Derreck Kayongo
Global Soap Project Founder, CNN Hero, and Former CEO of the Center for Civil and Human Rights
Biography
Derreck Kayongo's remarkable journey exemplifies the power of combining profit with purpose. As a successful entrepreneur, CEO, and renowned human rights activist, Derreck has demonstrated that businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on the world. Through his visionary idea of the Global Soap Project, Derreck has shown that creative problem solving and keen observation can lead to innovative solutions that address global challenges. By collecting discarded and unused soap from hotels worldwide and redistributing it to communities in need, Derreck has not only built a successful humanitarian aid organization but has also tackled global health issues in 90 countries. This simple yet effective approach has led to a reduction in hygiene-related diseases and deaths in at-risk communities. Derreck's inspiring story proves that profit and purpose can go hand in hand. He has leveraged his entrepreneurial spirit to create tangible change in the world, demonstrating that even small ideas can have a massive impact. His success has garnered international recognition, including being named a 2011 CNN Top Ten Hero and a 2014 TED Talks speaker. In a world where businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of corporate social responsibility, Derreck Kayongo stands as a shining example of how to balance profit with purpose. His tireless efforts to create a better world through entrepreneurship and humanitarianism serve as an inspiration for future generations of business leaders looking to make a difference.
Speech Topics
Harnessing Your Power to Create Change
As Founder of the Global Soap Project, Kayongo has built a multi-million dollar venture which takes recycled soap and distributes it through global health programs to people who lack access to it around the world. He breaks down the key factors that have led to his personal success; (S.E.L.F.) Service, Education, Leadership and Faith and shares his account of life as a Ugandan refugee and the turning point which lead him to a brilliant transformation as a social entrepreneur. He calls upon audiences to stop complaining and to start taking responsibility, to consistently seek opportunities to improve, and most importantly, to maintain faith in yourself and your team to create an environment where everyone is empowered to thrive. He brings you on an emotional journey –there will be tears of joy; most of the time, laughter. But every time, the story is real.
Reimagining Diversity & Inclusion: A Pathway to Courageous Conversations
Has anyone ever calculated the total cost of discrimination in the workplace? Derreck tackles the subject head-on by sharing how his organization found itself grappling with the issue. He takes his audience through an examination of how diversity and inclusion problems impact your corporate bottom line. From long-term harm to your brand and weakened stock prices to negative perceptions within the community, Derreck reveals the potential savings that come about when employees understand the cost of discrimination and the value of their fellow employees. He illustrates with eye-opening examples, how our upbringing and unconscious biases can become a net negative to organizational growth and have a negative impact on the bottom-line. The end goal of Derreck’s presentation is to birth into the bloodstream of the company’s culture what he calls a “Corporate Moral Aptitude,” an intriguing notion similar to Emotional Intelligence, but for corporations around cultural biases within the market place. A native of Uganda and former refugee who worked his way up to become a CEO of a major American cultural institution, Derreck has a great and noble story to tell about diversity and inclusion from an outsider’s perspective that you don’t want to miss. From executives to rank-and-file employees, audiences will walk away inspired and positioned for success in today’s multicultural workplace.
From Homeless Refugee to Living the American Dream
The nobility and power of Derreck Kayongo's story and how he used it to arrive at his innovative Global Soap Project will leave audiences awe-inspired. Kayongo believes that not every bad experience in life has to end up horribly -- sometimes bad experiences happen so they lead us to a problem we need to solve or to our true calling in life. Drawing on the hardships of his refugee experience, Kayongo shares how he went on to manufacture a solution to a global problem, the life lessons he learned along the way, and how they apply to one's ability to stay relevant in today's market.
Videos
Testimonials
"Derreck was great! Very funny and relevant. Would absolutely recommend him to anyone!"
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Derreck Kayongo's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Derreck Kayongo'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 Derreck Kayongo's speaking fee?
The typical range for Derreck Kayongo's speaking fee is $10,000–$15,000. 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 Derreck Kayongo 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 Derreck Kayongo for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Derreck Kayongo'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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Derreck Kayongo 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 Derreck Kayongo
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As the daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Naomi Tutu struggled to find her own place in the world. As a human rights advocate, she pulls from her personal challenges of growing up black and female in apartheid South Africa. Her professional experience ranges from being a development consultant in West Africa, to a program coordinator for race and gender-based violence in education at the African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town. In addition, Tutu has taught at the University of Hartford and Brevard College in North Carolina. She also leads workshops on conflict resolution and racism. In addition to speaking, Tutu is a consultant for the Spiritual Alliance to Stop Intimate Violence (SAIV), founded by renowned author Riane Eisler and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Betty Williams, and the Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa (FHSSA). Audiences are captivated by her story growing up in apartheid South Africa and moved by her message of healing and wholeness.
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Linda Johnson Rice
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Princess Sarah Culberson
Princess Sarah Culberson is an African princess who discovered her royal heritage in Sierra Leone in her late twenties. She is the host of the "Modern Royalty" podcast, where she delves into the lives and insights of individuals who are redefining what it means to be royalty in today's world. Her journey has captivated audiences worldwide, garnering features on CNN, GMA, and BBC, among other prominent media outlets. Her compelling story is the inspiration behind her coauthored book, "A Princess Found," which Disney has acquired to adapt into a major motion picture. With over 15 years of experience in education, Princess Sarah has been invited to speak globally at NASA, Wells Fargo, Princeton University, and many others. Her expertise has led her to roles including president and co-founder of Sierra Leone Rising, a nonprofit organization, and a businesswoman in the entertainment industry, with her work reaching global audiences. Sierra Leone Rising supports initiatives such as keeping young girls in school, constructing wells for clean drinking water, and promoting cultural understanding through coding. Her contributions have been recognized with the Trumpet Impact Award, highlighting her efforts to foster a culture of belonging on a large scale.
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Travels From: CA
Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee has built one of the most illustrious athletic careers in the world of track & field. Her performance in the heptathlon and long jump in the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics, made her a legend. Jackie Joyner-Kersee has set over 18 athletic records, received over 24 recognition awards, is a successful businesswoman, respected community leader, and a dynamic motivational speaker who inspires audiences to go after their dreams with passion and commitment. Working with the 77-year-old Farm Foundation and the United States Department of Agriculture, Jackie has embarked upon a nationwide effort to enhance the comprehensive health of our nation’s communities through the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
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