Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanja Diamond

Hi Tanja, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

The first time I spoke in front of an audience, something ignited in me. Whether I was on stage, creating plays at home, or diving headfirst into debates at school, I was a natural-born communicator. But as a child, my enthusiasm often got me into trouble. Teachers would sigh, “Be quiet,” as my hand shot up again, desperate to share. Deep down, I had an unshakable desire to connect and inspire. Every new discovery—whether from exploring the Encyclopedia Britannica or observing the world around me—became something I had to share. My voice, once seen as a problem, would eventually become my most powerful tool.

But the journey wasn’t straightforward. I didn’t set out to be a professional speaker. Instead, I stumbled into it by living my truth—coaching others, leading groups, and jumping at opportunities to share what I’d learned. It wasn’t until I began teaching workshops and speaking on larger stages that I confronted a harsh reality: my style, while passionate, was overwhelming.

You see, I’m an autistic polymath. My brain moves fast, and so does my mouth—at around 225 words per minute, complete with sound effects and a firehose of energy. My friends found it exhilarating, but audiences? Not so much. They left inspired but dazed, like deer caught in headlights. Feedback like, “That was amazing!” felt hollow when I realized no one could take actionable steps from what I shared. My goal wasn’t to dazzle people into temporary awe; it was to create lasting impact. Something had to change.

I sought help. The first speaker coach told me, “Just be yourself.” But here’s the thing: I was being myself, and it clearly wasn’t working. Another coach wanted me to mimic their every move, from gestures to pacing. The result? I felt like a poorly cast actor in someone else’s role. Neither approach helped me discover the authentic, effective speaker I knew I could be. I needed something deeper.

That’s when I turned to classical Tantra. Not the Neo-Tantra most people associate with sensual practices, but the ancient path of energy mastery. In Sanskrit, Tantra means “The Path,” and its practices are designed to cultivate profound self-awareness. For me, it was a revelation. Through its rituals and philosophies, I learned how to ground my energy, slow my tempo, and create space for meaningful pauses. I uncovered my intentions and aligned them with my audience’s needs. Tantra gave me the tools to not only speak but to connect—on a visceral, energetic level.

Coupled with modern brain science hacks, these practices transformed my speaking style. I became more present, intentional, and impactful. My words weren’t just heard; they were felt. The result? A speaker who is still me but optimized. Now, when I step onto a stage, I deliver not just information but an experience—one that empowers audiences to take action and create real change.

This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It took trial, error, and a willingness to confront my own limitations. But the results have been nothing short of miraculous. Today, I use these same tools to coach others, including kids, proving their universal adaptability. These practices transcend lifestyle, background, or belief system, making them accessible to anyone willing to learn.

My voice—once a source of frustration for teachers and peers—is now my greatest asset. It’s how I inspire, connect, and create change. Through my Red Circle Ready program, I help others find their unique voice and step into their power as speakers when getting ready for a TEDx talk. Because when we communicate authentically and effectively, we don’t just share ideas—we ignite transformation.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Nothing in life is a straight line to success. Every journey, including mine, has twists, turns, and roadblocks.

As a life and business strategist, I’ve immersed myself in the art of communication, helping others overcome challenges in every facet of life. To do so, I’ve studied psychology, cognitive behavior, neuroscience, hostage negotiation, speaking persuasion, Neuro-linguistic programming, hypnosis, and other modalities. My goal has always been to give my clients transformative results.

And yet, with all those tools and knowledge, “being me” on stage was an immense challenge. Coaches and programs failed to provide the answers I needed. At one point, I gave up the dream of being a paid speaker and walking onto stages like TEDx. It felt like I was chasing something I simply wasn’t cut out for, even though I knew deep down that I loved being on stage.

I was told I was “too much” and “too big.” My personality, combined with being autistic, made event planners hesitate. The rejection stung. I began to question everything: Was I simply not meant to do this? Could I ever truly inspire audiences while being authentic? My confusion and frustration kept me up at night.

Through relentless self-discovery, I experimented with emulating top speakers, studied their techniques, and tried to mold myself into what others thought I should be. But every attempt to fit into someone else’s mold felt wrong. I wasn’t being true to myself—and audiences could feel that.

The breakthrough came when I finally embraced my authentic self and stopped apologizing for it. It wasn’t easy. I had to let go of the feedback that didn’t serve me, shed the expectations others had for me, and develop practices that helped me connect to my unique voice and message.

