Agile Leadership Speakers

An agile leadership speaker is someone who specializes in communicating the principles, practices, and mindset of agile leadership to live or virtual audiences. But they're not just educators-they're translators, turning complex frameworks into accessible, actionable insights.

At their core, agile leadership speakers help organizations and individuals understand how to lead in fast-changing environments. They speak on topics like servant leadership, adaptive strategy, team empowerment, and continuous improvement. Unlike general leadership speakers, they focus specifically on agility-how to lead with flexibility, speed, and collaboration.

These speakers often come from diverse backgrounds: some are former CTOs or product managers, others are agile coaches or transformation consultants. What unites them is their ability to connect agile theory with real-world application. For example, a speaker might explain how a global retailer used agile leadership to pivot during a supply chain crisis, or how a startup scaled by empowering cross-functional teams.

Agile leadership speakers are commonly featured at tech conferences, corporate retreats, leadership summits, and virtual summits. They're also frequent guests on business podcasts and webinars, where they break down agile trends and share case studies.

In short, they're the voices helping leaders navigate uncertainty with confidence-and helping teams thrive in a world that doesn't stand still.

When organizations are stuck in outdated hierarchies or slow decision-making loops, an agile leadership speaker can be the spark that shifts everything. These speakers bring more than just knowledge-they bring perspective, clarity, and often, a much-needed wake-up call.

In today's business landscape, agility isn't optional. Whether you're a fintech startup in Singapore or a manufacturing firm in Ohio, the ability to adapt quickly is what keeps you competitive. Agile leadership speakers help leaders understand how to build cultures that support rapid iteration, decentralized decision-making, and continuous learning.

They also challenge assumptions. Many leaders think they're being agile because they've adopted Scrum or hold daily standups. But agility is a mindset, not a checklist. A great speaker can highlight blind spots and offer new ways of thinking that lead to real transformation.

For teams, these speakers provide validation and motivation. Hearing from someone who's led agile transformations at scale-like in the NHS or at Spotify-can inspire confidence and action. It's not just theory; it's proof that change is possible.

Ultimately, agile leadership speakers are important because they help bridge the gap between where an organization is and where it wants to be. They don't just inform-they catalyze.

Agile leadership speakers wear multiple hats, but their core role is to educate, inspire, and guide audiences on how to lead in agile environments. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

- Deliver Keynotes and Workshops. They speak at conferences, summits, and internal company events, covering topics like agile transformation, team autonomy, and adaptive leadership.

- Translate Agile Concepts for Leaders. They make frameworks like SAFe, Scrum, or Kanban understandable for executives who may not be hands-on with delivery but need to support it.

- Share Case Studies and Real-World Examples. From how ING restructured its teams to how Atlassian scaled agile practices, these speakers bring stories that show agile in action.

- Facilitate Conversations. In panels or Q&A sessions, they help teams explore challenges like resistance to change or scaling agile across departments.

- Offer Strategic Insight. Some speakers also consult or coach, helping leadership teams apply agile principles in their specific context.

- Adapt to Diverse Audiences. Whether they're speaking to a government agency in Canada or a startup incubator in Brazil, they tailor their message to fit the cultural and organizational context.

In essence, agile leadership speakers are educators and change agents. They help people see what's possible-and show them how to get there.

Becoming an agile leadership speaker isn't just about knowing agile frameworks or leading teams. It's about translating that knowledge into stories, strategies, and insights that resonate with audiences. Here's how to get started:

1. Define Your Niche and Message.
- Agile leadership is broad. Are you focused on enterprise transformation? Startup agility? Remote team dynamics? Pick a lane.
- Craft a core message that reflects your unique perspective. For example, 'Agile leadership in multicultural teams' or 'Scrum beyond software'.

2. Build Credibility Through Experience.
- Speak from real-world leadership roles. If you're not there yet, lead agile initiatives in your current job or volunteer in agile communities.
- Get certified if it adds credibility (e.g., Certified Scrum Professional, SAFe Program Consultant), but don't rely on certifications alone.

3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile. Include your bio, talk topics, testimonials, and a short video clip.
- Make it easy for event organizers to see your value and reach out.

