Culture Speakers

Not every speaker who talks about values or leadership qualifies as a culture speaker. So what exactly is a culture speaker?

A culture speaker is someone who specializes in discussing the beliefs, behaviors, systems, and values that shape how organizations function. They focus on topics like workplace inclusion, team dynamics, leadership alignment, and cross-cultural communication. Unlike general motivational speakers, culture speakers dive into the 'how' and 'why' behind organizational behavior.

These speakers often have backgrounds in sociology, organizational psychology, HR leadership, or lived experience navigating complex cultural environments. Some, like Simon Sinek, approach it through leadership and purpose. Others, like Priya Parker, focus on how we gather and connect meaningfully in professional spaces.

Culture speakers are not limited to corporate settings. They speak at universities, nonprofits, government institutions, and even creative industries. Their goal is to help audiences understand how culture is built, sustained, and transformed.

In short, a culture speaker is someone who helps people see the invisible threads that shape how we work together-and gives them the tools to strengthen or reweave those threads with intention.

When teams struggle with misalignment, disengagement, or high turnover, the root cause often isn't strategy-it's culture. That's where a culture speaker becomes crucial.

Culture speakers help organizations see what they often overlook: the unwritten rules, shared assumptions, and subtle dynamics that drive behavior. By bringing in an external voice, companies can gain fresh perspectives on internal blind spots. For example, a speaker like Kim Scott, author of 'Radical Candor', can help leaders rethink how feedback and communication shape team morale.

In fast-scaling startups, culture can shift rapidly-and not always in the right direction. A culture speaker can provide frameworks to intentionally design culture rather than letting it evolve by accident. This is especially valuable in remote or hybrid teams, where shared rituals and values need to be more deliberately reinforced.

For global companies, culture speakers offer insights into cross-cultural collaboration. They can help bridge gaps between regional offices, align leadership styles, and avoid miscommunication that stems from cultural assumptions.

Ultimately, culture speakers aren't just there to inspire. They're there to equip leaders and teams with the language, tools, and mindset to create workplaces where people thrive-not just survive.

Culture speakers do more than deliver keynotes-they act as catalysts for organizational clarity and cohesion. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Deliver Insightful Talks. They speak at conferences, summits, and internal events on topics like company values, inclusive leadership, psychological safety, and remote team culture. Their talks are often grounded in research, case studies, and real-world examples.

2. Facilitate Workshops. Many culture speakers also run interactive sessions that go deeper than a one-way presentation. These workshops might include exercises on team dynamics, communication styles, or cultural assessments.

3. Consult with Leadership Teams. Some culture speakers work directly with executive teams to audit existing culture, identify misalignments, and co-create strategies for change. Think of someone like Erica Keswin, who blends speaking with advisory roles.

4. Create Custom Content. They often tailor their message to the audience-whether it's a startup navigating rapid growth or a legacy company undergoing transformation. This could include custom slide decks, pre-event surveys, or follow-up toolkits.

5. Spark Internal Conversations. A great culture speaker doesn't just talk at people-they prompt dialogue. They ask the hard questions that teams might avoid and create space for honest reflection.

In essence, culture speakers help organizations pause, reflect, and realign. They're not just presenters-they're facilitators of meaningful change.

Becoming a culture speaker isn't just about having opinions on diversity or workplace values. It's about crafting a message that resonates, building credibility, and connecting with the right audiences. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Cultural Niche
- Are you focused on corporate culture, cross-cultural communication, indigenous perspectives, or DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion)?
- Pick a lane that aligns with your background, passion, or expertise.
- Example: If you've worked in multinational teams, you might focus on global workplace culture.

2. Build Your Thought Leadership
- Start publishing content: LinkedIn articles, Medium posts, or a personal blog.
- Share case studies, cultural insights, or lessons from your own experiences.
- Tip: Use Talks.co to create a speaker page that showcases your topics, videos, and testimonials.

3. Develop Your Signature Talk
- Create a compelling keynote or workshop that tells a story, teaches a framework, and leaves people thinking.
- Structure it with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Include real-world examples.
- Practice with small groups or virtual meetups to refine your delivery.

4. Get Booked on Events and Podcasts
- Reach out to event organizers, HR conferences, or DEI summits.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to connect with hosts looking for culture speakers.
- Tip: Offer to speak for free at first to build your portfolio.

5. Collect Feedback and Grow
- After each talk, ask for testimonials and reviews.
- Use feedback to improve your message and delivery.
- Keep updating your Talks.co speaker page with new videos and topics.

Becoming a culture speaker is a journey, but with the right steps and tools, you can build a brand that opens doors across industries and borders.

