You belong in the room.
So now it’s time to own it.
The Public Speaking Incubator for Socially-Driven Women of Color to Find Your Authentic Voice, Accelerate Your Speaker Platform, and Learn to Transform the Room as the Changemaker You Are.
You know that claiming your spot on the stage is the next step in your growth.
You’ve done the work of establishing your platform, even if you still have big goals for growth.
You’ve made the decision to stop hiding from yourself and do what you’ve been called to do.
You’ve risen in the ranks and paid your dues because you’re damn good at what you do … and those around you know it.
But you know that what has gotten you here won’t get you there:
You, delivering your keynote speech in front of hundreds or thousands of audience members, fully standing in your Zone of Excellence — and catalyzing the change you want to make in the world.
Fellowship
With other women who get it
Strategies
That are proven — and that work for you
Support
And guidance from leaders in public speaking.
So that you can grow your public speaking career like you’re meant to.
That’s what we’re building in The Catalyst Academy.
Introducing
The Catalyst Academy
The Public Speaking Incubator for Leading Women of Color
Looking to Claim and Master the Stage
The Catalyst Academy wasn’t just built with you in mind — it was built for you.
There are too many spaces in the corporate and online world where Women of Color — Black women especially — are forced to choose between being themselves or fitting into the mold of who they’re “supposed” to be.
Of being what’s “acceptable.”
They’re told that their hair is too big, or their voice is too loud, or the way they drop the “g’s” off the ends of words is a little too … unprofessional.
They aim to coach us out of our authenticity.
The coded language and microaggressions all point to one status quo that it’s up to us to break: We are no longer willing to conform to their standards or be shut out of the room.
We belong. It’s time for us to own it.
In The Catalyst Academy, you will gain the tools, strategy, and support to help you go from just building your platform to the go-to woman in your sphere.
Here’s how the program works:
A curated community and network of other trailblazing women of color doing life-changing, culture-shifting work
Weekly live coaching support with Rhonda to help you laser-focus on your speaking goals and platform needs
Hot-seat coaching opportunities to get one-on-one guidance on your top public speaking questions
Proven systems and framework to craft and deliver your signature talks
Exclusive monthly content delivered by Rhonda and industry-leading guest experts to help you build your brand, platform, and refine your public speaking skills
Now is the time to apply.
You are the catalyst for the change you wish to see in the world. Let’s expand your reach.
It’s always been our time, but this is our moment.
For too long Women of Color have been shut out of the spaces we built. While we’ve been the backbone running organizations, sending men to the moon, and building this entire country, we’ve also been locked out of the room where decisions are made and careers are launched.
So I’ll say it again:
It’s always been our time. But this is our moment.
As the country undergoes a long-needed awakening from the cultural slumber that time over time oppresses us, it’s our time to seize the moment we’re in.
It’s our time to claim what’s rightfully ours and use our voices to be the catalyst for the change we need in this country and around the world.
You feel the call to speak, and I want you to also know this is also your duty.
You are the changemaker. The maverick. You are called to change the world. Getting your message out is a start to the revolution you’re creating on this planet.
It’s time to own your calling.
Are you ready to be the catalyst?
Stages my clients have transformed
What People Are Saying
With Rhonda’s expertise and support, I was able to prepare and deliver a comedic keynote on an emotionally heavy topic. Rhonda helped me to grow my confidence in giving a talk with no notes and was instrumental in refining my performance. She’s the best speaking coach in the business!
- Iffy Ibekwe,JD Founder of Ibekwe Law
When running for city council against 16 other candidates, I needed a way to communicate my platform and stand out among the pack. Rhonda equipped me with the tools to be prepared and impactful in my debates. She taught me to start with my end goal and organize my talking points to advance that goal. Rhonda not only helped me with my speech but also helped me clarify and express my ideas and connect with voters.
-Roberta English, Executive Director, Wildlife Prairie Park
Your growth is vital to our success.
(Not just for The Catalyst Academy, but for the whole world.)
So here’s how we’ll help you move from just getting started to the go-to expert.
If you’re just getting started,you’re an Igniter
You know …
- You want to speak and know your area of focus
- You have public speaking experience, but you’re not getting paid what you’re worth (if at all)
- You don’t have your signature talk down
- You’re just beginning to get media exposure on podcasts
The Catalyst Academy will help you …
- Learn your voice and give you the tools to own it
- Build your confidence in your mission
- Help you gain momentum in your media features and speaking opportunities
- Guide you in creating your signature messaging
If you’re building your platform and getting visible, you’re a Generator
You know …
- You have a platform that’s being built … but you’re not quite calling in all the fans yet
- You speak every once in a while, but it’s still low pay, unpaid, or honorarium
- You are gaining some exposure in media outlets
- Your signature talk is a little more than an idea, but still needs help
The Catalyst Academy will help you …
- Gain more visibility and get in bigger rooms
- Get your signature talk and message nailed down
- Start charging for your time, or charging more
- Believe you are powerful enough to change the world
If you’re starting to get in the room where it happens, you’re an Energizer.
