Brittany Richmond:
Hey there, it’s Brittany Richmond from The Speaker Lab, and I’m thrilled to host this student highlight podcast episode featuring Dr. India White. I’m beyond excited about this—it’s going to be an incredible episode. You’re used to seeing Maryalice on here, but I’m also part of the team. Fun fact: I’m a former student and a professional speaker too. Today, we’ll dive deep into our speaking experiences and, of course, get to know more about Dr. India White and her journey with The Speaker Lab.
First things first, welcome Dr. India White! How are you doing today?
Dr. India White:
Hi there, doing great. Thank you so much for having me, everyone. I hope everyone watching gets what they need from this, folks.
Brittany Richmond:
Absolutely! I’m really excited about our chat.
So, the burning question on everyone’s mind…
What’s your walkout song when you hit the stage?
Dr. India White:
Pharrell’s “Happy.”
Brittany Richmond:
That’s a fantastic choice! Oh my gosh. Okay, so here’s mine: “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds from The Breakfast Club. I absolutely love it! Tell us more about yourself, your speaking topics, and your audience. We’re eager to hear about your speaking journey!
Dr. India White:
Sure thing. I’m a professional speaker, a former TEDx speaker, and a national education consultant. My audience includes teachers, principals, and superintendents nationwide. I cover various strategies for closing the achievement gap—equitable strategies, classroom management, and my TED Talk topic, “The Power of Grit in a Math Classroom.” I’ve been speaking for about 20 years, but things really picked up in the last year or so.
Brittany Richmond:
That’s incredible!
Dr. India White:
Thank you.
Brittany Richmond:
That’s amazing! My husband’s a teacher, and I completely understand the challenges, especially with burnout and low morale after COVID. Is that something you also address in your talks?
Dr. India White:
Absolutely. I’ve got a grit workbook for educators where I discuss cultivating and developing grit to prevent burnout and support students. Sounds like your husband might benefit from it!
Brittany Richmond:
Oh, he absolutely needs it!
Dr. India White:
Absolutely. You can find the link on my website, www.indiafight.com. There’s a grit assessment available for him to evaluate his grit level, and he can also order a discounted version of the workbook directly from the site.
Brittany Richmond:
That’s fantastic. Any listeners with loved ones who are teachers, this is a must-have resource. I’m sure it’ll be incredibly beneficial.
So, about the past year—what changed for you? What was the turning point or catalyst?
Dr. India White:
The main catalyst was realizing that I possessed resources that could genuinely help people and understanding that my voice was essential. It’s one thing to speak occasionally, here and there, but when you truly comprehend your purpose and mission to support your audience, everything changes. Joining the Speaker Lab helped me connect with my purpose—to aid educators bridging the achievement gap and cultivating grit. I had to get serious and believe in my credibility to offer resources and support, not just through speaking but also the services I provide to teachers, principals, and superintendents nationwide.
Brittany Richmond:
Absolutely, finding that purpose is key. Personally, I speak about overcoming anxiety to high school and college students, so I can relate somewhat to your market. Often, people ask how I, dealing with anxiety, can speak on stage. But it aligns with my purpose—I don’t feel anxiety in this realm. There’s immense value in our experiences. Many struggle with impostor syndrome, questioning their worth. Any advice for our listeners facing this in the speaking space or wanting to enter it?
Dr. India White:
I started by offering my speaking services for free, driven by passion for kids and educators. However, I realized this wasn’t sustainable. I wasn’t valuing my worth. I attempted to charge $20,000 without prior stage experience, which was a reality check. So, I focused on building my credibility as an educator and speaker—sharing my story, refining my services. Now, I confidently charge my worth, making a living from speaking engagements. If you doubt your worth, understand your value proposition—charge what aligns with your belief in your service. Whether it’s $500 or $20,000, ensure you provide substantial value, so they never feel shortchanged.
Understanding your worth is crucial. Once you ascertain your value, charging any amount becomes effortless. You’ll confidently expect payment for your services. That’s my advice to everyone.
Brittany Richmond:
That’s empowering. I got goosebumps just thinking about sending out those invoices.
Dr. India White:
Absolutely. Don’t hesitate. I can’t stress this enough. The money is there, and it’s crucial to convey why they should invest in you over others. So be encouraged.
Brittany Richmond:
Absolutely. It’s about shifting mindset, too. People often think they’re paying for our time, but it’s not just that. Speakers offer more—they trade on their value and worth. And when you see people saying yes to your rates, it’s a confidence boost, a validation of your worth.
Dr. India White:
Exactly.
Brittany Richmond:
Yeah, that’s fantastic. So, The Speaker Lab—you’ve been a student here.
