from others. Your heart and soul will shine, your energy levels will soar, and your success will be like nothing you have ever experienced!

When you follow the formulas and strategies in this book, your whole life will change. You will be asked to speak at huge conferences, your coaching practice will skyrocket, you will travel the world in service to others, and you will achieve internal solitude and peace of mind. Most importantly, you will be living true to the destiny for which you were born. You will blaze your own trail for others to follow, and your example, mentoring, and new way of life will impact thousands of others also to live with authenticity.

Throughout this book, you will learn that you are the driving force for you to take the leadership role in your life, to never again ask for permission, and to live life on your own terms. You will achieve all of the career, family, and wealth goals you desire. Most importantly, you will become a servant leader, making the world a better place for generations to come.

So get ready for an amazing ride. Buckle your seatbelt and prepare yourself for a life-changing experience like no other, that will bring you fulfillment, contentment, peace, and most importantly, a life in which you never ask anyone again for permission!

Respectfully,

Patrick Snow

Publishing Coach, Professional Speaker, and International Best-Selling Author of Creating Your Own Destiny, The Affluent Entrepreneur, and Boy Entrepreneur

PatrickSnow.com

ThePublishingDoctor.com

INTRODUCTION

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It All Begins With Celebration

Find out who you are and be that person. That’s what your soul was put on this Earth to be. Find that truth, live that truth, and everything else will come.

— Ellen DeGeneres

Which of these statements ever crosses your mind?

You’re not good enough! Who do you think you are? You don’t have that X factor! What if you fail? What if they think you’re a fraud? What if you succeed? You’ll never really make it! That’s just a dream! If only I could get a break like they did!

As a result, do you find yourself playing small? Do you sometimes not share your ideas for fear of being judged? Are you waiting for that great idea or opportunity that will be the one? Do you believe you’re here on this earth for a bigger purpose? Do you feel like you’ve put in the time but still can’t get a break? Are you constantly delivering and adding value but still feel like you can’t get ahead?

I know what it’s like. I’ve spent nearly my entire life playing a smaller game than I knew I could. I’ve spent my entire life waiting for others, the right moment, the right opportunity, the right way to say it, the right partners…. And it’s exhausting. I know what it feels like to spend your entire life feeling like you’re apologizing for who you are, or diminishing your light so as not to outshine everyone around you, even though you’ve known your entire life that you naturally shine bright and have the potential for great things!

In this book, you’ll discover the truth about yourself so you can truly begin to accept and celebrate who you already are and how to go all in on your dreams and vision. You’ll develop the confidence and critical thinking skills that will allow you to take a stand for what you believe and how to enroll others through your story. You’ll learn how to share your gifts with the world and to lead others with vision instead of playing the value game where it feels as though you’re always chasing others and your dreams.

I’m going to teach you how to uncover and unleash the X factor that will allow you to achieve your mission and vision just like the world’s greatest personalities, leaders, speakers, and influencers!

If you apply the lessons, techniques, and wisdom shared in this book, and you commit to being accountable to daily discovery and celebration, then you will not only become the visionary leader and speaker you desire to become, but you will also rediscover your true purpose and passion for life. It’s up to you to glean the lessons and apply them to your life, and to be committed to the process and practice of being unapologetic, unmessable, unstoppable…and beyond.

For over twenty-five years, I’ve worked with and studied performers, speakers, leaders, and visionaries across multiple industries as a composer, musical director, producer, educator, and business owner. The performing arts were my training grounds. Think about it—in musical theater, performers are required to sing abstract lyrics that bring characters and ideas to life that move audiences and command standing ovations. I discovered the secrets to moving audiences and people into inspired action. I developed a way to get the best out of people who have a big mission and vision for others. At the same time, it’s a lifelong, ongoing study and discovery process. My commitment is to you—the on-purpose, high achiever who is up to something bigger. I’ve committed my life to supporting others to bring big ideas to life, and this book represents the culmination of my life’s work.

Dreamers, visionaries, and trailblazers—high achievers like you—don’t always have an easy go at things. I get it. I’ve been there. I’m still there at times. It may feel as though your ideas are too big. That your vision is so big that others just don’t see it. Even your friends and family may, at times, encourage you to choose a more traveled path. And I understand you’ve been at this a long time. You’ve had a vision for a long time, and it may feel like you’ve spent your whole life already trying to bring it to fruition. I understand, and I want you to know that I see what’s possible for you. I believe the world is waiting for you and your message, and I know you are the only person who can bring your idea to the world.

I see the miracle you are and the power you possess to radically transform and bless the world with your gifts. Take a moment to look at the cover image of this book. I want you to imagine yourself on that stage, confetti blowing by you as the audience cheers you on. They are celebrating you. I am celebrating you in each chapter of this book, and every step of the way. I want you to lean on me when you think you can’t make it. I’ll be your cheerleader, mentor, and resource that you can look to as you create and catalyze your own movement.

This book is divided into three major parts: