Cleo Wade: Poet & Author
Poet and keynote speaker Cleo Wade inspires audiences through storytelling and poetic wisdom, empowering individuals to embrace courage, connection, and meaningful social change.
- Highlights:
- New York Times bestselling author of multiple books
- Renowned poet focused on love, healing, and community
- TED Talk viewed by millions worldwide
- Named one of the most creative people in business by Fast Company
- Formats:
Keynote Speaker, Poet, Author
- Audiences:
Corporate organizations, creative industries, women’s leadership groups, and audiences seeking inspiration, connection, and purpose-driven change.
- Outcomes:
- Greater sense of purpose, empathy, and connection
- Inspiration to create positive change in personal and professional life
- Tools to lead with courage, compassion, and authenticity
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000
Keynote Topics
Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life
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.
Where To Begin: Harnessing Your Power To Create Big Change In Our Crazy World
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.
Talent Short Bio
Cleo Wade is a New York Times bestselling author, poet, and keynote speaker whose work explores love, healing, community, and the power of human connection. Widely recognized for her ability to translate complex emotions into accessible, impactful language, Cleo has become one of the most influential voices in modern poetry and personal growth.
She is the author of bestselling books including Heart Talk, Where To Begin, and What The Road Said, each offering reflections and guidance on navigating life with compassion, courage, and intention. Her work resonates across audiences by blending poetic expression with practical insight, encouraging individuals to create meaningful change in both their personal lives and communities.
Cleo’s TED Talk, Want to change the world? Start by being brave enough to care, has reached millions globally, further amplifying her message of empathy and action. She has been recognized by major publications such as Time, Fast Company, and New York Magazine for her creative influence and cultural impact.
Read Full Bio
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 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.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on LinkedIn
w 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!
View further speakers
- (4)
Investigative journalist Sam Quinones is the best-selling author of Dreamland, the eye-opening chronicle of the causes underlying the American opioid crisis. Quinones’ work brought national attention to the topic, helping to breaking the silence and stigma surrounding the epidemic. Dreamland was honored as one of the best books of the year by Amazon.com, Slate.com, the Daily Beast, […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Leadership Speakers
- (31)
- (7)
Tim Ash is an acknowledged authority on evolutionary psychology and digital marketing. He is a sought-after international keynote speaker, and the bestselling author of Unleash Your Primal Brain and Landing Page Optimization (with over 50,000 copies sold worldwide, and translated into six languages). He has been mentioned by Forbes as a Top-10 Online Marketing Expert, and by Entrepreneur Magazine […]
- Travels from: San Diego, CA
- Leadership Speakers
- (64)
Most people know Jon Taffer as a larger-than-life television personality who takes a no-holds-barred approach to helping hotels, restaurants, bars and businesses reach their full potential. He is also a New York Times best-selling author, a highly sought-after hospitality and general business consultant, and is the creator, executive producer and star of Paramount Network’s hit show, Bar Rescue. […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Leadership Speakers
- (17)
Robert “Cujo” Teschner is a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, elite Weapons School instructor, and author of Debrief to Win. Today, he works with organizations around the world to help leaders operationalize trust, strengthen accountability, and build high-performance cultures where continuous improvement is embedded into everyday operations. Over a distinguished military career, Cujo flew […]
- Travels from: St. Louis, MO
- Leadership Speakers
- (7)
Mallory Weggemann is a 4-time Paralympian for Team USA, having most recently competed at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where she added a gold and silver medal to her impressive collection. A 7-time Paralympic medalist, including four gold, two silver, and one bronze, Weggemann is known for her resilience, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of excellence. […]
- Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
- Summer Olympians
- (31)
- (3)
Ryan Jenkins, CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional)™, is a globally recognized keynote speaker, virtual trainer, and a distinguished Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Renowned for his expertise in leadership, generational differences, team connection, and the future of work, Ryan delivers compelling talks that inspire audiences worldwide to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with confidence […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Generational Speakers
- (15)
Sarah Armstrong-Smith is one of the most influential cybersecurity leaders in the industry. With three decades of front-line experience, including roles as Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft and Group Head Crisis Management at The London Stock Exchange, Sarah delivers transformative strategies to help organisations build resilience to digital disruptions and global crises. In 2022, Sarah […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Cybersecurity Speakers
- (44)
- (3)
Maja Kazazic is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, renowned for her resilience and transformational journey from being a survivor of the Bosnian genocide to a powerful advocate for the disabled community. Her experiences of overcoming unimaginable hardships, including losing her leg in a bombing at age 16, have given her insights into the power of […]
- Travels from: Tampa, FL
- Adversity 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.