We Are the Weird Ones
Theatrical keynote & book · 2019–present
We Are The Weird Ones
Embrace Your Weird for a Kinder, More Inclusive World
A theatrical one-person show that evolved into a book, featuring Mallory's original "Wheel of Weird" 4-part framework exploring how to shift from a mindset of judgement to a mindset of curiosity, compassion, authenticity, and action.
About the project…
In 2019, I began developing content for what would become my theatrical keynote and book. I was asked to do a shorter version of my keynote for New Orleans Entrepreneur Week in March 2019 and a few months later I rented out a local venue to produce a full one-person show.
The project evolved into a social media storytelling campaign and later a book. The inspirational message of how to reduce judgment and bullying while increasing a sense of belonging has been shared with a wide range of people virtually and in-person, from corporate audiences to college and high school students.
What I created…
2019 · Theatrical keynote
Produced the world premiere of my one-person show about diversity & inclusion in July 2019. Originally titled Embrace Yr Weird, this theatrical keynote offers a sequin-filled, entertaining perspective on how we can spread joy, hope, and allyship for a kinder, more inclusive world. I rented out a local venue, the AllWays Lounge in New Orleans, to perform a show that's part stand-up, part TEDx Talk, part puppet show, part dance party and all fun. Later in 2019, I began performing the show for more audiences including colleges and high school students.
2020 · #TowardsTogether
Launched a new social media storytelling campaign called #TowardsTogether in January 2020. I renamed my one-person show "Towards Together", partially because Felicia Day's book Embrace Your Weird came out a few months after my original 2019 performance. The Towards Together campaign focused on becoming more aware of the judgements we have towards ourselves and other people, and shifting from a mindset of judgement to a mindset of curiosity, compassion, authenticity, and allyship. I produced an encore performance of the show locally in New Orleans in January 2020, a few months before COVID-19 shut down the world. I continued to deliver the keynote virtually to corporate audiences during the pandemic.
2022 · Book launch
Developed the concept and the "Wheel of Weird" framework from my one-person show into a book. The book and keynote performance were renamed: We Are The Weird Ones: Embrace Your Weird for a Kinder, More Inclusive World. Both feature my original 4-part framework of Curiosity, Compassion, Authenticity & Action, which invites audiences to think about those concepts as we relate to ourselves & judge ourselves, as well as how we relate to and judge other people who are different than us.
My role…
Writer, performer and producer. I wrote and developed the keynote script and the book; produced the 2019 premiere performance at the AllWays Lounge in New Orleans; and self-published the book We Are The Weird Ones: Embrace Your Weird for a Kinder, More Inclusive World.
What People Are Saying
“Whitfield presents diversity in a fun, catchy and engaging way to keep students interested. Mallory’s non-traditional approach will definitely appeal to our Generation Z students.”
— Angela Allen, Director of the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, West Texas A&M University
“This is such a relevant topic with all the pain and hatred proliferating in today's world - but Mallory makes this accessible and exciting. And fun. I've followed Mallory's work for a while and her unique approach to educating while also entertaining is magnetic.”
— Rachael Kay Albers , founder and creative director at RKA ink
Book Mallory Whitfield To Speak At Your Event
Mallory Whitfield performs high-energy, engaging keynotes that are tailored to each audience, including corporate conferences, associations, and colleges and universities. Your customized speaking program can include special guest experiences like a book signing, meet & greet, dance party, or Q&A for your attendees. Learn more:
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We Are The Weird Ones: Embrace Your Weird for a Kinder, More Inclusive World
Do you feel like our workplaces, schools, and communities have become toxic? Are you tired of all the judgment, bullying, violence, and divisiveness? So is Mallory Whitfield, but she has a vision for a kinder, more inclusive world.
We Are The Weird Ones: Embrace Your Weird for a Kinder, More Inclusive World is an inspirational exploration of how we can use curiosity, compassion, authenticity, and action to reduce judgment and bullying, increase a sense of belonging, and become a better human in our increasingly technology-driven world.
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