To be a culture speaker, you need more than just a microphone and a message. You need a blend of experience, communication skills, and market positioning. Let's break it down:

1. Subject Matter Expertise
Culture speakers are expected to bring depth. That could come from academic research, corporate experience, or lived cultural knowledge. Whether you're speaking on indigenous identity, startup culture, or global team dynamics, you need to know your stuff.

2. Communication Skills
You must be able to translate complex cultural ideas into relatable, engaging content. This includes storytelling, public speaking, and adapting your message to different audiences. Workshops, keynotes, and panels all require slightly different approaches.

3. Personal Brand and Online Presence
A strong digital footprint helps you get noticed. Build a speaker page on platforms like Talks.co to showcase your topics, testimonials, and past appearances. This acts as your digital resume for event organizers.

4. Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness
This is non-negotiable. Culture speakers must demonstrate empathy, respect, and awareness of global and local nuances. Missteps here can damage credibility fast.

5. Network and Platform Access
You need access to stages, podcasts, and events. Start by connecting with hosts on Talks.co or LinkedIn. Join speaker directories and pitch yourself to HR summits or DEI conferences.

In short, to be a culture speaker, you need a clear message, a credible voice, and a platform to amplify it. The good news? With the right tools and mindset, anyone with a valuable perspective can step into this space.

Yes, culture speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors like experience, niche, and audience size. Here's a breakdown:

The Paid vs. Unpaid Spectrum
- Emerging Speakers: Often speak for free or a small honorarium ($100-$500) to build credibility.
- Mid-Level Speakers: Typically earn $1,000-$5,000 per talk, especially if they have a niche like DEI or global leadership.
- Top-Tier Speakers: Can command $10,000-$50,000+ per keynote, especially if they're authors, academics, or media personalities.

Factors That Influence Pay
- Event Type: Corporate events usually pay more than community or nonprofit events.
- Audience Size: A 5,000-person conference pays more than a 20-person workshop.
- Speaker's Profile: TEDx alumni, bestselling authors, or those with a strong Talks.co profile often earn more.

Pros and Cons of Paid Speaking
- Pros:
- Revenue stream from your expertise.
- Builds authority and visibility.
- Cons:
- Competitive space.
- Requires constant marketing and networking.

So yes, culture speakers do get paid. But like any profession, compensation grows with your reputation, results, and reach.

Culture speakers have multiple income streams, and speaking is just one of them. Here's a breakdown of how they monetize their expertise:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements
This is the most obvious revenue stream. Culture speakers are hired for keynotes, panels, and workshops at:
- Corporate offsites
- DEI summits
- HR conferences
- University events

2. Consulting and Advisory Services
Many culture speakers also offer consulting packages. For example:
- Helping companies develop inclusive hiring practices
- Advising startups on building remote-first cultures
- Auditing internal communication for cultural sensitivity

3. Online Courses and Memberships
Some speakers turn their frameworks into:
- Online courses (via Teachable, Kajabi, etc.)
- Paid communities or masterminds
- Monthly memberships for ongoing access

4. Books and Publications
Publishing a book can open doors and generate passive income. Think of speakers like Brené Brown or Simon Sinek, who turned their cultural insights into bestselling books.

5. Affiliate and Platform Revenue
Through platforms like Talks.co, speakers can:
- Get booked by hosts directly
- Earn from referrals or affiliate partnerships
- Monetize replays or digital workshops

In short, culture speakers make money by packaging their expertise in multiple formats. The most successful ones diversify their offerings to create sustainable income over time.

The income of culture speakers varies widely, depending on their experience, niche, and how they monetize their brand. Let's take a closer look at the numbers:
Typical Speaking Fees

Experience Level	Fee Per Talk
Beginner	$0 - $500
Intermediate	$1,000 - $5,000
Established Expert	$5,000 - $15,000
Celebrity/Author	$20,000 - $50,000+

Annual Income Ranges
- Part-Time Speakers: $10,000 - $50,000/year
- Full-Time Professionals: $75,000 - $250,000/year
- Top 1% (Global Names): $500,000+/year
Variables That Affect Income
- Number of events per year
- Additional revenue streams (consulting, courses, books)
- Geographic reach and language fluency
- Online presence (e.g., Talks.co profile, social media)
Example: A mid-level culture speaker doing 2 talks/month at $3,000 each, plus $2,000/month in consulting, could earn around $100,000 annually.
So while the ceiling is high, the floor can be low. Consistent branding, networking, and content creation are key to moving up the income ladder.

Hiring a culture speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on who you're booking and for what purpose. Here's a breakdown:

Cost by Experience Level
- New/Emerging Speakers: $0 - $1,000
- Often speak for exposure or cause-based events.
- Great for small businesses or nonprofits.

- Mid-Level Professionals: $1,000 - $7,500
- Typically have a few years of experience.
- May include a workshop or Q&A session.

- High-Profile Experts: $10,000 - $25,000+
- Includes authors, TEDx speakers, or DEI consultants.
- Often part of corporate training or global summits.

