Mentoring Speakers

A mentoring speaker is someone who combines the power of public speaking with the depth of mentorship. Unlike traditional keynote speakers who often deliver one-way presentations, mentoring speakers focus on guiding, teaching, and supporting their audience through shared experience and actionable advice.

They're not just there to inspire-they're there to equip. Whether it's a virtual summit, a podcast interview, or a live workshop, mentoring speakers aim to leave their audience with more than just motivation. They deliver frameworks, tools, and real-world examples that help people take the next step in their journey.

Mentoring speakers often come from backgrounds where they've walked the path their audience is on. Think of someone like Marie Forleo, who speaks directly to creative entrepreneurs and gives them tactical strategies to build their business. Or someone like Simon Sinek, who doesn't just talk about leadership-he teaches it through stories, models, and mentorship.

These speakers are especially common in industries like coaching, education, entrepreneurship, and wellness, where transformation is the goal. But you'll also find them in tech, finance, and even government-anywhere people need guidance, not just information.

In short, a mentoring speaker is a hybrid: part teacher, part coach, part storyteller. They don't just speak to an audience-they speak with them.

When you're building an event or platform that aims to truly help people grow, a mentoring speaker can be the difference between surface-level engagement and lasting transformation.

Mentoring speakers bring more than just content-they bring connection. They understand the nuances of guiding others through change, whether it's helping a new founder navigate their first pitch or supporting a mid-career professional through a pivot. Their role is to bridge the gap between knowledge and action.

Unlike general speakers who may focus on trends or entertainment, mentoring speakers are focused on outcomes. They tailor their message to the audience's stage of growth. For example, a mentoring speaker at a youth entrepreneurship summit might focus on mindset and resilience, while one at a corporate leadership retreat might dive into strategic decision-making and team development.

They also foster trust. Because they often share their own failures and lessons learned, mentoring speakers create a space where audiences feel safe to reflect, ask questions, and take risks. This is especially crucial in virtual events, where connection can be harder to establish.

Finally, they help hosts stand out. In a crowded event space, bringing in a mentoring speaker signals that your show is about more than just hype-it's about real value. That's what keeps people coming back.

Mentoring speakers do more than deliver talks-they guide, teach, and empower their audience to take meaningful action. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Share Experience-Based Insights.
- They draw from real-life challenges and successes to offer practical advice.
- Example: A mentoring speaker who scaled a SaaS startup might walk through their exact go-to-market strategy, including what failed.

2. Educate with Purpose.
- They break down complex topics into digestible lessons.
- Whether it's teaching negotiation tactics or mindset shifts, their goal is to make learning stick.

3. Engage in Dialogue.
- Unlike traditional speakers, mentoring speakers often invite interaction-Q&A sessions, live coaching, or audience polls.
- This two-way engagement builds trust and deepens impact.

4. Provide Tools and Frameworks.
- They don't just talk about success-they give you the blueprint.
- Think downloadable templates, step-by-step guides, or decision-making models.

5. Inspire Action.
- Motivation is part of the package, but it's always paired with a clear next step.
- Example: After a session with a mentoring speaker, attendees might walk away with a 30-day plan or a new accountability system.

In essence, mentoring speakers act as catalysts. They help people move from stuck to strategic, from curious to committed. And they do it with clarity, compassion, and a whole lot of practical wisdom.

Becoming a mentoring speaker is a journey that blends your experience, communication skills, and a desire to help others grow. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Define Your Mentoring Niche
- Are you focused on leadership development, career transitions, startup growth, or youth empowerment? Narrowing your niche helps you attract the right audience.
- Example: If you've mentored early-stage founders, your niche might be 'startup mentoring for first-time entrepreneurs.'

2. Build Your Credibility
- Share your mentoring experience through blogs, LinkedIn posts, or interviews. Highlight real outcomes from your mentees.
- Create a Talks.co speaker page to showcase your expertise, testimonials, and past speaking engagements.

3. Develop a Signature Talk
- Craft a compelling talk that blends storytelling with actionable frameworks. Think 'The 5 Pillars of Effective Mentorship' or 'How to Build a Mentoring Culture in Your Organization.'
- Rehearse it, refine it, and test it in small group settings.

