By: Tristan Monk
Brandon Leake, spoken word poet and winner of America’s Got Talent, has found ways to connect with audiences through his creative work. He tells stories and performs live to help people explore meaningful life skills, encouraging self-reflection, personal growth, and stronger connections with others. In workshops and public events, Leake introduces poetry as a versatile and expressive tool that can bring personal stories to life.
Turning Poetry Into a Life Lesson
Leake grounds his message in personal experience. Raised in Stockton, California, he faced challenges that shaped his early years. Rather than letting them define him, he turned adversity into fuel for his art. That journey led him to Called To Move (CTM), an organization that aims to use poetry to deepen self-understanding and support personal potential.
In every workshop, Leake does more than teach poetry. He encourages participants to reflect, set goals, and recognize the strength in their experiences. One of CTM’s key programs, Journey – Self Actualization, invites individuals to explore how their past might guide their growth. Leake’s approach to storytelling as a learning tool helps participants speak honestly and move forward with greater clarity.
He creates an environment that often fosters openness and respect. Participants write, share, and listen in settings designed to build trust and mutual understanding. These experiences can strengthen empathy and communication skills in classrooms, workplaces, and communities.
Expanding Creative Writing Access
Building on his commitment to youth and education, Brandon Leake, alongside his poetic residency program, has recently partnered with Vertex Education to co-create a digital junior high creative writing curriculum that aims to bring his storytelling techniques into classrooms across the country. Brandon Leake Inc. and Vertex Education plan to offer the course nationwide and share it through both Brandon’s platform and Vertex Education’s school network, providing schools with a fresh, inspiring approach to creative writing.
This one-semester course draws inspiration from Brandon’s unique voice to help students craft original work, build confidence in sharing their stories, and connect through creativity. Brandon Leake and instructional experts collaborated on the curriculum, blending engaging multimedia, practical writing strategies, and community-building activities to nurture young writers’ growth. The organizations intend to offer the course to students nationwide, expanding opportunities for creative self-expression and personal development.
Local Roots to International Reach
The same message that shaped Leake’s work in Stockton now extends to audiences around the world. He tours New Zealand, Mexico, and Canada, introducing new communities to the potential of spoken word as a means of connection. Events like the Dark Side Tour demonstrate how poetry can cross cultural boundaries and unite people through shared understanding.
This global presence supports his ongoing efforts in the United States. Leake regularly visits schools and universities, leading sessions on identity, mental health, and personal development. His talks engage audiences and offer strategies that may help with building self-awareness, managing stress, and improving collaboration. Teachers and students often describe the experience as thoughtful, energizing, and relevant to everyday life.
While his work has earned national recognition, including an Emmy and multiple Telly Awards, its most meaningful impact may be seen in the individuals who attend his events. Many leave with a clearer sense of purpose and new tools for navigating personal or social struggles.
Supporting Young Voices Through Expression
Leake remains committed to reaching young people who might feel overlooked or uncertain about their place in the world. Through his workshops, he aims to motivate them to speak up, build self-worth, and find value in their experiences. He reminds students that their stories matter.
Each session emphasizes personal responsibility, goal setting, and collaboration. Students are encouraged to stay focused, overcome challenges, and support one another. These lessons may help prepare them for life after school—whether in college, the workplace, or their communities.
As demand for his work grows, Leake continues to expand his programs through new live events and digital platforms. His sessions seek to create space for open dialogue, deep listening, and real growth. Through poetry, he strives to build connections and inspire people everywhere to reflect, evolve, and lead purposefully.
