Q&A – Knyja Gadson, Public Speaker & Communications Specialist – Knyja Gadson, Inc.

Knyja (pronounced Nee-sha) Gadson is a trusted and highly sought-after communications specialist, event moderator, and keynote speaker.

The Milwaukee native got her start in communications at just 16 years old as the host of a local Emmy award-winning teen talk show. After high school, Gadson moved to Chicago where she attended Columbia College Chicago to take up Broadcast Journalism and was soon tapped by BET to be the Midwest Correspondent for their popular series Teen Summit.

While earning her MBA in Business Management at the Morris Graduate School of Management, Knyja’s popularity as a media personality continued to garner numerous invitations to host and speak at events. It soon grew into a new career for the doting mother of two. Deemed as a “powerful voice that is needed in the world today” by famed motivational speaker Les Brown, Gadson, through her company, Knyja Gadson, Inc., has been a go-to public speaker and vital communications expert for a long list of high-profile clients for the better part of two decades.

N’DIGO recently sat down with the in-demand orator and self-described “passionate communicator” to learn more about her journey in communications and all that goes into Knyja Gadson, Inc.

N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Knyja Gadson?

Knyja Gadson: Knyia Gadson is a born communicator, a lover of life, family, and friends, a travel enthusiast, and a foodie.

What are three words those closest to you would use to describe you?

Energetic. Empath. Love.

Can you tell us how you made your journey to becoming a communications expert and motivational speaker?

I started young, I was hosting a teen talk show called Teen Forum at 16 years old. I then went on to major in Broadcast Journalism at Columbia College Chicago. My sophomore year in college I was hired by BET to be the Midwest Correspondent for Teen Summit. I then went on to host VIP TV. My career transitioned from there and my motivational speaking career started. I spoke to hundreds of high school and college students in the Chicagoland area and was the keynote speaker for various events, and that has continued even as I transitioned to living on the East Coast. I’ve been speaking for almost 30 years which is wild to think about.

When and where did you find your creative voice?

It was as early as elementary school. I’ve always had a deep love for books. I believe reading helped me find my creative voice early. I developed a vast vocabulary early and was often highlighted for how I spoke. I was merely being who God has called me to be. I believe mountains can be moved if we are willing to just utilize our voice.

Knyja working with client, NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens

Knyja with fellow entrepreneur and host Tabitha Brown

Please tell us about your company, Knyja Gadson, Inc., and some of the services you offer.

Knyja Gadson Inc. houses my public speaking consulting firm, public speaking coaching company, and motivational speaking business. After being called on to write the Hall of Fame speech for NFL legend Terrell Owens, I realized the value of the human story and how I could help people verbalize their own stories. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching doctors, radio hosts, executives, real estate agents, athletes, actors, and entrepreneurs among others.

How do you find balance and what are some things you do for yourself in the name of self-care?

I don’t believe in balance. As a mom of an 8-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son, I simply do the best I can. Some weeks are heavy mom mode and others are heavy work mode. As it relates to self-care, I’ve just recently started making that a non-negotiable. I love the spa, I give myself facials, and I love a good staycation alone to just rest and relax. The time is a necessary reset to be the best person I can be.

Something people would be surprised to know about you?

I am an introvert. Even though I love people and I speak in front of thousands of people. I love to be alone. I also love old-school hip-hop and R&B music. The nostalgia of it is blissful. Lastly, I love to laugh and make people laugh. I’ve been told I should be a comedian.

Can you name a book that changed or impacted your life?

I love Atomic Habits by James Clear. He talks about creating systems instead of goals. He said, “You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.”

What’s the best piece of advice you have been given?

Put on your oxygen mask first.

What’s the best piece of advice that you can give?

The world is waiting for your voice and your story, speak up, speak often.

Favorite quote or affirmation?

“She was given this mountain to show others it can be moved.”