4. Network with Event Hosts and Communities
- Use platforms like Talks.co to connect with summit hosts and podcast producers looking for mentoring experts.
- Join speaker groups on Facebook or LinkedIn, and attend virtual events to meet organizers.

5. Pitch Yourself Consistently
- Reach out to virtual summit hosts, webinars, and podcasts. Tailor your pitch to their audience and explain the transformation your talk offers.
- Include your Talks.co profile link, a short video clip, and a one-sheet with your bio and topics.

6. Collect Feedback and Iterate
- After each talk, ask for feedback. What resonated? What confused people? Use that to improve your delivery and content.

7. Scale Your Visibility
- Repurpose your talks into blog posts, YouTube videos, or lead magnets. This builds your authority and helps you get discovered.

Remember, mentoring speakers don't just speak-they guide, inspire, and empower. Start small, stay consistent, and let your impact grow.

To be a mentoring speaker, you need more than just a compelling story. You need a mix of experience, clarity, and the right tools to connect with your audience and deliver value. Let's break it down:

1. Real Mentoring Experience
You can't teach what you haven't lived. Whether you've mentored junior employees, coached startup founders, or guided students, your hands-on experience is your foundation. Audiences want practical insights, not theory.

2. A Clear Message and Framework
Mentoring speakers need a repeatable message. What's your unique approach to mentorship? Maybe it's a 3-step framework for building trust or a system for scaling mentorship in teams. Clear frameworks make your message stick.

3. Communication Skills
You don't need to be a TED-level speaker, but you do need to connect. Practice storytelling, use real examples, and speak with clarity. If you're not there yet, join a local Toastmasters group or take a virtual public speaking course.

4. A Speaker Platform
Having a Talks.co speaker page is a game-changer. It acts as your digital resume, making it easy for hosts to find and book you. Include your bio, topics, testimonials, and a short video.

5. Tech Setup for Virtual Events
Most mentoring speakers today speak virtually. You'll need:
- A decent webcam (1080p or better)
- A quality microphone (USB or XLR)
- Good lighting (ring lights work great)
- A quiet, clean background or virtual backdrop

6. A Way to Connect with Hosts
Use platforms like Talks.co to connect with event organizers. You can also reach out directly via LinkedIn or email. Make sure your pitch highlights the transformation your talk delivers.

Being a mentoring speaker is about showing up with value, not just volume. Focus on helping others grow, and your audience will grow with you.

Yes, mentoring speakers can get paid-but it depends on several factors like experience, audience size, and the type of event. Let's break it down with a closer look at the dynamics.
Paid vs. Unpaid Opportunities
- Corporate Events: These often pay mentoring speakers, especially if the topic ties into leadership, team development, or DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion).
- Virtual Summits: Payment varies. Some offer speaker fees, others provide affiliate commissions or exposure.
- Podcasts and Webinars: Typically unpaid, but great for visibility and lead generation.
Factors That Influence Payment
- Your Reputation: Established speakers with a track record of results command higher fees.
- Audience Size and Budget: A Fortune 500 company will likely pay more than a local nonprofit.
- Your Offer: If you have a coaching program or course, you might waive your fee in exchange for access to the audience.
Pros and Cons

Pros of Paid Speaking	Cons of Paid Speaking
Direct income	Fewer opportunities initially
Higher perceived authority	Requires negotiation skills
Can fund your business	More pressure to perform

In short, mentoring speakers do get paid, but many start by speaking for free to build credibility. Over time, as your brand and results grow, so does your income potential.

Mentoring speakers can turn their expertise into multiple income streams. Speaking is just the tip of the iceberg. Here's how they monetize their knowledge:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements
- Corporate training sessions, leadership retreats, and industry conferences often pay mentoring speakers.
- Rates vary based on experience, audience size, and event type.

2. Coaching and Consulting Offers
- After a talk, many speakers offer 1:1 coaching or group mentoring programs.
- Example: A speaker on career mentorship might offer a 6-week mentorship accelerator for mid-level professionals.

3. Online Courses and Memberships
- Turn your mentoring framework into a self-paced course.
- Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi make it easy to launch.
- Some speakers build memberships where mentees get monthly Q&As, templates, and community access.