What led you to choose The Speaker Lab, and how did it elevate your business?
Dr. India White:
Before The Speaker Lab, I felt like a hypocrite. I claimed to be a speaker but wasn’t earning. I wasn’t getting rebooked, and I wasn’t being served. So, tapping into the Speaker Lab and Eric’s guidance, it hit me—I’d overcomplicated my packaging and pricing. My lengthy Excel sheet price list wasn’t attractive. The best part was the one-on-one with Eric. He changed my perspective on engagement—pre and post-conference connections. I was hesitant, but building relationships proved invaluable. Now, as a mathematician, I’m among top names in the math world. The Speaker Lab transformed me into a credible speaker. Now, I confidently charge what I’m worth, knowing it’ll all circle back due to the value I offer. It’s been an incredible journey since then.
Brittany Richmond:
I love how you emphasized relationships. It’s true, this industry thrives on connections. Many newbies want instant success, that first gig, that quick momentum. But cultivating relationships is key for long-term referrals. There’s this one organization I’ve worked with multiple times—I’ve nurtured strong connections there. They know me beyond being a speaker, as a person, and that’s brought in numerous gigs. I always tell folks, be the easiest speaker they’ve worked with, pour into those relationships at every event. How would you advise newcomers or those scaling up to embrace this relationship-driven mindset?
Dr. India White:
Don’t push too hard to sell yourself. It’s a natural process if you’re just being yourself. Stop parading around saying, “Look at me, I’m a speaker, a keynote, a motivator.” Chill out, be genuine, talk about everyday stuff, your favorite smoothie, your family, connect on personal levels. Lift others up, make them feel valued, and they’ll value you in return. Understand that speaking is just a fraction of the whole business. It’s the end result of genuine connections, helping people, and simply being kind. Avoid being fake; people sense it, and it turns them off. Harsh truth: if they’re not calling you to speak, either they don’t like you or don’t know enough about you. How to change that? Relationship building.
Stay sincere, genuine, humble, show empathy, compassion. Realize your purpose and gifts create opportunities. If your presence is needed, doors will open.
Brittany Richmond:
Truth talk, and it’s necessary.
Dr. India White:
Absolutely.
Brittany Richmond:
Authenticity is our superpower, right? Being genuinely ourselves draws people in. And it’s what keeps us in demand in our fields. People do business with those they know, like, and trust. I recall a discovery call where I just knew the vibe wasn’t right.
Just being authentic sells so much more. Can you connect with these people on a personal level? Instantly, you can sense if it’s a good fit or not. I love your take on this. Now, what sparked your interest in public speaking? What drove you into this space?
Dr. India White:
For me, it was realizing the power of storytelling and connection. I saw how sharing my experiences could impact and resonate with others, empowering them to navigate challenges. It became my platform for change and empowerment.
The realization hit me when I was 17 and homeless, landing 18 scholarships that changed everything. From a shelter to a college dorm overnight, with Bill Gates funding my education. News outlets kept wanting my story, seeing potential to inspire others. That’s when, as a homeless student, I had my first speaking gig, sharing my journey.
Later in education, I inspired my students. Leaders noticed and urged me to speak, helping raise funds for scholarships. My purpose grew from supporting underserved students. After three engagements as an educator, I was pushed towards a TEDx stage, unsure at first, but I took the opportunity. Every affirmation since then has reinforced my calling. It’s a reminder: your unique gift will find you. Stay true to yourself, your purpose, and those doors will open for a reason.
Brittany Richmond:
Wow, that’s incredible!
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What’s the most fulfilling part of being a speaker for you?
Dr. India White:
Hundreds of stages later, the aftermath is my favorite. People approach me with tears, seeking hugs or a signed book. They resonate deeply, saying I addressed their situation directly. The tweets pouring in afterward, saying I’ve impacted them positively, fuel me up. Their testimonials validate my purpose. It’s about lifting them up, reminding us why we’re here—to help people. That’s my favorite part.
Brittany Richmond:
Oh, wow. That’s powerful proof.
Dr. India White:
Absolutely.
Brittany Richmond:
So I’m not just saying this because you said it, but on our Instagram, I did a video asking speakers about their favorite part of speaking, and it’s exactly what you mentioned. Those conversations offstage, right? Those moments where someone says, “Because of you, I am better or different,” or months later, a DM arrives saying, “I’m still doing these things.” I always tell our students, it’s about keeping everything audience-focused, right? If you focus on moving their lives forward, lifting them up, that’s where the magic happens. It’s not about us; it’s about them. When we get too internalized, saying, “It’s not working for me,” we’re turning inward. Shift that focus outward. It’s for them. That’s why we’re here.
Dr. India White:
Absolutely.
