Brandon Leake Speaker Biography
Award-Winning Poet, Artistic Educator, and America’s Got Talent Winner
Brandon Leake, a gifted spoken word poet, educator, and impactful motivational speaker, emerged from the challenging environment of south side Stockton, California. As a compelling motivational speaker, his journey is a testament to resilience and the power of artistic expression. He further gained national recognition as the winner of the fifteenth season of America’s Got Talent.
Journey
Raised in a single-parent household by his mother, Carla Leake-Gibson, Brandon experienced firsthand the difficulties of navigating life with significant obstacles. Nevertheless, a stable home environment, coupled with what he describes as divine intervention, enabled Brandon to transcend his neighborhood’s limitations and enter the realm of higher education. However, this path was not without considerable hardship. Indeed, he faced the profound loss of important family members and endured an abusive home life. Yet, these difficult experiences, intertwined with his spiritual and academic growth in college, ultimately blossomed into a powerful and unique poetic voice. Consequently, his personal struggles became the wellspring of his inspiring message as a motivational speaker.
America’s Got Talent
Brandon made history on America’s Got Talent as the first spoken word poet to grace its stage. Moreover, he received the coveted Golden Buzzer award from Howie Mandel in the initial round of the competition. During his captivating performances, he shared deeply personal pieces. For instance, he spoke movingly about his deceased sister, his father, the Black Lives Matter movement, and his beloved daughter. Ultimately, in September 2020, he was crowned the champion of the 15th season. This victory came with a substantial $1 million cash prize, a brand-new Kia Stinger automobile, and a headlining engagement in Luxor Las Vegas. Therefore, his success on the show amplified his reach as an influential motivational speaker.
Keynote Speaker
As a sought-after keynote speaker, Brandon has shared his powerful message across 36 states in the United States, as well as in New Zealand, Mexico, and Canada. His “Dark Side Tour” served to promote both his published poetry and his album, “Deficiencies: A Tale from My Dark Side.” Furthermore, his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level makes him a compelling motivational speaker for diverse groups. Consequently, his international engagements underscore the universal appeal and impact of his personal narrative and artistic expression.
Academics
Brandon’s commitment to education extends beyond the stage. He works at Brookside school daycare center, where he collaborates with his wife. Additionally, he serves as an academic advisor at San Joaquin Delta College. Therefore, his involvement in both early childhood education and higher learning demonstrates his dedication to fostering growth and development at various levels.
Called to Move
Driven by a passion to empower young people, Leake established Called to Move (CTM) in 2012 at Simpson University. This organization provides support and guidance to youth through the art of poetry. Subsequently, this initiative led to Brandon conducting workshops globally, utilizing curricula that he personally developed. As the founder and CEO of CTM, he embodies the role of a dedicated motivational speaker, inspiring young individuals through creative expression.
Web Series
In October 2020, an exciting announcement revealed Leake’s role as a producing partner and contributor to the Team Harmony Foundation’s new international web series, “HATE: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?” Originating from Stockton, California, Brandon is a devoted husband and father to a daughter who was born shortly before his initial audition on America’s Got Talent. His multifaceted career underscores his impact as not only an artist but also a significant motivational speaker.
Brandon Leake Speaking Topics
DEI - Mosaic
Mosaic is a keynote address that can range from 30 min to 60 min that features 2 spoken word pieces from Brandon Leake, and addresses the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion from the perspective of the stained glass window versus the melting pot. Brandon utilizes your company's personal mission, his story and storytelling ability, alongside relevant cultural prompts to illustrate that we are better not only together, but when we are utilizing our unique cultural pieces to our advantage instead of trying to assimilate to being singularly minded. There is beauty in our uniqueness, our cultures hold value in their uniqueness, allowing for them to hold space.
DEI - Black Art
Black Art is a DEI-focused keynote that can range from 30 min to 60 min that features 2 spoken word pieces from Brandon Leake, and addresses the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion from the perspective of the historical utilization of art in black communities as vehicles to advocate for freedom, equality, and equity. This particular keynote addresses the need for our creativity to remain at the forefront of industries, even if they aren’t artistry based, because creativity is what will allow for us to find space for blackness and black culture, and it has a historical precedent.
Motivational/Inspirational - Dreamers
Dreamers is a motivational speaking keynote that can range from 20 min to 30 min, and utilizes spoken word and Brandon’s unique story to encourage his audience to look within themselves to reflect not only on what they would like to do but to also examine who they would like to become. The end result of this keynote should be people walking away with a clear road map to accomplishing their dreams and goals.
Motivational/Inspirational - Discipline Over Motivation
Discipline Over Motivation is a keynote address that can range from 30 min to 60 min and it examines the immense benefits of discipline over motivation. It utilizes stories from both Brandon’s life, and stories from other disciplined people (Kobe Bryant, Serena Williams, Martin Luther King Jr., Denzel Washington) and provides a story arch for listeners to attach themselves to, to learn not only the skill and benefit of discipline but then prompts them to examine where their discipline if faltering and how they can revive it.
Brandon Leake Books
B-Sides: Lifes Scraps Can Still Be Beautiful
Purchase BookBrandon Leake Videos
Brandon Leake Articles
Brandon Leake Speaker Testimonials
The way Brandon Leake’s poetry impacted me the most was at the REACH Conference, where I realized that I was not too emotional and I was loved for exactly who I AM. This moment with Brandon was the final push I needed to accept Jesus into my heart.
- | Irie Dickerson
Thank you Brandon Leake for inspiring me! This really impacted me and made me change my perspective because I used to think I was going to be what everyone tells me I will be, but now I KNOW I can do anything.
- | David G.
Brandon Leake’s poetry brings hope back to Stockton and the culture in general. He leads by example never trying to fit in but always standing out with love and passion he has for what he does. He showed me a lot, to never be ashamed of who you are and always keep God first.
- | Kevin Goodwin