4. Affiliate and Partner Commissions
- If you speak at a summit hosted on Zoom, you might earn affiliate commissions for ticket or program sales.
- You can also promote tools or books you recommend and earn a cut.

5. Book Sales and Licensing
- Many mentoring speakers write books or license their content to companies.
- Example: A mentoring model for remote teams might be licensed to HR departments.

6. Sponsored Content and Brand Deals
- If you have a strong personal brand, companies may pay you to speak about their tools or services in your talks or webinars.

The smartest mentoring speakers diversify. They don't rely on one-off gigs-they build ecosystems around their message.

Mentoring speakers can earn anywhere from zero to six figures annually, depending on how they position themselves and monetize their expertise. Let's look at the numbers and scenarios:
Entry-Level Mentoring Speakers
- Often speak for free or for exposure.
- May earn $0 to $500 per event.
- Focus is usually on building credibility and collecting testimonials.
Mid-Level Speakers
- Have a few years of experience and a clear niche.
- Can charge $1,000 to $5,000 per keynote.
- Often supplement income with coaching or courses.
High-Level Mentoring Speakers
- Recognized authorities with books, media features, or large followings.
- Command $10,000 to $25,000+ per talk.
- Often have multiple revenue streams: speaking, consulting, licensing, and digital products.
Income Breakdown Example

Revenue Stream	Monthly Income (Mid-Level)
Speaking (2 gigs)	$5,000
Group Coaching	$3,000
Online Course Sales	$2,000
Affiliate Commissions	$500
Total	$10,500

Variables That Affect Income
- Niche demand (e.g., tech mentorship vs. general career advice)
- Geographic market (US vs. Southeast Asia vs. Europe)
- Language and cultural reach
So while some mentoring speakers make a few hundred dollars a month, others build six-figure businesses. It all comes down to strategy, visibility, and value.

The cost to hire a mentoring speaker varies widely depending on experience, event type, and location. Here's a breakdown of typical pricing tiers and what you get at each level:

1. Emerging Speakers ($0 - $1,000)
- Often new to the speaking circuit.
- May speak for free in exchange for exposure or testimonials.
- Ideal for community events, local meetups, or small virtual summits.

2. Mid-Tier Speakers ($1,000 - $5,000)
- Have a defined niche and some speaking experience.
- Offer structured talks with frameworks and takeaways.
- Often include a Q&A or bonus resource.

3. Premium Speakers ($5,000 - $15,000)
- Recognized experts with books, media appearances, or corporate clients.
- Provide customized content for your audience.
- May include pre-event consultations or post-event workshops.

4. Celebrity-Level Mentoring Speakers ($15,000 - $50,000+)
- High-profile names or bestselling authors.
- Often booked for major conferences or leadership retreats.
- May require travel, green room setup, and specific tech requirements.

Additional Costs to Consider
- Travel and accommodation (if in-person)
- Licensing fees for recorded content
- Custom workshop materials or follow-up sessions

Hiring a mentoring speaker is an investment in transformation. Whether you're running a corporate summit or a nonprofit bootcamp, the right speaker can elevate your event and inspire real change.

Here's a list of some of the most impactful mentoring speakers of all time-those who've shaped how we think about guidance, leadership, and personal growth:

- John C. Maxwell: Author of 'The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership', Maxwell has mentored leaders globally through his talks and books. His frameworks are used in corporate and nonprofit settings alike.

- Oprah Winfrey: While known for media, Oprah's mentoring influence is massive. Her speeches on self-worth and resilience have guided millions. She's mentored countless rising voices through OWN and her leadership academy.

- Tony Robbins: A powerhouse in personal development, Robbins has mentored entrepreneurs, athletes, and world leaders. His talks blend psychology, strategy, and energy.

- Simon Sinek: Known for 'Start With Why', Sinek's talks on leadership and mentorship have redefined how organizations build trust and purpose.

- Maya Angelou: Beyond poetry, Angelou's speeches and mentorship of young writers and activists left a lasting legacy. Her influence is felt in education, civil rights, and literature.

