Hi, I'm Marina Barayeva
I help entrepreneurs and leaders turn their ideas into impactful speeches that grow their business and position them as recognized experts.
Born in Russia, I’ve been based in Beijing, China, for more than a decade.
When people hear that, the first question they usually ask is: “What?! China? How did you end up there?”
You know that feeling when you hit a ceiling in your community: you want to grow and explore more, but you don’t see any opportunities where you are. That was me. I felt stuck.
I wanted to travel, see the world, meet new people, and build an international business.
And that’s exactly what I did.
The Public Speaking Journey
For the last 17 years, I’ve had several businesses. For quite a while, I ran a portrait photography business. But as I worked with entrepreneurs and professionals, I started consulting on personal branding. That’s when my business shifted into business and branding consulting.
With a solid business background, I spoke at events and thought I was doing fine as a speaker. People found my ideas interesting.
However, very few folks said they made a big impact on them. Also, speaking barely would bring me clients or invitations to speak at other events.
In 2019, I gave a TEDx talk and believed I had a life-changing idea that would help people.
I looked at famous speakers and followed what I thought they did - telling stories and giving tips on how to improve. I was sure it would reach entrepreneurs and help them build better businesses and fulfilled lives.
It didn't work.
People liked it, but they were confused about my message. Also, instead of reaching entrepreneurs, my talk got featured on a positive psychology website.
I remember thinking, "Psychology? That's not what I was going for at all."
That experience pushed me to dig deeper to find out what makes great talks.
Since then, I have analyzed many popular speeches and TED talks, comparing them with TEDx talks that had low view counts and local event speeches. I also consulted many people preparing their TED-style speeches.
As a result, I discovered what most speakers miss when they give their talks and what they can improve if they know what to look for.
The thing is:
You can speak in front of an audience, sharing something interesting, but it doesn’t make you a speaker who makes a difference, and it doesn’t help your business grow.
I saw firsthand how hard it is to make a message land, even when you care deeply about it.
I also realized that so many brilliant, purpose-driven people were in the same boat. They had expertise, stories, and passion, but struggled to turn it into a speech that actually inspires people to apply what they share and create transformation.
And that transformation happens for both the audience and the speaker.
When you share your message with clarity and inspire action, people start applying what you share.
They see how it affects their lives and begin sharing your ideas with others, who also experience results.
Soon, people start looking for you, wanting to learn more and work with you.
A good speech comes full circle:
From you, the speaker who speaks with impact, to the audience whose lives are changed, to the many others who want the same results, and back to you as your influence and business thrive.
I know what it feels like to have something important to say but struggle to express it in a way that people will understand and apply.
Today, I work with entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers who feel called to share their message in a way that truly makes an impact.
Whether you prepare to deliver a speech, give a TED-style talk, or simply want to share your message with clarity and confidence, I’ll help you shape a speech that reflects your unique voice and leaves your audience thinking differently, acting boldly, and transforming their lives.
Let’s find your big idea, shape it into a signature talk, and prepare you to deliver it with confidence.
Make people remember not just your words, but the feeling and the action you inspire them to take afterward.
Give a speech that changes lives… including yours.