You know …
- Your platform is commanding attention and growing every day
- You’re getting featured on podcasts and other media regularly
- You’re speaking at conferences and events frequently — even if you’re not a keynote yet
- You’re getting paid and you’re busy but grateful for the traction
The Catalyst Academy will help you …
- Identify what opportunities are aligned with your goals so you can be selective and focused
- Create specific but varied talks that are refined and customizable to the audience
- Expand your platform beyond the current space and level up your media exposure
- Set boundaries while also staying visible and present for your audience
If you’re now the “Known Expert,” you’re a Catalyst.
You know …
- You are the person (or one of the people) that is sought out for leadership and information in your area
- You require a premium rate — 5-figures minimum — to get on the stage
- You have a strong platform, and media appearances that are aligned and highly-visible are your focus now
- You’re expanding your impact beyond what you’ve ever imagined, and you’re transforming lives one talk at a time
The Catalyst Academy will help you …
- Refine your signature talks and messages so you continue to respond to your audience needs
- Stay intentional and aligned with your goals, or help you pivot and customize with current events and the market
- Create and support healthy boundaries while continuing to grow and engage your audience
- Provide space for others to get the spotlight and generate opportunities for new voices to be amplified
Let’s get down to the details, yeah?
Here’s what you’re really getting inThe Catalyst Academy:
Training series
Access to my 3-part training series Identify, Clarify, and Amplify so that you can access the fundamentals on building your signature talk, up-leveling your media exposure, and getting on the stages you want
Weekly live coaching
Weekly live coaching sessions with Rhonda for laser-focused feedback on your top public speaking concerns and questions
Hot-seat coaching
Hot-seat coaching opportunities to get one-on-one guidance on your top public speaking questions
Access Tools
Access to my top strategies, templates, and framework to craft and deliver your talks seamlessly, effortlessly, and with confidence
Exclusive content
Exclusive monthly content delivered by Rhonda and industry-leading guest experts to help you build your brand, platform, and speaking points
Community and support
Community and support from trailblazing women doing life-changing, culture-shifting work so that you can enhance your network and find fellowship
Ready to start your journey?
Then let’s go, sis!
Meet Rhonda Khan: Your Catalyst Coach
Hey, I’m Rhonda, professional actor, speech-language pathologist for more than a decade — and change-agent for women of color looking to claim the stage with masterful public speaking.
My goal is to help dynamic women of color leaders become even more powerful communicators so they can truly change the world.
Though I’ve performed and spoken on stages across the country, finding my own voice was no simple task.
I grew up a shy, awkward kid who wanted to be heard but was crippled with the fear of being judged. I spoke in ways that were not authentic to who I was and did not serve me. I felt anxious when speaking in a group, and my voice and body language screamed “low self-esteem and people pleaser.”
I got fed up with constantly being ignored, disrespected, and misunderstood.
Through my training as an actor and speech pathologist, I became aware of the behaviors and thoughts that were limiting me, and I began to challenge myself to make changes. Soon, my shyness turned to engagement, my confidence overshadowed my insecurities, and my fear evolved into power. Now I take what I’ve learned and use it to empower others to find their voice.
Even if you’re near the beginning of your public speaking career or you’re already starting to command attention on the stage, the truth is this:
We’re stronger together.
We belong in all the rooms where decisions are made.
It’s our time to claim the stage.
The Catalyst Academy is built to give you the network, connection, strategy, and support you need to get where you want to go in your public speaking career.
The Catalyst Academy isn’t right for everyone.
I understand that — just how I know that Beyonce isn’t for everyone, either. (I mean, I guess I understand that.)
But here it is, in plain English, who this Academy is for and who it isn’t.
The Catalyst Academy
is the solution for women of color who are
Seeking a close-knit, high-level, high-impact community of like-minded and driven women who are pursuing their goals of catalyzing change in the world through sharing their message.
Wanting the proven tools, resources, custom strategy from leading experts in public speaking and other areas to help them build their platform, signature talks, and mindset about being visible.
Looking to accelerate their mission and use speaking to elevate their work while still staying balanced and maintaining healthy boundaries in the process.
