Biography
Cleo Wade is a writer, poet, and the New York Times Best-selling author of What The Road Said, Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life, and Where To Begin: A Small Book about Your Power to Create Big Change. Her work is dedicated to exploring love, freedom, healing and the power of community. Cleo's beloved TED talk Want to change the world? Start by being brave enough to care has been viewed and shared by millions around the world. She has been called the poet of her generation by Time Magazine, the Millenial Oprah by New York Magazine, and named one of the 100 most creative people in business by Fast Company. Cleo is the Co-chair of Gucci's Changemakers council and sits on the boards of The Lower East Side Girls Club, the National Black Theatre in Harlem, the Women’s Prison Association, as well as the advisory board of E Pluribus Unum, a racial equity organization based in America's South. Outside of her books, her work has been featured in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, W Magazine, Vogue Magazine, The Washington Post, The Today Show, and Good Morning America. She has collaborated using her drawings and poetry with global brands such as Barbie, Kate Spade, and Express. In 2020, she designed the official merch for America's first Black female Vice President Kamala Harris, which was available on JoeBiden.com throughout their campaign. Cleo is from New Orleans, Louisiana and currently lives in California with her partner Simon and their two daughters Memphis & Bayou.
Speech Topics
Where To Begin: Harnessing Your Power To Create Big Change In Our Crazy World
Making change comes in all sizes and doesn’t always have to be one big gesture or nothing. Ready to be a part of building a society rooted in love, acceptance, justice, and equality but are stuck on where to start? In this talk, Cleo shares her ideas and mantras that will inspire you to show up and do something rather than walking away from the problems of the world. Pulling from the work in her second best-selling book, she encourages you to keep connected to hope during difficult moments.
Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdon for a Better Life
True to her bestselling book, Cleo Wade brings her accessible brand of wisdom to life. Audiences will discover and unlock what is blocking them from thriving, and reflect on life lessons with simple, yet enduring takeaways. A talk woven from stories throughout her journey, Cleo encourages us all to become advocates for love and acceptance – in a time when both seem in short supply.
Videos
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How can I check Cleo Wade's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Cleo Wade's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Cleo Wade's speaking fee?
The typical range for Cleo Wade's speaking fee is $31,000–$50,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Cleo Wade to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Cleo Wade for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Cleo Wade's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Cleo Wade through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Cleo Wade

Scott Galloway
Engagements range from intimate fireside chats to global audiences of 10,000 marketers and business leaders. Prof. Galloway has sat on the boards of Gateway Computer, Urban Outfitters, Eddie Bauer, The New York Times Company, University of California Berkeley, Panera Bread, and Ledger, a crypto wallet. He is the CNN+ host of a business and technology show, No Mercy No Malice.
Fee Range: $100,000–$250,000
Travels From: Intl

Mick Ebeling
Mick Ebeling is a film/ television/ commercial producer, philanthropist, technology trailblazer, author, entrepreneur and public speaker, honored as one of the Top 50 Most Creative People, and a Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award winner. Ebeling is CEO of Not Impossible, an organization that develops creative solutions to address real-world problems. Ebeling’s motto—technology for the sake of humanity—is defined in his book Not Impossible: The Art and Joy of Doing What Couldn’t Be Done. Mick believes that no matter how gnarly, niche, systemic, or structural the problem, changing the world starts with a commitment. And then a headfirst dive into the mess of making things. Accessible healthcare, food insecurity, freedom of expression - society's biggest problems can be solved with fewer echo chambers and more elbow grease.
Fee Range: $35,000–$75,000
Travels From: CA
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