Paula Stone Williams

Speech Topics

• Further Along the Road Toward Gender Equity

  On the path to gender equity in the workplace, mere awareness of the uneven playing field is insufficient. One must understand how these inequalities manifest within each unique environment to actively level it through thoughtful, nontoxic dialogue. As a follow-up to Paula Stone Williams' most requested keynote address on her experience as a transgender woman, this talk delves deeper into the obstacles and opportunities to achieving true workplace parity. How can men be more attuned to the experiences of women and contribute to a more equitable environment? How can women collaborate effectively with men to achieve their professional goals? Throughout this session, Paula weaves humorous stories, personal anecdotes, and compelling data to motivate and empower both men and women to become agents of change. Attendees will not only gain insights from Paula's personal journey but also be invited to examine their own lives for subtle and overt instances where we internalize and perpetuate cultural messages, particularly within the workplace. From directly addressing workplace micro-aggressions to fostering trust and understanding within teams, Paula's unique insights will equip your organization with the tools to demonstrably increase gender equality.

• Break Barriers and Build Communications: Foundations of Effective Communications and Understanding

  Everyone is talking, but is anyone really listening? In a world increasingly divided by walls of fear, multiple-time TED speaker Paula Stone Williams offers a powerful message of hope and connection. As a transgender woman, national leader, and former pastor, Paula draws on her unique experiences in partisan spaces, giving you the tools to truly listen to those from backgrounds different than yours. A journey of self-discovery and empathy through sharing her own story of living as both a man and a woman, Paula sheds light on the complexities of identity and the importance of listening and understanding differences in perspective. In this presentation, Paula provides audiences with actionable steps for effective communications: • The problem with assumptions: Assumptions are based on our perspective, not on the truth. Be open to the possibilities of your own bias, look at the facts, and continue to educate yourself for a broader worldview. • It's not about you: Recognize that humans work from different moral standards. Coming together and hearing each other's stories, proximity and narrative, can explain those differences and narrow the divide between people and groups. • Use words without blame and judgment, toward yourself and others: Listen with grace and understanding. Be clear with intentions. • Do your best: Speak with integrity, and bring your whole self to the conversation. Whether your audience is grappling with issues of diversity and inclusion, seeking to navigate the ever-changing landscape of communicating better across genders or generations, or simply yearning for a deeper understanding of the human experience, Paula's message will foster empathy and better communication across lines of difference.

• I’ve Lived as a Man and as a Woman. Here’s What I Learned

  Are men privileged in ways they do not understand? Do women have to work harder to be seen as leaders? Do men empower each other more than women empower each other? As a transgender woman with a doctorate in counseling, Paula Stone Williams has a unique perspective on how the differences between men and women can affect their everyday life—not only has she counseled in this area, she’s lived it! Based on her first TED talk (over 7 million views), Dr. Paula Stone Williams speaks about her experience living as a male and as a female, talking about how differently she is received as a woman than she was as a man. And yes, life is much harder as a woman. With humor and insight, Paula answers these questions and more, using scientific data, an extensive understanding of popular culture, and her experience in both genders to explore the difference between equality and equity. Men will depart with a greater understanding of their own privilege, and the opportunities to make a difference that leverages that privilege. Women will understand the importance of standing up for themselves and working together to bring about change. Both genders will be asked to examine how we bring our privilege with us in all of our interactions.

• Lost is a Place Too: Finding Resilience in Difficult Times

  Based on Paula Stone Williams’ own journey, this talk focuses on how to maintain resiliency through difficult seasons. In every great myth, the hero gets lost—profoundly lost. What Paula learned in that difficult place is the wisdom that inspires her journey. Through narrative and the accumulated knowledge of her decades as a CEO and Pastoral Counselor, Paula will imaginatively help the audience identify their own path through the brambles and briars, as they explore the insights gained in the land of the lost, and the resiliency that results.

• Changing the Narrative for Good: Fostering Better Understanding

  We're living in a polarizing time in which debates over politics and policies related to hot button topics stay at the top of our news coverage. But what if it didn't have to be so polarizing? What if we could change the narrative to provide deeper understanding and bring people together? Change has always begun through proximity and narrative. People do change their minds about deep-seated beliefs, but only when information comes in a non-threatening way. Broaden horizons, understand differences, and change the arc of a narrative. In this talk, Paula Stone Williams will use her expertise in narrative communications to unpack the power of storytelling. Having worked in the past in more conservative spaces, Paula understands how to address radical topics from both sides of the spectrum with candor, openness and facts— not judgment. She explores the fundamental rules of communication that can break down walls and bring people together. Paula will leave you empowered to bridge the growing divide in our culture and create lasting change.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I check Paula Stone Williams's availability or request a quote?

  You can inquire about Paula Stone Williams'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 Paula Stone Williams's speaking fee?

  The typical range for Paula Stone Williams's speaking fee is $15,000–$25,000. 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 Paula Stone Williams 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 Paula Stone Williams for my event?

  The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Paula Stone Williams'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.
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  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.
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  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.
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• 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 Paula Stone Williams 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.