Amani Duncan

Tagline: Leadership Speaker

Keynote Topics

Title: Grit, Glory, Grace: How I Discovered to Be the Way

Introduction

Amani Duncan, an award-winning C-suite transformational leader and dynamic keynote speaker, reflects on her career journey, marked by significant achievements and overcoming challenges, especially as the first Black woman in many leadership roles. She emphasizes that success is a blend of grit, grace, and a touch of glory. Amani’s keynote on leadership not only enthralls but deeply inspires those privileged to experience it firsthand.

Career Highlights

Def Jam Records: Worked with iconic hip-hop artists like Jay-Z and LL Cool J.
Capitol Music Group: Collaborated with legends like Coldplay and Katy Perry.
Blue Flame Agency:: Served as CMO for the renowned entertainer.
Martin Guitar: Led as CBO for the historic guitar manufacturer.
Paramount Global: Held a senior leadership position at the iconic music channel.
BBH USA (Bartle Bogle and Hegarty): Serves as President then CEO iconic global strategic creative agency in the U.S. responsible for legendary work such as John or Walker “Keep Walking”, Google Chrome “Dear Sophie” and Levi’s black denim jeans introduction

Themes Explored

Be The Way
Innovation and Determination: Amani shares her journey from being an unexpected music industry intern to becoming a sought-after leader, highlighting the importance of perseverance and self-belief.

Key Traits: Be innovative, discoverable, indispensable, resourceful, unwavering, determined, persistent, and noticeable.

Guiding Principles
Integrity and Authenticity: Emphasizes the importance of core values such as transparency, empathy, humility, and kindness.
Servant Leadership: Advocates for leading with the best interests of others at heart, embodying servant leadership.

Paying it Forward
Mentorship: Reflects on the impact of mentorship, both received and given, and the importance of supporting the next generation of leaders.
Giving Back: Shares personal stories of mentoring young women and engaging in community initiatives.

Boomerangs
Support Systems: Discusses the significance of having a personal board of directors and finding support through organizations like Chief.
Collaboration and Sisterhood: Highlights the power of networks and collaboration in achieving goals, as exemplified by the Vice President Kamala Harris project.

Mountain Tops
Continual Growth: Quotes Jill Ellis, emphasizing that success is fleeting and the importance of continuous climbing and growth in a way that honors you.
Second Cycle: discusses Dr. Arthur Brooks work on happiness and what it means to be in your second cycle.

Conclusion

Amani Duncan embodies relentless pursuit of excellence, inspired by Jill Ellis’s mantra: “Mountain tops are small and the air is thin for a reason because you are not supposed to dwell there. It’s a rented space. You get up there, enjoy the view briefly, and must climb again.” This resonates with her belief that true success requires continuous growth and resilience.

Her passion for sports and admiration for mentors and coaches translate into her own leadership style, motivating her teams through victories and defeats. With over 20 years of experience, Amani has driven audience growth and creative innovation across diverse industries, making her a catalyst for business success.

Recognized as Ad Age A-List’s 2022 Agency Executive of the Year and Adweek’s Women Trailblazer 2022, Amani serves on the boards of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), Fyli, and the Girl Scouts of Greater New York. She actively contributes to industry organizations and speaks at prestigious events like the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity.

Amani Duncan’s journey is a testament to the power of grit, grace, and relentless pursuit of one’s goals. Her leadership principles and commitment to paying it forward inspires future leaders to continuously strive for excellence, embodying the very essence of what it means to BE THE WAY.

