Topic: Courage

August 8, 2016

Candace Doby

Author Candace Doby is THE courage expert. She talks about how to maximize leading with courage in work and life – whether you’re a teen or a CEO – she has wisdom to share.

Past Speaking Engagements

Speaking Options

Courage At Work: Helping Emerging Leaders Take More Worthwhile Risks in an Evolving Workplace

Now, more than ever, organizations need leaders to act with courage. They need leaders who are willing and able to take worthwhile risks, navigate through uncertainty, and withstand challenges in order to position their businesses for growth in a constantly shifting corporate and non-profit world. According to research, courage is an essential leadership quality. But, when emerging leaders consider potential failure or rejection in the workplace as outcomes, they can find it difficult to choose courage — opting instead for safety and limited growth. That’s because they don’t know how to evaluate risks or leverage the internal resources they already have to face them. In this presentation, speaker and courage coach Candace helps audience members discover what’s stopping them from stepping outside of their comfort zone at work and how to begin dismantling those barriers so they can take more risks — risks like speaking up with an unpopular perspective in a meeting of like minds, showing up authentically for themselves and their teams; and challenging old systems that do not serve new workplace realities. This presentation is critical for organizations that want to develop courageous leaders who can help take their businesses into the future. This presentation is appropriate for companies that want to help their people, particularly millennials, courageously speak up and stand out so that the organization can capitalize on diverse and creative thinking, innovate faster, improve processes and collaborate better.

DEI, Belonging and Courage

It takes a lot of courage to thrive in a world where you are challenged, questioned, and/or dealing with daily microaggressions as a person of color. In this talk, Candace shares stories of DEI + belonging through the lens of courage. She offers advice about how to conjure your courage to more fully embody your own brilliance — to lay claim to your uniqueness, skills, and experiences — to support the creation of space for DEI+Belonging initiatives to take root in organizations. This talk is ideal for corporate ERGs as well as youth (schools/colleges/organizations.)

Translating Travel Skills into Leadership Skills

When we are met with opportunities to travel abroad, we too often don’t understand how travel skills can translate into leadership skills that employers desire. In this talk, Candace illustrates how travel has helped her enhance important leadership skills in the workplace and how it can do the same for those who have traveled abroad. Through delightful storytelling, she recounts how driving on the other side of the road forced her to be adaptable, how a tuk tuk driver raised her consciousness around collaboration and much more. Through this talk, the audience will be able to identify important leadership skills employers value, recognize how to connect the dots between travel and leadership skills, and understand their role in telling the most impactful stories about their travel experiences.

TBD: Travel, Being Black & Doubt

Until the age of 27, Candace had always labeled traveling abroad as TBD, or To Be Determined. The opportunities to do so beforehand were muddled in fear of physical harm, rejection from people at home and abroad, and fear of failure. It wasn’t until she read books, heard tales from friends, and did research that she began to recognize the value of travel. In this presentation, Candace, who has now traveled solo and accompanied to 19 countries, shares how she navigated fear, race and power to relabel travel as TBD, or The Best Decision. In this talk, participants will be better able to identify their own fears related about traveling abroad, understand how they can manage their fears through the framework of courage, and recognize how travel can help them have a more global understanding of themselves.

Selected Media

Candace Interview

Travel, Black, and Doubt

If Courage Could Talk TV interview

Candace’s Sizzle Reel

Testimonials

“Candace was an inspiring keynote and connected greatly with our audience of students and faculty alike. Her message on courage gave our conference participants the right motivation to get the most out of their leadership journey at our event and beyond.” – Shahla Akbari, Director of Chapter Support, The National Society of Leadership and Success

“Candace Doby is an inspiring and relatable speaker on the topic of travel, leadership skills, and courage. The ideas and concepts she speaks about are easy to understand, but are unique from what students usually hear, as they come from her own story. Our event evaluation confirmed that students concretely learned something new and learned to communicate their own travel and study abroad stories in a way they were unsure of before. Candace has the ability to inspire young people, get them excited about global experiences, and help them find their courage and confidence to use those experiences to reach their goals.” – Denise Leinonen, International Student Advisor, SUNY Oneonta

