Meet Leia Baez: a Mic Drop Academy graduate, published author, keynote speaker, and a woman whose story of transformation through sobriety inspires everyone she meets.
Leia’s passion lies in empowering others to embrace their true selves, love who they are, and find strength in their own authenticity. Her journey of resilience and self-discovery has touched audiences from all walks of life, showing how owning your story can unlock fulfillment and success.
In this interview, Leia shares more about her journey, her mission, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Read on to get inspired and connect with her wisdom.
What inspired you to pursue public speaking?
For more than 15 years, I worked as a journalist, sharing uplifting and empowering stories that inspired others. However, it wasn’t until I shared my own story of overcoming adversity that I discovered the true power of storytelling. Despite being nervous about opening up about my struggles, including my battle with alcohol addiction, I trusted my intuition. I delivered a commencement speech at Bellevue University in 2018, where I earned my master’s degree. That speech went viral, reaching over 6.5 million people, and revealed to me the impact my story could have. Since then, I’ve continued to share my journey as a speaker and author, publishing my memoir, “A Star for Stella: A Mother’s Journey to Overcome,” in 2021.
as a public speaker, Who is your main audience?
Young professionals and women
What is a struggle you’ve encountered as a thought leader and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a thought leader is learning to embrace the NOs. In this industry, especially as a speaker, rejection is inevitable—there will always be plenty of NOs to opportunities, engagements, and pitches. But I’ve learned that perseverance and unwavering ambition are key. Each NO brings us closer to the YES that can transform our careers. Rather than seeing rejection as a setback, I view it as a stepping stone. The speaker industry teaches us that those powerful, life-changing YESes are worth every NO along the way.
What is one of your proudest accomplishments so far in your public speaking career?
My proudest accomplishment in my speaking career has been hearing how my story has impacted others. One moment that stands out is when a woman reached out after hearing me speak and reading my book. She shared how it inspired her to reevaluate her relationship with alcohol and completely transform her life. That moment was a powerful reminder of the impact vulnerability and authenticity can have. Knowing that sharing my struggles can help someone else turn their life around is why I do this work. It’s why I want to continue speaking—to turn my pain into purpose, to make a difference, and to help others find their own strength through my story.
What is a speaking career goal are you currently working towards and how is it going?
One of my biggest goals is to be more present, especially as a mother. As a single mom with a demanding schedule of work and speaking engagements, life can feel nonstop. I’ve made the intentional decision to take a few months to slow down and truly focus on my daughter. Coaching volleyball has allowed me to spend more quality time with her and be fully engaged in her life. She is my world, and I’ve realized how often we let precious moments slip by while chasing the next big opportunity. This season, I’m prioritizing pausing, embracing self-care, practicing self-love, and cherishing time with my family.
What is something you love about speaking?
Every time I step on stage, I feel an incredible rush—it fills my soul in a way that confirms I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. Speaking lights me up and brings me immense joy, which I feel deeply in my core. Beyond the personal fulfillment, what truly drives me is hearing how my story has impacted others. Whether as a storyteller, a sobriety advocate, or simply as someone who has overcome adversity, I’m passionate about using my journey to inspire and help others.
What tip do you have for people who want to write or speak?
Schedule time for it each week. Even 30 minutes done consistently each week is better than a periodic hour here and there.
What advice would you give your 10-year-old self?
You will accomplish great things. Never stop dreaming big!
Book Leia to speak here.
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