Cleo Wade: Poet & Author
Poet and keynote speaker Cleo Wade inspires audiences through storytelling and poetic wisdom, empowering individuals to embrace courage, connection, and meaningful social change.
Quick Facts:
- New York Times bestselling author of multiple books
- Renowned poet focused on love, healing, and community
- TED Talk viewed by millions worldwide
- Named one of the most creative people in business by Fast Company
- Formats:
Keynote Speaker, Poet, Author
- Audiences:
Corporate organizations, creative industries, women’s leadership groups, and audiences seeking inspiration, connection, and purpose-driven change.
- Outcomes:
- Greater sense of purpose, empathy, and connection
- Inspiration to create positive change in personal and professional life
- Tools to lead with courage, compassion, and authenticity
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000
Keynote Topics
Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life
True to her bestselling book, Cleo Wade brings her accessible brand of wisdom to life. Audiences will discover and unlock what is blocking them from thriving, and reflect on life lessons with simple, yet enduring takeaways.
A talk woven from stories throughout her journey, Cleo encourages us all to become advocates for love and acceptance – in a time when both seem in short supply.
Where To Begin: Harnessing Your Power To Create Big Change In Our Crazy World
Making change comes in all sizes and doesn’t always have to be one big gesture or nothing. Ready to be a part of building a society rooted in love, acceptance, justice, and equality but are stuck on where to start?
In this talk, Cleo shares her ideas and mantras that will inspire you to show up and do something rather than walking away from the problems of the world.
Pulling from the work in her second best-selling book, she encourages you to keep connected to hope during difficult moments.
Talent Short Bio
Cleo Wade is a New York Times bestselling author, poet, and keynote speaker whose work explores love, healing, community, and the power of human connection. Widely recognized for her ability to translate complex emotions into accessible, impactful language, Cleo has become one of the most influential voices in modern poetry and personal growth.
She is the author of bestselling books including Heart Talk, Where To Begin, and What The Road Said, each offering reflections and guidance on navigating life with compassion, courage, and intention. Her work resonates across audiences by blending poetic expression with practical insight, encouraging individuals to create meaningful change in both their personal lives and communities.
Cleo’s TED Talk, Want to change the world? Start by being brave enough to care, has reached millions globally, further amplifying her message of empathy and action. She has been recognized by major publications such as Time, Fast Company, and New York Magazine for her creative influence and cultural impact.
Read Full Bio
Cleo Wade is a writer, poet, and the New York Times Best-selling author of What The Road Said, Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life, and Where To Begin: A Small Book about Your Power to Create Big Change. Her work is dedicated to exploring love, freedom, healing and the power of community.
Cleo’s beloved TED talk Want to change the world? Start by being brave enough to care has been viewed and shared by millions around the world. She has been called the poet of her generation by Time Magazine, the Millenial Oprah by New York Magazine, and named one of the 100 most creative people in business by Fast Company.
Cleo is the Co-chair of Gucci’s Changemakers council and sits on the boards of The Lower East Side Girls Club, the National Black Theatre in Harlem, the Women’s Prison Association, as well as the advisory board of E Pluribus Unum, a racial equity organization based in America’s South.
Outside of her books, her work has been featured in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, W Magazine, Vogue Magazine, The Washington Post, The Today Show, and Good Morning America.
She has collaborated using her drawings and poetry with global brands such as Barbie, Kate Spade, and Express. In 2020, she designed the official merch for America’s first Black female Vice President Kamala Harris, which was available on JoeBiden.com throughout their campaign.
Cleo Wade is from New Orleans, Louisiana and currently lives in California with her partner Simon and their two daughters Memphis & Bayou.
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