“When I read Candace’s biography and topic description for her “Travel, Being Black, and Doubt” talk, I knew immediately that her message would align with everything Wesleyan College values — diversity and inclusion, globalization, and preparedness for life after college. As study abroad professionals, we recognize trends in the types of students who choose to go abroad and which students show more trepidation, but it feels like there is little more we can do than market diverse program offerings and advise students with reassurance through their fears. Candace’s message resonated both with the student audience and with me. The students nodded along, offering their input about their fears and what holds them back from international travel. Candace’s topic drew a diverse crowd of students — many who vocalized their concerns about being black and feeling even more foreign abroad than they sometimes do at home, and others who wanted to explore their racial privilege and understand what holds their peers back from experiencing what seems so natural to other students. When Candace broke into her riff on Kendrick Lamar’s “Fear,” the students instantly and visibly engaged with her personality and message. I hosted the talk with the hopes of opening doors for my students that seemed previously closed — by giving voice to their fears and answers to their questions. But what I (also) gained from Candace was a better understanding of how my own practice can better address those fears and how my message implicitly plays into the cultural disparities that exist in study abroad participation.” – Emily Jarvis, Director of Int’l Programs, Wesleyan College

“Candace is an excellent speaker who delivers an insightful perspective on Study Abroad. As an African American female who did not study abroad while she was in college she sees the value of Study abroad from the lens of a Corporate Marketing professional, who has now traveled all over the world. She understands the importance of encouraging students of color to study abroad and the cross-cultural learning and understanding that takes place from enriching experiences abroad. She delivers this and much more through her presentation, “Travel, Being Black and Doubt”. – Study Abroad Coordinator, Columbus State University (Georgia)

“What a fascinating and insightful session and conversation on TBD: Travel, Being Black and Doubt. Candace’s message needs to be heard by all of us (white IE professionals & student affairs staff, really everyone on a college campus & in the workplace! ) – Jennifer Ramos, Study Abroad Director, Methodist University

“Candace is a phenomenal and inspiring speaker! Her energy and bright spirit combined with her warmth and fearlessness have helped me find to courage to share my own voice and story. Since hearing her speak, I have learned how to ‘cross the bridge’ and use fear to launch me into a life of greater purpose and fulfillment,” – Shawn Patrick Rivera, Life Is A Verb Participant.

About Candace

Candace Doby has been examining the definition, elements and obstacles of courage on her own for a decade. Through that process, she developed her own courage to travel abroad, an action she had long considered … scary. From her first trip abroad to Indonesia to her 19th global trip to Malaysia, Candace has continuously sharpened the tools necessary to manage fear. As a speaker, Candace combines personal storytelling with life lessons and a dynamic presence to inspire the audience to act courageously.

Candace is the author of “If Courage Could Talk”, published in 2020. She has served as an editing fellow for Travel Noire, the popular digital platform and resource for black travelers. She currently volunteers with Girls Going Global, a non-profit organization that empowers girls of color through travel and cultural exchange. Her 2017 presentation at NAFSA (Association of International Educator’s Conference – Region VII) garnered rave reviews and was nominated for the national conference.

Candace received BA/MA degrees in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At the university, she ran track, worked at the school paper, and served as a resident advisor. She had a 15-year marketing career and has worked for some of the best advertising agencies in the country. Her most recent work in this arena was as a Field Marketing Manager for Chipotle Mexican Grill. Her book, If Courage Could Talk, has been picked up by a national publisher and the 2nd edition of it will be available as a book and journal in 2022.

Who Caught Your Eye?

January 15, 2022

Jeffrey James Binney

Jeffrey Binney was losing his mom to a health crisis. His fear for his own health turned this comedic, non-athlete into an ultrarunner. His inspiring film and storytelling will motivate you to do what feels impossible. Book inspirational speaker Jeffery Binney through Melibee Global Speakers.

August 8, 2016

Jennifer Hamady

Being of Lebanese, Cuban and Mexican descent, Jennifer Hamady deeply appreciates the need for diverse and authentic voices in this world. She has coached CEOs, written three books on voice and self-expression, and sung with Grammy Award-winners. With unsurpassed skill and heart, she empowers diverse teams and peoples to better understand each other as humans in the workplace and world (including schools).

