Speaker Rider

I love every chance I get to do this work, and I am unendingly grateful for the opportunity to do so.

The Third Layer model is all about learning our personal rules that help our creativity best operate, so in that vein, here is what can help me create the absolute best experience for your organization or audience.

Perfectionism is death to creativity*

For speaking engagements

Travel and Logistics

  • Travel expenses to be covered by client or reimbursed: hotel (Marriott, Hilton, or their equivalent), ground transportation at destination, and a $50 per diem to cover meals and incidentals on the day(s) of the engagement.

  • I work and/or travel between 8am and 10pm, unless otherwise agreed to upon in advance. I.e., If it can be avoided, I prefer not to take very early or very late flights.

  • I require a reasonable flight schedule (i.e., arrival by 8pm the day before any presentation). Outside of North America, I require two nights before a presentation to adjust to the time change and any jet lag.

  • Here’s a Sample Itinerary.

Tech and AV

  • For online engagements, I require one tech run-through to iron out any potential connection problems.

  • For online engagements: for more than 20-30 participants, I require a technical lead (provided by either you, or The Third Layer at an additional cost) to take charge of any tech issues, including malfunctions or problems, managing audience participation, creating breakout rooms, etc.

  • For in-person engagements with a PowerPoint presentation, I will send my presentation in advance. I require a person to set this up and run it.

Necessary Accommodations

I excel at helping teams and people thrive creatively is because I’ve had to overcome a great deal of challenges to do so myself. And — just like with creativity — sometimes we need to make a few accommodations to make the space more inclusive for all voices. Including, ahem, very, very short ones. Below are what I need to perform at my best.

  • Generally, I require a minimum of 20 days’ notice (45 days international) to fully prepare for an engagement or event.

  • If I’m sitting, I need a comfortable chair with padding.

  • I prefer to take a taxi or Uber from the airport (i.e., no rental cars or public transport, unless otherwise agreed upon in advance).

* True story: I am under 5’. In fact, I’m the same height at Simone Biles (without any of the athletic talent whatsoever). When I talk to my clients and students about not being seen, sometimes that’s literal.

Third Layer lesson: We are all unique, and our challenges help shape our creativity. Instead of denying or hiding our differences, The Third Layer is all about celebrating them and how they can contribute.