Emily Best

Tagline: Equity Advocate

Keynote Topics

[Keynote & Workshop]

In the last three years, every single workplace on the planet has been through a re-org 1-7 times.

  • The move to all or partially remote workforce? Suddenly finding you have five generations of people with extremely different working styles and expectations side by side in the same company?
  • Being able to metabolize and respond to major social uprisings?
  • To tackle any of these is to re-organize the operating agreements, values, and behaviors of your organization. What about if you have to tackle all three by Friday, like most people leaders are asked to do?

This Keynote and workshop is about how to recognize the demand for innovation, and how perspective-taking and storytelling can crack open pathways to new ways of working inside organizations at any stage of growth.

Emily shares her own experience of how she learned to recognize the demand for innovation, what she discovered interviewing hundreds of people leaders on their biggest challenges, and what she has uncovered about workplace innovation in the last two years of growing her new venture, Film Forward. Film Forward is an experiential learning platform driving workplace performance, engagement, and inclusion with learning journeys built around the world’s best short cinema.

To put the keynote into action, Best will share an award-winning short film and lead the group in a reflection exercise – demonstrating the possibilities of bringing creative solutions if you’re willing to invite in new perspectives.

Innovation is not magic. It’s driven by a set of conditions that any organization has the power to create. From years of working across a wide range of corporate clients, Emily and her team have clear examples of how shifting and clarifying simple organizational agreements in small ways and large can create brand new conditions for innovating with inclusion.

After over a decade of supporting community driven creators to tell stories that support and uplift their communities, Seed&Spark has become a central repository of how storytelling can gather and galvanize groups to move the culture forward. We’ll watch a short film and clips and build excitement around story-powered community building.

“Community building” has been a trendy way to rename many conventional marketing tactics and leave the communities feeling talked at, ignored or worse, exploited.

Sharing the story of the unconventional tactics Best and her team use in building and growing Seed&Spark’s vibrant creator community, this talk explores what it means to really be in community in a rapidly changing world.

The Untapped Potential of Film

In this talk, Emily Best paints a portrait of media’s role in programming our society’s bias, not just through the films Hollywood has been churning out over the years but the very business model built to produce them.

Through the arc of her experience building Seed&Spark, she demonstrates film’s untapped potential to undo some of the damage that has been done with equitable storytelling.

The Workplace as a Vector for Cultural Transformation

Across industries the role of “Chief Diversity Officer” (or some similar moniker) is on the rise. This group of people is tasked with the herculean task of building equity in workplaces that exist within a wider society that is not equitable.

Through hundreds of hours of research and interviews, Best and her team discovered common challenges and opportunities for visionary leaders (and also hopefully everyone) to cultivate workplace culture not just to build a more profitable company but also a more just and equitable society.

Currency in the Age of Participation

This is a talk Best has given several times about how Seed&Spark monetized social capital. The internet can be a powerful tool for building and monetizing social capital, but it can’t be the only tool used to succeed.

Through a series of learnings building Seed&Spark from an underfunded underdog to the number one crowdfunding platform in the world for movies and shows, Best can walk audiences through how the company leveraged both off-line and on-line tactics for growing social capital that became the foundations of its business growth.  

Videos

5/5

(4 reviews)

Talent Highlights

Founder and CEO of Seed&Spark: Revolutionized independent film financing and distribution, supporting over 1,200 projects and raising more than $25 million.
Advocate for Equity and Inclusion: Spearheaded initiatives to increase representation of marginalized voices in the entertainment industry.
Expert in Crowdfunding and Pitching: Provides valuable insights on leveraging community support and crafting compelling pitches.
Mentor and Advisor: Guides early-stage companies towards sustainable and equitable growth.
Inspiring Speaker: Captivates audiences with her passion, knowledge, and authenticity.
Industry Leader: Holds advisory roles and influences industry standards and practices.

Travels from:

  • Atlanta, GA

Fee Range:**

  • Fees* $10,001 - $20,000
Full Bio - click to read more or less

Emily Best is the dynamic founder and CEO of Seed&Spark, a groundbreaking platform that has revolutionized the way independent films are financed, produced, and distributed. Her work as an advocate for equity and inclusion within the entertainment industry and beyond has positioned her as a leading voice in leveraging entertainment for social impact. Emily’s commitment to sustainability and equitable practices has earned her a reputation as a transformative figure in the world of media and entrepreneurship.

Regularly speaking at high-profile conferences and events, Emily Best inspires audiences with her insights on crowdfunding, pitching, and building inclusive startups. Additionally, she serves as a trusted advisor and mentor to numerous early-stage companies, guiding them towards sustainable and equitable growth.

Emily Best | Innovation Speaker

Pioneering Crowdfunding and Distribution

Emily Best’s journey began with a vision to democratize the film industry. Recognizing the challenges independent filmmakers faced in securing funding and distribution, she founded Seed&Spark in 2012. The platform offers a unique combination of crowdfunding and streaming services, enabling filmmakers to raise funds directly from their audience while retaining creative control. Under Emily’s leadership, Seed&Spark has supported over 1,200 projects, raising more than $25 million for independent films. Her expertise in crowdfunding has made her a sought-after speaker, sharing strategies on how creators can leverage community support to bring their visions to life.