Past Speaking Engagements

Speaking Options

DEI and Communication

It is necessary, incredibly self-affirming, and empowering to explore how we can be successful in a world that isn’t fair – one that is full of microagressions, bias, and a daily need to (re)explain ourselves as people of color. What vision can we create that acts as a beacon for ourselves and for our lives when we are faced with what feels like daily assaults? What skills do we need in order to communicate most authentically and effectively with those within and outside of our communities, so that we may bring that vision to life? Jennifer’s work with hundreds of people of color – from high school students to corporate executives = is absolutely life altering. There are no words to convey the impact of this work with diverse people. This DEI topic can be offered for retreats or as a day-long masterclass/workshop and is ideal for diverse corporate ERGs/teams as well as students and staff of color (high school/college).

Overcoming The Fear of Public Speaking

Managing the fear of public speaking is the subject of a thousand books, workshops, and programs that attempt to help deal with and mitigate its effects. Yet only a fundamental shift in the way in how this anxiety is perceived will allow us to overcome and transcend it. In this presentation, Jennifer speaks to the true nature of performance anxiety, helping us to break down the barrier- finally- that exists between us and other people in all of our interactions.

Leadership and Voice

As leaders, we know the importance of communication, yet our habits and blind spots can hinder our ability to effectively lead, connect and advance our careers. In this talk, Jen leads a conversation about the technical and emotional issues that interfere with our communication and self-expression. In this interactive approach, you will learn practical tools for developing and extending your most powerful voice in the workplace and beyond.

Finding Your Voice

In this presentation, Jennifer teaches us how to discover, honor, and express our most authentic selves. She explores topics including our levels of physical, mental, and emotional awareness, and how to address and resolve any limiting associations and actions that prevent us from walking openly, joyfully, and powerfully into and through our lives.

Corporate Public Speaking: The Art & Heart

Whether you’re in sales, customer service, or the CEO of a company – you’ll walk away from this talk feeling ready to communicate and lead with confidence and a new perspective on self and your stakeholders! While most communication training aims to teach you the tricks of the technical trade: how to craft a great speech, connect with your audience, and properly protect and project your voice (all important goals, for sure) – these are not nearly important as first considering who is doing the speaking. In this engaging interactive presentation, Jennifer helps individuals and teams discover the dis-empowering ways of thinking and being that have been standing in the way of their best self-expression at work. Once revealed, Jennifer works with participants to bring the technical skills of speaking and communication to life in an interactive format that is the hallmark of her keynotes and workshops.

Voice and Communication in the Culinary Arts/Food Industry

The food industry is a demanding career path and as with any work, communication is often challenging. When you throw high stakes, pressure, and different personalities in a professional culinary kitchen into the mix, communication can quickly get out of hand. Join Jennifer for a unique look at how to bridge the divides that diminish our power and joy in working together in the food industry – resulting in respect, partnership, and a shared sense of vision and responsibility. You and your culinary team will walk away from this incredible conversation with the skills necessary for personal, interpersonal, and professional success.

Masterclass: Voice for Singers

Working with aspiring and professional singers is one of Jennifer’s greatest joys. Each event is tailored to meet your group’s specific needs, which Jennifer brings to life through a combination of conversation and working one on one with volunteers. Whether participants sing or observe, the experience of being ‘shown’ rather than ‘told’– combined with Jennifer’s unique ability to teach and lead with love, humility, and humor– will result in a magical and memorable session, as well as vocal and personal tools that last. Popular topics include:

Performance Presentation and Authenticity
Vocal Technique and Troubleshooting
Working With and Through Performance Anxiety
Bringing Balance and Bravery to a Career in Music

Selected Media

NSLS Keynote Conversation 2019

Jennifer talks with leadership students about voice, agency, and how to move forward despite those who aim to bring you down.

Meet Jennifer Hamady

Jennifer introduces her work as a voice psychotherapist in this short video.

