Discussion Document for Be Your Own Cheerleader for Underrepresented Voices

Hi Ruben,

Thanks for taking the time to talk with me about the closing keynote for the SHPE event on 4/2 in Minneapolis, MN.  It sounds like it's going to be a fantastic 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.  I've got the date tentatively held on my calendar, so let me know as soon as you're ready to lock it in.

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

Spiral pattern with black rectangles in top right and bottom left corners.

Why should employees speak up and be heard?

When you are raised in the collective ‘We,’ it is very difficult to make a name and place for yourself in the individual ‘I’ based culture of corporate America. Not only are you unskilled in advocating for yourself, but you are also unsure how to be proud of your work or accomplishments.

Being silenced in meetings and not knowing how to speak up are just some of the challenges that underrepresented communities face.

In this insightful 45 minute keynote, Neelu Kaur, organizational psychologist and best-selling author of Be Your Own Cheerleader inspires diverse audiences to own their value and equips them with practical self-advocacy strategies to ensure that their ideas are heard, even when they are not the loudest voice in the room.

  • Close-up of a black object with a textured surface.

    "Refreshing. Encouraging. Empowering!"

    - Lauren Eastwood, Project Manager, Bloomberg

  • Aramark logo featuring black text and a red abstract figure.

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

    - April Russell, Development Manager

  • American Staffing Association logo with blue and white ASA emblem and 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'

  • Sony Music logo with a red abstract swirl 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 next to 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 the company name and a circular blue starburst symbol

    “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 stylized 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 text

    “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.

Curtain of light with swirling pattern, black header, and design elements.

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, wearing a brown blazer, black top, black pants, and black shoes, holding a remote or clicker in her right hand.
Book titled "Be Your Own Cheerleader" by Neelu Kaur with a yellow cover, purple text, and a colorful megaphone illustration.

Be Your Own Cheerleader

Neelu’s 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, Neelu Kaur offers a comprehensive approach beneficial for all professionals across all backgrounds seeking to enhance their career and personal well-being.

Our Fee Includes:

  • Pre-Event Planning Meetings

  • 45-minute + 15 min Q&A (in-person) Closing Keynote Session

  • 90 copies of Be Your Own Cheerleader shipped to the venue

  • Book Signing

  • Promotion on Social Media

  • Qualitative & Quantitative Feedback Post Event

  • All travel expenses (airfare, ground transportation, hotel, and meals)

Total Fee: $9,000 USD

Next Steps

Let’s spread self-advocacy skills!

I have 4/2/25 tentatively reserved, and I'm excited about the possibility of delivering the Be Your Own Cheerleader closing keynote to your group of interns at SHPE. I can hold the date for at least a few weeks, so you have time to discuss it. Please let me know 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 with dark hair, wearing a brown leather jacket and black pants, giving a presentation in front of a screen displaying the word 'PROBLEM'.