Speaking.
Speaker bio:
Brandi Larsen is a writer and speaker, building a more inclusive publishing landscape. Her work at Penguin Random House helped create NYT bestsellers and her journalism pieces earned Emmy nominations. Her talks about publishing, leadership, and purpose inspire audiences from Zoom to Harvard. She serves as President Emeritus for Literary Cleveland and writes books and essays. Brandi is the 2024 Writer in Residence at the William N. Skirball Writers’ Center, CCPL, and the co-writer of New York Times-recommended UNCULTURED: A Memoir, from St. Martin's Press. BrandiLarsen.com
Interested in my work? Contact me at b@brandilarsen.com.
BIO | PRESS KIT | SPEAKER DECK
PUBLISHING & JOURNALISM | CV
| PORTFOLIO | CONTACT
What Audiences Say:
“This is an essential and amazing talk.”
“Brandi is one of those rare people with whom you instantly form a connection, equal parts warmth and razor-sharp wit.”
“Brandi has inspired not only us in this organization but sparked inspiration in the hearts of writers all over the country. Her work is something to be revered.“
Creating understanding. One talk at a time.
Speakers empower, and I do that by inspiring audiences to believe the truth: that the world needs their work. I'm a speaker with both the business savvy and the willingness to talk about the humanity in each of us.
As a publishing expert who helped create bestsellers, I speak to writers about the book publishing industry and how to get their work into the process.
As a business speaker, I help executives and entrepreneurs understand how publishing a book is good for business, and share with corporate audiences leadership strategies on how to create joy and purpose in the workplace, from the content and publishing executive who's done it.
My feeling-centered talks help women and collegiate audiences overcome the impossible.
Whether it's keynotes, after-dinner talks, author events, book clubs, or popular stand-alone workshops, I'm a sought-after speaker inspiring audiences in-person and via Zoom at Harvard Business School, Book Expo America, Case Western Reserve University, the Great Lakes African American Writers Conference, Jewish Book Council Writers Conference, A2 Bookfest, Inkubator, the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference, and at book stores and libraries across the nation.
I’ve tailored my talks to create the most joyful experience for attendees across all platforms. Whether from a little box on your attendees’ screens via Zoom, Crowdcast, Facebook Live, WebEx, GoToWebinar, Google Meets, or the tech you love (or love-to-hate), I have the ability and experience with live, recorded, hybrid, and studio talks to engage your audience in the best format for you.
My favorite talks include:
Books:
In Conversation with… Author Talks
Inside a Publisher’s Mind: How the Book Publishing Process Really Works
Everything You Wanted to Know About Publishing (and Had The Courage to Ask)
You’ve Got a Book in You: How to Go From Idea to Author
The Money of Publishing
Finding Feedback
Writing Group Matchmaking: How to Find Your People
Pitch Perfect: How to Query Your Work | Comp Scavenger Hunt | Putting Together a Publishing Plan
these three talks build on each other to give writers the confidence to go on submissionCreating a Process that Helps You Finish
How I Got Here: A Career in Words
UNCULTURED: Book Talk and Behind-the-Scenes
Leadership:
The Best Job I Never Got
Inspiring Your Employees (and Yourself)
Women Belong in the Boardroom
Unicorns and Rainbows: Bringing Joy Back to Work
People-Centric Leadership: Creating a Culture of Joy and Inclusion
You Matter: Talks for Tween, Teen, and Young Women Leaders
Purpose:
Knowing When to Walk Away
How I Overcame the Impossible and You Can Too
Three Dreams, Four Colleges: How to Find Your Right-Now Purpose
The Way Out is Through
How to Do Death: A Lesson in Walking with Grief
Love is Love is Love: What I’ve Learned from Marrying Couples During a Pandemic
How to Be Wrong
Mama, You Don’t Need to be Everything to Everyone
Contact Me:
I’d love to speak to your audience.
As a motivational speaker, my talks are engaging, joyful, and fun. My slides are filled with pictures, and my style is relaxed. Want to see what I mean? Here’s an on-stage example of me sharing an inspirational talk, a publishing talk, a studio talk, an online panel discussion, and my speaking deck, perfect for sharing with your organization’s decision makers.
With a background in writing and improvisation, and an expertise in publishing, journalism, digital, leadership, and management, I can work with you to create a talk that’s right for your needs. I’m an Ohio-based speaker who travels out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
If you’re a non-profit, I can work with you to secure grant funding.
I work exclusively with people and organizations committed to hosting diverse and inclusive stages.
Let’s start a conversation.
If you’d rather call, I’m available by phone: 216.206.7466.