Speak

What's "Speak: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut, and Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be" about?

• Personal Journey: The book is a memoir by Tunde Oyeneyin, detailing her journey from feeling lost and disconnected to becoming a successful Peloton instructor.
• Finding Purpose: It explores how Tunde found her calling in cycling and teaching, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's inner voice and embracing uncertainty.
• Empowerment and Growth: The narrative is centered around personal empowerment, growth, and the courage to pursue one's dreams despite challenges and societal expectations.
• SPEAK Framework: Tunde introduces her SPEAK framework, which stands for Surrender, Power, Empathy, Authenticity, and Knowledge, as a guide to finding one's voice and purpose.

Why should I read "Speak: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut, and Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be"?

• Inspiration: The book offers an inspiring story of transformation and resilience, encouraging readers to pursue their passions and overcome self-doubt.
• Practical Advice: Tunde provides practical advice and insights through her SPEAK framework, which can be applied to personal and professional growth.
• Relatable Experiences: Readers may find Tunde's experiences with body image, career changes, and personal loss relatable and comforting.
• Empowerment: The book empowers readers to trust their instincts, embrace their authentic selves, and take action towards their goals.

What are the key takeaways of "Speak: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut, and Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be"?

• Trust Your Gut: Tunde emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice and intuition when making life decisions.
• Embrace Uncertainty: The book highlights the beauty of uncertainty and how it opens up infinite possibilities for growth and change.
• SPEAK Framework: The framework of Surrender, Power, Empathy, Authenticity, and Knowledge serves as a guide for personal development and finding one's voice.
• Resilience and Growth: Tunde's story demonstrates the power of resilience and the ability to grow through adversity and challenges.

How does Tunde Oyeneyin's SPEAK framework work?

• Surrender: Letting go of control and embracing the unknown to open up new possibilities.
• Power: Recognizing and harnessing one's inner strength and potential to drive change.
• Empathy: Leading with compassion and understanding towards oneself and others.
• Authenticity: Being true to oneself and embracing one's unique identity and voice.
• Knowledge: Continuously learning and growing to support personal and professional development.

What are some of the best quotes from "Speak: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut, and Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be" and what do they mean?

• "The beauty of uncertainty is infinite possibility." This quote highlights the potential for growth and new opportunities that come with embracing the unknown.
• "Trusting your gut is choosing to lean toward the voice that propels you forward." It emphasizes the importance of listening to one's intuition and inner voice when making decisions.
• "When you are yourself, your people are better able to find you." This quote underscores the value of authenticity and being true to oneself to attract the right people and opportunities.
• "You can let your past dictate your story or you can pull from it to create something new." It encourages readers to use past experiences as a foundation for growth and change rather than being held back by them.

How did Tunde Oyeneyin find her calling in cycling?

• First Cycling Class: Tunde experienced a moment of clarity and joy during her first cycling class, which led her to envision a future in cycling.
• Blue-Light Vision: She describes a "blue-light vision" where she saw herself teaching cycling on a global platform, which became a guiding force in her journey.
• Pursuing the Vision: Despite initial doubts and challenges, Tunde pursued her vision by becoming a cycling instructor and eventually joining Peloton.
• Support System: Her friends and mentors played a crucial role in encouraging her to follow her passion and believe in her potential.

What challenges did Tunde Oyeneyin face on her journey to success?

• Body Image Issues: Tunde struggled with body image and self-esteem issues from a young age, which she had to overcome to find confidence in herself.
• Career Changes: Transitioning from a successful career in makeup to becoming a cycling instructor required taking risks and embracing uncertainty.
• Personal Loss: She faced significant personal losses, including the deaths of her brother and parents, which tested her resilience and strength.
• Self-Doubt: Tunde battled self-doubt and imposter syndrome, particularly when auditioning for Peloton, but ultimately learned to trust her instincts.

How does Tunde Oyeneyin address the topic of race and identity in her book?

• Personal Experiences: Tunde shares her experiences growing up as a Black woman in America, including instances of racism and feeling like an outsider.
• Cultural Identity: She discusses the intersection of her Nigerian heritage and American upbringing, and how it shaped her identity and worldview.
• Speak Up Ride: Tunde led a powerful "Speak Up" ride at Peloton, addressing racial injustice and encouraging open conversations about race.
• Empathy and Understanding: The book emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing systemic racism and creating change.

What role did Tunde Oyeneyin's family play in her journey?

• Supportive Parents: Tunde's parents instilled values of hard work, resilience, and self-belief, which influenced her journey and success.
• Sibling Relationships: Her relationships with her brothers provided both challenges and support, shaping her character and perspective.
• Legacy of Love: The loss of her family members deeply impacted Tunde, but their love and teachings continued to guide her.
• Cultural Roots: Her Nigerian heritage and family traditions played a significant role in her identity and sense of belonging.

How does Tunde Oyeneyin's story inspire readers to pursue their dreams?

• Overcoming Adversity: Tunde's journey demonstrates that it is possible to overcome personal and professional challenges to achieve one's dreams.
• Embracing Change: Her willingness to embrace change and take risks encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones.
• Finding Purpose: The book inspires readers to seek their true calling and pursue it with passion and determination.
• Empowerment: Tunde's story empowers readers to trust their instincts, embrace their uniqueness, and take action towards their goals.

What lessons can readers learn from Tunde Oyeneyin's experiences with body image?

• Self-Acceptance: Tunde's journey highlights the importance of self-acceptance and loving oneself at every stage of life.
• Redefining Beauty: She challenges societal standards of beauty and encourages readers to define beauty on their own terms.
• Empowerment Through Fitness: Tunde found empowerment and confidence through fitness, which helped her transform her relationship with her body.
• Authenticity: Embracing her authentic self, including her physical appearance, allowed Tunde to connect with others and inspire them.

How does Tunde Oyeneyin's book address the concept of resilience?

• Personal Loss: Tunde's resilience is evident in how she coped with the loss of her brother and parents, using their love and teachings as motivation.
• Career Transitions: Her ability to navigate career changes and pursue her passion for cycling showcases her resilience and determination.
• Overcoming Self-Doubt: Tunde's journey of overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome highlights the power of resilience in achieving success.
• Growth Through Adversity: The book emphasizes that resilience is about adapting to challenges and using them as opportunities for growth and learning.