Wade Davis: Former NFL Player
Wade Davis is a former NFL player, global inclusion strategist and leadership coach who helps organizations advance gender, race and orientation equity through transformative, human centered culture change.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Vice President of Inclusion Strategy for Product at Netflix
- Former NFL player and pioneering LGBT inclusion consultant
- Advisor to Google, Procter & Gamble, Viacom and global brands
- UN Women Global Champion for Innovation and Girl Up Global Champion
- Formats: Keynote speaker, inclusion strategist, leadership coach
- Audiences: Corporate teams, executive leaders, DEI committees, HR and people leaders, professional sports organizations, universities and social impact groups.
- Outcomes:
- Clear strategies to advance intersectional equity and build authentic belonging across gender, race and orientation.
- Practical leadership behaviors that create inclusive cultures where employees feel valued and supported.
- A deeper understanding of how to engage men and senior leaders in long term, meaningful DEI transformation.
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
LGBT & Sports: The Coming Out Process
As a former NFL player and one of the few openly gay former professional athletes, Wade shares his own coming out process and the work he does as an LGBT consultant for the NFL and as Executive Director of the You Can Play Project, an organization with partnership with including the NHL, MLS, CFL and others.
At Risk vs. At Promise: Defining Inner City Youth
When working in marginalized communities, the words and the language that we use matters, and how we talk about the young people we are trying to impact can determine how we show up – as social justice advocates or as saviors.
- Do we see their promise?
- Do we see them as we look at ourselves in the mirror?
While working with marginalized youth at the Hetrick-Martin Institute, teaching at the Harvey Milk High School, and creating the country’s only inner city LGBT sports camp, Wade explains how to embody this idea of fictive kinship and see the promise in young people.
Masculinity: An Imaginary Friend
How do you define masculinity?
Wade defines masculinity as an imaginary friend, and if left unchecked, masculinity can be highly toxic.
Through his teachings and training, he’s learned we must do the work to unlearn the seductive nature of sexism and toxic masculinity, and move to create space for all without stigma and shame being attached.
Wade talks about the work he’s done to undo the constraints of perceived masculinity, and move forward in a positive way.
Intentional Diversity & Inclusion
Have we emptied the true meaning of intersectionality by only changing the optics of organizations, without understanding the structural and institutional challenges that go unnoticed?
Through practical and tangible examples, see how Wade can help your business evolve into a space where diversity and inclusion becomes part of your organizational DNA.
Sexism: How Ending Sexist Oppression Will Free Men
Far too often we imagine that ending sexism impacts only women.
Yet if we re-imagine the gender roles and expand our understanding of masculinity and femininity, men benefit from the expansion: how they can show up in world without the pressures of performing toxic forms of hyper masculinity.
Wade explores his own dialog with feminism, tools to be pro-active about ending the sexist dialog, and leads conversation around the topic.
Talent Short Bio
Wade Davis is a leading diversity, equity and inclusion strategist, former NFL player and internationally recognized voice on gender, race and orientation equality. As Vice President of Inclusion Strategy for Product at Netflix, Wade shapes inclusive frameworks that influence teams, content and culture across a global organization. He has consulted for some of the world’s most influential brands including Google, Procter & Gamble, Viacom and others, helping leaders develop inclusive behaviors, flex their leadership styles and better meet the needs of a diverse workforce.
Wade is known for his ability to translate complex social issues into accessible, practical guidance for executive teams and large organizations. He coaches senior leaders to lead with empathy, expand their cultural intelligence and transform the environments in which their employees work, collaborate and grow.
A UN Women Global Champion for Innovation, Wade serves on the boards of MeToo International, the Ms. Foundation for Women, the MAD Foundation, Promundo, the Peace Studio and Sparks + Honey. He is also a Global Champion for Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation initiative dedicated to advancing opportunities for girls and young women worldwide.
Read Full Bio
Former NFL Player Wade Davis is a thought leader, public speaker, and writer on gender, race, and orientation equality. Wade is currently the Vice President of Inclusion Strategy for Product at Netflix and has consulted for companies including Google, Procter & Gamble, Viacom, and others to co-create transformative solutions to build inclusive corporate cultures.
