We recently connected with Kerry Barrett and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kerry thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I’m Kerry Barrett I am an on-camera coach, corporate trainer and keynote speaker on a mission to help you level-up your on-camera skills and confidence so you can leverage video for authority, visibility and revenue. I’m the founder of The VIQ Academy and the founder MVP Your VIQ ™ training framework. After overcoming a debilitating fear of public speaking, I now use my 20+ years of experience in the TV industry to help clients break through mindset issues and cultivate a persona that exudes confidence and authenticity, whether on camera, standing on stage, or giving a presentation.

It started with a childhood spent overseas.
My dad was a civil engineer, and his job took us all over the world, from Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom. Shortly before high school, we moved back to the US, and I’ve lived all over the country since then.

These early years sparked an interest in learning about and connecting with other people — their cultures, how they lived and their personal stories. This influenced my career path, and also sparked an ability to recognize interesting stories in others.

My fear of public speaking wasn’t rational.
It didn’t just prevent me from public speaking—it sent me into a tailspin of anxiety and insecurity, unable to function. Starting in childhood and into my college years, even speaking in front of my classmates could be enough to send me into cold sweats… anxiety-ridden for months.

So, how did I end up with a 20+ year career in the news business, speaking to an audience of millions every day and even winning an Emmy®?

Well, when you declare a major Speech and Communication Studies, you have no choice but to face your public-speaking phobia. I recognized that my fear was holding me back not just from success, but from living my life, and I was determined to find a new path.

Over time, with a lot of hard work, a lot of help from others, and probably a little too much ego, I got past my fear of public speaking and being on camera. In fact, I didn’t just kick that fear to the curb: I turned it into one of my core strengths.

My goal is to be the coach that my clients need.
Sometimes that’s a cheerleader waving pom-poms (metaphorical pom-poms only), or the coach blowing a whistle demanding pushups (these are also metaphorical).

I pride myself on creating goals that fit the needs of each client—no one-size-fits-all here! Some of my proudest moments, though, are when clients themselves find success, whether that’s through measurable revenue increases or an improvement in their quality of life because they are more confident and happy in their role.

Kerry Barrett and her child sitting at her desk in front of an opened laptop and an iPad.
The Nitty Gritty Details
I developed my video skills on the ground, working in front of the camera for internationally renowned media institutions like NBC, ABC and Fox TV stations. I earned notable accolades, including a first-place award with the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), an Emmy® Award in Breaking News, an Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence, and more.

I earned my degrees in communications: a BA in Communications from Clemson (Go Tigers!) and an MA in Telecommunications from the University of Florida (Go Gators!).

I currently live in Sparta, NJ with my husband, three children, and our very old dog, and when I’m not helping my clients become video rockstars, you can find me outside, hiding from my children. Or drinking at the local bar (these are kind of the same thing).

Kerry , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Imagine confidently delivering captivating performances on camera for virtual presentations, team meetings, client pitches and sales calls, town halls, social media, virtual speaking engagements and even television interviews.

The opportunity to increase visibility, grow your audience, establish credibility, and generate leads and sales are immense. Speaking on camera, is the new public speaking.

But here’s the catch: you or your team may not be presenting your best selves on camera. Perhaps watching and listening to your videos makes you cringe, or maybe you’ve never even mustered the courage to review them. You’re 💯 *NOT* alone. Or maybe you haven’t even tried at all.

The path to improvement involves two crucial elements: quantity and quality. While you may understand the importance of practice, you’re unsure about the strategies for achieving quality performances.

The truth is, being camera-savvy, even great on camera, is not an innate talent for most.
It’s a skill that can be intentionally developed through repetition and expert guidance.

How do you transform from camera-shy to camera-confident? Deliver on educational and sales webinars? Town halls? Team meetings?

How do you make sure you and your team’s virtual communications enhance, rather than harm?

What sets individuals apart and makes them memorable, relatable, and compelling on camera? How do they develop influence? Create impact?

I’ve been where you are. I turned my paralyzing fear of speaking into a two-decade career as an Emmy-award winning network news anchor, host & visual storyteller.

That’s where I come in.

I specialize in helping executives, teams, and founders become captivating on-camera personalities, boost their visibility, expand their audience, impact and influence, scale message, close sales, create a more engaged workforce and build a personal brand.

I help businesses and corporations leverage the power of video to increase their visibility, credibility, and engagement. With over two decades of experience as an Emmy and Telly-award winning TV broadcast news anchor, reporter & producer, I mastered the art and science of captivating audiences on camera & delivering compelling stories & messages.

I know how to overcome the fear and anxiety of being on camera, build skill and authenticity. I can help you do the same.

I work with people in different ways:
1:1
VIP days
90 minute intensive
Group & team coaching
Digital programs
Corporate training, workshops & keynotes

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

LinkedIn content has been the biggest source of large Fortune 500 corporate clients and executives

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

Digital programs/courses keynotes, speaking engagements, emcee gigs
on-camera talent for commercials
affiliate sales
client coaching: group and 1:1

Contact Info:

• Website: www.KerryBarrett.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/@IAmKerryBarrett
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/IAmKerryBarrett
• Linkedin: www.Linkedin.com/in/KerryBarrett
• Twitter: www.Twitter.com/IAmKerryBarrett
• Youtube: www.YouTube.com/@IAmKerryBarrett
• Other: Pinterest: www.Pinterest.com/IAmKerryBarrett TikTok: www.TikTok.com/IAmKerryBarrett

Image Credits
there are no credits, I own these images