Champion of Equity and Inclusion

Emily is a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at increasing representation of marginalized voices in film and media. Emily’s efforts include partnerships with organizations dedicated to gender equity, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her work has not only created opportunities for underrepresented creators but has also raised awareness about the systemic barriers they face. Emily’s talks on equity and inclusion resonate deeply with audiences, as she provides actionable steps to foster a more inclusive environment within their organizations and industries.

Sustainable Business Practices

Beyond the entertainment industry, Emily Best is committed to promoting sustainability in all aspects of business. She believes that equity and sustainability are intrinsically linked and that businesses must adopt practices that support both. Emily’s approach to building equitable startups emphasizes the importance of ethical decision-making, transparent operations, and long-term thinking. Her guidance helps new companies to develop business models that are not only profitable but also socially responsible. Emily’s insights into sustainable business practices are invaluable for entrepreneurs looking to make a positive impact while achieving success.

Influence as a Speaker and Mentor

Emily’s influence extends far beyond her role at Seed&Spark. As a speaker, she captivates audiences with her passion, knowledge, and authenticity. Emily’s talks cover a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of crowdfunding and pitching to the broader themes of equity and sustainability. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and inspire action has made her a favorite at conferences, festivals, and corporate events. Additionally, Emily serves as a mentor to early-stage companies, offering guidance and support to founders navigating the challenges of startup life. Her mentorship has been instrumental in the success of numerous ventures, particularly those focused on social impact.

Advisory Roles and Industry Leadership

In addition to her speaking and mentoring, Emily Best holds advisory roles in several organizations dedicated to fostering innovation and inclusivity. Her leadership extends to various industry boards and committees, where she advocates for policies and practices that promote equity and sustainability. Emily’s involvement in these organizations underscores her commitment to driving systemic change within the entertainment industry and beyond. Her advisory work provides her with a platform to influence industry standards and practices, further amplifying her impact.

Reasons for Booking
A Proven Advocate for Change

Event planners should book Emily Best because she is a proven advocate for change who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to any stage. Her work with Seed&Spark and her advocacy for equity and inclusion make her an ideal speaker for events focused on social impact, diversity, and innovation. Emily’s ability to articulate the importance of these issues and provide practical solutions makes her a powerful and inspiring speaker. Audiences leave her sessions equipped with the tools and motivation to implement positive changes in their own organizations and communities.

Expertise in Crowdfunding and Pitching

Emily’s expertise in crowdfunding and pitching is another compelling reason to book her for your event. She has a deep understanding of what it takes to successfully raise funds and bring projects to life. Emily’s insights into building and engaging a community of supporters are invaluable for creators and entrepreneurs alike. Her practical advice on crafting compelling pitches and leveraging the power of storytelling can help attendees refine their own approaches and increase their chances of success. Emily’s sessions are not only informative but also interactive, providing attendees with the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in real-time.

Inspiring and Authentic Leadership

Emily Best embodies inspiring and authentic leadership, which resonates deeply with audiences. Her personal journey and the success of Seed&Spark serve as powerful examples of what can be achieved through dedication, innovation, and a commitment to equity. Emily’s authenticity and relatability make her a standout speaker who connects with audiences on a personal level. Her stories of overcoming challenges and achieving success against the odds are both motivating and empowering. Event planners looking to inspire and engage their audiences will find Emily Best to be an exceptional choice.

Reasons to Use Speakers Inc
Curated Selection of Impactful Speakers

Speakers Inc offers a curated selection of impactful speakers, including Emily Best, who are leaders in their respective fields. Our rigorous selection process ensures that only the most qualified and inspiring individuals are available to speak at your event. We understand the importance of finding the right speaker to match your event’s theme and objectives, and we work closely with you to ensure a perfect fit. By choosing Speakers Inc, you gain access to a diverse range of experts who can deliver powerful and memorable presentations.

Comprehensive Support and Coordination

At Speakers Inc, we provide comprehensive support and coordination to ensure the success of your event. From the initial booking to the day of the event, our team is dedicated to making the process seamless and stress-free. We handle all logistics, including travel arrangements, technical requirements, and on-site support, allowing you to focus on other aspects of event planning. Our commitment to excellence means that you can trust us to deliver a high-quality experience for both you and your audience.

Summary and Conclusion
Emily Best is a visionary leader whose work with Seed&Spark has transformed the landscape of independent film financing and distribution. Her commitment to equity and inclusion, coupled with her expertise in crowdfunding and sustainable business practices, makes her an invaluable speaker for events focused on social impact and innovation. Emily’s ability to inspire and motivate audiences, along with her practical insights and authentic leadership, ensures that her presentations are both impactful and memorable.

Booking Emily Best through Speakers Inc guarantees not only a remarkable speaking experience but also the support and expertise of a trusted partner in event planning. Our curated selection of speakers and comprehensive coordination services ensure that your event runs smoothly and achieves its objectives. Whether you are planning a conference, corporate event, or festival, Emily Best’s presence will elevate the experience and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

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