4. Start Speaking Locally.
- Offer to speak at meetups, company events, or online panels. Record these sessions to build a demo reel.
- Use these opportunities to refine your delivery and test your material.

5. Network with Hosts and Event Organizers.
- Connect with podcast hosts, summit organizers, and conference planners. Platforms like Talks.co are designed to match speakers with hosts.
- Be proactive: pitch your talk ideas and explain how you'll bring value to their audience.

6. Scale Up with Virtual Summits and Guest Spots.
- Virtual summits are a great way to reach global audiences. Apply to speak at events or co-host your own.
- Podcasts, webinars, and LinkedIn Lives are also great ways to build visibility.

7. Keep Learning and Iterating.
- Watch top agile leadership speakers. Study their delivery, structure, and how they engage the audience.
- Ask for feedback after every talk and use it to improve.

Remember, speaking is a skill. The more you do it, the better you get. And the more value you deliver, the more doors open.

To be an agile leadership speaker, you need more than just a title or a few years in a Scrum Master role. It's about combining deep knowledge with communication skills and a platform that gets you noticed. Let's break it down:

Expertise in Agile and Leadership.
You need a solid grasp of agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, etc.) and real-world leadership experience. This doesn't mean you need to be a CIO, but you should have led teams, driven change, or coached others through agile transformations. Your stories and insights should come from experience, not just theory.

A Clear Point of View.
Audiences don't just want information. They want perspective. What's your take on agile leadership? Are you challenging traditional hierarchies? Promoting servant leadership? Your unique lens is what makes you memorable.

Presentation and Storytelling Skills.
You must be able to communicate clearly and confidently. This includes:
- Structuring talks that flow logically.
- Using stories to illustrate key points.
- Engaging with your audience, whether in-person or online.

A Speaker Platform.
Having a speaker page on a platform like Talks.co makes it easier for event hosts to find and book you. Include:
- A professional bio.
- Your talk topics.
- A short video or demo reel.
- Testimonials or past events.

Networking and Visibility.
You need to be seen. Attend events, join agile communities, post insights on LinkedIn, and connect with podcast hosts or summit organizers. Talks.co is a great tool for connecting with hosts and getting booked.

Optional but Helpful: Certifications and Publications.
Certifications like Certified Agile Leader or ICAgile's Leadership track can boost credibility. Publishing articles or a book on agile leadership also helps establish authority.

In short, being an agile leadership speaker is about combining expertise, communication, and visibility. You don't need to be famous to start, but you do need to be intentional.

Yes, agile leadership speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors: experience, audience size, event type, and visibility. Let's look at the landscape.

Paid vs. Unpaid Opportunities.
- Corporate Conferences: These often pay well, especially if the speaker is well-known or delivering a keynote.
- Community Events & Meetups: Usually unpaid, but great for exposure and networking.
- Virtual Summits: Payment varies. Some offer a flat fee, others offer affiliate commissions or exposure.
- Workshops & Trainings: These are typically paid gigs, especially if the speaker is also facilitating learning.

Factors That Influence Payment:
- Reputation: Speakers with a strong brand or following command higher fees.
- Topic Relevance: Agile leadership is in demand, especially in tech, finance, and healthcare sectors.
- Location: Speakers in North America, Western Europe, and Australia often earn more due to higher event budgets.

Pros of Paid Speaking:
- Revenue stream.
- Professional recognition.
- Opportunity to upsell coaching or consulting.

Cons:
- Competitive market.
- Requires constant outreach and branding.
- Not all events have a budget.

In summary, yes, agile leadership speakers do get paid, especially when they've built a strong platform and deliver high-value content. But it's not automatic. You have to position yourself strategically.

Agile leadership speakers generate income through a mix of direct speaking fees and related services. Here's a breakdown of the most common revenue streams:

1. Keynote and Session Fees.
- Conferences, corporate retreats, and leadership summits often pay for expert speakers.
- Rates vary based on experience, audience size, and location (see 'How much do agile leadership speakers make').

