Networking Lessons from 30 Years of Acting with Brian Lafontaine

In this funny, refreshingly honest episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Brian Lafontaine — screen actor, voiceover artist, improviser, MC, public speaking coach, and creator of Speak Easy in Charlotte. After three decades of auditions, sets, and the question every actor lives with ("is today the last time my phone rings?"), Brian rebuilt his business around teaching other people to speak. He brings a performer's ear to networking: listen first, get genuinely curious, and never let a conversation turn into two monologues. Top Takeaways The skill set transfers — most people just can't see it. Brian spent 30 years convinced his acting career had no application outside entertainment. One conversation with his sister-in-law changed that. Presence, intention, and reading a room are business skills. "What do you do?" turns dialogue into two monologues — He never opens with it. He leads with something personal instead: an accent, an earring, anything that tells him who the person actually is. The part you hide is the part that sets you apart — Most speakers bury their humor and personality as "not professional." That's usually the exact thing that would make them memorable. Different rooms serve different purposes — Some rooms are full of clients. Some teach you how to run a business. Some just have people you genuinely like. Knowing which is which saves a lot of frustration. About Brian Lafontaine Actor. Speaker. Coach. Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Unforgettable. Brian Lafontaine has spent over 30 years as a professional actor, with roles in Ozark, Stranger Things, Outer Banks, The Hate U Give, Homeland, Nashville, and The Vampire Diaries. He's played doctors, dads, and dudes with dark secrets. But his real superpower is helping people communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity — on a stage, in a boardroom, or on Zoom with the camera off. As a public speaking coach and event host, Brian brings a blend of performance training, storytelling mastery, and deeply human insight to individuals, teams, and companies. His style is playful, inspiring, and no-nonsense, with a healthy dose of humor and heart. He's also the creator and host of Speak Easy, a live event series in Charlotte for speakers who want to practice being seen in a new way. Brian helps people stop "presenting" and start connecting. Because your message matters — but only if people believe you when you say it. Everyone has a story, and everyone's story is worth hearing. Resources & Links 🌐 Network Build Grow Community: networkbuildgrow.com 🎙️ Brian Lafontaine — Public speaking coach and event host: brianlafontaine.com 🥃 Speak Easy — Live event series for speakers, first Monday of every month at VisArt Video, Charlotte Subscribe & Connect If this episode gave you permission to stop pitching and start actually talking to people — to get curious, find your rooms, and let your personality do the work — please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur, business owner, or anyone who has ever frozen up at "so, what do you do?" 👉 Not yet part of our community? Visit networkbuildgrow.com to join us. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth 🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com