  • Women in Business
  • Music & Entertainment
  • Marketing & Creativity
  • Leadership
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Courage & Resilience
  • Transformation (Personal, Professional, Business)
  • Innovation

Videos

5/5

(5 reviews)

Gallery

Talent Highlights

  • Revolutionizing Brands: Amani Duncan is renowned for her ability to challenge conventional thinking and deliver innovative solutions that drive audience growth. 
  • Inspiring Innovation: Amani’s career is marked by a relentless pursuit of creative innovation. As a self-described “outsider in unfamiliar territories,” she brings a fresh and unique perspective to the businesses she collaborates with, inspiring innovation and challenging the status quo.
  • Proven Track Record: Her strategic partnerships and collaborations have consistently generated positive outcomes for businesses, driving audience growth and fostering creative innovation.
  • Thought Leadership: Amani is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the fields of leadership, branding, and marketing. Her ability to captivate audiences with her insights and experiences has made her a mainstay at industry events and conferences, where she shares her wealth of knowledge and expertise with others.

Travels from:

  • New York, NY

Fee Range:**

  • Fees* $10,001 - $20,000

Amani Duncan is an award-winning business leader, enchanting storyteller and featured keynote speaker who leaves an enduring and heartwarming mark in every room she’s in.

She frequently speaks at advertising industry events, a constant guest on leading podcasts and has conducted interviews with culture-defining leaders and artists, including award-winning American film icon, author and activist Jane Fonda, advertising scion Sir John Hegarty, and multi-hyphenated, award winning producer and musician Wyclef Jean.

Amani Duncan | Transformational Leadership

Amani Duncan stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of strategic partnerships and audience growth. Her career is marked by a relentless pursuit of creative innovation, which has propelled her to the forefront of industries such as beauty, fashion, media, advertising, music, and manufacturing. Amani’s unique approach, which she describes as that of an “outsider in unfamiliar territories,” has consistently challenged conventional thinking, leading to the delivery of sustainable and innovative solutions for businesses.

Amani’s journey in the world of marketing and brand strategy began with a deep-seated passion for challenging the status quo. Over the years, she has honed her skills and expertise, becoming a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the fields of leadership, branding, and marketing. Her ability to captivate audiences with her insights and experiences has made her a mainstay at industry events and conferences, where she shares her wealth of knowledge and expertise with others.

Amani’s influence extends far beyond the boardroom. She is a firm believer in the power of people, purpose, and profits, and her work reflects this ethos. Through her strategic partnerships and collaborations, Amani Duncan has consistently generated positive outcomes for businesses, driving audience growth and fostering creative innovation. Her track record speaks for itself, showcasing her ability to deliver results across diverse industries and sectors.

Amani’s expertise and background make her a standout choice for event planners seeking a dynamic and engaging speaker. Her unique perspective and innovative approach to marketing and branding have set her apart as a thought leader in her field. Whether she is sharing insights on leadership, branding, or marketing, Amani Duncan’s presentations are sure to inspire, educate, and empower audiences.

In 2023, Amani Duncan was the keynote speaker at Heineken USA and ChiefX’s inaugural conference in October, as well as a featured panelist at Advertising Week New York and at The BOARD annual board meeting.

Amani Duncan is an accomplished marketer and brand strategist with nearly three decades of experience in establishing and executing strategic partnerships that drive audience growth while fostering creative innovation. As a self-described “outsider in unfamiliar territories,” Amani brings a unique perspective to the businesses she collaborates with, challenging conventional thinking to deliver sustainable and innovative solutions.

With a proven track record spanning diverse industry, including beauty, fashion, media, advertising, music, and manufacturing, Amani consistently generates positive outcomes across the three pillars of success: people, purpose, and profits.

As the former CEO of BBH USA, a creative agency specializing in enhancing brand value, Amani Duncan was responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, as well as high-level strategy and direction for clients such as Heineken, LinkedIn, Google Shopping, Netflix, Barbie, Lionsgate, and Brighthouse Financial. Her tenure as CEO began in February 2022, following her appointment as President of BBH NY in September 2020.

Under her leadership, BBH USA successfully executed major campaigns, including Glass Ceiling Breaker—a portrait homage to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris—and the award-winning initiative Google’s Black Owned Friday, recognized as the “Most Purposeful Campaign of 2021” by Campaign US and recipient of four Cannes Festival of Creativity Lions in 2022.

