Two Entrepreneurs, Two Journeys: What David Ades and Ean Wood Learned from Leadr’s TEDx Coaching

Leadr.co promises a clear pathway to the TEDx stage, a bold claim in an industry flooded with noise, overpromises, and countless failed attempts. For people like David Ades and Ean Wood, the decision to join Leadr came with curiosity, questions, and cautious optimism. But what they found through the program wasn’t just support in landing a TEDx talk, it was a shift in how they viewed their ideas, their confidence, and their voice.

Here’s what they had to say.

Overcoming Mental Barriers and Building Real Momentum

David Ades was already a confident communicator, but stepping into TEDx territory wasn’t about charisma, it was about message clarity, structure, and staying accountable. Like many people, David had a powerful story and sharp insights, but even with that, there was something missing: a system.

Leadr provided that missing link.

“They gave me a game plan, a roadmap to get there,” he shared. “Even in moments when I started to doubt myself or lose steam, there was this built-in accountability that made sure I didn’t fall off.”

David admits he didn’t come in expecting miracles, he came in expecting work. What he appreciated most was that the program didn’t rely on fluff or empty encouragement. It was tactical. Practical. Delivered in layers that made the process digestible, even when it felt big and overwhelming.

“Before joining, I had the vision. But after Leadr, I had the tools.”

The Power of Being Understood and Supported

Ean Wood’s journey started from a very different place. He described himself as someone used to being the one who helps others, not the one getting support. So when he finally raised his hand and joined Leadr, he wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.

What stood out most?

“They saw me. They didn’t try to make me fit into a TEDx formula. They helped me shape my message in a way that was true to who I am,” Ean explained. “And that alone made it worth it.”

Ean’s background wasn’t in polished keynote stages or media interviews. He came in with life experience, insight, and a genuine desire to help people. What he appreciated was that the Leadr team didn’t treat him like a project, they treated him like a person with something important to say.

There were times during the program when he needed reassurance, when self-doubt kicked in, or when the fear of judgment crept up, and each time, the coaching process brought him back to center.

“Having someone who can reflect your story back to you — and show you how it lands — that’s powerful,” he said.

Not Just Theory — Execution and Tangible Results

Both David and Ean emphasized how different Leadr.co felt from other coaching or speaking programs they’d encountered in the past.

David appreciated the tactical rigor: “This wasn’t just a bunch of Zoom calls with motivational quotes. There were templates. Strategies. Clear next steps. I knew what to do and when to do it.”

For Ean, it was the alignment between his personal story and the talk structure. He learned how to break down abstract ideas into a framework that not only worked on a TEDx stage but also carried weight beyond it — into workshops, podcasts, and client conversations.

Both mentioned that they got clarity not just on what to say, but why it mattered — and who it was really for. That kind of precision takes real work, and Leadr didn’t shy away from asking for it.

Who This Program Is Really For

If you’re someone who’s already on stages every month, if you have a PR team and a speaking agent, maybe this isn’t for you.

But if you’re a mission-driven entrepreneur, creative, or professional with a powerful message, and you’re willing to do the work to shape that message into something TEDx-ready — Leadr might be exactly what you need.

David and Ean both made it clear that this isn’t a “done-for-you” shortcut to fame. It’s a guided process for people who are serious about sharing ideas that matter.

Final Thoughts

Two people. Two stories. One shared outcome: clarity, confidence, and action.

David found structure and drive. Ean found support and alignment. Both left the program not just closer to the TEDx stage, but transformed in how they show up in the world.

As David put it, “This isn’t just about giving a talk. It’s about owning your voice.”

And sometimes, that’s the most important result of all.