Rashad was fantastic, his style is unique engaging inspiring and informative. He tailored his speech to our business while still delivering a thought provoking message.
Rashad Rayford
Turning everyday messages into moments the brain refuses to forget
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Rashad Rayford
Biography
Rashad Rayford is a dynamic thought leader, award-winning actor, poet, and speaker known for blending storytelling, spoken word, and business acumen to inspire audiences across industries.
As the founder of Elevate Your Vibe, Rashad has revolutionized the corporate speaking landscape with his intuitive and energetic approach, helping businesses craft compelling stories that drive engagement and authentic connections.
With a client roster that includes Tractor Supply Co., Best Buy, Vulcan Materials, Nashville Electric Service, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Rashad has traveled the country delivering high-impact keynotes and workshops.
His signature style combines artistry and strategy, empowering organizations to see themselves as the inspiration for their teams and clients.
Rashad’s work has been featured at TEDx, on NPR, and in The Wall Street Journal, HuffPost, and USA Today.
He is a MOTH Story Hour GRANDslam champion, recognized for his ability to captivate and transform any audience. Whether addressing Fortune 500 companies, educators, or emerging leaders, Rashad uses storytelling to elevate both mindset and performance.
His self-development book, Elevate Your Vibe: Ten Ways to Grow You, offers practical steps for individuals to reach their highest potential. As an expert in storytelling and communication, Rashad emphasizes the power of narrative to inspire action and cultivate authenticity in both personal and professional realms.
Beyond speaking, Rashad’s career is a testament to versatility and creativity. As an artist, he has released 15 albums spanning spoken word and hip-hop, and his performances have graced stages such as the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, TPAC, and Nashville International Airport. He has opened for legends like Big Boi (Outkast), Talib Kweli, and Robert Glasper, showcasing a unique blend of jazz, soul, and hip-hop.
Rashad’s commitment to community and education is evident in his workshops for organizations like the National Museum of African American Music and his mentorship with Southern Word, where he uses spoken word to teach literacy and inspire the next generation.
Whether leading corporate workshops, delivering keynotes, or performing on stage, Rashad brings unmatched energy, creativity, and expertise. His mission is clear: to elevate every audience, helping them unlock the power of their stories and achieve lasting transformation.
Rashad Rayford
Featured Video
Current: 2026 Speaking Reel
Time 03:32
Rashad Rayford
Featured Keynote Programs
A D.O.S.E. of Story
How story shapes the way we lead, work and connect
In today’s workplace, attention is the new currency, and connection is the new competitive advantage. A D.O.S.E. of Story is a powerful, practical keynote that blends storytelling, spoken word, and simple brain science to show leaders and teams how to communicate in ways people actually feel, remember, and act on.
Using the D.O.S.E. framework, Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins, Rashad reveals how to structure messages that spark motivation, strengthen trust, build confidence, and sustain resilience under pressure. Audiences leave with practical storytelling techniques they can use immediately in meetings, presentations, sales conversations, and everyday leadership moments.
The Sound of Leadership
How Listening Fuels Innovation
In a world where everyone’s vying to be heard, true leaders know that the most powerful tool in their arsenal isn’t their voice, it’s their ability to listen. The Sound of Leadership: How Listening Fuels Innovation explores the often-overlooked art of listening and how it can transform not only the way leaders engage but how they inspire game-changing ideas.
The Heartbeat of belonging
Why people seek, why people stay
Explore the human side of employee retention in this impactful keynote. Rashad reveals how empathy, team building, and personal responsibility create a workplace culture where people feel valued and connected. Through engaging stories and actionable strategies, attendees will learn how to foster genuine belonging, build stronger teams, and inspire loyalty that lasts.
Rashad Rayford
Featured Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to some of the most common questions about booking Rashad Rayford for your event.
How do I book Rashad Rayford for my event?
Booking Rashad Rayford with Premiere Speakers Bureau is a streamlined 4-step process:
- Availability Check: Contact us with your event date and budget to verify if your desired speaker is available.
- Hold Date: We place a temporary "hold" on the speaker's calendar while you finalize internal approval.
- Contracting: We issue a contract outlining the fee, cancellation policy, and event expectations.
- Logistics: Once signed, our event management team handles all travel booking, itinerary, and AV requirements.
Why should I partner with Premiere Speakers Bureau rather than contacting speakers directly?
Partnering with Premiere Speakers Bureau provides a comprehensive safety net for your event that direct booking cannot match. You get the same speaker for the same price, but with a dedicated team with over 30 years of event experience handling contracts, logistics, and are prepared for any emergency. We know what it takes to run an excellent event.
What makes Premiere Speakers Bureau unique compared to other agencies?
Premiere Speakers Bureau distinguishes itself by having over 30 years of experience while partnering with more than 35,000 events. PSB has also built a streamlined, fully online process that makes booking a speaker, handling travel and payments extremely easy for anyone looking to plan a speaker led event.
How does Premiere Speakers Bureau's 'Zero Cost Service' model work?
Premiere Speakers Bureau operates on a 'Zero Cost Service' model for event planners. Our services—including research, booking, and logistics—are always free to the client. The speaker covers our commission from their standard honorarium as payment for our role in marketing and managing their engagements.
How are speaker fees structured, and what is typically included?
A speaker's fee typically covers the keynote presentation, a pre-event planning call, and standard customization. Travel expenses are usually billed separately.
What are the standard policies for speaker travel and expenses?
Travel expenses are negotiated during contracting. We generally recommend a flat travel fee for simplicity, though we also offer line-by-line invoicing when preferred. PSB ensures these expenses adhere to professional standards, and our Event Portal allows for easy tracking and invoicing.
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