Discussion Document for Be Your Own Cheerleader

Hi Emily,

Thanks for taking the time to talk with me about speaking at Polymer in May/June for AAPI heritage month.  I’m excited to partner with you for this event.

Below are the details of my keynote experience and all that is included.  You'll also find a session description, bio, and some graphics / visuals you can use to promote the event.

Feel free to share this page with the other decision-makers and stakeholders involved.  If we are moving forward with May, please provide some options for dates so I can put the date on hold as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me! (917) 584-2775 or neelu@neelukaur.com.

Warmly,

Neelu

The Keynote: Be Your Own Cheerleader

In just 45 minutes this perspective-shifting keynote tackles imposter syndrome, boosts confidence, and teaches self-advocacy to anyone who struggles to speak up, while showing those with the loudest voices the value of bringing everyone into the conversation.

  • Understand why self-advocacy can be so challenging

  • Articulate their value and impact to ensure their contributions are recognized and appreciated

  • Redirect thinking from invalidating self-talk to positive encouragement

  • Learn actionable techniques for robust self-advocacy

A piano keyboard with numbered keys and musical notation.

Why should employees speak up and be heard?

Employees are no longer happy to be cogs in a wheel; measured, judged, and easily replaced. Your people are invested in your future. They want to make a difference.

But — for complex social, cultural, and personal reasons — many of them believe their contribution is either unwanted or of less value than that of someone higher up the chain.

At best, this means you miss out on diverse contributions to conversations. At worst, this can impact employees’ health and leave them searching for new roles.

When you give people the tools and encouragement to speak up, you unlock a creative, innovative future for your business, with a side of increased job satisfaction and reduced employee turnover.

  • A black rectangular sign with white text that reads 'BRANDING EXTERIOR'.

    "Refreshing. Encouraging. Empowering!"

    - Lauren Eastwood, Project Manager, Bloomberg

  • Aramark logo with black text and a red abstract human figure to the right.

    "Neelu is an amazing speaker. Her enthusiasm is infectious!"

    - April Russell, Development Manager

  • Logo of the American Staffing Association with blue and white colors and an accompanying text.

    “Neelu's session was truly inspiring and packed with actionable points I will take into my everyday life”

    Participant from 'Be Your Own Cheerleader: Embracing Self-Advocacy in the Workplace'

  • Illustration of a person lifting a barbell with weights outdoors.

    “Mindset changing”

    - Jacob Anning, AGA National Leadership Conference Participant

  • Sony Music logo with red brush stroke and black text

    "Neelu did a fantastic job of providing strategies and kept us engaged throughout the session."

    Participant from 'Be Your Own Cheerleader: Embracing Self-Advocacy in the Workplace'

  • Guidehouse logo with a stylized green and black arrow and the company name in bold black letters.

    “Uplifting and encouraging for young professional women of color. I’ve never been to anything like this and it’s about time I did!”

    Participant from Guidehouse AAPI & Women's LeadHERship Event

  • Genworth logo with stylized blue circular design

    “The event was amazing and Neelu is a fantastic speaker. Her passion for the subject really shines through!”

    Participant from 'AAPI + Allies Self Advocacy Session'

  • Logo with the letters 'UKG' in dark teal color.

    "Genuine, personable, relatable, energetic and encouraging; more than we could have ever asked for in a guest speaker"

    Jeremy Casupanan, Senior Strategic Alliance Manager

  • Presidio logo in blue capital letters.

    “Inspiring and actionable!”

    Participant from 'Be Your Own Cheerleader - Embracing Self Advocacy in the Workplace'

Resources

Feel free to download and use these resources to promote your event:

Promotional graphics
Stage intros
Long and short bio

The Experience

This live, in-person keynote session will last approximately 45 minutes + 15 min Q&A. It centers on Self-Advocacy in the Workplace for underrepresented voices. In the talk I use an exercise that enables every member of your audience to see their capabilities and achievements in a new light, setting a tone of positivity and self-efficacy.

A black rectangle with pink text that says 'LUNCHEON SEED PUNCH' and a light green swirling pattern in the background.

Working With Neelu


Partnering with me as your keynote speaker includes much more than a 1-hour talk.  I'll collaborate with your team before, during, and after the event to create an outstanding experience for your audience.

Whenever possible, I will:

  • Meet with your team to prepare for the event and ensure that what I'm delivering matches your goals

  • Attend the entire event for the day (not just my session) and interact with your attendees

  • Participate in a breakout session, Q&A session, and / or private VIP reception

  • Signed copies of my book

  • Travel a day in advance to ensure I can arrive on time and be well rested

A woman with long dark hair giving a presentation. She is wearing a rust-colored blazer, black top, black pants, and black sneakers. She is holding a small microphone in her right hand and appears to be speaking.
A yellow hardcover book titled "Be Your Own Cheerleader" by Neelu Kaur. The title features large purple and green text, with a purple megaphone illustration behind the word "Cheerleader." The subtitle describes the book as a guide for South Asian women's psychological and spiritual self-promotion at work.

Be Your Own Cheerleader

My groundbreaking guide is designed to empower Asian and South Asian women with self-advocacy and self-promotion skills in Corporate America. 

While it specifically addresses the challenges of balancing Eastern and Western cultures, its insights on self-advocacy and embracing achievements are universally relevant. 

Intersecting leadership with wellness, I offer a comprehensive approach beneficial for all professionals across all backgrounds seeking to enhance their career and personal well-being.

The Fee Includes:

  • Pre-Event Planning Meetings

  • 45-minute + 15 min Q&A (in-person hybrid event)

  • 22 copies of Be Your Own Cheerleader shipped to the NYC office

  • Book Signing

  • Qualitative & Quantitative Feedback Post Event

Total Fee: $7,000 USD

Next Steps

Let’s spread self-advocacy skills!

I'm excited about the possibility of delivering the Be Your Own Cheerleader keynote to Polymer’s NYC office. Once you have some dates in mind, please let me know so we an confirm day/time.

Reach out if you have any questions!

Talk with you soon

Warmly,

Neelu

Who is Neelu Kaur?

Neelu Kaur is an organizational psychologist, author, and keynote speaker, renowned for her expertise in self-advocacy and innovation. Born in India and raised in America, Neelu's unique experience has deeply informed her approach to empowering professionals in the workplace.

Over her 15-year career, Neelu has worked with top-tier Fortune 500 organizations to unleash innovation by elevating every voice.

Neelu's book "Be Your Own Cheerleader" and keynote programs address the challenges we all face in self-advocacy and self-promotion. She is dedicated to empowering people with the tools and strategies they need to confidently assert their value in the workplace.

With a BS from NYU Stern School of Business and an MA in Social and Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, Neelu combines her strong academic foundation with real-world experience. She is a certified NLP (NeuroLinguistic Programming) Coach, Yoga Instructor, and Ayurveda Specialist. This multifaceted expertise enables her to offer a holistic approach to leadership and personal development.

A woman giving a presentation in front of a screen, holding a remote, wearing a rust-colored blazer and black pants.