| What is your “Speaker Superpower”? | |
| My speaker superpower is my empathetic resonance. On stage, I weave the threads of my personal health battles as an Endometriosis Warrior, brain tumor survivor, and professional expertise into a tapestry of stories that not only educate but deeply connect with my audience. This unique blend of vulnerability and authoritative insight allows me to engage listeners on a profoundly personal level, fostering an environment where growth and healing are not just discussed but deeply felt. This connection empowers my audience to embrace their own journeys with courage and to prioritize their wellness as a foundational step towards achieving their fullest potential. | |
| How does your message empower others? | |
| My message empowers others by turning insights into action. In my speeches and coaching programs, I focus on the core principles of self-care, resilience, and holistic wellness, guiding individuals and organizations through transformative journeys that prioritize mental, physical, and emotional health. I equip my audience with practical tools and strategies to tackle their challenges head-on, fostering environments where health equity and personal empowerment are paramount. By sharing my personal experiences with overcoming health challenges, I create a relatable and supportive space that encourages others to secure their own oxygen masks first. This approach not only nurtures individual well-being but also enhances organizational health, leading to more compassionate, mindful, and productive workplaces. The transformation and growth come from understanding that true resilience is built on a foundation of self-care and mindfulness, empowering everyone to not just survive but thrive in all aspects of their lives. | |
| What inspired you to start speaking or coaching? | |
| What inspired me to start speaking and coaching was a profound realization that arose during my own health journey, battling infertility, endometriosis, and a brain tumor. Throughout this period, I found immense strength in sharing my story and connecting with others facing similar challenges. The pivotal moment came when I noticed the transformative impact that my shared experiences had on others—how my story could offer hope, foster resilience, and drive positive change in people’s lives. This realization was coupled with my professional background in public health, where I saw daily the gaps in understanding and empathy within healthcare. I knew that by combining my personal insights with my professional expertise, I could advocate more effectively for health equity and personal empowerment. Speaking and coaching allowed me to extend this advocacy beyond one-on-one interactions to larger audiences, amplifying the impact of my message and enabling me to guide others towards healing and growth. This career path has not just been a choice but a calling—to empower others to prioritize their wellness and secure their oxygen masks first, propelling them towards a life of joy, balance, and fulfillment. | |
| What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in your career as a speaker? | |
| The best piece of advice I’ve ever received in my career as a speaker was from a mentor who told me, “Speak to inspire change, not just to inform.” This advice has been a guiding light, reminding me that the goal of my speaking isn’t just to deliver information but to ignite transformation within my audience. It’s about moving people to see beyond their current circumstances and envision what’s possible. This perspective has helped me navigate challenges by keeping me focused on the impact of my words and actions. Whenever I face doubts or hurdles, I return to this core purpose: am I inspiring change? This approach also pushes me to continuously refine my speaking skills, ensuring that every presentation is relatable, engaging, and empowering. It encourages me to use stories and insights that resonate deeply, thus elevating my impact and fostering meaningful connections with my audience. This advice has transformed how I view my role as a speaker and continuously drives me to leave a lasting, positive mark on every individual I reach. | |
| What are some of your most memorable moments or achievements in this field? | |
| Some of my most memorable moments and achievements in the field of speaking and public health advocacy have truly shaped my career and reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful impact. One standout experience was making it to the 3rd round of the TEDx UStreet competition slated for February 2025. This opportunity allowed me to refine my message and connect with a diverse audience passionate about ideas worth spreading, providing invaluable feedback and increasing my visibility as a thought leader. Another significant milestone was being accepted into the SpeakSellShine program for Cohort 2. This program was instrumental in honing my speaking skills, enhancing my ability to sell my message effectively, and helping me shine on stage. The intensive training and mentorship I received have been pivotal in elevating my professional speaking career. Being accepted to speak at the American Public Health Association’s annual meeting and at the National Institutes of Health were also landmark achievements. These platforms provided me with the opportunity to address critical issues in health care delivery, particularly highlighting the unspoken cultural norms and their impact on healthcare for Black women. My talk, “Securing Your Oxygen Mask First,” resonated deeply with healthcare professionals and stakeholders, sparking conversations and actions toward more culturally sensitive health care practices. Each of these moments has not only been memorable but has also propelled me further toward achieving my mission of empowering individuals and transforming health care systems to better serve diverse communities. | |
| How do you stay motivated and inspired to continually grow your influence? | |