2. Workshops and Training.
- Many speakers offer half-day or full-day workshops on agile leadership principles.
- These are often more lucrative than one-off talks. For example, a speaker might charge $5,000 for a keynote but $10,000 for a full-day workshop.

3. Consulting and Coaching.
- After a talk, companies often want deeper engagement. Speakers can offer agile leadership coaching or transformation consulting.
- This can lead to long-term contracts or retainer agreements.

4. Books and Digital Products.
- Publishing a book on agile leadership can generate royalties and boost credibility.
- Some speakers sell online courses, templates, or toolkits related to agile leadership.

5. Affiliate and Sponsorship Deals.
- At virtual summits or webinars, speakers might earn affiliate commissions for promoting tools or services.
- Sponsors may also pay for exposure during a speaker's session.

6. Speaking Platforms and Marketplaces.
- Platforms like Talks.co help speakers connect with event hosts. Some gigs are paid directly through the platform, while others lead to follow-up opportunities.

In short, agile leadership speakers who diversify their offerings tend to earn more and build sustainable careers. Speaking is often the door opener, not the only revenue stream.

Agile leadership speakers can earn anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars per engagement, depending on their experience, visibility, and the type of event. Let's break it down.
Typical Fee Ranges:

Speaker Level	Fee per Talk	Notes
Beginner	$0 - $500	Often unpaid or low-fee community gigs
Mid-level	$1,000 - $5,000	Regional events, virtual summits
Experienced/Expert	$5,000 - $15,000	Corporate keynotes, global summits
Celebrity/Author	$15,000 - $50,000+	High-profile conferences, TED-style

Other Income Sources:
- Workshops: $2,000 - $20,000 depending on duration and audience.
- Consulting: $150 - $500/hour or more.
- Online courses: Passive income varies widely.
Variables That Affect Income:
- Region: North America and Western Europe tend to pay more.
- Industry: Tech, finance, and healthcare have higher budgets.
- Format: In-person events often pay more than virtual ones.
Annual Earnings Potential:
- A part-time speaker might earn $10,000 - $30,000/year.
- A full-time speaker with multiple revenue streams could earn $100,000 - $500,000+.
Ultimately, agile leadership speakers who treat it as a business and build a strong brand tend to earn significantly more over time.

The cost to hire an agile leadership speaker varies widely based on experience, event type, and delivery format. Here's a breakdown to help you budget:

1. Entry-Level Speakers ($0 - $1,000):
- Often emerging professionals or local experts.
- Suitable for community meetups, internal team talks, or virtual panels.
- May speak for free in exchange for exposure or testimonials.

2. Mid-Tier Speakers ($1,000 - $5,000):
- Have a few years of speaking experience and a clear niche.
- Ideal for regional conferences, corporate webinars, or leadership offsites.
- May include a Q&A or short workshop.

3. Top-Tier Speakers ($5,000 - $15,000+):
- Recognized experts, authors, or consultants.
- Deliver keynotes at major conferences or lead executive workshops.
- Often include pre-event planning and post-event follow-up.

4. Premium Speakers ($15,000 - $50,000+):
- Global thought leaders or high-profile names.
- Booked for major industry events or enterprise-wide transformations.
- May include travel, custom content, and consulting.

Other Cost Considerations:
- Travel and accommodation (if in-person).
- Licensing fees for recorded sessions.
- Customization of content or additional sessions.

If you're booking through a platform like Talks.co, you can often filter by budget and see speaker packages upfront. This transparency helps match the right speaker to your event goals and budget.

Jurgen Appelo. Author of 'Management 3.0', Jurgen is known for blending agile thinking with innovation and leadership psychology.

Lyssa Adkins. A pioneer in agile coaching, Lyssa's work on agile leadership and team transformation has shaped the field globally.

Mike Cohn. Co-founder of the Agile Alliance and author of 'Succeeding with Agile', Mike is a staple in agile leadership circles.

Simon Sinek. While not strictly agile, his leadership philosophy ('Start With Why') aligns closely with agile values and is often cited in agile contexts.

Esther Derby. A systems thinker and leadership coach, Esther's work on organizational change and agile leadership is widely respected.