A passionate advocate for female leadership and diversity, Amani Duncan serves as a founding member of Chief, a leadership network for women, and holds positions on several boards and committees, including the 4A’s Board of Directors, 4A’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Steering committees, and the Board of Directors of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturer, marketer, and distributor.

Amani’s exceptional leadership has garnered industry acclaim, including Ad Age A-List’s 2022 Agency Executive of the Year, Adweek Women Trailblazer 2022, Campaign Female Frontier Award honoree, and Advertising Week’s Future is Female Awards winner. In 2022, she served as President of the Entertainment Lions for Music jury at Cannes Lions, a Clio Music Awards Music Marketing juror, and Campaign Female Frontier Awards juror. In 2021, Duncan served as a Cannes Lions Entertainment Lions juror, Effie Awards co-chair, and Grand Effie juror.

Amani Duncan presided as 2023 Jury President for Entertainment and Grand Prix for Good at the Dubai Lynx Festival of Creativity, and she will serve as a juror for Ad Age’s Creativity Awards and Creative Marketing, as well as Advertising Week Africa and Europe’s “Future is Female” Awards juror. In May 2023, Amani was honored by the Girl Scouts of Greater New York at their annual Gold Achievement Gala.

Amani’s extensive career includes a significant role as MTV’s Senior Vice President of Music, where she bolstered the network’s industry relationships through innovative artist-driven initiatives, strategic campaigns, and the creation of music content. Prior to MTV, she served as Head of Brand Marketing at Martin Guitar, where she revitalized the 200-year-old brand and crafted an ambitious global marketing plan that paid off.

As Chief Marketing Officer of Sean Combs’ Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group, Duncan orchestrated synergy through marketing and publicity across the company’s various verticals, including fragrances, clothing, music, TV/film, spirits, and charitable initiatives. She has also held senior positions at Capitol Music Group, where she served as Senior Vice President of Marketing, and Virgin Records, where she worked as Vice President of Production and Promotions.

Throughout her career, Amani Duncan has made an indelible mark on every organization and brand she’s worked with, propelling emerging artists, iconic brands like Martin guitars, and countless others to new heights, all while gaining brand partners and new fans along the way. Her remarkable career and boundary-pushing approach have been profiled by Billboard, Fast Company, Variety, Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and more.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Podcasts Channels & Episodes

Similar Speakers for consideration

  • Leadership Speaker

Dr. Scott Parazynski is a highly decorated physician, astronaut, best-selling author (“The Sky Below”) and tech CEO. He is a widely sought after keynote speaker on innovation, risk management, mentorship and leadership under extreme adversity. Scott has lived and traveled all over the world, spending many of his grade school years in places such as […]

  • Travels from: Houston, TX
Dr. Tana M. Session | Best Kept Secret
  • Performance Leadership

Dr. Tana M. Session is an award-winning Consultant, International Speaker, Executive-level Performance Coach, Best-selling Author, recognized Inclusion, Diversity & Multigenerational Thought Leader and Media Contributor. Dr. Session was recently recognized as a “Top Company Culture Consultant” by Fond.co, “Top Employer Branding Expert” by Eightfold.ai, and a Huffington Post “Top Female Expert to Follow.” Tana is […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
Daniel Pink
  • Human Behavior

Daniel Pink is a best-selling author and one of the most influential thinkers in the realm of business and human behavior. His profound insights into motivation, leadership, and innovation have captivated audiences worldwide, making him a sought-after keynote speaker. With a career spanning over two decades, Pink has become synonymous with groundbreaking ideas that challenge […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
David Dye
  • Leadership Speaker

Author and international keynote speaker David Dye gives leaders the roadmap they need to transform results. David Dye works with leaders around the world who want to achieve breakthrough results without losing their soul (or mind) in the process. He gets it because he’s been there: a former executive and elected official, David Dye has over two […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • 5 (5 reviews)
Deborah Perry Piscione
  • Digital Speaker

