
YOU'RE NOT JUST A
SPEAKER
YOU'RE A CATALYST
THIS SPEAKING COHORT
IS FOR YOU IF:
-
You're filled with anxiety when it’s your turn to speak
-
You’ve been speaking… but not making money
-
You’ve got a story and the desire, but no strategy
-
You want stage presence, not stage panic
-
You’re tired of mediocre courses and want raw, real, RESULTS
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
-
🎤 6 weeks of live virtual coaching with Erika every week
-
🧠 Real-time neuroscience tricks to rewire your fear response
-
🎯 Action-based assignments with actual feedback
-
💥 Private community of other bold AF speakers
-
🎥 Practice sessions with hot-seat feedback (no hiding)
-
💼 Pitch & positioning training so you GET BOOKED
-
💻 Actual resources that are ACTIVELY SEEKING to hire speakers
-
💪🏽 The backend of building a powerhouse speaking business
-
🗒️A solid action plan designed to get you booked right away
This 6-week cohort is limited to just 10 students. Once it's full, you're on the waitlist for the next one. Y'all are not gonna stress me out, LOL 😄!
LEARN HOW TO GET TESTIMONIALS LIKE THESE
EMILY WASHCOVICK
YELP
Erika is a force to be reckoned with. From her skills in public speaking and storytelling, to her ability to build communities, Erika is capable of working with people from all backgrounds and making magic happen with whatever resources are available. We've collaborated for over 5 years now and regardless of the timeline or target audience, Erika can get things done and connect with an audience effortlessly.
SHIRLEY BURNETT
ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Erika brings an unparalleled level of engagement and connection to our college community. Her ability to instantly connect with both students and staff creates an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. The lasting impact of her talk continues to inspire meaningful discussions and a shared commitment to excellence among our college community. I've hired her more than 5 times and I'm amazed at how she can continue to elevate our students!
HALEY WALTON
WALMART
Erika was an incredibly energetic and engaging speaker who truly captivated our group! Her dynamic presentation style and interactive approach kept everyone involved and inspired. Our group left the session with numerous valuable takeaways that we can immediately apply to our personal and professional lives.
BRIAN MONROE
A BETTER COMMUNITY
I needed help with team building with my employees and I reached out to Erika. My staff was having problems with one another which lead to low morale and combative behaviors. Erika provided a session which not only lead my staff to unite but also lead them to respect their fellow colleagues. I highly recommend Erika Gilchrist.
ILLANA S
AMAZON
Hands down, Erika has been one of the best speakers to come and present to my EA team at Worldwide Amazon Fresh. She was engaging, upbeat, relatable and empathetic in talking about her own journey and in showing useful techniques for the EA community on how to deal with ambiguity or self doubt. I would not think twice on having Erika come back to speak to my team or any other team at Amazon. She is AMAZING!
PHOEBE YATES
ELS FORUM
Erika is fantastic to work with! She delivered her award-winning presentation, "Conflict Management Skills for Women," at a forum with 75-80 attendees. She was the only speaker at the event who received a standing ovation. Erika is admirable and inspiring, and her passion and dedication are apparent in her delivery. She is engaging, dynamic, and humorous. I loved working with her so much that I've booked her for another 3 events!

WHO THE HECK IS
ERIKA GILCHRIST?
Let’s get something clear: I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to be a speaker. I’ve been on the mic for over 26 years, speaking on stages that most people dream about and coaching voices that didn’t even know how powerful they were...until they met me.
I’ve trained teams across Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies and shown rising voices how to turn their message into money. I’ve helped people who were scared to speak up now get booked and paid to do what they once avoided.
I built my speaking career from grit, not handouts. I’ve survived domestic violence, rebuilt after losing everything, and stood back up with my voice louder, stronger, and sharper than ever. Every lesson I teach is forged in real-life experience, not theory.
Now let's get the credential thing out of the way:
-
Certified Neuroscience Coach
-
Featured: "One of the 15 Most Powerful Women on the South Side of Chicago"
-
Featured on CLTV, Chicago Woman Magazine, WCIU, Rolling Out Magazine
-
Certified by CornellX University: Teaching & Learning in Diverse Classrooms
-
Recipient of the coveted STAR AWARD from South Suburban College
-
Certified by CatalystX: Unconscious Bias - From Awareness to Action
When you work with me, you’re not getting a coach. You’re getting a strategist. A truth-teller. A leader who will not let you stay small. You don’t need hype. You need clarity, confidence, and someone who knows what the hell they’re doing. That’s me. Let’s go!!

AS FEATURED IN



FAQs 🤔
What’s the investment to join this cohort?
There are two tiers for participation: 6-week Cohort is $3,000. 6-week Cohort + VIP is $4,500. A complete breakdown of what each tier entails can be found HERE. This is not your everyday basic course; it’s a transformation with receipts! If you’re serious about speaking and selling with power, this is the room you want to be in.
Are payment plans available?
Yes. There are three options:
Cohort 2 payments: $1,625
Cohort 3 payments: $1,083.33
Cohort + VIP 2 payments: $2,375
Cohort + VIP 3 payments: $1,583.33
Use third party payment plans like: PayPal Pay Later, Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay
2 or 3 month payment plans include a small finance fee, and must be paid in full before the cohort ends. No exceptions. Third party payment plan does not have a finance fee.
When does the cohort start?
The next round kicks off January 21, 2026. Get in now! Seats are limited and once they’re gone, you are placed on the wait-list for the next cohort.
How is the program delivered?
All sessions are held live with Erika on Zoom, once per week on Wednesdays at 7:00pm CST for 90 minutes. You’ll also receive assignments, exclusive training videos, and access to a private online space to connect with fellow participants.
What if I miss a session?
Life happens, and recordings are available for all live sessions. But this is a high-touch, accelerated experience. Show up ready to grow, or stay where you are. That’s the deal, okay?
Do I need to have speaking experience to join?
Nope. Whether you’re brand new or have some stage time under your belt, this cohort meets you where you are and sharpens your message, your delivery, and your strategy.
Will this help me get booked and paid to speak?
That’s the whole damn point. You’ll learn how to position your story, craft your message, and pitch with confidence. I give you sites that are actively seeking speakers (leads to your inbox, literally), I show you how to get on stages where the audience is there to HIRE SPEAKERS ON THE SPOT, and how to sell to your warm leads in a way that keeps you top of mind. You’ll leave with a razor-sharp action plan, not just theory, babe.
What if I’m not trying to be a full-time speaker?
You don’t have to be. Speaking is a tool. A powerful one. Whether you want to grow your business, boost your brand, or simply stop freezing up in meetings, you’ll still walk away with skills that shift everything.
I'm in! How do I apply?
Dopeness! Click HERE to apply for a spot.