Ken Schwaber. Co-creator of Scrum, Ken's contributions to agile leadership are foundational, especially in enterprise settings.

Linda Rising. Known for her work on patterns and change leadership, Linda brings a unique perspective to agile transformation.

Craig Larman. Co-creator of LeSS (Large-Scale Scrum), Craig's thought leadership in scaling agile is highly influential.

David Marquet. Former nuclear submarine commander and author of 'Turn the Ship Around!', his leadership model is often referenced in agile leadership training.

Angela Duckworth. While not an agile speaker per se, her work on grit and leadership resilience is often integrated into agile leadership talks.

Henrik Kniberg (Sweden). Agile coach at Spotify and LEGO, Henrik is known for his practical, visual approach to agile leadership.

Melissa Perri (USA). Product management expert and author of 'Escaping the Build Trap', Melissa bridges agile leadership with product strategy.

Barry O'Reilly (UK/USA). Author of 'Unlearn', Barry speaks globally on agile leadership, innovation, and enterprise transformation.

Roman Pichler (Germany). A leading voice in agile product leadership, Roman's talks are packed with actionable frameworks.

Jez Humble (USA). Co-author of 'Accelerate' and 'Lean Enterprise', Jez connects agile leadership with DevOps and high-performance teams.

Natalie Warnert (USA). Founder of Women in Agile, Natalie is a strong advocate for inclusive agile leadership and organizational change.

Shane Hastie (New Zealand). Agile thought leader and InfoQ editor, Shane brings a global perspective to agile leadership trends.

Patricia Kong (USA). A key figure at Scrum.org, Patricia speaks on Evidence-Based Management and agile leadership metrics.

Clarke Ching (New Zealand/UK). Known for his storytelling approach to agile and leadership, Clarke's talks are both entertaining and insightful.

Michael Sahota (Canada). Creator of the SHIFT314 framework, Michael focuses on the inner transformation of agile leaders.

Myth 1: Agile leadership speakers only talk to tech companies.
This is a common misconception, probably because agile methodologies originated in software development. But agile leadership principles-like adaptability, iterative thinking, and servant leadership-are now being applied in industries from healthcare to hospitality. For example, agile leadership speakers have been invited to speak at global HR summits, manufacturing expos, and even education forums. The core of agile isn't code-it's mindset.

Myth 2: You need to be a certified Scrum Master to be an agile leadership speaker.
Not true. While certifications like SAFe or Scrum can add credibility, they aren't a prerequisite for speaking on agile leadership. What matters more is your ability to communicate agile principles clearly, connect them to real-world challenges, and inspire action. Some of the most impactful speakers in this space come from executive leadership backgrounds, not technical ones.

Myth 3: Agile leadership speakers only cover frameworks and jargon.
If you've ever sat through a talk filled with acronyms like SAFe, LeSS, or XP and left more confused than inspired, you're not alone. But the best agile leadership speakers simplify the complex. They focus on mindset shifts, cultural transformation, and leadership behaviors-not just frameworks. Think of someone like Henrik Kniberg, who uses drawings and storytelling to make agile accessible to all.

Myth 4: Agile leadership is just a buzzword, so speakers are just trend-chasers.
Agile has been around for over two decades, and it's still evolving. The speakers who thrive in this space aren't chasing trends-they're helping organizations rethink how they lead in uncertainty. Whether it's a startup in Nairobi or a Fortune 500 in New York, agile leadership is about relevance, not hype.

Myth 5: Only executives can become agile leadership speakers.
While many speakers do come from C-suite roles, others rise through coaching, consulting, or even education. What matters is your ability to translate agile thinking into leadership action. If you can do that-and communicate it well-you've got a place on the stage.

When you think of agile leadership speakers, you might picture someone in a blazer pacing a conference stage. But the real stories behind these speakers are far more layered-and global.

Take Pia-Maria Thorén, for example. Based in Sweden, she started as an HR consultant frustrated by rigid corporate structures. She began speaking about 'Agile People'-a concept that merges agile with human-centric leadership. Her talks resonated with both tech and non-tech audiences, and today she's a sought-after speaker at global HR and leadership events.

