Jackie Kallen: Inspirational Speaker

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • Managed Six World Champions: Including James "Lights Out" Toney, who secured the IBF World Middleweight title under her guidance.

    • Inspiration for "Against the Ropes": Her life story was the basis for the 2004 film starring Meg Ryan, highlighting her groundbreaking role in boxing.

    • Author: Published "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and "Between the Ropes," sharing her insights and experiences from the boxing world.

    • Consultant for "The Contender": Worked on Mark Burnett's reality TV series, contributing her expertise to the show's success.

    • Health Advocate: Overcame heart disease and cancer, now actively promotes early detection and women's health awareness

Reading time: 3 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • **Fee range: $15,000 - $20,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

Jackie relates her experiences as a woman trying to “fit in.” She describes what it took to break down barriers and gain acceptance in a sometimes-hostile environment.

Based on her book, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Jackie shares what she has learned through the world of boxing and how these lessons can be applied to everyday life. Blending career with a family, all women know what it’s like to be a superwoman-career girl, wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter.

Jackie explains how it is possible to have it all and not suffer while succeeding. Everyone faces adversity at one time or another, Jackie helps people understand how to deal with it and make the best of bad situations.

Jackie Kallen, renowned as “The First Lady of Boxing,” has shattered glass ceilings in the male-dominated world of professional boxing. Her journey from a show business journalist to one of the sport’s most successful managers is a testament to her resilience, vision, and unwavering determination. Kallen’s story not only highlights her significant contributions to boxing but also serves as an inspiring narrative of overcoming adversity and pioneering change.

In a sport traditionally dominated by men, Jackie Kallen emerged as a trailblazer, redefining the role of women in boxing. Her remarkable journey from interviewing legends like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra to managing world champions exemplifies her versatility and tenacity. Kallen’s life story, which inspired the film “Against the Ropes,” underscores her profound impact on the boxing industry and her ability to inspire audiences worldwide.

Jackie Kallen | Inspirational Speaker

Description

Jackie Kallen’s career began in the 1970s as a show business journalist in Detroit, Michigan. Her assignments led her to interview iconic figures such as the Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra. In 1977, an interview with boxing prospect Thomas Hearns ignited her passion for the sport, steering her towards a path that would redefine her career.

Transitioning from journalism to boxing, Kallen served as Thomas Hearns’ publicist for a decade, navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry. Her perseverance led her to manage heavyweight Bobby Hitz in 1988, marking her managerial debut. In 1991, under her guidance, James Toney clinched the IBF World Middleweight title by defeating Michael Nunn, solidifying Kallen’s reputation as a formidable boxing manager.

Beyond her managerial successes, Kallen faced personal health challenges, including battles with heart disease and cancer in the early 2000s. Demonstrating resilience, she underwent multiple surgeries and emerged with renewed vigor, channeling her experiences into motivational speaking engagements. Her story of overcoming personal and professional obstacles resonates deeply with diverse audiences.

Kallen’s contributions extend to authorship, with books like “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “Between the Ropes,” where she shares insights from her life and career. Her role as a consultant for Mark Burnett’s reality TV series “The Contender” further highlights her multifaceted involvement in boxing and media.

Why Event Planners Should Book Jackie Kallen

Event planners seeking a speaker who embodies resilience, determination, and groundbreaking success will find Jackie Kallen to be an exceptional choice. Her unique journey offers valuable lessons on overcoming adversity, breaking barriers, and achieving excellence in uncharted territories.

Kallen’s storytelling captivates audiences, providing them with a firsthand account of navigating and succeeding in a male-dominated industry. Her experiences resonate with themes of empowerment, leadership, and perseverance, making her messages universally applicable and inspiring.

Moreover, Kallen’s personal battles with health challenges and her subsequent advocacy for women’s health issues add depth to her narrative. She emphasizes the importance of early detection and proactive health measures, offering insights that are both motivational and practical.

