Mara Menzies

Award-Winning Performance Storyteller & Narrative Artist; Author of 'Blood and Gold'; Founder of Msitu wa Ndoto (Forest of Dreams)

Edinburgh, UK
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: $10,000 - $20,000 More Fee Info
Author, Black Heritage, Mental Health, Performing Arts, Storytelling
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Mara Menzies Biography

Mara Menzies is a highly accomplished and sought-after speaker renowned for her exceptional storytelling skills, insightful perspectives, and dedication to addressing pressing global issues through narrative. With a diverse background and extensive experience, Menzies has captivated audiences in over 30 countries worldwide, earning recognition for her ability to craft bespoke narratives that resonate deeply with listeners.

Having honed her craft over years of practice, Mara Menzies is celebrated as an award-winning storyteller, earning prestigious accolades such as the Stage Award for Acting Excellence at the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2022. This recognition underscores her mastery of the art form and her ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.

In addition to her achievements in storytelling, Menzies is also a talented author, with her debut novel, ""Blood and Gold,"" receiving the Saltire Award for Scottish Book of Fiction in 2022. Through her writing, she showcases her ability to create rich, immersive worlds and explore complex themes with depth and nuance.

Menzies is widely regarded for her exceptional public speaking skills, which she employs to engage and inspire audiences on a wide range of topics. From addressing the transformative power of storytelling to advocating for climate justice and peace-building efforts in conflict zones such as Colombia, she brings a unique blend of passion, insight, and empathy to her presentations.

Furthermore, Mara Menzies has collaborated with esteemed organizations and institutions, including the University of Edinburgh, the Mastercard Foundation, and Lionsgate Ltd, The British Council, The British Library, where she has applied her storytelling expertise to various projects and initiatives. Her work with these partners exemplifies her versatility and ability to adapt her storytelling approach to diverse audiences and contexts.

One of the key themes in Menzies' speaking engagements is the exploration of the nexus between traditional knowledge and contemporary issues. For instance, her discussions on the relationship between traditional rainmakers in Turkana and modern meteorologists offer a compelling lens through which to examine indigenous wisdom and its relevance in today's world.

She is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Msitu wa Ndoto (Forest of Dreams), a celebration of Kenyan stories in the heart of an ancient baobab forest in Kilifi County, Kenya where she uses the arts to celebrate the rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the nation.

Through her dynamic and thought-provoking presentations, Mara Menzies continues to inspire and empower audiences to think critically, empathize deeply, and take action on issues that matter. With her unwavering commitment to using storytelling as a tool for positive change, she embodies the transformative potential of narrative in shaping hearts, minds, and communities for a better future.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 04/28/2025.

Mara Menzies Speaking Topics

  • Understanding the Power of Stories to Inform and Inspire

    In this impactful presentation, Mara delves deep into the profound influence of storytelling. Drawing from the ancient wisdom of her dual African and Scottish traditions and narratives, together we explore the beauty of how stories not only inform but also inspire. Through an exploration of archetypal narratives and personal anecdotes, the audience will gain a profound understanding of the power inherent in storytelling to shape organizational culture, foster authentic connections, and drive meaningful change. By embracing the art of storytelling, leaders will uncover a potent tool for uniting teams, cultivating empathy, and galvanizing action towards shared goals.

    We examine the intricacies of how stories resonate within the human psyche, catalyzing profound shifts in perception and behaviour through an immersive blend of 'old bone' stories and personal anecdotes. Attendees will leave equipped with a newfound appreciation for the art of storytelling and a toolkit of practical techniques to integrate storytelling into both their personal lives and business practices effectively. Whether it's enhancing internal communications, capturing the attention of investors, or engaging customers on a deeper level, understanding the power of stories is essential for anyone looking to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

  • Loosen Your Tongue: The Power of Storytelling for Corporate Resilience

    In the fast-paced and dynamic landscape of today's corporate world, effective communication is key to overcoming challenges and fostering resilience. "Loosen Your Tongue" is designed to empower companies with the art and science of storytelling, offering a transformative experience to navigate and conquer hurdles.

    During this interactive presentation, participants will delve into the fundamentals of storytelling, exploring how even the simplest of narratives can be powerful tools for communication, connection, and problem-solving. The presentation is tailored to address specific challenges faced by companies, fostering an environment where storytelling becomes a strategic asset in overcoming obstacles.

    Key Highlights:

    Understanding the Power of Stories:

    • Learn how narratives shape perspectives, influence decision-making, and foster empathy.

    Crafting Compelling Corporate Narratives:

    • Identify and refine key corporate messages and values.
    • Develop techniques for weaving narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, both internally and externally.

    Navigating Crisis through Storytelling:

    • Provide practical examples of techniques to communicate effectively during challenging times.
    • Learn how to use narratives to inspire confidence, maintain transparency, and rally teams in times of crisis.

    Enhancing Team Collaboration:

    • Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation through storytelling. -Encourage employees to share their stories, creating a more connected and engaged workforce.

    Building a Storytelling Culture:

    • Develop strategies to embed storytelling into the corporate culture.
    • Encourage leaders to lead by example, sharing their narratives to inspire and motivate their teams.

    By the end of the "Loosen Your Tongue" presentation, participants will leave with a newfound appreciation for the impact of storytelling in overcoming challenges, equipped with practical tools to integrate storytelling into their area of interest. This presentation aims to empower companies to transform obstacles into opportunities through the compelling and authentic narratives they create and share.

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Mara Menzies Videos

Blood and Gold Trailer

Blood and Gold Trailer

An exploration of the legacy of colonialism and slavery through legend, myth, and fantasy. Part of the Made in Scotland 2019 showcase. Written and...

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Blood and Gold: A Journey of Shadows
Blood and Gold: A Journey of Shadows

  • How do I book Mara Menzies to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Mara Menzies

    Speaking fees for Mara Menzies, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Mara Menzies are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Mara Menzies, click the Check Availability 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 Mara Menzies speak about?

    Mara Menzies is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Black Heritage, Mental Health, Performing Arts, Storytelling

  • Where does Mara Menzies travel from?

    Mara Menzies generally travels from Edinburgh, UK, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.

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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Mara Menzies 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 Availability 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 Mara Menzies for your next private or corporate function.

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Mara Menzies is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Understanding the Power of Stories to Inform and Inspire, Loosen Your Tongue: The Power of Storytelling for Corporate Resilience and Navigating the Depths: Unveiling the Power of Storytelling for Mental Wellbeing. The estimated speaking fee range to book Mara Menzies for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Mara Menzies generally travels from Edinburgh, UK and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Lane Gardner, L'Oreal Thompson Payton, Anne Kajuju Ikiara, Jennifer Gulbrand and Arielle Estoria. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Mara Menzies for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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