| What is your “Speaker Superpower”? | |
| I am the voice of the lion! The African proverb says, “Until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be the hero.” For far too long the hunter has carried the narrative of Black people in the US. The hunter has told the story of our captivity, middle passage journey, enslavement, emancipation, and subsequent fight for civil rights from his perspective. That perspective says our history began with enslavement. That perspective says we are subservient and “less than”. That perspective fails to focus on the greatness and the genius of people from throughout the African Diaspora. My Speaker Superposer gives voice to the lion and presents a powerful, authentic narrative that counters and diminishes the hunter’s narrative. | |
| How does your message empower others? | |
| The best way to respond to this question is through the words of people who have heard me speak, gone through my classes or participated in my workshops: “I gained a more complete historical record and a clearer picture of the diverse forces driving cultural and intellectual progress.” “I now feel empowered to knowledgably engage in conversations with my white peers that there would be no human civilization or history at all if it were not for Black Genius leading the way.” “We are all storytellers in this world and we must be proud of our Genius and spread it around.” “Dr. Bryant made me think, feel, appreciate, respect & honor everything the ancestors went through. It’s time for the “lion” to speak so the narrative can be changed from HisStory to include Our Story.” “Thank you also for helping me to recognize, nurture & protect the genius in me” The above quotes are a sampling of the feedback I receive from people. My message empowers Black people to reframe genius and identify the genius within themselves. My message also empowers people who are not Black by providing a deeper understanding of the wholistic Black experience and by giving them verbiage to use in everyday conversations. Lastly, my message empowers people with the knowledge that Black and white history are intertwined – not separate. | |
| What inspired you to start speaking or coaching? | |
| I always knew I had something to say. I didn’t know how to say it – literally! I needed speech therapy as a child to learn to correctly pronounce words – I had a speech impediment. In college I joined the Speech Team to perfect my delivery. That’s probably when I really began finding my “voice”. After college, I was fortunate to be hired as a trainer for a program specializing in culture & diversity within the addictions arena. It was on from there! My inspiration comes from my God-inspired drive to help others to heal, grow, and to be the best version of themselves. | |
| What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in your career as a speaker? | |
| Always strive to be better than your last speech or presentation – so always bring your ‘A’ game”! I never rest on “what was”. I am always striving for better! | |
| How do you stay motivated and inspired to continually grow your influence? | |
| I remain grounded in the knowledge that I do nothing on my own, but everything through God who strengthens me daily. I believe my voice and my message matter. That keeps me going! I know, without a doubt, that I am walking in my God-given purpose! | |
| How does your brand reflect your core values? | |
| My brand motto is: celebrating and preserving culture, honoring history and heritage, and telling accurate truth. The inherent core values are cultural integrity, respect, integrity, truth, and authenticity. These values guide my work and my message. | |
| What do you want audiences to remember after experiencing your presentation or session? | |
| They are geniuses – capable of successfully accomplishing whatever they put their minds to. | |
| What has been your biggest learning experience as a speaker or consultant? | |
| My most significant learning experience is never approach any situation with a “cocky” attitude – confidence, yes; cocky, no. The minute I do that, I set myself up for a less than desirable situation! | |
| What advice would you give to aspiring speakers, coaches, or consultants who want to make an impact? | |
| Believe in yourself and your message. Never give up – keep going. Know that sometimes the best advice is unsolicited, free, and seemingly simple. Invest in yourself and your vision – you must have vision – see yourself doing what you want to do. | |
| Finally, how can people get in touch with you? | |
| [email protected] and of course at my website: www.DrMaxineBryant.com |
