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Grammy-winning speaker & culture leader

Speech Thomas

Transform workplace culture with Speech Thomas, speaker, Grammy-winning hip-hop pioneer. Speech works with organisations to inspire authentic leadership, social activism, and creative resilience, delivering powerful musical keynotes backed by global recognition and philanthropic impact.

Trusted by Candor Threads

Speech Thomas, Speaker | Grammy-Winning Artist
Speech Thomas

Speech Thomas

Atlanta, United States

Typical fee range

$26k–50k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Book Speech

Atlanta, United States

Starting from

$26k–50k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Speech Thomas's biography

At a glance

  • Founder and lead singer of Arrested Development
  • Two-time Grammy Award winner
  • Founder of the Terrence Thomas Scholarship Fund
Speech Thomas is a two-time Grammy Award winner and the founder and lead vocalist of Arrested Development, the pioneering hip-hop group that defied convention and redefined the genre’s role in social activism. Through music, storytelling and personal testimony, Speech challenges audiences to rethink what it means to lead, especially in times of uncertainty and change. Raised in Milwaukee across two contrasting environments - an inner-city neighbourhood and a middle-class suburb - Speech learned to reconcile hardship and privilege, using both as inspiration. Personal tragedy marked his early years with the loss of close family members, but instead of being silenced by grief, he channelled his emotions into what he calls “life music.” His breakout single “Tennessee,” dedicated to his grandmother and brother, won Best Rap Song at the Grammys and was later recognised by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the 500 songs that shaped the genre. As the frontman of Arrested Development, he became a defining voice for positivity and social awareness within hip-hop. When the group disbanded, Speech launched a successful solo career, achieving multiple chart-topping singles and gold-certified albums abroad. He has performed alongside iconic names and toured globally, sharing stages with everyone from James Brown to Hillary Clinton. Beyond music, Speech is a dedicated philanthropist. He co-founded the Terrence Thomas Scholarship, which has raised over a million dollars to support young Black students. His work on the award-winning documentary 16 Bars, where he collaborated with inmates to create music from within prison, further highlights his commitment to social impact through art. Speech’s talks are a fusion of message and music, energising audiences with a clear and actionable call to embrace bold, creative and compassionate leadership. His personal story resonates deeply, illustrating that anyone, regardless of background, can lead with courage and purpose.

Speech's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Brave Leadership: Accomplish the Seemingly Impossible Under Any Circumstance
Speech Thomas explores what it means to lead with courage during times of uncertainty, challenge and change. Blending personal storytelling with live music, Speech draws from his journey as a Grammy-winning artist and social disruptor to challenge conventional ideas of leadership. He invites audiences to rethink success, embrace vulnerability and use creativity as a catalyst for impact. Through his unique delivery, Speech empowers people to recognise their own potential and take bold steps towards meaningful, lasting change.

Why we recommend booking Speech

Book Speech Thomas to inspire your team with powerful stories and music that show how courage and creativity can drive real change. Give your audience the chance to learn from a Grammy-winning artist whose journey proves that anyone can lead with purpose—reserve your date today.

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Trusted by Candor Threads

Testimonials

Speech aligned with our core values, his authenticity and passion resonated deeply, inspiring us to embrace our own unique paths with courage and determination. His wisdom has undoubtedly left an enduring impact, guiding us as we navigate our entrepreneurial endeavors. We are immensely grateful for the enriching and transformative session that will continue to echo within our community for years to come!

Becky Feinberg-Galvez

CEO, Candor Threads

Featured Projects

Speech Thomas - Expansion Pt. 1 book cover
Speech Thomas - Track Change podcast cover
Speech Thomas - 16 Bars book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Speech Thomas for my next event?
Email speech.thomas@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Speech's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Speech Thomas's speaking style like?
Speech Thomas blends personal storytelling with live music performance, drawing on his background as a Grammy-winning artist to deliver a session structured around his own life narrative and musical interludes.
What topics does Speech Thomas specialise in?
Speech Thomas speaks on leadership under uncertainty, resilience through adversity, and creativity as a driver of social impact, delivered through a fusion of live music and personal storytelling. He is a two-time Grammy Award winner and founder of Arrested Development, whose single "Tennessee" won Best Rap Song at the Grammys and was recognised by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the 500 songs that shaped the genre.
What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Can I book podcast guests through PepTalk?

Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.