Brittany Richmond:
So good. So much passion. After all your time in the industry and with the Speaker Lab, what’s the most underrated piece of advice or value you feel speakers need?
Dr. India White:
Branding and persistence. You’ve got to ensure that when you put your workshop or whatever you’re offering out there, it looks top-notch. That first impression sticks. Sloppiness can close doors before you start. Your foundation must be solid. When you claim to offer something, ensure it’s precisely what you claim, whether it’s a book or a resource.
Brittany Richmond:
Oh, yes! That’s the clarity we need.
Let’s talk process—how do you secure paid gigs?
Dr. India White:
I’ve got a mix. I have some solid contracts, but I’m always on the lookout for prospects. After a keynote, I collect info and follow up persistently. If they’re not ready now, it doesn’t mean they’re not interested. Keep the buzz alive. Even if they say, “Not now,” plan for the future. Contracts? Upfront, I detail my fees, travel expenses, workbooks—everything. If they’re hesitant, I ask about their budget.
Brittany Richmond:
Exactly!
Dr. India White:
Right. So, it’s all about seeing what can be done today, what can be done now. Maybe I can’t provide everything initially—perhaps not all the workbooks or a full-hour session—but negotiating and offering alternatives like a half-hour session or a webinar. Sometimes, you have to convince them of what you can provide. Offer suggestions based on their needs. I’ve learned it’s about understanding their goals and proposing a plan that aligns with them.
Pitching the idea of a speaking engagement, engaging their leaders, followed by professional development (PD) through a book study, for instance, can be a winning strategy. Then comes the discussion about budget. It’s a collaborative process, not just hanging up after a rejection. Work with them, adapt to their budget constraints, until it aligns. Eventually, when they’re ready, finalize the contract—don’t just leave them hanging.
And you know, starting out, setting fees can be daunting. Do your research on standard speaker fees. Someone advised never charging less than three or five thousand dollars. If they say no, inquire about their budget. It’s about building credibility gradually. Stay engaged, thank them after invoicing, and discuss future collaborations. Sometimes, they might have a calendar change, opening up unexpected opportunities.
And for larger contracts, involving attorneys to decipher the legal jargon—especially regarding royalties, multiple engagements, or nationwide speaking tours—is essential. It safeguards both parties’ interests.
Brittany Richmond:
Absolutely, that’s gold. We emphasize at the Speaker Lab how vital it is to package yourself effectively. Event planners often rely on your expertise to craft their ideal engagement. You’re the pro!
Dr. India White:
Yeah, it’s all about presenting your package professionally. If your rate is too high for them, ask about their budget and adapt your offer. Negotiation is key. I’ve started asking what value they can provide in return when they can’t meet my minimum fee, like providing an email list or audio/video recordings. Negotiations in the professional realm are expansive.
Absolutely! Getting more gigs out of each engagement is a must. If you’re not leveraging one gig into multiple opportunities, what are you doing? I mean, I’m at an event doing a book signing, and they’re already lining up another keynote gig. Follow-ups, handshakes, hugs, exchanging information, and setting the stage for future collaborations—this is where the real work begins.
You’re right there at the door. Sometimes people are eager to talk more after the event, and that’s your chance to solidify the next steps. Ask them to follow up, send emails, texts, or even take you out for dinner. You’re not done when you step off stage; you’re just getting started. Don’t leave without securing at least a couple of future opportunities.
New speakers at conferences should capitalize on connections. Use QR codes for feedback and gather contact info. Offer podcast opportunities, PD sessions, discounted merchandise, or book signing events. Engage with the audience, listen to their thoughts, and keep the conversation flowing. Closing a speaking engagement is the beginning of cultivating long-term relationships.
Yeah, sometimes just engaging with people and being open leads to unexpected opportunities. When attendees approach you after a session, they might ask for coaching, workbooks, or keynote speaking at other events. Keeping conversations open can unveil various opportunities.
Brittany Richmond:
Absolutely. Oh, my gosh, that’s perfect. I think that’s great. The QR code is so underrated, in my opinion.
Dr. India White:
Like, you can just throw that I can’t do a presentation without a QR code with so many goods on there. Oh, my gosh. Do a Google form and do a QR code and make it happen.
Brittany Richmond:
Yes, absolutely. Okay, so let’s do a couple random questions before we wrap up today because I’m, like, super excited. I’ve loved this so far, but we’re both professional speakers, so real life happens when we’re out on the trail. And all the things I want you to tell us something hilarious or OD or strange or maybe it’s a travel story or just a situation you didn’t plan for.
What is the strangest, most random thing that has happened to you at a speaking gig?
Dr. India White:
Oh, my word. You mean on stage? Do you mean could be traveling there?
