Become
Worthy to

Lead

Dr. Angela L. Walker Franklin is the President and CEO of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences. Today she is a speaker and author on leadership, self-worth, and conflict management.

Dr. Angela Franklin, smiling middle-aged African American woman with dark curly hair, wearing a white blazer and decorative earrings, facing the camera.

Angela Speaks on…

Leadership

Illustration of three people with a lightbulb above their heads indicating a collaborative idea.
Purple outline of a heart on a beige background

Self-Worth

Confidence

Purple shield with checkmark inside on beige background
Purple lightning bolt symbol on a beige background.

Conflict

“I don’t know if I have what it takes.”

At some point, every aspiring leader wonders, “Am I worthy of this opportunity?”

We all want to lead our teams to success. To prove to our organizations and ourselves that we have what it takes and belong here in this role.

Yet we doubt ourselves, second-guess our decisions, and question our own authority. Even when we have consistently proven that we have the skills to succeed.

So, what does it mean to be worthy?

And what does it take to lead?

Watch Angela in Action

Hi, I’m Angela


Portrait of Dr. Angela Franklin, smiling woman with dark hair, dressed in a purple outfit, with a purple background.

As the first African American woman in United States history to be appointed president of a standalone health sciences university, I know a thing or two about questioning your worth as a leader.

Of course, I’m used to firsts. In 1969, my sister and I were the first African American girls to attend an all-white elementary school when my small South Carolina town finally integrated. It was important to my mother that we continued getting straight A’s. We had to prove we belonged.

And that’s what I’ve been doing my entire career. Proving to my communities, my organizations, my teams, and ultimately to myself that I belong here — doing important work, and creating meaningful change.

You belong, too. You’re worthy of leading. But knowing it and proving it are very different things. And I’d love to show you how.

Dr. Angela Walker Franklin in a purple blazer and black pants standing on a pink circular platform, pointing to the left, with a dark background

Signature Programs


Presentations

Dr. Franklin works with meeting professionals and women’s groups to deliver high-impact keynotes and interactive workshops on leadership, self-worth, confidence, and conflict management.

Icon of three people with an upward trending arrow, representing growth or progress.

Leading From The Ground Up

How to Build a Team that Exceeds Expectations

Dr. Franklin’s signature keynote speech on how to help our teams and organizations achieve their full potential. Pulled directly from her historic run as the President of Des Moines University, she makes the case that leadership is not about power, but people.

Ideal for leadership events, women’s leadership groups, and executive offsites.

Purple thumbs-up icon with three stars above on a light beige background.

Worthy

How To Prove To Yourself and Others That You Have What It Takes

What does it mean to be worthy? In an age when leaders pretend to be perfect in public, Angela shares a candid look at the truth behind success stories, and teaches women in any role how to become worthy to lead.

Ideal for  women’s groups and associations.

Working with Dr. Franklin is simple!

01

A beige calendar icon with a grid of six squares on a light background.

Event Consultation

Book a 40-min call with Angela to discuss your team’s obstacles and the event details

02

A clipboard with a checklist of five items, each item marked with a check.

Get a Plan

Dr. Franklin will propose a personalized program to meet your goals.

03

Icon of a person with a star

Lead From the Ground Up

Watch as your audience finally understands what it means to be worthy and lead with integrity.

Watch Dr. Franklin’s
TEDx Talk


70,000+ Views

White handwritten text on black background that says 'Angela'

Dr. Franklin’s Books

Book Cover- A woman with long black hair wearing a purple blazer and white top, smiling and leaning on a railing in an indoor setting, with text on the image reading "Leadership from the Ground Up" and "Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D."

Leading From The Ground Up

In this captivating fusion of leadership wisdom and poignant memoir, Dr. Angela Franklin charts her journey of transforming an organization with innovation and growth at its core. Leadership from the Ground Up is a candid exploration into the heart of regenerative leadership through the achievements of an unconventional leader. It is an essential read for anyone aspiring to lead with impact, integrity, and inclusivity in today's complex world.

Available on Amazon

Book cover titled 'An Unconventional Journey, An Unlikely Choice' by Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., featuring a pathway through trees with sunlight.

An Unconventional Journey… An Unlikely Choice

This is a story of perseverance and awakening. As a child, Angela Walker Franklin faced clear expectations for success from very supportive and engaged parents, yet self-doubt and trepidation continued to raise its ugly head along the way. The lessons learned along the way have defined her current approach to leadership and should be inspirational to others who are trying to chart their own path.

Available on Westbow Press

Become
Worthy to
Lead

Ready to bring Dr. Angela Franklin to your next event?