Deborah Perry Piscione, a renowned authority in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of work in the metaverse. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Deborah has garnered international recognition for her groundbreaking insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and its impact on business and society. As a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and thought leader, […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
Kathy Caprino
  • Leadership Speaker

Kathy Caprino, M.A., stands at the forefront of empowering women in their careers and leadership journeys. As an internationally-recognized women’s career and executive coach, writer, leadership trainer, and sought-after speaker, Kathy embodies a unique blend of corporate expertise, coaching prowess, and therapeutic insight. With a career spanning 18 years as a corporate executive and 15 […]

  • Travels from: Stamford, CT
  • 5 (4 reviews)
Brad Montgomery
  • Laugh-O-Nomics

Brad Montgomery is an award-winning motivational speaker, happiness expert, and humorist who has captivated audiences across the globe. With a unique blend of humor, practical wisdom, and heartwarming stories, Brad inspires people to embrace happiness as a powerful tool for success. His dynamic presentations have made him a sought-after keynote speaker for corporate events, conferences, […]

  • Travels from: Aurora, CO
  • 5 (2 reviews)
Warwick Merry
  • Authentic Leadership

With an eclectic mix of theatre, personal development, radio, stand-up comedy, singing and solid business experience, Warwick Merry can ensure that people are entertained, educated, and most importantly, engaged. Let’s be honest, you want (if not demand) a return on investment for your speaker. It’s their job to engage, entertain, educate and inspire your guests […]

  • Travels from: Sydney, NSW
Heather R Younger
  • Customer Experience

Heather R Younger is the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a prominent figure in the realm of employee engagement and consulting. Renowned as a captivating keynote speaker, Heather brings forth in valuable insights garnered from over 25,000 employee experiences. As a staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she stands as a beacon of […]

  • Travels from: Denver, CO
Hannah Ubl
  • Business Culture

Meet Hannah Ubl, a dynamic force in the world of professional speaking, dedicated to transforming organizations into places where people thrive. With a passion for challenging traditional workplace norms, Hannah’s mission is clear: to create workplaces that don’t suck. As the Co-founder of Good Company Consulting, she brings a fresh perspective to the table, advocating […]

  • Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
  • Authentic Diversity

Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross-cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • 5 (4 reviews)
  • Empathy Leadership

Mimi Nicklin, where leadership meets empathy, and communication transforms into connection. Mimi Nicklin is not just a name but a beacon of inspiration, a bestselling author, global influencer, and the Creative CEO of Freedm, her very own ad agency. With a magnetic personality that transcends borders, Mimi embodies the essence of modern leadership, championing remote […]

  • Travels from: Dubai, UAE
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various keynote speakers and talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.
 
The fees provided are a local range (country of residence), for an accurate “international” fee please contact one of our team at Speakers Inc who can provide you with their fees accordingly. 
 
All talent fees exclude local taxes, travel and accommodation where required.
 
Fees are subject to change without notice and often vary based on a number of factors, including: schedule, timings, script writing, rehearsals, location, and other factors.
 
Please contact us with your specific event details and requirements below, and we would be delighted to provide you with a more bespoke quote.
  • The speaking fees quoted are net of taxes (withholdings, VAT, other taxes, etc.) and fees required by the state, country, province, or jurisdiction where the engagement is to take place, other than state and federal income taxes as required by the laws of the United States and within the state the Speaker resides.
  • For international bookings, Speakers Inc will determine the initial buyout amount quoted (to include business class airfare) and we confirm the amount at the time of the firm offer. We are also happy to quote a buyout for a specific event at any time, just reach out. 

We are actively working to have our profiles current with Keynote Speech titles, and Summaries.

Some Speakers do not have a set title or summary for their topic lists. Instead they customize for each. Other speakers only do moderated conversations.

If you do not see content here, please contact us.

