Deborah Benson

Brainstormer, Business adviser, Change Agent, Concerned citizen, Connector, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Environmentalist, Explorer, Foodie, Global soul, Idea generator, Performer, World traveler, Writer/Editor

For 25 years, Deborah has worked closely with a wide range of creators and leaders to uncover insights from their work and craft entertaining and inspiring talks. Through her speakers bureau, Changemaker Talent, Deborah represents and coaches a wide variety of artists, poets, scientists, astronauts, leaders, and entrepreneurs—many of them, TED speakers and Fellows—and she serves as a speechwriter and public speaking coach for original thinkers, from creatives to CEOs. While living in Washington, DC, Deborah co-created and ran day-to-day operations for the National Geographic Speakers Bureau and served as head of marketing and business development for the National Geographic Live touring speaker series. Today, she tours a broad range of storytellers in the branded Changemaker Speaker Series. In the late 90s, Deborah served as national director of affiliate marketing for Bravo TV Network and the Independent Film Channel, in New York, where she was charged with bringing the networks' programming to life, through collaborations with touring Broadway shows and musicians; Sundance, Cannes, and SXSW festivals; and community arts programs. Deborah is also a public speaking coach for SONY and its Artisans of Imagery Program. She has consulted or served Board and Council posts for a wide variety of organizations committed to making a difference, including Zoo Atlanta, Geffen Playhouse, KCRW public radio, Grand Canyon Trust, TED, and Ripple Effect Images, and Home Storytellers. Deborah completed the inaugural Graduate Media Management Program at The New School, in Manhattan, and earned her undergraduate degree in Communications from Florida State University.

nature, wildlife, the 17 SDGs, curious minds, big hearts, connecting, building bridges, storytelling, engagement, authenticity, yoga, hiking, cycling, my friends & family, the Arts, education, theater, travel, food, wine, friendship, love, curiosity

Is this (thought, relationship, project, environment, idea) causing me to expand or contract? Love is always expansive.

Business Development, Cause Marketing, Community Engagement, Marketing, Performing Arts Programming, Public Relations, Public Speaking, Speaker Coaching, Speechwriter, Start-ups, Strategic Growth, Strategic Partnership, Talent Representation, Workshops, Writing

I believe in the power of storytelling to change the world. TEDWomen 2015 launched my personal TED journey--they had me at, “Hello!” I served TED HQ as a TEDx Councilmember in 2018 & 2019 and a TEDCircles pilot host in 2020. I am currently a speaker coach and co-curator for TEDx Boca Raton 2022.

Cooking a mean khoresh karafs