Irshad Manji

Biography

Irshad Manji, renowned Muslim reformer and Professor of Leadership at New York University, is a signature voice of the Obama generation — global in outlook, practical in approach, and dedicated to finding common ground in a fractured world. She has transformed her personal journey into a riveting story that guides all of us to confront the challenges we face, whether as students, professionals, parents, or citizens.

Oprah’s magazine has given her its first annual Chutzpah Award for “audacity, nerve, boldness and conviction.” The New York Times describes her as “Osama bin Laden’s worst nightmare.” Here’s why: Irshad Manji is the bestselling author of “The Trouble with Islam Today: A Muslim’s Call for Reform in Her Faith” (2004), published in more than 30 countries. Her PBS film, “Faith Without Fear”, has garnered an Emmy nomination for artfully following her personal campaign to reconcile Islam with women’s equality, respect for minorities and honest debate. She is also the author of “Allah, Liberty and Love” (2012).

Now, through her just-launched Moral Courage Project at NYU, Prof. Manji is teaching a new generation of global citizens to fight conformity, even at the price of backlash. Her inspiring message: Any of us can change the world by daring to ask questions — out loud.

Whether addressing corporations, congregations, or colleges, Irshad Manji gives game-changing guidance that individuals can take away and apply to their lives. She does it all with personality, passion and humor.

Videos

Request Availability

Testimonials

Irshad has a powerful message in a polarized time: that true diversity includes diversity of thought.

– Dr. Rajni Shankar-Brown, Endowed Chair of Social Justice, Stetson University

Anyone can talk about leadership but Irshad does it. She has inspired us to launch a Moral Courage Task Force that is student-led and solutions-oriented.

– Rob Moore, Associate Head of School, Lawrence Academy

During a Chicago blizzard, Irshad Manji managed to pack the auditorium. The campus is still buzzing about her visit. This is the university experience at its best.

– Office of GLBT Concerns, University of Illinois at Chicago

Irshad was, in the words of one onlooker, a rock star.

– Simmons College

Irshad spoke on stage with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He, in turn, picked up on her message – that questioning is a basic human need – and he reinforced it with the audience. That is how dynamic a speaker Irshad is.

– Common Ground for Peace

It is a message that has deep meaning and inspires all of us to endeavor to always do the right thing.

– White House Fellows Foundation & Association

In our 22 years of planning lectures, rarely have we seen such a captivating speaker.

– 92nd Street Y, New York

Our audiences demand a lot – courage, passion, integrity, intelligence, curiosity, humor, empathy, candor and celebrity. Irshad over-delivered on all scores. She proves you can have a mind, a spine, and tons of fun.

– SMART TALK Women’s Lecture Series

Irshad Manji was absolutely outstanding at Carleton College! She is a gifted communicator.

– Carleton College

Irshad got us out of our comfort zone to understand how we can harness all that we are for a life of higher performance and deeper meaning. Her message of Moral Courage is revolutionary for anyone who desires both success and significance.

– Christina Lim, World Presidents Organization, Pan-Asia

For Meeting Planners

Photos

Speaker Documents

Topic Description

Request Availability

Blog Posts

Innovative Event Strategies to Inspire Your Attendees with Courtney Mesmer

https://youtu.be/1erTgGFdyW8 Watch this week’s podcast episode here: YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon...

Valuable Life Lessons from Parenting & Overcoming Failures

Learn valuable life lessons from overcoming failure and parenting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJTIi-nhq60&list=PLXTlGHk63lLgbS8LN-PENXDzwMdqWAnOm "Life’s greatest lessons come from...

Pink October: Breast Cancer Awareness and the Power of Healing Our Emotional Histories

Pink October: Understanding the Connection Between Emotional Health and Breast Cancer This newsletter is brought...

Why Consistency Is More Important Than Motivation for Success

🔑 Why Consistency is the Key to Lasting Success https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3ehBD3ThYY&list=PLXTlGHk63lLgbS8LN-PENXDzwMdqWAnOm What I’ve learned from experience...

How You Can Build a Happy Relationship

💞 Understand how couples score points in a relationship so you can make your partner...

Gain Confidence by Being Yourself with Michelle Anne Johnson

💫 Learn how confidence begins with being your authentic self with keynote speaker Michelle Anne...

Related Speakers

Teresa Douglas Living La Vida Remota Blogger, People and Operations Manager

Phil Jones Master of Influence and Persuasion, Bestselling Author of the Exactly Book Series, Serial Entrepreneur, Business Strategist, and Producer of the “Most Listened To” Audiobook of 2018

Josh Sundquist Paralympian, Comedian, Bestselling Author, and Motivational Speaker

Speech Thomas Two-Time Grammy Award-Winning Founder and Lead Singer of the 4X Platinum Hip-Hop Collective Arrested Development

Jim Abbott

Famed One-Handed Major League Baseball Pitcher

Reviews & Ratings

     Excellent  
     Based on 74 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Tim Mooney 
 August 20, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth was on point and tremendous help before and after the event! Two thumbs up!
  
 
       
   Anthony Veneziale 
 August 14, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth is the real deal -- he knows the best speakers to make sure your event is successful. I've had the pleasure of working with Seth and The Keynote Curators and he's top notch. Also, his podcast is chock full of great insights and important topics. Thanks Seth!!
  
 
       
   M.D Milloy 
 August 8, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth is a great host, very inspirational and professional. Highly recommend!
  
 
       
   Aaron Farzam 
 August 3, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keynote speaker searches have been overwhelmingl for me and my team.  Seth made the process easy.  Our expectations were exceeded. Great company. Highly recommended.
  
 
       
   Dante Fabro 
 July 29, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keynote Speaker knowledge is unrivaled by Seth Dechtman and his team at The Keynote Curators.  If your event or conference requires a keynote speaker, call The Keynote Curators.  They are thorough and deliver the goods.  Seth makes sure that you get what you are looking for...in spades. Not to mention, Seth is very down to earth and speaks to people as equals. I really appreciate that. I'd recommend The Keynote Curators any day!
  
 
       
   Jamie Wright 
 July 25, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Found out about these folks through The Keynote Curators podcast - really great stuff!!
  
 
       
   Alison Levine 
 July 10, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great podcast with a wide variety of speakers, topics, and themes. You can learn something unexpected from every episode!
  
 
       
   Victoria Matey 
 June 27, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the pleasure of joining the Keynote Curators podcast as a guest. My experience collaborating with Seth and his team was great - fast, efficient, and most importantly, they are all wonderful human beings!
  
 
       
   Justin Chaffee 
 June 20, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Keybnote Curators and Seth Dechtman are a class act.

Timely, professional, and most of all hit the mark. Cannot recommend them with more emphasis.

If you need a speaker for your event conference or any program, do not hesitate to contact Seth and his team.
  
 
       
   Brandon Grimm 
 June 12, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth Deckman is the only Keynote Curator you’re ever going to need for your events and conferences that require the best Keynote speakers. His attention to detail and true concern about meeting your event’s needs to go above and beyond. I cannot recommend him highly enough call him as soon as you have your speaker need for your next conference or meeting.