Her dynamic presence and authentic storytelling ensure that audiences are not only engaged but also leave with actionable insights and a renewed sense of motivation. Kallen’s ability to connect with diverse groups makes her a versatile speaker suitable for various events, from corporate conferences to health seminars.

Summary

Jackie Kallen’s legacy as “The First Lady of Boxing” is a powerful testament to her pioneering spirit, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Her journey from a journalist to a celebrated boxing manager, coupled with her personal health battles, offers a rich tapestry of experiences that inspire and educate.

As a speaker, Kallen delivers compelling narratives that motivate audiences to overcome challenges, embrace change, and pursue their goals with determination. Her multifaceted experiences provide valuable lessons in leadership, perseverance, and personal growth, making her an invaluable addition to any event seeking to inspire and empower its attendees.

Hashtags

#JackieKallen #FirstLadyOfBoxing #AgainstTheRopes #MotivationalSpeaker #WomenInSports #OvercomingAdversity #BoxingManager #HealthAdvocate

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

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!

You may be interested in...

  • (32)
Dara Torres-1

Dara Torres is arguably the fastest female swimmer in America. She entered her first international swimming competition at age 14 and competed in her first Olympics a few years later in 1984. At the Beijing Games in 2008, Torres became the oldest swimmer to compete in the Olympics. When she took three silver medals — […]

  • Travels from: Miami, FL
  • Swimming Legends
  • (69)
The Braintrust Academy | Jeff Bloomfield | Driving Change

From humble beginnings on a midwest farm in central Ohio, Jeff Bloomfield has taken the life lessons from his storytelling “Papaw” (Grandfather) combined with his corporate career in Biotech and Neuroscience to create programs that allow you to discover how you’re truly wired for greatness and how to communicate in an authentic way to drive […]

  • Travels from: Mason, OH
  • Sales Speakers
  • (54)
Alec Ross

Alec Ross stands as a dynamic force in the world of technology, innovation, and global affairs, renowned as a New York Times best-selling author and an esteemed Distinguished Adjunct Professor at the University of Bologna’s business school. With a fervent dedication to deciphering the complexities of our rapidly evolving world, Ross illuminates the intersections of […]

  • Travels from: Baltimore, MD
  • Business Speakers
  • (63)
Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry is a true renaissance figure in the world of entertainment, renowned for his unparalleled success as a director, playwright, screenwriter, producer, actor, author, and entrepreneur. The Birth of Madea and the Rise of the Chitlin’ Circuit In the early 1990s, Perry started his journey in the entertainment industry with a series of stage […]

  • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
  • Celebrity Speakers
  • (60)
Carolyn Strauss

Carolyn Strauss is a powerful, compelling, effervescent, and entertaining presenter who speaks with audiences – not at them. Her programs are based on over 28 years of research and experience as a successful businesswoman in the marketplace. For over twenty years, Carolyn has passionately shared her strategies and business methods with audiences worldwide, teaching people […]

  • Travels from: Denver, CO
  • Sales Speakers
  • (33)
Terence Keel

Terence Keel is more than a professor; he is a trailblazer in the realms of academia and social justice. As a Full Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), he holds a prestigious split appointment in the Department of African American Studies and the UCLA Institute for Society and Genetics. With an unwavering […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Diversity Speakers
  • (30)
Justin Forsett

Justin Forsett’s journey in the NFL is one of the most inspiring stories in sports. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2008, Forsett defied the odds to have a successful nine-year career in the league. Despite being considered undersized for a running back, his determination, work ethic, and undeniable talent led him to play for […]

  • Travels from: Dallas, TX
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (15)
Arlan Hamilton | Your First Million | raise startup capital - Arlan Hamilton - Your First Million Podcast

Arlan Hamilton is a trailblazing entrepreneur who defies the odds and inspires countless individuals with her remarkable journey. Rising from homelessness to becoming a prominent figure in the venture capital industry, she is the epitome of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in her vision. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, Arlan has […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Innovation 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 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
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.