Demanding to get paid what they’re worth — and they’re tired of taking honorariums or being paid little to no compensation for their time or expertise.
Keenly invested in their growth and are ready to fully show up and do the work necessary to get their voice heard.
The Catalyst Academy isn’t the right fit for …
Those who are looking for quick tips or easy solutions.
Anyone who is just “thinking” about trying public speaking out.
Women who have never spoken anywhere before, not even at work or in school.
Those who are only looking to be a better speaker at work, rather than supporting their larger mission.
Anyone who is curious about public speaking, but who isn’t committed or ready to invest in long-term growth.
Can you see yourself here?
Then I invite you to apply to join The Catalyst Academy.
Working with Rhonda was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself both professionally and personally. Within just a few weeks, I saw a marked difference in how I approach personal interactions as well as professional presentations. Rhonda helped me address my anxieties as well as giving me a practical toolkit for speaking up and owning my voice. Thanks to Rhonda, public speaking no longer seems like an insurmountable hurdle!
-Sarvenaz Tash, Bestselling Author
Rhonda Khan is a gem. After over 10 years of public speaking, I felt I was hitting a wall. I needed to get professional help and am so happy to have met Rhonda! She not only teaches you the principles behind delivering a killer speech but she gets you to reach deep to your core so that it comes from your heart. She doesn't change your message but she certainly helps you amplify it. Rhonda is a necessary partner for any public speaker or storyteller!
-Marsha Guerrier, Founder HerSuite Spot
[1]: /s/Marsha.png [1]: /s/Cynthia.png
Rhonda is an amazing public speaking coach. Because of her coaching, I gave a solid talk that audience members were raving about afterwards, calling it the best presentation of the day. If you are serious about elevating your public speaking skills, Rhonda is the coach for you!
-Cynthia Pong, Feminist Career Strategist, Embrace Change
I have worked with Rhonda three times now (I know I am addicted to her) and she is a true coach in every sense of the word. She helped me believe in myself, challenge my own insecurities, listen to my intuition and feelings, and speak up. Her encouragement, her positivity, authenticity, and vulnerability make her a great friend and coach. She helped me craft and deliver two talks, as well as prepare for an interview to be selected to be an MC! Rhonda is able to transmit so much inner power, and strength that after working with her you feel so powerful and invincible!
-Alejandra Porta, Co-Founder Shine Bootcamp
[1]: /s/Alejandra-Porta.png
Rhonda Khan is part of my speaker toolkit. As a speaker, I am always seeking to improve and inspire. Rhonda's coaching method has helped me lean into my confidence while speaking on stages at Nike, Intel, Amazon, and more.
-Minda Harts, Author of The Memo
[1]: /s/Minda-Harts.png
I had such a beautiful experience working with Rhonda. I not only developed more confidence in myself as a speaker, but I realized my voice has value even when speaking outside of my "professional" spaces. Prior to the program, I was nervous about the idea of promoting myself as an author because I didn't know how I would be received. I'm confident in my roles as an educator and social service administrator, but there is a level of vulnerability and fear I felt going out there on my own. Rhonda helped me see that I'm the same person...loaded with experience, expertise, and passion, making me a credible author, speaker, and business owner. My experience with her prepared me for my very first keynote address a few months later, which I would have never accepted before working with Rhonda! I feel better equipped and looking forward to my continued growth as a speaker. I can’t wait to work with Rhonda again!
-Evelyn Joy Coker, Author, Speaker, Coach
[1]: /s/Evelyn-Joy-Coker.pngThere are some things you may be wondering …
What can I expect from this type of program?
Support. Community. Resources. I’m bringing the best assets I’ve gathered over the past decade as a public speaking coach, professional actor, and speech-language pathologist to help you get the exact systems to develop a lasting public speaking career.
When is the next cohort?
There are no cohorts. The Catalyst Academy is an ongoing program with rolling admissions, so you can apply anytime.
What if I want Rhonda’s help one-on-one?
In The Catalyst Academy, you get consistent coaching with Rhonda throughout the entire program. While group programs provide a different vibe and structure than one-on-one work, they can be the thing you need to get the support, guidance, and resources some other coaches and communities lack — especially those not geared toward uplifting the voices of Women of Color.
I have another question you haven’t answered!
No problem! If you have another question, I’d love to hear from you. Shoot me an email at rhonda@simplyspeechsolutions.com and let’s have a dialogue.
This is the year you do it.
Not next year, not “sometime.” Now is the time to take your spot on the stage and own it. Let’s get you there together.