Cleo Wade: Poet & Author

Highlights:
  • 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.
  • Cleo’s most recent book, Remember Love, features a collection of prose and poetry that explores how we can find light in periods of lostness and resilience in the midst of change.
  • Her work speaks to our collective power to create change through self-care, beloved community building, and social justice. 

Formats:
Audience:
Outcomes:
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000

Keynote Topics

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.

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.

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 Wade | Notable Poet

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.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

Talent Resources

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more
Was this profile helpful?

View further speakers

  • (9)
Noelle Russell - AI Innovator

Noelle Russell is one of the most recognized voices on the future of artificial intelligence and responsible innovation. A multi-award-winning TEDx presenter and best-selling author, she has become a go-to resource for organizations seeking to harness AI’s power to drive growth while managing risk. Named the #1 Agentic AI Leader in 2025, she has taught […]

  • Travels from: Miami, FL
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (15)
Chris Voss

Chris Voss, a celebrated keynote speaker, author, and former FBI Lead International Kidnapping Negotiator, brings a wealth of negotiation expertise and insights to audiences worldwide. Known for his powerful presentations on the science of influence and high-stakes negotiation, Chris has successfully transformed complex negotiation strategies into actionable, real-world tactics for leaders, executives, and teams. Chris […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Conflict Management
  • (50)
  • (1)
Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah is a globally celebrated comedian, television host, and author whose wit, charm, and insightful humor have made him one of the most influential entertainers of his generation. Born in South Africa during apartheid, Noah’s unique perspective on politics, culture, and human relationships is deeply informed by his experiences growing up as a mixed-race […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Celebrity Speakers
  • (13)

Liquid Blue Showband is an independent recording and touring act featuring a sensational female trio and a seven-member ensemble which have performed in more than 100 countries on 7 continents, a feat which no other band has accomplished. Liquid Blue dance band has performed over 2000 shows in over 400 cities and has been featured on […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Variety Bands
  • (35)
Chris Hadfield

Colonel Chris Hadfield woke up the world (on Twitter) every day while living aboard the International Space Station for over five months with the words “Good morning, Earth.” Since blasting off from Kazakhstan in December 2012, Hadfield has become a worldwide sensation, harnessing the power of social media to make outer space accessible to millions […]

  • Travels from: Toronto, ON
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (19)
Donna Maine

Donna Maine is an LA-based clean, corporate comedian and comedy writer (or less clean, depending on situation) who performs across the country. Her comedic insights run the gamut; including relationships, kids, medical background, and coping with middle-age in a post-millennial world. Donna has been bringing the laughter to all the major comedy clubs, the Burbank […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Comedian Performers
  • (22)

Ford Saeks has become synonymous with business success, revolutionizing the traditional paradigms with his innovative strategies. With a track record that speaks volumes, he has spearheaded initiatives that have collectively propelled companies to surpass the billion-dollar mark in sales on a global scale. As a seasoned Business Growth Profit Innovator, Saeks has left an indelible […]

  • Travels from: Wichita, KS
  • Business Speakers
  • (37)
Cassandra Worthy Atlanta Keynote Speaker

Cassandra Worthy is a trailblazing thought leader in change management, known for her disruptive insights and dynamic approach to organizational transformation. As the world’s leading authority on navigating change, she equips companies with the mindset and tools to build resilience and adaptability in today’s fast-paced business landscape. With her signature energy and expertise, Cassandra has […]

  • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
  • Culture Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other 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.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

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

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.