| What is your “Speaker Superpower”? | |
| I am able to bridge gaps between generations, cultures, and groups that are typically opposites using vivid sensory wording and wild imagination in storytelling. I use wordplay to create fun but practical imagery. I transform delays into victories by inspiring innovative teamwork that empowers individuals and organizations to maximize their potential, scale their efforts, and sustain excellence. I captivate audiences with relatable stories, actionable strategies, and a passion for helping others win against the odds, making your message unforgettable and transformative. | |
| How does your message empower others? | |
| I empower others by helping them maximize their potential by shifting their mindset from frustration to focus, showing them how to see delays and setbacks as opportunities for growth. I guide them to maximize their potential, build confidence, foster innovation, and sustain excellence. Through my message, I equip people with the tools they need to overcome challenges, believe in themselves, and take bold steps toward their goals, inspiring them to turn life’s layovers into launchpads. My message excites the listener and moves them to immediate action. | |
| What inspired you to start speaking or coaching? | |
| I was inspired to start speaking by a deep desire to help others overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. Early in my journey, I recognized that delays and setbacks are universal experiences, yet many people struggle to navigate them with purpose and resilience. I realized I could use my own experiences, lessons, and faith to provide others with a roadmap for success. I found myself in the 8th year of an undergraduate degree that should have only taken 4 years, and the shame, guilt, and regret I felt led me into a dark space. I never wanted to feel that again, nor did I want others to feel it. So initially I started coaching and through coaching I was able to walk alongside others to help them deal with their delays. However, the one on one time limited how many people I can help. I realized that words in private were impactful and I became motivated seeing the transformative power of words—how a single message could spark hope, shift perspectives, and ignite action. I wanted to be that voice for others, equipping them with the tools and inspiration to win in life, even when victory seems unexpected or out of reach. So, I sought some of the best speakers in the industry to train with and learn from. I have travelled with Jeremy Anderson and Les Brown, while being coached by Eric “ET” Thomas and the Toast Master World Champion Speaker Roma Smith, just to name a few. | |
| What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in your career as a speaker? | |
| The best advice I’ve ever received in speaking is to focus on serving the audience, not impressing them. I was reminded that my role as a speaker is to meet people where they are, connect with their needs, and leave them with something tangible they can use to grow. I learned that authenticity beats perfection every time—being real, vulnerable, and relatable creates a deeper connection than trying to be flawless. The advice to “speak to one person, even in a crowd of thousands” has also stayed with me. It’s a reminder to make every word intentional and personal as if I’m having a one-on-one conversation with someone who needs the message most. This doesn’t come without challenges, so I’ve learned that the past is the past, and you can’t unscramble those eggs. I’ve been told, to be elite and give my best no matter how many people you are speaking to. Lastly, I’d say that who you are becoming as a speaker is more important than how much money you make. Anyone can become a six or seven-figure speaker, the real win is when you become a s six or seven-figure person. | |
| What are some of your most memorable moments or achievements in this field? | |
| It may sound cliche, but the mere fact that I am speaking, getting booked and paid to do so is an achievement in and of itself. I remember the moment that I spoke at my high school alma mater and one of the senior students ran down as soon as I was done, with tears in her eyes, and said, “I was going to give up on my work and not accept any of the college letters I got, and my mom is so mad, but after hearing your story, I just decided that I’m going after it.” This moment made every sacrifice worth it. I recall when I won the Platinum speaking award and received the trophy for Next Level speaking from two of the world’s top speakers, Jeremy Anderson and Eric “ET” Thomas. That moment was surreal. I also felt something special when I mounted the stage after Les Brown, and when asked what he thought of the speech, he replied, “There’s nothing I’d change about that.” I’m sure he was being nice and there are plenty of areas of improvement, but to hear it in the moment was memorable. | |
| How do you stay motivated and inspired to continually grow your influence? | |
| This could be one of my most memorable moments too. After a speech, Jeremy Anderson from Next Level Speaking Academy looked at me and said, “That was really good, but here you have to be elite.”That moment keeps me focused, humbled, and striving to make an impact more than memories. I listen to motivational speakers, read often, and rehearse speaking throughout the day when I don’t even have an engagement booked that week. I get on podcasts because they cause you to have think on the spot and unpack truths that may not have been in the keynote script. I accept occasional free speaking opportunities to remember why I started speaking in the first place and get the reps in because practice creates patterns. | |
| How does your brand reflect your core values? | |
| My brand, Maximize Your Potential, embodies my core values of faith, empowerment, resilience, and purpose. It’s about guiding others to uncover and embrace the unique gifts and talents God has entrusted to them, especially when life’s delays or setbacks make quitting or settling for mediocrity seem like the easier path. Moving forward requires pursuing a vision that hasn’t yet materialized, which demands unwavering faith. It also means transforming failures into valuable lessons. As John Maxwell wisely says, “Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn not loose.”At its core, my brand also reflects the ability to thrive in multiple areas—balancing ministry and marketplace impact. I believe you can be both: serving others spiritually while excelling professionally. Maximizing your potential means embracing the fullness of who you are, refusing to choose between your calling and your career, and instead leveraging them together to create greater influence and purpose. | |
| What do you want audiences to remember after experiencing your presentation or session? | |
| You can fly! I want them to spread their arms, and see themselves like a plane taking off into the limitless blue skies of possibility without looking back at the delays they have felt. After my talk, I want my audience to experience a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. I want them to walk away believing that their delays and setbacks are not roadblocks, but opportunities to grow and maximize their potential. I hope they feel empowered to take bold, intentional steps toward their goals, knowing they have the tools to transform failures into lessons learned. Above all, I want them to remember that they are capable of achieving more than they ever imagined—balancing their personal and professional lives while living out their unique calling with passion and purpose. | |
| What has been your biggest learning experience as a speaker or consultant? | |
| My biggest learning experience has been realizing that success isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about understanding that the journey is the destination. I’ve learned that true growth happens when we lean into challenges rather than avoid them. For me, the most powerful lesson has been understanding how to turn failures into stepping stones, not obstacles. I have learned to dream bigger, expect more, and know your value. I have learned to speak to the audience in a way that helps the host or the person who invited you. The goal is not to make people like you as much as it is to make the host look good by reinforcing their vision. I’ve learned that you do not have to be great to start speaking but you must start speaking if you will ever be great. | |
| What advice would you give to aspiring speakers, coaches, or consultants who want to make an impact? | |
| To aspiring speakers, coaches, and consultants who want to make an impact, I would say find a coach and a community. You don’t know what you don’t know so your environment, what you hear, how you are pushed to be better and your community matters. I would advise you to start with your story. Your experiences, struggles, and victories are what will connect you with others in a real, meaningful way. Don’t shy away from being vulnerable—people want to relate to you, not just hear information. Next, focus on serving, not just selling. The best way to make an impact is by genuinely helping others solve problems or achieve their goals. Be passionate about the transformation you can facilitate, and success will follow. Also, be consistent and patient. Impact takes time. Keep showing up, keep refining your message, and stay committed to your growth. Trust that as you get better, so will your influence. Lastly, be both—don’t feel like you have to choose between your calling and your career. You must be sure to niche down, and become what I call, “Inch wide and mile deep” in your niche, but know that you can make a difference in both ministry and the marketplace. Your unique combination of experiences and expertise is what will set you apart, so use it to serve and inspire in every space you occupy. | |
| Finally, how can people get in touch with you? | |
| I can be reached at www.dwightriddick.com or my socials are @dsriddick2 on IG, FB and LinkedIN |