Shontavia Johnson
International Expert in Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property & Economic Development
Biography
Shontavia Johnson is an entrepreneurship and innovation expert who has helped hundreds of people build personal brands, businesses, and intellectual property portfolios. Twice named one of the top young lawyers in America, Shontavia is an educator at heart. Shontavia was the first African-American woman to receive full tenure and an endowed chair at Drake University Law School, where she also directed the Intellectual Property Law Center. Today, she is the Associate Vice President for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Clemson University. Shontavia is also an entrepreneur and creator. She founded the Brand and Business Company to provide women and people of color with greater access to entrepreneurship. The company’s Academy gives professionals a formula for entrepreneurship that allows them to pursue ideas that make an impact while also making money. And, the company’s media platforms provide free education about entrepreneurship, law, and leading a purposeful life. As a speaker, Shontavia has spoken at the Smithsonian, SXSW, and given the closing talk at TEDxAtlanta. She has also shared her message globally in places including Europe, Asia, and across North America. She has appeared in TIME, the Washington Post, the LA Times, NPR, and on Hear to Slay with Roxane Gay and Tressie McMillan Cottom. She has also been named one of 200 black women in tech to follow on Twitter for the past five years. Shontavia is a Liberty Fellow through the Aspen Institute and served as a Fulbright Specialist to Uzbekistan in 2022.
Speech Topics
Follow Your Calling, But Don’t Follow it Off the Cliff: How to Find Personal and Professional Success
At some point, we all wonder why we’re here. Building a meaningful life and career can be tough, but we’re all capable of doing it. In this hilarious and engaging presentation, Shontavia shares her own “cliff” moments, from quitting a prestigous, six-figure job and moving across the world, to giving up a tenured, endowed professorship to found a twice-failed company (though the third time was the charm!). This inspirational talk demonstrates how failing forward can lead to freedom, financial independence, and a life to be proud of.
Innovation Inside: How to Facilitate Intrapreneurial Thinking/Intrapreneurship With Employees
From Sony’s first Playstation to Google’s Gmail, some of the biggest game-changing products have come from intrapreneurs inside organizations. In this talk, Shontavia will share how companies can support the internal innovators who can take them to the next level. From identifying the best intrapreneurs to creating thriving enviroments, Shontavia unpacks best practices that will help corporate leaders maintain flexible, adaptable environments for the intrapreneurial employees they want to keep.
Don’t Get Sued Online: How Content Creators Can Protect Themselves
There has been a seismic shift in the way brands and companies view content. We are in the midst of a content renaissance–blogs, vlogs, podcasts and photos are capturing the attention of nearly everyone with a laptop or cell phone. The people creating this content must be savvy when it comes to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and publicity rights–commonly collectively referred to as intellectual property rights. Shontavia will explain what each of these types of intellectual property protect and how content creators can develop strategies to protect the work they are creating for themselves and others.
Inclusive Entrepreneurship: the Business Case for Supporting Diverse Entrepreneurs
In this powerfully effective talk, Shontavia outlines the economic impact of creating more diversity in the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Using data from McKinsey, the Kauffman Foundation, and various federal agencies, Shontavia outlines the current dismal state of DEI among entrepreneurs, the impact of improving diversity among entrepreneurs, and solutions to create positive shifts locally, nationally and globally.
Don’t Follow Your Passion, Follow the Three i’s of Entrepreneurship Instead
In this informative presentation, Shontavia dispels the common notion that wannabe entrepreneurs need to follow their passion to create a successful business. She shares a roadmap for what to follows instead: the three i’s of entrepreneurship— impact, income, and intellectual property. Using her own experience founding the Brand and Business Company, she provides a simple but effective formula to move the audience from idea to the genius zone of successful entrepreneurship.
Own Your Genius: How to Build a Personal Brand Based on What You Already Know
Nearly every adult has developed knowledge and expertise based on their life’s experiences, but not everyone knows how to turn that into a dynamic, engaging personal brand. In this presentation, Shontavia shares her own story of going from unknown newbie to one of the most sought-after experts in her field by using what she already had. If you’ve ever wondered, “how do I brand myself?,” this presentation is for you!
Turning Ideas into Impact: Entrepreneurship at Any Stage
Shontavia guides students through the building blocks of entrepreneurship — how to validate ideas, protect intellectual property, and build sustainable ventures. She uses her own journey, from being a first-generation college student to launching multiple businesses, to show how anyone can transform an idea into a company. Takeaways: · How to identify and validate business ideas · The importance of protecting creativity and intellectual property · Realistic steps to move from “idea” to “launch” This presentation is Perfect for entrepreneurial students seeking both inspiration and a practical roadmap.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Shontavia Johnson's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Shontavia Johnson'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 Shontavia Johnson's speaking fee?
The typical range for Shontavia Johnson's speaking fee is $10,000–$10,000. 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 Shontavia Johnson 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 Shontavia Johnson for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Shontavia Johnson'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 Shontavia Johnson 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 Shontavia Johnson
Lis Wiehl
Lis Wiehl is a New York Times best selling author, and a nationally recognized legal reporter and commentator. She is the author of 18 books, and was a legal analyst and reporter for the Fox News Channel for fifteen years. Lis is currently an anchor for The Law & Crime Network and a Professor of Law at New York Law School and the host of the podcast Pursuit of Justice with Lis Wiehl. Prior to joining the Fox News Channel in New York City, Wiehl served as a legal analyst and reporter for NBC News and NPR’s All Things Considered and was the co-host on the nationally syndicated show The Radio Factor. Before that, Wiehl served as a Federal Prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s office in Seattle, and was a Professor of Law at the University of Washington. She also served as Investigative Counsel during the Impeachment of President Clinton. Wiehl is also the author of The 51% Minority, which won the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the Motivational category.
Fee Range: $15,000–$20,000
Travels From: NY
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