Here are the three most important lessons I learned:

Great speakers are created, not born.
Speaking effectively isn’t about natural talent; it’s about honing your craft. Even someone like me, with a big personality and a love for communication, needed guidance, tools, and a lot of practice to channel my energy into impactful delivery. Passion isn’t enough—you need technique.

Be careful who you get feedback from.
Not all feedback is helpful. Many coaches I worked with tried to fit me into their style instead of helping me uncover mine. The lesson? Unless someone is genuinely invested in helping you find your unique voice, their advice might steer you away from your true potential. Stand out by being unapologetically yourself.

Conquer your subconscious saboteurs.
Self-rejection and fear of judgment are often the biggest hurdles. For years, I let others’ doubts and my own insecurities hold me back. But the truth is, no one will ever reject you as harshly as you reject yourself. The moment I chose to embrace my flaws and own my space on stage, I became unstoppable. Now, whether I’m speaking in short sleeves with psoriasis or rocking a TEDx stage, I show up as my whole self—fat rolls, fire, and all.

The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been worth it. Every stumble, every critique, every sleepless night brought me closer to the speaker and person I am today. My journey taught me that the only way to truly connect and inspire is to stand in your truth, no matter how unconventional or bold it may be. And that’s a lesson I’m honored to share with others.

The takeaway is this: your struggles don’t define you—how you respond to them does. Embrace the messiness, learn from the setbacks, and find your way back to your truth. That’s where the magic happens.

We’ve been impressed with Unique Speaking Style, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Red Circle Ready is my program designed to prepare speakers for the TEDx stage and beyond. It’s a culmination of my passion for innovation and problem-solving, which is how my brain naturally operates.

When I’m intrigued by something, I immerse myself in it, gain the necessary licenses or certifications, and then critically assess the process. I identify the complexities and missing elements that hinder success for others. This relentless drive to optimize is what makes me a dedicated problem-solver and innovator.

I haven’t had to work full-time since I was 30, which has given me the freedom to solve life and business challenges across various fields. From developing groundbreaking strategies for healing the nervous system and biohacking before it was mainstream, to creating innovative marketing campaigns, streamlining business operations, and redefining public speaking foundations, my work has always been rooted in transformation.

Being on stage ignites a fire within me. I see it as a platform to reach more people and help them overcome their challenges. This is why building a speaking brand aligns perfectly with my passion and commitment. In August 2024, I unveiled my new speaker program at The Blox reality TV show.

Today’s audiences demand more than polished delivery—they crave authentic, vibrant connections. Unlike conventional speaking programs that focus solely on techniques, Red Circle Ready adopts a distinctive approach. We guide speakers to uncover their true selves and embrace authenticity through a fusion of ancient techniques and modern brain science. This method ensures not only a profound connection but also a lasting impact.

Traditional programs often fall short by relying on outdated techniques, producing cookie-cutter speaker clones, or encouraging speakers to overshare personal baggage in ways that alienate audiences. These methods fail to address the evolving psychodynamics of modern audiences. Red Circle Ready disrupts the speaker coaching industry by prioritizing individuality and innovation. In fact, I was honored to receive the Best Speaker Coach of 2024 award for these groundbreaking contributions.

Red Circle Ready offers a variety of services, including books, online courses, VIP speaking retreats (such as the one I held in India in October 2024, where I spoke and sang to an audience of 700,000 people), and 1:1 coaching. These offerings provide behind-the-scenes insights and immersive experiences for speakers at all levels.

Today’s audiences want honest, solution-driven talks delivered with energy and engagement. Red Circle Ready meets this demand by helping speakers discover their authentic selves through guided self-reflection, somatic practices, and brain training. This approach empowers speakers to captivate audiences and stand out in ways traditional programs simply can’t.

By embracing their uniqueness, speakers can build exceptional styles and unforgettable brands. With Red Circle Ready, they gain the confidence to own the stage, connect deeply with their audiences, and deliver talks that inspire genuine transformation. I’m proud to say we’re not just preparing speakers—we’re reshaping the way the world connects through the spoken word.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?

I love that I have great friends there… because it’s truly not my scene otherwise. I prefer being away from people and cities. I will say thought, that anything you want or need you can find there! It’s iconic for sure.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://uniquespeakingstyle.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanja.diamond/
• Other: https://www.liinks.co/tanjadiamond