- Celebrity Speakers: $30,000 - $100,000+
- Think of people like Brené Brown or Simon Sinek.
- Usually booked for major conferences or brand events.

Other Cost Factors
- Event Type: Virtual events are cheaper than in-person.
- Location: International travel adds costs.
- Customization: Tailored content or workshops cost more.

Tip: Platforms like Talks.co let you filter speakers by budget and topic, making it easier to find someone who fits your event and cost range.

In short, culture speakers can be affordable or premium, depending on your goals. Define your budget and audience, then match accordingly.

Here's a curated list of some of the most impactful culture speakers of all time. These individuals have shaped conversations around identity, inclusion, and organizational culture across generations.

- Maya Angelou
- Poet, author, and speaker whose work on race, identity, and resilience continues to influence cultural discourse.
- Famous quote: 'We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.'

- Nelson Mandela
- While not a traditional speaker circuit figure, his speeches on reconciliation and cultural unity are legendary.
- His 1994 inauguration speech remains a masterclass in cultural leadership.

- Brené Brown
- Known for her research on vulnerability and shame, she has redefined how we talk about workplace and personal culture.
- Her TED Talk 'The Power of Vulnerability' has over 60 million views.

- Simon Sinek
- Focuses on leadership and organizational culture.
- His 'Start With Why' framework is used globally to build purpose-driven teams.

- Malcolm X
- A powerful orator who spoke on Black identity, systemic oppression, and cultural pride.
- His speeches remain key texts in cultural studies.

- Angela Davis
- Academic and activist who has spoken extensively on race, gender, and prison culture.

- Tony Robbins
- While more known for personal development, his influence on performance culture and mindset is undeniable.

- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Nigerian author and speaker whose TED Talk 'We Should All Be Feminists' has become a cultural touchstone.

These speakers have not only informed but transformed how we think about culture-whether in society, business, or personal identity.

Looking for top-tier culture speakers making waves today? Here are some of the most influential voices currently shaping conversations around culture, inclusion, and leadership across the globe:

- Luvvie Ajayi Jones (USA)
- Nigerian-American author and speaker on authenticity, culture, and courage.
- Known for her book 'Professional Troublemaker' and TED Talk 'Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable.'

- Rohit Bhargava (USA/Global)
- Founder of the Non-Obvious Company, speaks on cultural trends and human behavior.
- His insights are used by Fortune 500 companies to understand future culture shifts.

- Layla Saad (UK)
- Author of 'Me and White Supremacy', speaks on race, identity, and cultural accountability.

- Verna Myers (USA)
- VP of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix, speaks globally on DEI and workplace culture.

- Penny Locaso (Australia)
- Focuses on human-centered change and emotional literacy in corporate culture.

- Ritu Bhasin (Canada)
- DEI expert and speaker on authenticity, inclusion, and cultural confidence.

- Dr. Pragya Agarwal (UK/India)
- Behavioral scientist and author who speaks on unconscious bias and cultural conditioning.

- Hamza Khan (Canada)
- Speaker on future of work, leadership, and inclusive culture.

- Yassmin Abdel-Magied (Australia/Sudan)
- Engineer and activist who speaks on intersectionality and cultural identity.

- Jason Dorsey (USA)
- Focuses on generational culture and how Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping work.

These speakers are not only experts in their fields, but also active changemakers. Whether you're hosting a corporate summit or a cultural conference, these voices bring depth, clarity, and global relevance.

Let's break down a few common misconceptions that tend to float around about culture speakers. These myths can hold people back from stepping into the space or from hiring the right voices for their events.

1. "Culture speakers only talk about diversity and inclusion."
This is a narrow view. While many culture speakers do address DEI topics, the scope is much broader. Culture speakers dive into organizational behavior, generational dynamics, remote team cohesion, cross-cultural communication, and even the intersection of company values with customer experience. For example, someone like Erin Meyer, co-author of 'No Rules Rules' with Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, speaks on how cultural context shapes leadership and innovation. That's way beyond just DEI.

2. "You need to be an academic or sociologist to be a culture speaker."
Not at all. Some of the most compelling culture speakers come from business, sports, entertainment, or entrepreneurship. Think of someone like Simon Sinek. He's not a sociologist, but his work on leadership and company culture has made him a go-to speaker globally. What matters more is your insight, storytelling, and ability to connect ideas to real-world outcomes.

3. "Culture speakers are only relevant for HR events."
This one's outdated. Culture affects every department. Sales teams need to understand buyer culture. Product teams need to build with cultural empathy. Even cybersecurity teams benefit from understanding internal culture to reduce insider threats. Culture speakers are showing up at tech conferences, startup accelerators, and even investor summits.

