Outspoken Team Shares What Outspoken Means to Them: Part II

Continuing from our last blog, we asked each team member what being Outspoken means to them—either literally and figuratively (or both)! And we wanted to share what each team member means to Outspoken. Check out our second two below, Chelsea and Devin:

Chelsea, Sales Assistant

What does being Outspoken mean to you?

Saying the thing you're afraid to say. That's being outspoken. Saying the thing that's dangerous, counter-cultural, maybe even offensive. It takes courage. Because, in the world as it stands presently, speaking out demands we risk something—our livelihood, our reputation, sometimes even our safety. It requires us to put skin in the game. That's one of many things I love about Outspoken Agency. Our speakers have put so much skin in the game to say the things that matter. They aren't just talking about the work. Their lives, their intimate partnerships, their businesses ARE the work. And they adamantly resist the temptations to betray the work because they're committed to not betraying themselves and their communities. They are Outspoken. 

What does Chelsea mean to Outspoken?

Chelsea always gets the assignment and then some. Chelsea has been a fresh, younger perspective for our team. She’s ready and willing to write up any special blog request or sales pitch with unique ideas, and she pushes beyond the norm to compose something better than anticipated. If we didn’t have Chelsea to bounce ideas around and know we’ll get honest feedback, we’re not sure where we’d be.  

Devin, Agent

What does being Outspoken mean to you?

Outspoken to me is opening conversations by introducing topics of discussion that have always existed but possibly went without proper exploration. It is shining the light on subjects that could use a resurrection. Outspoken is to be unapologetic, bold, and most importantly informed. It’s not being afraid to be critical; because to be outspoken is to be a leader, not a follower. 

There is an artist named Patrick Hughes who produced a series of surreal pieces that from straight on appear in 2D. It’s not until you change your positioning that you realize the image is in fact a 3D sculpture. Much like this form of art, conversation is an important process for changing our positioning and taking a look from all angles. Being outspoken can challenge an audience’s perspective and sometimes that challenge will be what’s required to bring a fresh new outlook and breathe the revitalizing change you once couldn’t see from your own point of view. 

What does Devin mean to Outspoken?

New to the team, but already an ideal match, Devin means looking forward to a growing team and bright future here at Outspoken. We all have different personal interests, perspectives and lived experiences as individuals, and we’re so excited to have another diverse perspective in Devin. With quick wit and always honest dialogue amongst the team, we think we’ve finally met our match with him. 

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Outspoken Agency is a women-owned speaking agency representing leaders, founders, public intellectuals, authors and entertainers for paid keynotes, workshops and panels at in-person and virtual events. Learn more about our female founders here.