We also have ample information off line that we can share as some do not want to have visible profiles and as such these are hidden pages. Or in the event we do not have the information, we can contact the speaker to provide and share.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

A full-service speaker booking agency is an organization that handles all aspects of speaker engagements, from identifying and recommending speakers based on event objectives, to negotiating contracts, and managing logistics. Agencies like Speakers Inc provide extensive support throughout the process, ensuring that the right speaker is matched to the right event, that all technical and logistical needs are met, and that the event runs smoothly. This includes handling travel arrangements, audio-visual requirements, and any special accommodations the speaker might need. By offering a comprehensive suite of services, a full-service agency allows event planners to focus on their overall event strategy and attendee experience without getting bogged down in the details of speaker management.

Why is Speakers Inc Bureau different from other booking agencies?

Speakers Inc Bureau distinguishes itself through a deep commitment to personalized service and a unique understanding of client and speaker needs. Our approach is built on more than 25 years of industry experience, enabling us to not only anticipate the needs of our clients but also to provide insightful recommendations that enhance event outcomes. We pride ourselves on our:

  • Expert Matching: Leveraging our extensive network, we carefully match speakers to events based on a deep understanding of both the speaker’s expertise and the event’s goals.
  • Global Reach with Local Insight: With offices in major cities like New York, San Diego, and London, we combine global reach with local expertise, ensuring that no matter where your event is, we have on-the-ground insights.
  • End-to-End Support: From initial inquiry to post-event follow-up, our team offers continuous support, ensuring every aspect of the speaker engagement is flawless.
  • Innovation and Trends: We stay at the forefront of industry trends, including the integration of technology and new media in speaking engagements, which allows our clients to benefit from the latest innovations.
  • Ethical and Transparent Practices: Honesty, integrity, loyalty, and trust are the pillars of our operations, reflecting our commitment to ethical practices in all our interactions.

How can I find the right speaker for my event through Speakers Inc?

To find the perfect speaker for your event, you can start by visiting our website or contacting our client service team directly. We will discuss your event’s objectives, theme, audience demographics, and budget. Based on this information, we will provide you with a curated list of speaker recommendations who not only align with your goals but are also known for engaging and captivating audiences. You can also browse through our extensive speaker profiles online, which include detailed bios, speaking topics, and video clips of past engagements to help you make an informed decision.

What types of events does Speakers Inc cater to?

Speakers Inc caters to a wide range of events, including corporate meetings, conferences, educational workshops, leadership retreats, and public seminars. Our speakers specialize in various topics such as business, technology, health, education, motivation, and more, making us a versatile partner capable of servicing diverse event needs.

How do I book a speaker through Speakers Inc?

Booking a speaker through Speakers Inc is straightforward:

  1. Initial Consultation: Contact us with your event details, including date, location, audience, and objectives.
  2. Speaker Selection: Choose from our recommendations or browse our online profiles to select your preferred speaker.
  3. Contract and Confirmation: We handle all negotiations and contracts to ensure all terms are clear and favorable. Once the contract is signed, your speaker is confirmed.
  4. Event Preparation: We coordinate with you and the speaker to prepare for the event, handling all logistical details to ensure a seamless experience.
  5. Event Execution and Follow-Up: Our team supports you on the day of the event to handle any last-minute details, and we conduct a post-event follow-up to gather feedback and ensure satisfaction.

What support does Speakers Inc provide on the day of the event?

On the day of the event, a dedicated Speakers Inc coordinator can be available to manage the speaker’s schedule, ensure all technical requirements are met, and assist with any last-minute changes. This on-site support is designed to ensure that the speaker’s presentation goes as smoothly as possible, allowing event organizers to focus on their guests and overall event execution.

How does Speakers Inc handle speaker travel arrangements?

Speakers Inc manages all travel logistics for speakers, including flights, accommodations, and local transportation. We ensure that travel is efficient and meets the needs of both the speaker and the event, relieving you of the administrative burden and potential complications of managing these details.

Our Mission

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2024.  Designed using Voxel