Brittany Richmond:
Could be on stage, could be with an audience, or it could be anything. You’re just like, this really stands out.
Dr. India White:
Can I tell two?
Brittany Richmond:
Go for it.
Dr. India White:
One is that I was speaking on stage and during a keynote and thousands of people there, so the sound worked, but the video would not work. So even though I had the screens up and I would try to go back and forth and toggle through my presentation, it would not work. And every time I had to keep calling the guy up during the keynote and staying professional for the whole hour and a half. Right. Well, we’re working out technical difficulties, keeping calm like nothing’s going wrong. But inside, I’m like, freaking out, like, oh my gosh, what am I going to do? Because I can’t show them the data, I can’t show them this.
That made me realize that you better know your stuff on screen and off screen because you have these things that are beyond you, that are crazy silly, but they happen. And then he couldn’t really understand English, so it was just a lot going on that day.
But the thing is, people watched also to see how I treated him, and that was the thing that they had to understand. I was all about relationship versus just my presentation. So that was one thing that took place. Another cool thing that took place. I was in Washington, DC. Just looking at I had some downtime before one of my keynotes, and I was like, I’m just going to go look at some archives and stuff because I love my nation and I’m in this place and there’s a group of students and of course, students gravitate towards me because I’m a teacher. And so the students start asking me, okay, well, where are you from? Are you from here? No, I’m from Florida. And we’re talking, and I’m like, you guys need to keep grit no matter what? Take grit with you.
Just make it happen. You’ve got this. Don’t ever lose your motivation. You need to go high, go to college, get your business. And one girl’s like, this just sounds way too familiar. Like, something about you is just I don’t know what it is. This sounds really familiar, what you’re saying. And I was like well, I did a ted talk on the power of grit.
She was like, “Wait, you did?” And then she pulls it up, saying, “Oh my God, my teacher made us watch you in class. I’ve already seen you.” And I’m there thinking, “Really? I’m totally away from that.” So, the kids wanted a selfie, then they posted it and showed their teachers. It was really cool seeing the impact of your work—paying it forward in a different state, and someone recognizes you because you affected them. Those are two cool things from my speaking experiences. Oh, I love it.
Brittany Richmond:
They treated you like a celebrity!
Dr. India White:
Yeah, it was really cute. They were juniors and seniors—it was a cute moment.
Brittany Richmond:
Yeah, I love that. And girl, I can relate to any tech issue on stage. It feels like every speaker goes through it multiple times, in some way. You’re absolutely right; how you react says a lot to the audience. I usually try to make a joke and say, “I guess I’m glad I’m loud because I don’t need this, right?”
Dr. India White:
We just have to accept that these things happen. How we choose to respond mentally and emotionally matters a lot.
You got me on stage, and guess what? We’re going to rock it anyway. I’ve even been in a situation where I was supposed to speak for an hour, but ended up with only 15 minutes. Can you believe it?
Brittany Richmond:
Wow, that’s even worse! But impressive how you managed it.
Dr. India White:
In the classroom, I was clicking through slides, covering a sentence per slide to keep things moving. I focused on crucial points, like graduation rates, but swiftly transitioned to discussing student persistence. Even though I couldn’t cover the entire PowerPoint, I ensured each slide delivered a sentence. And hey, you’re still getting my QR code for further communication. Yes, indeed. You’ll have that QR code to reach out for any needs. That’s how I’d handle it. Focus on the essentials, get to that QR code.
Brittany Richmond:
Absolutely, ensuring they get the key information.
Dr. India White:
Never let them know you’ve lost time. Keep clicking through and delivering value. What I loved about the 15-minute session was that it left them craving more, hungry for both me and the information. They clamored for more time and even advocated for it with the event coordinator, emphasizing the importance of the content. It created excitement, albeit a bit crazy.
Brittany Richmond:
Being the most accommodating speaker builds relationships. Knowing your content is crucial too. Some speakers wing it without practicing, and that just stresses me out. Preparation is key. You’re amazing!
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How can people connect with you?
Dr. India White:
They can find me at www.indiawhite.com under the services tab to request professional development or keynote speaking. Also, through direct email at IndiaWhite.123@gmail.com. On Twitter, it’s @indiespeakandteach and LinkedIn as indiawhite. I’m here to support in speaking development, confidence building, book collaborations, or as your event speaker.
Thank you for having me. I’m thrilled to work with anyone needing guidance in speaking or events.
Brittany Richmond:
She’s the go-to! Thank you for being here. We’re colleagues in this space, and it’s been fantastic. Thanks, everyone, for tuning in. Any questions, let us know!
Dr. India White:
Thank you all. Take care! Goodbye.
