Biography
Risha Grant is motivated by her passion to correct societal “isms” like racism, sexism, classism and plain old stupidism, From her race, gender and lifestyle choices, to growing a small business and tackling economic, moral, and business issues, every area of her life intersects diversity. Founder & CEO of Risha Grant LLC, an award-winning culture consulting and communications firm, as well as an edgy, educational and motivational speaker, author Risha Grant is an internationally renowned experto empowerences to embrce differences and create a thriving, inclusive workplace. She covers these topics through different media including Risha Talks, her online courses and in her book, That’s BS! How Bias Synapse Disrupts Inclusive Cultures and the Power to Attract Diverse Markets. Risha uses honest, humorous, and vulnerable storytelling to motivate audiences to embrace the inner tough work of Radical Acceptance while honoring diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging without evoking feelings of judgement or assigning blame. Her audiences leave with shifted hearts and minds that lead them to treat others with empathy, kindness and compassion. These audiences have included Google, Levi Strauss, Nestle Purina, Xerox, YouTube, Procter & Gamble, Discover Card Financial Services, Samsung Electronics America, Cox Communications, Wells Fargo, USAA, U.S. Airforce, U.S. Navy, Intuit, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, and Harvard University, to name a few. She’s been featured in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, HR News, The Financial Times, Glamour magazine UK, Off Script, Bloomberg Media, Black Enterprise, Radioactive Radio, Take the Lead Radio, The Dream Catcher podcast, Money for Life podcast, among other local, national and international media. Risha has received numerous honors such as being named one of the Top 10 Most Powerful Women Leaders in HR by PeopleHum in 2021, 40 Top Women Keynote Speakers by Real Leaders, NBA OKC Thunder Changemaker Award and Top 100 HR Expert as well as 1 in 9 Speakers Turning Crisis into Opportunity by Entrepreneur magazine in 2020, three years consecutive Engagedly Top 100 HR Influencers in 2019, 2020 and 2021, 2018 Inclusive Leadership Award, and Entrepreneur of the Year 2017. In her no-holds-barred style, renowned diversity and inclusion thought leader Risha Grant teaches and empowers attendees about unconscious bias, micro-aggressions and other actions that perpetuate discrimination and inequality. Audiences leave with easily applied principles for finding respect, understanding and inclusion both personally & professionally.
Speech Topics
WE WANT TO BE BETTER!
We’ve got you! International Speaker, Best-selling author, and Corporate BS Finder, Risha Grant will coach your team to success. Named one of the top ten most powerful women in HR and one of the top 40 female keynote speakers, she is poised to take your culture from toxic to transformational. Not because of the accolades, but because recognizing and conquering her own BS is what propelled her to reach every goal, she set for herself. From securing a Division One basketball scholarship to building a thriving multi-seven figure business that allows her to speak on global stages and hit several bestsellers lists, including the Wall Street Journal with her latest book, Be Better Than Your BS. Risha’s got the playbook locked and loaded. With half of her life dedicated to basketball and the other half grindin’ in the business world, she brings a unique perspective to educate and motivate by mixing in her DE&I-infused expertise with 25 years of business acumen. Attendees will learn: • Radical Acts to build a BS Free Culture • How Radical Acceptance breaks the barrier of scarcity mentality • How to Assess the BS (biasphere) holding you back • The BET Framework to impact personal and professional success
HINT: IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR PEOPLE!
A top-notch workplace thrives on its people. The atmosphere isn’t shaped by your plans and initiatives; it’s defined by the folks making it happen. Your people-led integrated approach to culture starts with having the right leader and team in place. Cultures vibe better when every team member understands their role, feels safe, and trusts the process.
THIS IS WHERE THE BADDEST CULTURE COACH IN THE BUSINESS HITS NOTHING BUT NET!
In this keynote, Risha shares stories of empathetic, emotionally intelligent badasses who embrace connected culture and cultivating tight-knit teams because they chose to be better than their BS. The heart of the message revolves around her BET Framework, which demonstrates how personal improvement is the foundation to achieve organizational growth and transform culture. She also shows how personal growth ignites a slow but powerful transformation that positively impacts your team’s hustle, morale, and connection to consumers. Let her take your company culture from divided and disconnected to cooperative and connected.
THE GAME HAS CHANGED!
It’s time to break free from initiatives that become silos in company culture. Every business loves to flex DEI, employee wellness, sustainability, corporate responsibility, plus customer experience upgrades–all aimed at crafting a top-tier workplace vibe. But rather than keeping them separate, it’s time to integrate them seamlessly into a dynamic overall environment that screams, we rock with our people, we roll with our community, and we support a world that wants to be better than the BS.
Videos
Testimonials
"D&I is hard work because we humans are complicated. The bottom line is, when you need an extraordinary facilitator--who is clear-eyed, compassionate, and unafraid to work on implicit bias—call Risha. She steered the conversation to illustrate the unacknowledged, unaware white privilege that was underneath many of the exchanges among the participants, yet always created an environment of safety. Risha is uniquely equipped to lead your people forward into better territory where everybody wins."
"On behalf of 800 credit union professionals, business partners, and team NWCUA, THANK YOU for such an energized, memorable, and relevant keynote address at MAXX Convention in Boise last week. Our attendees have shared how much they enjoyed and learned from you. While credit unions were built to serve the underserved and to be inclusive, we have so much opportunity to do more. Your personal story and the humor you brought to the mainstage helped us to lean into what can be a difficult subject for many people. By identifying, owning, and confronting our biases, we can more intentionally focus on listening to and serving diverse markets. You made both a heartfelt and a business case for this, and your presentation was enlightening."
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Risha Grant's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Risha Grant'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 Risha Grant's speaking fee?
The typical range for Risha Grant's speaking fee is $20,000–$20,000. 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 Risha Grant 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 Risha Grant for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Risha Grant'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 Risha Grant 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 Risha Grant
Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu
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.
Fee Range: $12,500–$15,000
Travels From: GA
Linda Johnson Rice
As Chairman Emeritus of Ebony Media Holdings, Chairman of Johnson Publishing Company, LLC, and second-generation leader of the largest African-American-owned publishing company in the United States – producing the iconic magazines Ebony and Jet – Rice has not only chronicled much of American history, she has lived it and shaped it. Throughout her extraordinary life as a woman entrepreneur in the media and beauty industry she has given voice to millions and helped tell the story of the African-American experience in America, with all its many trials and triumphs. Now, audiences can hear as she shares the invaluable lessons she’s gained by building a world-renowned business brand, as well as her view of how far we’ve come as a nation and where we go from here. While Rice is visually impaired, she continues to remain actively engaged in her leadership role and speaking events.
Fee Range: $18,000–$25,000
Travels From: IL
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