4. "It's a soft topic, not a business-critical one."
This myth is slowly dying, but it still lingers. Culture drives retention, productivity, innovation, and even revenue. Airbnb's co-founder Brian Chesky has openly discussed how culture was their secret weapon during scaling. Culture isn't fluff. It's infrastructure.

5. "You have to be famous to get booked."
Nope. While big names help, event organizers are increasingly looking for fresh voices with unique perspectives. If you've got a clear message, a compelling delivery, and a track record of impact, you can absolutely build a career as a culture speaker without a blue checkmark.

When you think of culture speakers, it's easy to imagine someone on a TED stage with a slick presentation. But the real stories of success go deeper. Let's look at a few examples that show how diverse this path can be.

Take Claude Silver, the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia. She didn't start as a speaker. She built her reputation internally by transforming company culture from within. Over time, her insights on emotional optimism and leadership drew attention from conferences and podcasts. Now, she's a sought-after voice on workplace culture, especially in high-growth tech environments.

Then there's Jason Fox, a former Australian Army Special Forces soldier turned speaker. His talks on tribal leadership and team culture are rooted in battlefield experience, not boardrooms. What makes him stand out is how he connects high-stakes decision-making with corporate resilience. His story resonates with both military audiences and corporate execs.

Another standout is Priya Parker, author of 'The Art of Gathering'. She carved a niche by focusing on how we meet, not just why. Her talks on intentional gathering and cultural rituals have been embraced by everyone from Fortune 500 companies to global nonprofits. She's proof that a unique lens on culture can open unexpected doors.

And don't overlook regional voices. In Kenya, Wandia Gichuru, co-founder of Vivo Activewear, speaks on African entrepreneurship and company culture in emerging markets. Her talks blend business strategy with cultural nuance, making her a go-to speaker across Africa's startup ecosystem.

These stories show that there's no single path to becoming a successful culture speaker. Whether you come from HR, the military, design, or entrepreneurship, what matters is your ability to translate lived experience into insights that shift how people think about culture.

The landscape for culture speakers is shifting in some interesting ways. If you're thinking about stepping into this space or already speaking, here's where things are headed.

First, expect more demand for hyper-contextual content. Companies aren't just looking for general culture talks anymore. They want insights tailored to hybrid workforces, Gen Z onboarding, or post-merger integration. Speakers who can customize their message to specific organizational moments will stand out.

Second, global perspectives are gaining traction. As remote work expands, so does the need for cross-cultural fluency. Speakers who can address cultural intelligence across borders-like Erin Meyer or Fons Trompenaars-are finding more opportunities in multinational settings. Even smaller companies are realizing they need to think globally.

Third, data-backed storytelling is becoming a differentiator. Audiences want more than anecdotes. They want evidence. Speakers who blend narrative with behavioral science, organizational psychology, or internal case studies are getting booked more often. Think of it as the Brené Brown meets McKinsey approach.

Here are a few key trends to watch:
- More virtual keynotes and asynchronous speaking formats (like internal video libraries).
- Rising interest in neurodiversity and inclusive design as culture topics.
- Culture as a lens for customer experience, not just employee experience.
- Increased demand from startups and scale-ups, not just enterprise clients.
- Integration with leadership development programs, not just one-off events.

Culture speakers who stay agile, keep learning, and adapt their message to emerging business challenges will continue to find new stages-both physical and digital.

Ready to step up as a culture speaker? Whether you're just starting or looking to level up, having the right tools can make a huge difference. Here's a curated list of resources to help you build your brand, book more gigs, and deliver talks that resonate.

1. Talks.co - A smart platform that matches podcast hosts with relevant guests. Great for getting your voice out there, especially if you're building credibility in the culture space.

2. SpeakerHub - A speaker directory where you can create a profile, list your topics, and get discovered by event organizers. It's especially useful for international gigs.

3. Canva - Use it to design visually engaging slide decks that support your message without overwhelming your audience. Their templates are perfect for culture topics that rely on storytelling and emotion.

4. Notion - Organize your talk outlines, research, and client notes in one place. Notion's flexibility makes it ideal for managing multiple speaking topics or customizing content for different industries.

5. LinkedIn Audio Events - A low-barrier way to test your ideas and build an audience. Host a short session on a culture topic and see what resonates. It's also a great way to connect with HR leaders and decision-makers.

6. TEDx Speaker Guide - Even if you're not applying to speak at TEDx, their speaker preparation guide is gold. It helps you structure your talk, refine your message, and deliver with clarity.

7. Otter.ai - Record and transcribe your practice sessions. Reviewing your own delivery can help you tighten your message and spot areas for improvement.

8. CultureAmp Blog - Stay updated on workplace culture trends. Referencing current data or case studies from here can add depth to your talks.

Use these tools not just to prepare, but to position yourself as a go-to voice on culture. The more organized and visible you are, the more likely you'll land the right stages.