FRESH Speakers Academy is a 4-month long, thought leadership training program that follows the arc of developing a successful communications practice through a mix of on-demand classes, live learning sessions, expert coaching, and community-building. Our next program starts in May 2026.
Through Academy Pro, individual members receive the full FRESH Speakers Academy experience, including:
1. Year-long access to our top-rated digital training program, with 20+ on-demand video lessons, and weekly newsletters to help keep you on track.
2. A personalized user account where you can see your progress, engage with the online community, and access worksheets, templates, and other downloadable resources.
3. Access to The Greenroom, our live conversation series with top thought leadership experts exploring topical issues like tokenization, burnout, and "poverty porn.”
4. Individualized coaching support consisting of bi-weekly, small group feedback sessions with a "Coaching Crew" of other members, facilitated by your dedicated coach.
5. Livestreamed classes facilitated by our team for members who prefer to participate in real time and learn along with others.
6. A “FRESH-Certified” Certificate of Completion and the opportunity to be part of The FRESH Directory, our global platform of public speakers.
Our Impact
We've been proud to train 500+ people from over two dozen countries, dozens of whom have received big bet grants for their organizations, secured exciting new partnerships, changed policy, and excelled in their individual careers, including locking down book deals, publishing op-eds, giving TED talks, and much more.
Join the Academy Pro Program
Apply to join our global community of thought leaders making a mark in the world!
Our next program starts in May 2026. Applications are due by April 24th.
Academy Pro Membership: $2,500/year*
*Monthly payment plans available. You will not be charged for your membership until your application is accepted.
Asking for sponsorship from your organization
Your organization can sponsor you for FRESH Speakers Academy as a public leadership development opportunity.
Take a peek at our curriculum.
Develop a TED-style talk
One of the most powerful ways to reach the hearts of people is through storytelling. A great talk surprises its audience, and often brings a fresh outlook to an already well-covered topic. Our curriculum walks you through the development and delivery of a short, TED-style talk.
Cultivate your practice
Our program is comprehensive, and covers other essential thought leadership skills, like your "elevated" elevator pitch, creating a powerful online presence, writing op-eds, and media messaging. You'll walk away with a suite of tools you can use, again and again, and in a wide variety of contexts.
Launch your speaking career
Public speaking not also creates awareness for the issues you hold most dear, but can be a way to make and raise money for you and your organization. Learn how to create a vibrant career in public speaking, or use your skills to fundraise - from negotiation, to event contracts, and your "speaker one pager."