At the launch of this company in 2016, we found ourselves in an era in which trying to find polite ways to state opinions was getting a little stale. And that hasn’t changed. We chose Outspoken as our name, as it is a reflection of the messaging our speakers utilize to push their missions forward. No wishy-washy communication. No diluted speeches. Just clear, open, and honest dialogue in an effort to make this world a better place. We now know this approach inspires audiences to do the same.
And we aren’t any more keen than you on how traditional agencies have operated and historically treated customers. We too have dealt with the classic agency drivel, the underwhelming content, confusing pricing models, too much for too little, and the over-promising and under-delivering. However, our industry is constantly evolving and aiming to elevate the customer experience to ensure you get what you pay for and much more.
Know that speaking agencies like ours exist to provide thoughtful speaker recommendations, to ensure a smooth and seamless experience from start to finish, and to always be available if the unexpected happens before or during your event. We aim to facilitate real conversations that produce lasting impact.
Our name defines our goals. Outspoken Agency. We promise to be honest and proud about the issues that matter most to us, to our speakers and to you. We will also be protective of our promise to deliver you results with each event. We like results. We know you like results. Let’s produce lasting results together.
Caitie Bradley Shea, Chief Executive Officer (she/her)
What do marathons, heli-skiing, and surfing all have in common? Caitie Bradley’s desire to compete. This one likes danger—no doubt about it. She even drives with one hand on the steering wheel. When she isn’t defying gravity, she’s definitely training for her next big race. Caitie is our fearless leader, bringing years of experience representing the incomparable playwright Sarah Jones as well as working operations for Crush Management (think Sia, Fall Out Boy, and Weezer). Her open attitude to this industry brings forth the ability to program with endless possibilities. She makes it happen for you.
Outspoken about: Women’s Rights and Climate Change
What podcast she’s listening to right now: Huberman Lab
Tara Berthier, Chief Revenue Officer (she/her)
Fiddle-toting, guitar-strumming, former Canadian idol contestant, Tara Berthier has just a few talents up her sleeves. And if it doesn’t involve music, you better believe her mouth will still be going. This one has the gift of gab, making friends wherever she goes. Her straightforward and candid dialogue keeps the receiver happy and engaged. This proves to be a perfect combination as she leads the charge for streamlining sales practices and overseeing bookings for the team. With 10 years of experience at major Canadian agencies including National Speakers Bureau and Speakers’ Spotlight, Tara brings a wealth of professional knowledge to both our agency and our clients.
Outspoken about: Mental Health and Children’s Rights
What podcast she’s listening to right now: Criminal
Tori Marra, Chief Operations Officer (she/her)
If something needs planning, look no further. Dubbed “Party Planner Tori aka PPT” as a joke years ago, Tori Marra gets things organized—for better, or better. This one will stress the best for you. And if something fails, she can tap dance a jig to make up for the mistake. No, really, she can. With years of dedicated service in account management, event planning, and operations both at major advertising agency Y&R as well as another speaker’s bureau, Tori has experience keeping a young, startup team performing at the same caliber as a major agency. And she always maintains an honest, open relationship with her clients to ensure everyone is happy with the outcome of their work.
Outspoken about: Poverty and Education
What podcast she’s listening to right now: Armchair Expert
Dave Twombly, "Dean of Dialogue" / Executive VP (he/him)
What group of Charlie’s Angels-esque girl bosses would be complete without their own Bosley of sorts? Dubbed “Prof" for his speaker wisdom and agent training skills, Dave is a veteran to the industry, with over 14 years and 4 agencies under his belt. In that span of time of dedicated service to speaker representation, the curse of the Bambino came to an end, he added a wife and two beautiful, sassy, smart daughters to the world, and his commitment to speaker programming (and the Red Sox) has remained effervescent. Ask him the two things he likes to do the most and he’ll tell you it’s talking on the phone with event sponsors and eating a hot dog at Fenway Park with his ladies in tow. Who knows? You just might give him a call one day and make both happen simultaneously.
Outspoken about: Equality and Justice
What podcast he’s listening to right now: Anything NPR-produced
Sandy Ion, Operations Coordinator (she/her)
Better known around these parts as “Sandypants” (and we hardly know exactly why that stuck), Sandy is our rockstar mama showing us all up on the balancing act of mom life and event management. As a mother of two, she knows how to soothingly make everyone’s day brighter and can always add some positivity when the going gets tough. A Jersey girl at heart with a real “cawfee” (coffee) accent, Sandy has spent over 10 years at multiple agencies juggling ops needs and getting things done with a smile. Our team would never be complete without Pants by our sides.
Outspoken about: Mindfulness and the Environment
What podcast she’s listening to right now: Deep Dive with Jessica St Clair and June Diane Raphael
Devin Forbes, Agent (he/him)
“Discovered” by Tara working at the top restaurants in Halifax, Devin’s quick wit and charm gained her immediate trust and attention. He had her choosing wine from the reserve list before she could even think to ask “What’s your house white?" Sales comes naturally to him, as he has a hard time hearing the word “No” (watch out, event hosts!). Working in the service industry for many years has refined his people skills and helps him to know how to hone in on our clients’ wants and needs. And if he’s having a hard time convincing you, he’ll be sure to flash some photos of his Goldendoodle named Sasha Fierce (aka Beyonce’s alter ego name). Who could say no to that?
Outspoken about: LGBTQ+ Inclusion
What podcasts he’s listening to right now: I’ve Had it, Smartness and Stuff You Should Know
Chelsea Smith, Sales Assistant (she/her)
Creative writing didn’t know what it was missing until Chelsea came around. Since finishing up her MFA at Columbia University, Chelsea is using her creative juices and fiercely attuned sales writing savvy to give our team the edge on sharing our speakers with the world. With a fashion sense that matches her fierce intellect and an intelligence that screams “I’m smarter than my superiors”, Chelsea will be in a leadership position in no time, but we’re calling first dibs on keeping her an Outspoken leader for life.
Outspoken about: Gender Equality and Poverty
What podcast she’s listening to right now: More of a visual person, but would recommend "The Potter’s House At One LA"