| Staying motivated and inspired to continually grow my influence in public health and personal empowerment involves a mix of disciplined practices, personal philosophies, and strategic habits that align with my mission. Here’s how I fuel my passion and keep myself on top of my game: 1. Continuous Learning: I make it a priority to stay informed about the latest research and trends in public health, wellness, and personal development. This includes attending conferences, enrolling in workshops, and reading extensively. This continual learning not only enriches my knowledge base but also sparks new ideas for my speaking and coaching. 2. Mindfulness and Reflection: Regular mindfulness practices like meditation and journaling help me maintain a clear and focused mind. These practices are essential for self-reflection, allowing me to assess my progress. 3. Networking with Purpose: I actively seek connections with other professionals and thought leaders in my field. This network not only provides support and inspiration but also opens opportunities for collaborations that can amplify my impact. 4. Setting Clear Goals: I set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for different aspects of my career. These goals keep me driven, allowing me to measure my progress and stay aligned with my long-term vision. 5. Self-Care as a Priority: Recognizing the demands of my work, I prioritize self-care to ensure that I’m physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to meet challenges. This includes regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and sufficient rest, embodying my philosophy of “securing your oxygen mask first.” 6. Feedback and Adaptation: I actively seek feedback from my audience, peers, and mentors. This feedback is crucial for me to understand the impact of my work and to continually adapt and refine my approach to meet the needs of those I serve. 7. Celebrating Milestones: Recognizing and celebrating achievements—big and small—keeps my spirits high and reinforces my commitment to my career path. Whether it’s a successful event, a publication, or positive feedback, acknowledging these milestones fuels my drive to push forward. By integrating these practices into my daily routine, I maintain a balanced yet progressive approach that not only keeps me motivated but also continuously expands my influence and effectiveness in making a positive difference. | |
| How does your brand reflect your core values? | |
| I’ve chosen to leverage my own journey as the cornerstone of my brand in public health. This decision reflects a deliberate strategy to infuse every aspect of my professional presence with authenticity, deepening the connection with my audience and enhancing the impact of my message. Every message I deliver, every interaction I have, and every piece of content I create is an expression of my core values. Authenticity is the thread that runs through all of these elements, building trust and credibility. It allows me to connect on a personal level with my audience and demonstrate a genuine commitment to issues like health equity and personal resilience. Empowerment is another pillar of my brand. Through sharing my personal journey and professional achievements openly, I not only inspire others but also empower them. I show how overcoming challenges and making impactful changes can embolden others to effect change in their lives and communities. Resilience is central to my narrative. My experiences facing health challenges and navigating the professional landscape as a Black woman in public health exemplify this quality. These stories are not just part of my identity; they serve as powerful motivators for others, illustrating | |
| What do you want audiences to remember after experiencing your presentation or session? | |
| After attending one of my sessions, I aim for every attendee to leave transformed and empowered, equipped with the necessary tools to advocate for their well-being and initiate positive changes. My presentations strive to do more than inform; they inspire action and catalyze profound changes in both personal lives and communities. Attendees are encouraged to embrace self-care as a vital priority, understanding that caring for oneself is the first step towards effectively helping others and achieving their goals. I highlight the importance of health equity, urging individuals to confront healthcare disparities and promote cultural humility. By sharing my journey and the resilience I’ve cultivated through personal reproductive health challenges, among others, I inspire attendees to see resilience not just as a response to adversity but as a vital, nurturing resource. Furthermore, I emphasize mindfulness as a transformative life tool, offering techniques to enhance mental, emotional, and physical health. Ultimately, my goal is to leave audiences not just informed, but profoundly transformed, ready to “Secure Their Oxygen Mask First” and make impactful changes. | |
| What has been your biggest learning experience as a speaker or consultant? | |
| In my dual roles as a public health professional and the founder of Meraki Empowerment Collective, I’ve honed a speaking and consulting approach that resonates deeply on a personal level while observing the boundaries of my federal employment. Learning from an early career challenge where I faced an unengaged audience, I realized the power of adapting communication to audience needs. Now, I infuse presentations with interactive elements like Q&A sessions and real-time polls to ensure engagement and relevance. I practice empathy by tailoring content to reflect audience backgrounds and challenges, maintain flexibility to adjust topics in response to audience feedback, and extend the conversation through impactful follow-up strategies. This audience-centered approach not only enhances the effectiveness of my sessions but also upholds the integrity of my professional obligations, ensuring every engagement is both ethical and transformative. | |
| What advice would you give to aspiring speakers, coaches, or consultants who want to make an impact? | |
| As I am still an aspiring speaker what I continue to learn and would impart to aspiring speakers, coaches, and consultants aiming to make a significant impact should heed these essential strategies. First, deeply understand and align your core message with your values, enhancing your authenticity and resonance with audiences. Invest time in mastering your craft, including refining your skills and continually updating your knowledge through workshops and feedback. Tailor your approach to meet the specific needs of your audience, making your sessions more relatable and impactful. Build a strong personal brand and maintain consistency across all platforms to establish trust. Cultivate professional relationships through effective networking and embrace technology to broaden your reach. Be patient and persistent, as building a reputation takes time. Always aim to deliver exceptional value, exceeding audience expectations to enhance your impact and reputation. Remain flexible and adapt to changing market and audience needs. Practice what you preach; living the principles you advocate not only boosts credibility but also inspires others. By adhering to these principles, you can forge a meaningful and successful career, connecting with and resonating deeply with your audience. | |
| Finally, how can people get in touch with you? | |
| natalieasolomon.com |
