Up Close With Our Keynotes

Jade Simmons View Profile

Transformative Leadership Expert & Motivational Pianist

“I didn’t go to school to become classical music’s ‘Number One Maverick,’ said Jade Simmons – despite the fact that it’s a title that has stuck.

“I just wanted to play the piano. When I first got started, I had all these images in my head of what it meant to be a classical pianist… and if I’m being really honest, none of it looked like what I’m doing now.”

Her career took off when she started doing one monumental thing: talking.

“There was such a big difference between coming out on stage… and never talking to you the whole time. We’ve been trained to focus so much on the instrument, and the music, and the dead composers. We weren’t supposed to bring ourselves to the music,” she said.

Now, she has taken that model and turned it sideways.

Simmons has been named classical music’s Number One Maverick by repeatedly defying expectations and delivering riveting performances and innovating at every turn.

Simmons is one of the most versatile concert artists on the scene today. However, she doesn’t simply play the piano to impress audiences: she uses the piano as an instrument for providing inspiration, information, and entertainment in order to profoundly move people.

Listed as one of Ebony magazine’s “Top 30 Leaders under 30”, Simmons’ impressive musical background and diverse cultural experiences have made her a pioneer and source of inspiration for her legions of fans.

In her truly unique keynotes, Simmons offers her inspiring messages alongside her world renowned piano performances. Her expertise has been called upon by an array of organizations looking to create a culture of excellence and foster meaningful change.

A gifted speaker, her presentations give powerful insights into how creating a unique leadership brand can inspire the creation of ideas that will have a lasting impact on the world. With boundless energy and intellect, Jade Simmons teaches audiences not only how to lead, but how to start achieving beyond what they ever thought possible.