- Marshall Goldsmith: A top executive coach and speaker, Goldsmith's mentoring frameworks are used by Fortune 500 CEOs. His talks are data-driven and deeply human.

- Brené Brown: Her work on vulnerability and leadership has inspired a new generation of mentors. Her TED Talk and books are staples in mentoring programs.

- Les Brown: A motivational legend, Les Brown's story-driven talks have mentored millions in overcoming adversity and building confidence.

- Angela Duckworth: Known for her work on grit, Duckworth's research-based talks offer mentoring insights for educators, parents, and business leaders.

- Stephen Covey: Author of 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People', Covey's mentoring philosophy has influenced generations of leaders and educators.

Looking at today's global landscape, these mentoring speakers are making waves across industries and continents:

- Robin Sharma (Canada): Author of 'The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari', Sharma speaks on leadership and personal mastery. His mentoring approach is popular in corporate and self-help circles.

- Dr. Tererai Trent (Zimbabwe/USA): A powerful speaker on education and empowerment, Dr. Trent mentors women and youth through her foundation and global talks.

- Jay Shetty (UK/India): Former monk turned speaker, Shetty blends ancient wisdom with modern mentorship. His talks on purpose and relationships have global appeal.

- Carla Harris (USA): A Wall Street veteran and motivational speaker, Harris mentors professionals on career strategy, leadership, and authenticity.

- Vusi Thembekwayo (South Africa): A dynamic business speaker, Vusi mentors entrepreneurs across Africa. His talks are bold, data-backed, and deeply practical.

- Randi Zuckerberg (USA): Tech entrepreneur and speaker, Randi mentors women in STEM and startups. Her talks blend innovation with mentorship insights.

- Dr. Marshall Goldsmith (USA): Still active globally, Goldsmith mentors top executives and speaks on leadership transformation.

- Lisa Nichols (USA): A powerhouse in personal development, Nichols mentors speakers and entrepreneurs through her company Motivating the Masses.

- Mo Gawdat (Egypt/UK): Former Google X exec, Gawdat now mentors through talks on happiness, AI, and resilience. His global reach is growing fast.

- Tan Le (Vietnam/Australia): Tech innovator and speaker, Le mentors young leaders in innovation and neuroscience. Her story and talks inspire across cultures.

Myth #1: Mentoring speakers are just glorified motivational speakers.
This one's common, especially among folks who've only seen keynote-style events. While motivation might be part of the package, mentoring speakers go deeper. They offer guidance rooted in experience, often tailored to specific challenges. Think of someone like Simon Sinek. Sure, he's inspiring, but his talks are grounded in frameworks like 'Start With Why' that help people take real action. Mentoring speakers blend inspiration with mentorship - it's not just hype, it's strategy.

Myth #2: You need decades of experience to become a mentoring speaker.
Not true. What matters more is clarity of insight and the ability to communicate lessons effectively. Take Sahil Bloom, for example. He's relatively young but has built a reputation by distilling complex ideas into actionable advice. If you've solved a problem others are still struggling with, you have something to offer. Experience helps, but relevance and clarity win.

Myth #3: Mentoring speakers only work in corporate environments.
Actually, mentoring speakers are thriving in diverse spaces: from local community programs in Nairobi to startup incubators in Buenos Aires. The rise of virtual events has opened up global stages. Whether you're guiding first-gen college students or early-stage founders, your audience is out there.

Myth #4: You have to be a bestselling author or celebrity to get booked.
This myth trips up a lot of aspiring speakers. While name recognition helps, platforms like Talks.co and LinkedIn have made it easier for niche experts to get visibility. If you can clearly articulate your value and tailor your message to the audience, you can land gigs without a book deal or blue checkmark.

Myth #5: Mentoring speakers give the same talk everywhere.
The best mentoring speakers adapt. They tweak stories, examples, and frameworks to fit the audience. Brené Brown doesn't deliver the same talk to a group of educators as she does to corporate leaders. Customization is part of the craft. If you're repeating the same script, you're not mentoring... you're monologuing.