Huffington Post

Psychology Today

Cherry Bekaert article – Inspiring Women to Use Their Voices

Newsy Interview (via Facebook)

I Heart Radio Interview (Audio)

Melibee Global Interview

Jennifer’s books

Testimonials

“Jennifer was the highlight of our event, and year. It is rare to see someone so talented and powerful also bring such warmth and tenderness to the table. And to so effectively connect and communicate with an audience. We all were left in awe and transformed.” – Janae Noble, Partner, Next Wave Investments, LLC

“A one in a million find… we are talking about a brilliant and truly special person.” – Dr. James Fallon,TED Speaker, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Neurobiology (UC Irvine)

“Having attended another of Jennifer’s workshops, I knew she would be great. But I remain blown away by the impact of her time here at BuzzBack on my staff and our ability to better express ourselves and communicate with one another. The great feedback, and results, keep coming.” – Carol Fitzgerald, CEO and Founder of BuzzBack

“Jennifer has a knack for figuring out how people tick and uses it to help people get the most out of their voices, personally and professionally.” – Paul Crick, IBM, Senior Managing Consultant and Strategy Manager, London; TEDx Speaker

“Jennifer Hamady is The Voice Whisperer” – Karen Salmansohn, NY Times best-selling author

“Jennifer Hamady was the keynote speaker at my school’s annual Global Awareness Day activities. Jennifer has a unique set of abilities—she is able to make a big room feel small and intimate, she makes students feel safe sharing their thoughts and aspirations, and she brings out a high level of engagement even at 8:00 in the morning on a Monday. Jennifer worked closely with our students to create a shared vision for the event and then brought that vision into reality. She is someone who is excellent at encouraging free-form conversation and bringing out the best and most interesting parts of that conversation. I enthusiastically recommend Jennifer!” – David Miller, Director of Global Programs, The Gunston School

“Amazing and transformational – our girls loved working with her and have begged me to bring her back. Thank you so much!”- Joel Sohn, Episcopal High School, Office of Equity & Inclusion Co-Director (PS – they did bring her back!)

“It’s The Artist’s Way, The Four Agreements, and Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain all rolled into one. An author, and force to be reckoned with.”- Don Davis, Variety (referencing Jennifer’s book The Art of Singing: Discovering and Developing Your True Voice)

“Jennifer’s book simply confirms her abilities in discerning the fundamentals of life. Powerfully insightful, her treatment of fear not only has immediate application but revolutionary impact, as she has identified the core problems that undermine the full performance of so many people. There is no doubt in my mind that the book will have an enormous positive impact on a wide cross-section of people.”- Dr. Amii-Omara Ottunu, Chair, UNESCO Institute of Human Rights

About Jennifer

Jennifer Hamady is a voice consultant and board-certified psychotherapist specializing in technical and emotional issues that interfere with self-expression. With offices in New York and Washington DC, Jennifer works in private practice with musicians and others to discover, develop and confidently release their personal, professional and performance potential. Her clients include Grammy and CMA award-winners, contestants on The Voice and American Idol, performers in Emmy and Tony award-winning productions, and corporate clients (including CEO’s) across an array of industries.

Jennifer is the author of The Art of Singing: Discovering and Developing Your True Voice, Learning to Sing: A Transformative Approach to Vocal Performance and Instruction, and The Art of Singing Onstage and in the Studio. Jennifer also writes regularly for The Huffington Post and Psychology Today on matters of creative expression, and conducts workshops and lectures frequently around the world.

In addition to recording four albums of her own material, Jennifer toured internationally with Cirque du Soleil’s DELIRIUM as a lead singer and sang back-up vocals for artists and television programs including Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Patti LaBelle, Def Leppard, Jessica Simpson, Lee Ann Womack, The Grammys, American Idol, David Letterman, Good Morning America, and The Tonight Show.

Her undergraduate and graduate work are in Classical Vocal Performance and Psychology, she holds current, professional affiliations with The American Counseling Association (ACA), National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), The International Women’s Writing Guild (IWWG), Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), American Society of Composers and Performers (ASCAP), Women In Music (WIM), The Author’s Guild (AG), National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and the New York Singing Teacher’s Association (NYSTA).

Jennifer is of Lebanese, Cuban and Mexican descent. She loves to travel abroad and speaks Spanish. Jennifer resides in the Washington DC area.