Sekou Andrews: Human Connection
Sekou Andrews is a spoken word artist and keynote speaker whose Poetic Voice blends poetry, storytelling, theater, and comedy to humanize business ideas and inspire connection.
Quick Facts:
- Creator of the Poetic Voice speaking approach.
- Founder of SekouWorld, Inc.
- Grammy nominee for Best Spoken Word Album.
- Two-time National Poetry Slam champion.
Formats:
- Poetic Voice keynote presentations combining spoken word poetry, storytelling
Audiences:
- Corporate teams, executives, healthcare professionals, association members, and conference audiences seeking an experiential approach to leadership and communication.
Outcomes:
- Connect organizational ideas with personal purpose and shared responsibility.
- Explore leadership and innovation through storytelling and creative expression.
- Recognize how language, presence, and emotion can strengthen communication.
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- **US Fee range: $50,001 - $75,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
D.I.Y. Innovation
“Innovation is the difference between ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ and ‘Why didn’t I think LIKE that?’” As businesses scurry in pursuit of “big I” Innovation — A.I., robotics, and other exponential technologies — Sekou focuses on empowering your leadership with “little i’” innovation, helping you to innovate from within.
Offering incredibly fresh perspectives on embracing failure, bold thinking, and the innovator’s mindset, Sekou teaches how to harness the power of collaboration, purpose, storytelling, community, and inspirational leadership to create a culture of innovation. This insightful and inspiring talk promises to surprise you with its ability to delight, discomfort, and disrupt you on a business and personal level.
Laugh, Be Uplifted, & Learn:
- How to master “little i” innovation to think, communicate and lead like an innovator
- Simple ways to use inspiration, inclusion, and intention to catalyze a culture of innovation
- How to embrace “successful failure” to empower your team’s innovation mindset
- 3-5 innovation tools that every D.i.Y. innovator must master
- How to shift a stagnant culture through creative thinking and purpose-driven innovation
The NEXT, Next Level
“The next level is not about reaching new heights, but reaching new depths.” Ever since we were little, we’ve been obsessed with growth. But in order for the transformational leader to keep reaching the proverbial “next level,” you must first transform your concept of the word “growth” in a sustainable way.
This unique keynote experience will help you unlock your ability to adapt and innovate, fortify your well-being, connect more deeply with your community and purpose, and lead with inspiration. You will learn how to win by losing, how to go higher by going deeper, and how to remind yourself, and your team, that you already have everything you need to perpetually reach your next level. Prepare to supercharge your resiliency through an energetic and inspiring keynote like no other.
Laugh, Be Uplifted, & Learn:
- How to fall gracefully and recover masterfully to create next-level resilience
- Effective ways to use collaboration to create a next-level community
- How to harness the power of inspiration to create next-level leadership
- The next-level ways to create a sustainable, perpetual growth mindset
- How to strengthen the “small muscles” of your mindset to create next-level adaptability
The Audacity of "What If?"
The Audacity of “What If?”
“What if there is a better way?” As the innovator of an audacious new category of public speaking that brought poetry to industry in unprecedented ways, Sekou has mastered the art of audacity. His 20-year career helping global brands humanize messaging, began with two words: “What If?” “What if we could define business our own way?” “What if our way could set the standard for our industry?”
This inspiring and interactive speech will help you ignite that same audacity needed for you to defy convention, deny limitations, and define yourselves for yourselves. It focuses on re-defining the word “touch” as a metaphor for how leaders and brands can impact communities in increasingly purposeful ways. Prepare to engage your imagination and learn new strategies to help your business get in TOUCH with its humanity.
Laugh, Be Uplifted, & Learn:
- How to have the audacity to empower imagination to re-define business conventions
- How to have the audacity to create collaborative communities that cultivate creative culture
- How to have the audacity to transform business impact through personal stories
- How to have the audacity to change the game by innovating how you play the game
- How to have the audacity to be a purpose-driven company without sacrificing success
Talent Short Bio
Sekou Andrews is a spoken word artist, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and founder of SekouWorld, Inc. He created “Poetic Voice,” a presentation style combining inspirational speaking with poetry, strategic storytelling, theater, and comedy.
A former schoolteacher, Sekou connects artistic expression with leadership and organizational communication. His presentations explore themes including innovation, purpose, human connection, and shared responsibility.
His work has included events for Google, Nike, Toyota, Cisco, LinkedIn, Capital One, and the NBA, alongside healthcare organizations such as Mayo Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, and the American Medical Association.
Sekou is a two-time National Poetry Slam champion and Grammy-nominated spoken word artist. He also developed Stage Might, a training system for speakers and leaders.
With experience across performance, acting, and voiceover, Sekou brings a distinctive blend of business content and live artistry to conferences and leadership gatherings.
Videos
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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.
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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.
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- 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.
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Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude travel and accommodation where required.