By: Sharon Weinstein, CSP, MS, RN, CRNI-R, FAAN, CVP |

I’ve held a lot of microphones in my life.

Town hall meetings. Hospital boardrooms. Government offices. Conference panels. I’ve briefed ministers, board members, nurses, and CEOs—often in the same week. At one point, I was in three countries a week, translating healthcare goals into policy and practice. One thing I didn’t realize…I was already a speaker. Back then, an invoice wasn’t even a consideration—speaking was simply part of the work: advancing change, teaching process, and improving outcomes.

A Mic-Drop Moment

It wasn’t until I attended my first National Speakers Association (NSA) event that it clicked. I saw people with “CSP®” after their names and asked, “What’s that?” In healthcare, the letters after your name aren’t just alphabet soup—they represent validity, commitment, and hard-earned expertise.

The Certified Speaking Professional™ (CSP®) designation is the speaking world’s version of board certification. The CSP is more than just a title—it’s a brand. I approached it strategically, just as I had in my healthcare career. It’s not just about being good on stage. It’s about consistently delivering value, treating speaking as a profession, and building a business around your message.

Realizing I Was Already on the Path

I didn’t begin as a speaker. I began as a public servant, working on USAID health projects, leading global health partnerships, and later directing international affairs for a 5,000-hospital alliance. Every time I stood up to educate, advocate, or inspire, I saw it as part of my job, not a separate profession.

But looking back, I had been delivering keynotes before I even knew what a keynote was. Speaking was the tool. Impact was the goal.

Taking the Leap

When I set my sights on earning the CSP, I approached it with full attention to detail. Thankfully, my documentation habits from years of grants and contracts gave me a strong foundation. I had records. I had feedback. I had metrics.

But CSP is about more than activity. It’s about transformation.

So, I got serious—I followed the process, paid attention to the details, and leaned into the directions that have been thoughtfully refined each year to support success. At the time of my submission in 2014, the CSP guidebook was a simple Word document—far from the user-friendly resource it is today. The tools we now rely on to track progress, organize materials, and simplify the process? At that point, they were more of a pipedream than a reality. But that vision stayed with me.

Back in 2014, I referred to that Word doc/guidebook often. It became my north star—a tool that kept me aligned, organized, and focused on what mattered most: demonstrating impact, consistency, and professionalism. I knew that I needed a co-pilot – someone to navigate the path with me.

Partnering With Wayne Messmer, CSP

In Illinois, my home at the time, I found a true partner in Wayne Messmer, CSP, a fellow NSA member, voice of Chicago sports, and a seasoned speaker who understood what it meant to bring depth, heart, and discipline to the craft. Together, we made a pact: we would walk the stage together in Washington, D.C., as CSPs. That pact became our accountability, our friendship, and our shared vision. We checked in, lifted each other up, and reminded each other why we started. And when that acceptance letter arrived, I didn’t celebrate alone—it was a shared milestone, one built on purpose, persistence, and partnership.

What’s Changed?

When I later had the honor of serving as chair of the CSP Committee, I had the opportunity to help turn those aspirations into action, transforming the process into something more accessible, intuitive, and empowering for the next generation of applicants. The path to CSP isn’t a mystery; it’s clearly laid out—thanks to the incredible work of the CSP Committee, the credentialing specialist behind the scenes, and the tools they’ve created to lead the way.

The CSP guidebook isn’t just a checklist—it’s a roadmap. It breaks down the standards, expectations, and submission requirements with clarity and precision. It answers questions you didn’t even know you had, and it demystifies what can feel like a daunting process.

Today’s applicants see a vastly different picture—one that’s far more than a Word document. You see the value embedded in every step of the process. Our multi-phase process ensures that the CSP remains a gold standard in professional speaking. The approach is rigorous, fair, and deeply rooted in upholding the credibility of the designation. You can feel the commitment in every email, every clarification, and every webinar offered. The goal is clear: to maintain the integrity of the credential while supporting speakers to rise to their highest potential.

Earning the CSP isn’t just about submitting materials—it’s about aligning with a standard of excellence. And that standard exists because of the intentional work of a team that truly believes in the power of the profession.

The Hardest Part? A Mindset Shift.

In healthcare, credibility comes from clinical hours and academic credentials. In speaking, it also comes from how you package, present, and position your expertise.

At times, I felt like I was building the plane while flying it. Balancing speaking with consulting work, making financial investments in travel and video, and navigating new territory in entrepreneurship—it was a learning curve.

The Moment That Changed Everything

Submitting my CSP application felt like preparing for board certification. I had revenue records, evaluations, spreadsheets, video clips, and impact summaries—all organized, color-coded, and backed by data.

When the acceptance email came through, I had to reread it three times.

Then I laughed, cried, and took a deep breath—because, let’s be honest, that’s still the nurse in me: feeling deeply, reflecting fully, and always ready for what’s next.

Why CSP Matters

For me, CSP isn’t just a designation—it’s a milestone. It’s a bridge between two worlds I care deeply about: healthcare and communication. It means I’ve built a business that turns lived experience into lessons for leaders across industries.

But the most important lesson I learned through this journey wasn’t just about the credential itself—it was about the people I met and the lessons I shared along the way. The CSP reflects years of hard work and growth, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting others in their respective journeys. There’s no one way to get there, but we all need encouragement, accountability, and a willingness to learn from one another.

Now, as a CSP, I’m not just a speaker—I’m a guide, a mentor, and a resource for those walking their paths. Whether I’m speaking to healthcare professionals, leaders, or innovators, my message is clear: the credential matters because it represents your journey, your triumph, and your ongoing promise to make a difference. Just as Wayne and I pledged to walk that stage together, I encourage others to find their accountability partners, push through challenges, and celebrate the victories that come from shared purpose, perseverance, and growth. The CSP tells the world: This story matters. The presenter delivers beyond expectations!

Final Thoughts: Your Voice Has Value

If you’ve ever stood at the front of a room and changed minds—or hearts—you’re already a speaker. If you’ve ever turned complexity into clarity, you have a message worth sharing. The only question is, will you claim the mic and build the platform?

Here’s my advice:

• Start before you’re ready.
• Treat your message like a business.
• Work toward earning your CSP.

I’ve come to understand the value of the voice behind the mic. This time? Sign the agreement- 50% upfront, full payment upon delivery.

The CSP is more than alphabet soup. It’s not just a string of letters—it’s a sign of credibility, consistency, and commitment to the craft. It represents the journey, the lessons, the late nights, the learning curves—and the courage to claim your voice, own your impact, and support others as they rise.

From microphones to milestones—this is just the beginning.

Sharon M. Weinstein, RN, CRNI-R, CSP, FAAN, is a global health leader turned professional speaker who brings over four decades of experience in nursing, innovation, and international affairs to the stage. As a Certified Speaking Professional™ (CSP®), she helps healthcare professionals, corporate leaders, and mission-driven teams communicate with clarity, lead with purpose, and design solutions that drive real impact. She has served on the CSP Committee since 2017, including three years as chair. She believes every voice matters—and she’s here to help you find yours. Connect on LinkedIn or learn more at https://smwgroupllc.com.