Cleo Wade: Poet & Author

  • Highlights:
    • 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.
    • Cleo's most recent book, Remember Love, features a collection of prose and poetry that explores how we can find light in periods of lostness and resilience in the midst of change.
    • Her work speaks to our collective power to create change through self-care, beloved community building, and social justice. 
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000

Keynote Topics

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.

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.

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 Wade | Notable Poet

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.

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!

View further speakers

  • (34)
Marci Shimoff

Marci Shimoff, a renowned speaker, and leading expert in personal development, happiness, and success. With a captivating presence and profound insights, Marci Shimoff has inspired countless individuals worldwide to transform their lives and achieve greater levels of fulfillment and joy. Marci Shimoff is a New York Times bestselling author, a celebrated speaker, and a leading […]

  • Travels from: San Rafael, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (51)
  • (1)
Laura Schwartz Speaker

Laura Schwartz Speaker is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, author, and television commentator with a background that spans politics, media, and leadership. Her dynamic presentations blend her real-world experiences in the White House with practical strategies that inspire organizations and individuals to succeed. As a former Director of Events for the Clinton Administration, she leveraged […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Political Speakers
  • (37)
  • (3)
Dr Jordan Nguyen - Image 07 (March 10, 2026)

Dr. Jordan Nguyen is renowned globally as a leading Human Futurist and Innovation Speaker, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in technology and humanity’s future. With a profound passion for merging cutting-edge technology with the potential of the human spirit, Dr. Nguyen captivates audiences with his visionary insights and transformative ideas. Dr. Jordan Nguyen’s expertise […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Futurists Speakers
  • (15)

April Dunford is an entrepreneur, an executive consultant, an angel investor and a board member. She specializes in assisting businesses turn complicated products into something people will love. In fact, April assists entrepreneurs, marketers, and sales teams. She believes that positioning is the key to standing out from the competition. If you want to take your […]

  • Travels from: Toronto, ON
  • Sales Speakers
  • (16)
Dr. Brian Glibkowski

Dr. Brian Glibkowski is a pioneering force in the realm of business communication, best known as the creator of Answer Intelligence (AQ)™. His groundbreaking work on the role of questions and answers in business and society has revolutionized how leaders, teams, and organizations approach problem-solving, decision-making, and strategy formulation. With a passion for enhancing communication […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • (58)
  • (2)
Courtney Caldwell

Courtney Caldwell is a dynamic and innovative force in the beauty-tech industry, serving as the Cofounder & CEO of ShearShare, the largest provider of on-demand salon and barbershop space rentals and the most affordable leases in the market. With a keen entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for transforming the beauty industry, Courtney has built a […]

  • Travels from: Buffalo, NY
  • Entrepreneurship
  • (28)
  • (7)
Sterling Hawkins - Image 21 (January 29, 2026)

Sterling Hawkins is a transformative figure in the realm of organizational culture and business innovation. Known for his groundbreaking work on creating cultures of innovation and resilience, Hawkins has emerged as a preeminent speaker and thought leader. His signature speech, “No Matter What,” encapsulates his philosophy of overcoming challenges and fostering an environment where innovation […]

  • Travels from: Denver, CO
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (41)

Geoffrey Hinton is the winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence.  Hinton has been called “the godfather of AI” and is considered one of the most important thought leaders on the emergence of AI and its implications for business and society.  It was Hinton, in 2012, who created […]

  • Travels from: Toronto, ON
  • Artificial Intelligence
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.