Additionally, Wade coaches senior leaders to adapt and flex their leadership styles to meet the needs and develop their employee population.
Wade is a Global Champion for Innovation for UN Women, and serves on the boards of MeToo International, the Ms. Foundation for Women, the MAD Foundation, Promundo, the Peace Studio, and Sparks + Honey. Wade is also a Global Champion for Girl Up, a program of the United Nations Foundation.
Wade Davis’s work to engage, educate, and help men understand what actions to take toward gender equality has included partnerships with the Ms. Foundation and Ebony Magazine where he launched the #BlackMenAndFeminism campaign and with the Ms. Foundation For Women’s #MyFeminismIs campaign.
Understanding the importance of engaging men around gender equity and equality, Wade built a ‘Men’s Gender Equality Development’ leadership program that launched with the United Nations in 2018.
Wade was the NFL’s first LGBT inclusion consultant and has consulted for numerous professional sports leagues on issues at the intersection of sexism, racism and homophobia. Wade created league-wide inclusive leadership strategies, led inclusion-training sessions for coaches and players, as well as built and launched national engagement initiatives.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- 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!
You may be interested in...
- (61)
- Featured
- (9)
Tom Turcich, the tenth person to walk around the world and the first to do so with a dog, captured the world’s imagination with his remarkable journey. After the death of a close friend, Tom resolved to make the most of life. The day before his twenty-sixth birthday, he stepped out his front door to […]
- Travels from: Cincinnati, OH
- Motivational Speakers
- (97)
A powerhouse of positivity, resilience, and personal development, Lisa Nichols has carved a niche for herself as a transformative force, captivating audiences worldwide with her dynamic presence and life-changing messages. Lisa’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of the human spirit. Born in Los Angeles, she faced numerous challenges in her early life, […]
- Travels from: Carlsbad, CA
- Motivational Speakers
- (12)
Ryann Richardson is a tech marketer-turned-founder and Diversity & Inclusion leader spent 10 years building brands then made history when she became the 50th Anniversary Miss Black America Her work earned her a spot as the youngest honoree on Savoy Magazine’s list of Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America and set her on the […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Leadership Speakers
- (50)
Angela Perez Baraquio is an inspiration, having etched her name in the annals of history as the First Asian-American Miss America. Crowned in 2001, Angela’s journey from being Miss Hawaii 2000 to attaining the prestigious title of Miss America serves as a testament to perseverance, cultural pride, and the pursuit of excellence. As a Catholic […]
- Travels from: Anaheim, CA
- Hispanic Speakers
- (26)
Dr. Paula Stone Williams is an advocate and renowned globally for her tireless work in championing gender equity, LGBTQ rights, and religious tolerance. As a transgender woman, Paula brings a unique and invaluable perspective to her endeavors, shedding light on the profound disparities inherent in societal structures. A dynamic keynote speaker, Paula’s story of transition […]
- Travels from: Denver, CO
- LGBTQ Speakers
- (12)
Rebecca Walker, a prominent figure in the literary world, a dedicated advocate for diversity, and a respected voice in the LGBTQ community. With a compelling blend of personal experience, intellectual insight, and a commitment to social change, Rebecca Walker captivates audiences worldwide as both an author and a keynote speaker. Rebecca Walker is a trailblazing […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Diversity Speakers
- (9)
- (3)
Wema Hoover is a trailblazer in the fields of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), organizational development, and authentic leadership. With a career spanning decades, she has become a trusted voice for driving meaningful transformation in corporate culture. Known for her ability to inspire leaders and teams alike, Wema’s thought-provoking insights and actionable strategies resonate on […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Diversity Speakers
- (28)
Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) is a CPAE (Council of Peers Award of Excellence) Hall of Fame speaker and an internationally recognized authority in the areas of inclusion, diversity, and bias. She has been included as one of the 100 Global Thought Leaders on Diversity and Inclusion by The Society of Human Resource Management […]
- Travels from: Greensboro, NC
- Diversity Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
