Kim McLarin
Keynote Speaker: Cultural Critic, Award-Winning Author, Educator and Television Personality
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Kim McLarin Biography
Kim McLarin is an award-winning novelist, essayist, and cultural critic whose work has been praised as “bold” and “fearless.” Her books have been honored by PEN New England, the Hurston-Wright Foundation, and the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. Her cultural criticism has appeared in The New York Times, Glamour, The Washington Post, Slate, and many other publications. Her most recent book, "Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me and Has Failed," was honored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book in 2024.
She is a frequent speaker for universities, such as Tufts and Tulane, private industry, including Headway and Clearway, and has appeared at writing events and book festivals throughout the world. A former journalist for The New York Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer, McLarin was host of "Basic Black," Boston’s long-running television program devoted to African-American themes produced by WGBH. She holds a BA from Duke University, is a dedicated educator, a former dean, and Professor of Creative Writing at Emerson College.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Kim McLarin and other top speakers and celebrities.
Kim McLarin Speaking Topics
Tumultuous times call for courageous action, but many people believe they need to have hope for a better future to try to enact change. But we are called to try to repair the world, whether we believe such repair is possible or not. Hope is nice to have but not utterly necessary to the task at hand. Like a bread machine.
There’s an old statistic that says women only apply to jobs for which they meet 100 percent of the stated qualifications, while men will apply when they meet only 60 percent. The statistic is often quoted to suggest women lack self-confidence. But maybe what it really means is simply that women are rules followers – these are the qualifications and I don’t meet them so I should not apply – whereas what many men understand is that the rules can be expanded.
As someone who has sat on search committees for many top positions, including our college’s provost and president, Kim McLarin can tell you: put your hat in the ring, because a lot of people less qualified than you are doing so, with utter confidence. Had she believed that despite her extensive publishing credentials and teaching experience she would not be considered for a tenure-track position, she never would have become one of the 2.1 percent of tenured professors in the U.S. who are Black women. And one of only a small minority who has taken on a position of higher education leadership.
This session sets out the lessons Kim learned during her own unplanned and unlikely journey towards leadership, and outlines the qualities which make for good, if unorthodox, leadership. It offers suggestions to women especially who may not have sought the mantle but should consider embracing it when the opportunity arises.
Muses on the dangers of self-righteousness and the power of open-hearted listening and questioning. Begins with the story of Socrates, who, told he was the wisest of all human beings, rejected the title and set off to find someone wiser than himself. But after visiting and listening to the sages of the ancient world he concluded that he was, in fact, the wisest of them all. Why? Because the sages knew nothing but were convinced they knew everything, whereas Socrates knew exactly how little he really knew.
Humility is the beginning of wisdom.
Discussing storytelling and the power of narratives to shape both social change and individual self-regard. Includes a rift on the dangerous myth of imposter syndrome.
How do I book Kim McLarin to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Kim McLarin for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Kim McLarin, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Kim McLarin or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Kim McLarin for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Kim McLarin, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Kim McLarin are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Kim McLarin, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Kim McLarin speak about?
Kim McLarin is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Black Heritage, Professors, Author, Mental Health, Women, Female Leadership, Personal Growth and Storytelling.
Where does Kim McLarin travel from?
Kim McLarin generally travels from Boston, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Kim McLarin?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Kim McLarin for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Kim McLarin for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Kim McLarin or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Kim McLarin is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Black Heritage, Professors and Author. The estimated speaking fee range to book Kim McLarin for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Kim McLarin generally travels from Boston, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Christine Michel Carter, Farah Harris and Haley Carolyn Taylor Schlitz. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Kim McLarin for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Kim McLarin Speaking Topics
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Hope is a Bread Machine
Tumultuous times call for courageous action, but many people believe they need to have hope for a better future to try to enact change. But we are called to try to repair the world, whether we believe such repair is possible or not. Hope is nice to have but not utterly necessary to the task at hand. Like a bread machine.
-
Embracing the Mantle
There’s an old statistic that says women only apply to jobs for which they meet 100 percent of the stated qualifications, while men will apply when they meet only 60 percent. The statistic is often quoted to suggest women lack self-confidence. But maybe what it really means is simply that women are rules followers – these are the qualifications and I don’t meet them so I should not apply – whereas what many men understand is that the rules can be expanded.
As someone who has sat on search committees for many top positions, including our college’s provost and president, Kim McLarin can tell you: put your hat in the ring, because a lot of people less qualified than you are doing so, with utter confidence. Had she believed that despite her extensive publishing credentials and teaching experience she would not be considered for a tenure-track position, she never would have become one of the 2.1 percent of tenured professors in the U.S. who are Black women. And one of only a small minority who has taken on a position of higher education leadership.
This session sets out the lessons Kim learned during her own unplanned and unlikely journey towards leadership, and outlines the qualities which make for good, if unorthodox, leadership. It offers suggestions to women especially who may not have sought the mantle but should consider embracing it when the opportunity arises.
-
The Power of Saying I Don't Know
Muses on the dangers of self-righteousness and the power of open-hearted listening and questioning. Begins with the story of Socrates, who, told he was the wisest of all human beings, rejected the title and set off to find someone wiser than himself. But after visiting and listening to the sages of the ancient world he concluded that he was, in fact, the wisest of them all. Why? Because the sages knew nothing but were convinced they knew everything, whereas Socrates knew exactly how little he really knew.
Humility is the beginning of wisdom.
-
The Power of Narrative
Discussing storytelling and the power of narratives to shape both social change and individual self-regard. Includes a rift on the dangerous myth of imposter syndrome.
BOOKS
FAQS
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How do I book Kim McLarin to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Kim McLarin for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Kim McLarin, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Kim McLarin or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Kim McLarin for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Kim McLarin, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Kim McLarin are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Kim McLarin, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Kim McLarin speak about?
Kim McLarin is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Black Heritage, Professors, Author, Mental Health, Women, Female Leadership, Personal Growth and Storytelling. -
Where does Kim McLarin travel from?
Kim McLarin generally travels from Boston, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Kim McLarin?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Kim McLarin for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Kim McLarin for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Kim McLarin or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
BOOK KIM MCLARIN
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Speakers Similar to Kim McLarin
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