Biography
Book Rashad Rayford through the Keynote Curators.
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 Rayford 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 Rayford’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.
Rashad Rayford’s 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.
Contact us for Rashad Rayford’s fees and availability.
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Activist, Actor, Artist: Rashad Rayford at TEDxNashville
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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.
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.
Unlock the transformative power of personal storytelling in this engaging keynote. Rashad demonstrates how authentic narratives can inspire career growth, motivate teams, and drive success at every level. Attendees will gain practical tools to craft compelling stories that connect, communicate, and lead with impact, turning their personal experiences into powerful leadership assets.
This keynote is about transforming knowledge into actionable innovation.
Rashad explores how to leverage what you know and what you don't to fuel creativity and growth.
Focus Areas:
Know Your People: Understand team and customer needs deeply.
Bridge Knowledge Gaps: Proactively identify and fill information gaps.
Act NOW: Use the knowledge you have to innovate with speed and confidence.
True innovation is about innovating yourself. Using knowledge boldly understanding, connecting, and acting quickly to create impactful breakthroughs.
Testimonials
Booksby Rashad Rayford
Elevate Your Vibe
Blog Posts
Confidence Without Vulnerability Creates Teams That Never Improve
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Financial Planning in 2026 Requires a Clear Strategy
Have you noticed that the internet has never given more financial planning advice than it does right now? That's actually the problem. Your feed has become a 24/7 trading floor of hot takes. "Buy this."...
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Crisis Leadership Lessons from September 11 Reveal Everyday Resilience
What if the most powerful crisis leadership lesson from September 11 isn't about the decisions made in underground bunkers, but about the farmers, truckers, teachers, and everyday workers who make heroic responses possible? After sharing...
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Best Artificial Intelligence Speakers for Cybersecurity Conferences (2026 Guide)
Quick Links Artificial Intelligence Speakers Healthcare Keynote Speakers Top Technology Speakers Innovation Speakers Leadership Speakers Future of Work Speakers Get Proposal (availability & fees) If you’re searching for the Best Artificial Intelligence Speakers for Cybersecurity...
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Communication Strategies from Sarita Maybin that Transform Workplace Conflict Into Collaboration
Why Your Team's Real Problem Isn't Strategy—It's Communication When was the last time a workplace conversation went sideways, not because of what was said, but how it was delivered? Most organizations pour resources into strategic...
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The 2026 Keynote Speaker Lineup That Creates Real Momentum
If you're looking for a sign to power start your 2026, here it is: this is the year you stop negotiating with your potential. January arrives packed with goals, spreadsheets, and ambitious plans. However, goals...
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