Meet Maya Carpenter

We were lucky to catch up with Maya Carpenter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maya, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

When you are used to being the only one in the room who looks like you, you develop a heightened sense of self-awareness, and that has been invaluable for my success. In my work, I emphasize the importance of social-emotional learning, which I teach both on my platform and in my talks. A key component of this is practicing empathy, regardless of where you are, because we are each unique. To truly adapt and thrive, it’s essential to understand those around you, even when they may be entirely different. I’ve found that success comes when you deeply know yourself and can confidently bring that authenticity into any space. When you combine that self-awareness with empathy, that’s where you can be the most effective.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am currently accepting bookings for speaking engagements, where I focus on social-emotional learning and teaching others how to turn rejection into their greatest ally. I consider myself a walking brand because my work spans multiple roles — I’m a speaker, writer, educator, host, and facilitator. Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do. Whether I’m on stage speaking, working with organizations, or in my role as an HR Director, I use storytelling to connect with audiences and bring ideas to life. It’s an exciting space to be in because it allows me to capture attention, share powerful messages, and make an impact in various settings.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I may sound like a broken record, but empathy, self-awareness, and compassion have been the most impactful qualities in my journey. Developing these has served me well.To be honest, I still feel like I’m early in my journey, so it’s sometimes difficult to give definitive advice. What I often tell people is to stay curious and committed to growth. Take time to genuinely listen to others, reflect on your own actions, and practice grace when things don’t go as planned. The more you lean into these qualities, the better prepared you’ll be to navigate the ups and downs of your path.

How would you describe your ideal client?

This is such a great question. My ideal client would be a TEDx or TED-Ed stage. What sets my talks apart is that I’m not just motivating — I’m educating as well. My goal is to ensure that when someone leaves the room, they’ve learned something valuable and practical. I want my audience to walk away with actionable steps, not just inspiration, so I strive to create a blend of teaching and empowerment in every talk.

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