Brian J. Olds

Dr. Brian J. Olds wasn’t born with a natural enthusiasm for public speaking. As a certified introvert turned professional speaker, the Baltimore native inadvertently entered the world of speaking when he delivered his first speech to the Morgan State University Toastmasters Club in 2006. Recalling this as one of his most defining life moments, Brian instantly connected to his passion when he found himself in front of a standing ovation at the conclusion of that speech.

Identified as a “curator of collaboration”, Brian specializes in empowering rising professional speakers to create clarity, streamline systems and cultivate the relationships needed to reach the unique audience they are called to serve.

His passion for speaking, diversity, and building relationships led him to create Black Speakers Network (BSN), a membership-based professional speaker development and empowerment association. With a growing network of over 15,000, Black Speakers Network is the largest and most supportive global community, dedicated to serving underrepresented speakers at all levels in their careers.

In 2021, Dr. Olds received an honorary doctorate degree from United Graduate College & Seminary International in recognition of his life’s commitment and global impact in advancing the voice of underrepresented speakers.

With a deep appreciation for the artistry of speaking at the helm of his career, Dr. Olds is defining success on his own terms. His impact is illustrated perfectly in industry mate Zig Ziglar’s quote, “It’s not where you start – it’s where you finish that counts.”