Then there's Ahmed Sidky, often called 'Dr. Agile'. His journey began in software engineering, but his passion for organizational transformation led him to speak at enterprise conferences. What sets him apart is his ability to blend Eastern philosophy with agile principles, offering a fresh perspective that appeals to diverse audiences across Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

Closer to the startup world, there's Mary Poppendieck. She didn't start as a speaker-she was a product manager at 3M. But her experience applying lean principles in product development led her to co-author 'Lean Software Development'. Her talks are now staples at agile conferences, and she's known for cutting through fluff with real-world stories from manufacturing and product teams.

And let's not forget speakers like Lyssa Adkins, who transitioned from project management into agile coaching. Her book 'Coaching Agile Teams' became a go-to resource, and her talks focus on emotional intelligence, team dynamics, and the human side of agile leadership. She's spoken everywhere from corporate boardrooms to virtual summits, connecting with leaders navigating change.

These speakers didn't follow a single path. Some came from engineering, others from HR or product. What they share is a deep understanding of agile values-and the ability to translate those into leadership lessons that resonate across industries and cultures.

Agile leadership speakers are stepping into a new era-one shaped by hybrid work, AI, and global uncertainty. So what's next for this niche? Let's break it down.

First, expect a shift from frameworks to human-centric agility. Audiences are less interested in hearing about Scrum ceremonies and more curious about how to lead with empathy, build psychological safety, and navigate ambiguity. Speakers who can translate agile principles into emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership will stand out.

Second, virtual and hybrid speaking formats are here to stay. Agile leadership speakers will need to master not just the stage, but the screen. That means investing in better virtual delivery-interactive tools, breakout facilitation, and asynchronous content. The best speakers will treat online events as dynamic experiences, not just webinars.

Third, there's growing demand for cross-cultural agility. As companies expand globally, leaders need to adapt agile principles to local contexts. Speakers who can bring in examples from Latin America, Africa, or Southeast Asia-not just Silicon Valley-will resonate more deeply with international audiences.

Fourth, AI and automation are changing team dynamics. Agile leadership speakers will increasingly be asked to address how leaders can stay adaptive in a world where machines are teammates. This includes topics like ethical decision-making, continuous learning, and agile governance.

Key trends to watch:
- Rise of micro-keynotes and snackable content for internal events.
- Increased collaboration between agile speakers and DEI experts.
- Demand for industry-specific agility (e.g. agile in healthcare, education, or public sector).
- More speaker panels and co-presentations to model agile collaboration live.

If you're an aspiring speaker, now's the time to think beyond the basics. The future belongs to those who can connect agile thinking to the real, messy, human side of leadership.

Talks.co. A smart platform that matches speakers with podcast hosts. If you're looking to build credibility and get your message out, start here. Tip: Use keywords like 'agile leadership' and 'organizational change' in your profile to attract the right hosts.

Agile Alliance Speaker Directory. This is a great place to see what topics are trending and where speakers are getting booked. Use it to research event themes and tailor your pitch accordingly.

Slidebean. Not just for startups-this tool helps you create clean, professional decks fast. Ideal if you're speaking at virtual summits or internal leadership trainings. Pro tip: Use their pitch deck templates and adapt them for agile leadership storytelling.

LinkedIn Learning. There are several courses on public speaking, agile coaching, and leadership communication. Look for instructors like Jeff Gothelf or Lisa Crispin for agile-specific content.

SessionLab. Planning a workshop or interactive keynote? This tool helps you design sessions with time blocks and activities. It's especially useful for agile speakers who want to go beyond lectures and engage audiences.

Meetup.com. Yes, it's old-school-but it's still one of the best ways to find local agile groups where you can test your talk, get feedback, and build your network. Look for Agile, Scrum, or Lean Coffee meetups in your area.

Toastmasters International. If you're new to speaking or want to refine your delivery, this global network offers a safe space to practice. Many clubs now focus on leadership themes, making it relevant for agile topics too.

Notion. Use it to organize your speaking topics, track outreach, and store feedback. Create a database of events, contacts, and talk variations so you can scale your speaking business like a pro.