When Dr. Tererai Trent took the stage at a global education summit in South Africa, the room fell silent. Not because of flashy slides or big-name sponsors, but because her story - from rural Zimbabwe to earning a PhD in the U.S. - was raw, real, and deeply instructive. She didn't just talk about education. She mentored the audience through the mindset shifts that made her journey possible. Her talks now inspire educators and policy makers across continents.

In the tech world, Jason Wong, founder of Doe Lashes, transitioned from e-commerce entrepreneur to mentoring speaker by sharing his behind-the-scenes playbook. He didn't sugarcoat the grind. Instead, he broke down product-market fit, influencer strategy, and fulfillment logistics in a way that helped other young founders avoid costly mistakes. His sessions at Shopify events and online summits are now go-to resources for aspiring DTC brands.

Then there's Dr. Rangan Chatterjee. A UK-based physician, he moved beyond the clinic to become a mentoring speaker on holistic health. His talks blend science with storytelling, helping people rethink stress, sleep, and nutrition. What sets him apart? He doesn't just inform - he equips. Whether it's a corporate wellness retreat or a podcast interview, his advice is practical and personal.

In Latin America, Mariana Costa Checa, co-founder of Laboratoria, speaks to young women entering tech. Her mentoring talks are part inspiration, part roadmap. She shares how to navigate gender bias, build confidence, and land that first job in development. Her impact? Thousands of women across Peru, Mexico, and Chile now have careers in tech thanks to her mentorship-driven approach.

These mentoring speakers didn't start with fame. They started with clarity. They knew who they were helping and how. And by showing up consistently - with stories, frameworks, and empathy - they built influence that lasts beyond the stage.

The landscape for mentoring speakers is shifting in ways that are both exciting and challenging. If you're looking to stay ahead, here are a few key trends shaping the future:

- Hybrid mentorship models are gaining traction. As more events blend in-person and virtual formats, mentoring speakers are expected to offer follow-up sessions, group coaching, or digital toolkits. It's not just about the talk anymore - it's about the transformation afterward.

- Niche expertise is beating generalist wisdom. Audiences are craving depth. A mentoring speaker who can walk a room through 'how to scale a SaaS product past $10K MRR' is more in demand than someone offering generic business advice. This trend favors specialists who can teach from lived experience.

- AI-assisted personalization is on the rise. Tools like ChatGPT and Notion AI are helping speakers customize content for different audiences. Imagine tweaking a talk for a Gen Z startup accelerator vs. a Fortune 500 HR summit - in minutes. Those who embrace these tools will scale faster.

- Global voices are getting louder. Thanks to platforms like Clubhouse, LinkedIn Audio, and regional summits, mentoring speakers from underrepresented regions are gaining visibility. Expect to see more voices from Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America shaping the global conversation.

- Data-backed storytelling is becoming non-negotiable. It's not enough to share a personal journey. Audiences want proof. Speakers who can pair narrative with metrics - like conversion rates, retention stats, or impact data - will stand out.

Looking ahead, mentoring speakers who treat their craft like a product - iterating, testing, and scaling - will thrive. The future belongs to those who can teach, adapt, and connect across formats and cultures.

Talks.co. A matchmaking platform for speakers and event organizers. Great for finding podcast guest spots, virtual summits, and niche panels. Tip: Create a clear, benefit-driven speaker profile that highlights your mentoring angle.

SpeakerHub. A directory and resource hub for speakers. Offers tools to build your speaker page, get listed in directories, and access training. Use their templates to craft a compelling one-sheet.

Canva. Perfect for designing slide decks, speaker one-pagers, and social media promos. Use their 'Presentation' templates to create clean, branded visuals that support your message without overwhelming it.

Notion. Ideal for organizing your talk outlines, client feedback, and post-event resources. You can even create a public-facing speaker hub with embedded videos, testimonials, and booking links.

Otter.ai. Use this for transcribing your talks and coaching sessions. Great for repurposing content into blog posts, social snippets, or training modules.

Calendly. Streamline your booking process. Set up different event types for discovery calls, coaching follow-ups, or pre-event briefings. Pro tip: include a short intake form to tailor your mentoring content.

Slidebean. If you're not a designer but want slick decks, this tool auto-formats your content into professional slides. Especially useful for startup or investor-focused talks where clarity is key.