Nurse Entrepreneurship Speakers
You've got a healthcare-focused event coming up, and you want someone who knows both clinical practice and business.
Not just theory, but the real deal.
So where do you even begin when you're looking for nurse entrepreneurship speakers who can actually connect with your audience?
Especially ones who know how to talk about launching ventures, balancing patient care with business models, and building something meaningful from a nursing background.
That's where a solid shortlist helps.
Nurse entrepreneurship speakers are nurses who've built businesses, led startups, or created platforms that change how we think about healthcare.
They speak from experience, not guesswork.
I've seen how the right nurse speaker can turn a panel or podcast from average to unforgettable.
Whether you're running a podcast, planning a summit, or booking for a healthcare series, this guide highlights speakers who get what you're trying to do-and can help you do it better.
Take a look, find your fit, and feel confident booking one of these nurse entrepreneurship speakers for your next event.
Top Nurse Entrepreneurship Speakers List for 2025
Tina Baxter
Empowering health and business, one nurse at a time!
Diane Prince
Startup expert with experience launching, growing, and monetizing businesses up to $50 million.
Lori Grace Snyder
Empowering Lifestyle & Business Growth Through Strategic Insight and Dynamic Innovation!
Sharon Burch
Turn Your Nursing Experience into a Profitable Business with a Proven, Step-by-Step Roadmap
Sebastián Uzcategui
Entrepreneur | Founder of Stocks University and Speak Up Express | Full-Time Trader | Keynote Speaker on Personal Growth and Finance
Sebastian Uzcategui
International speaker empowering ideas to find their voice, inspire action, and create lasting impact.
Ebi Oginni
Transforming lives through music and empowering personal growth
What Makes a Great Nurse Entrepreneurship Speaker
Take someone like Dr. Scharmaine Lawson. She doesn't just talk about launching a nurse practitioner house call business. She paints the picture of what it felt like to walk into underserved neighborhoods with a vision and a stethoscope. That's what makes her memorable. She tells stories that stick.
But it's not just about storytelling. The best nurse entrepreneurship speakers are also educators. They break down complex ideas-like how to scale a telehealth startup or navigate HIPAA in a SaaS model-into digestible, actionable takeaways. They don't just inspire, they equip.
And finally, they listen. Great speakers tailor their message to the audience. Whether it's a room full of aspiring nursepreneurs or a virtual summit of healthcare investors, they adapt. They know when to go deep on funding strategies and when to zoom out and talk about mindset.
So if you're scouting for someone who can speak to both the heart and the hustle, look for a nurse entrepreneurship speaker who blends clinical credibility with entrepreneurial clarity-and knows how to make both resonate.
How to Select the Best Nurse Entrepreneurship Speaker for Your Show
1. Define your audience and goals.
- Are you speaking to early-stage nurse founders? Or corporate healthcare execs exploring innovation?
- Clarify whether your goal is to educate, inspire, or drive action. This will shape your speaker criteria.
2. Search smart using platforms like Talks.co.
- Use keyword filters like 'nurse entrepreneur', 'healthcare startup', or 'clinical innovation'.
- Look for speakers with a Talks.co profile that includes past appearances, audience reviews, and topic tags.
3. Vet their content and delivery style.
- Watch past talks or podcast interviews. Are they engaging? Do they speak clearly and confidently?
- Check if they tailor their message to different audiences or just repeat the same keynote.
4. Evaluate their entrepreneurial credibility.
- Have they launched or scaled a business? Published thought leadership? Been featured in industry media?
- Look for real-world experience, not just theory.
5. Reach out and ask the right questions.
- What topics are they most passionate about?
- Can they customize their talk for your audience?
- What tech setup do they need for virtual or hybrid events?
Bonus tip: Use the speaker's Talks.co page to connect directly, check availability, and see if they've been on similar shows. That saves you time and gives you social proof upfront.
How to Book a Nurse Entrepreneurship Speaker
1. Start with a shortlist.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to find vetted speakers with nurse entrepreneurship backgrounds.
- Filter by availability, location (if in-person), and topic relevance.
2. Check their speaker page.
- Look for a clear bio, speaking topics, past appearances, and testimonials.
- Many speakers include a 'Book Me' button or contact form-use it.
3. Reach out with a clear pitch.
- Include your event name, date, audience size, and format (live, virtual, hybrid).
- Be specific about what you want them to speak on (e.g., 'Scaling a nurse-led startup' or 'Navigating healthcare compliance as a founder').
4. Discuss logistics and expectations.
- Confirm honorarium or travel reimbursement if applicable.
- Share your tech setup and ask about theirs (especially for virtual events).
- Set deadlines for slide submissions or promotional materials.
5. Send a confirmation and prep packet.
- Include event schedule, audience demographics, and any branding guidelines.
- Offer a pre-event call to align on tone, timing, and Q&A format.
Pro tip: If you're using Talks.co, many of these steps are automated. You can message speakers directly, schedule calls, and even manage contracts in one place. That's a game-changer for busy hosts.
Common Questions on Nurse Entrepreneurship Speakers
What is a nurse entrepreneurship speaker
Unlike general business speakers, nurse entrepreneurship speakers offer a unique lens. They understand patient care, regulatory frameworks, and frontline challenges. But they also speak the language of business: funding, scalability, marketing, and product development.
You'll find them on stages at healthcare innovation summits, nursing conferences, virtual business events, and niche podcasts. Their talks often cover topics like building a private practice, launching a health tech product, or transitioning from bedside to boardroom.
What sets them apart is their ability to connect with both clinical and business audiences. They can speak to a room of nurses about mindset shifts needed to become founders, then turn around and pitch a VC firm on the ROI of nurse-led startups.
In short, a nurse entrepreneurship speaker is a hybrid communicator-someone who's walked the walk in both healthcare and business, and now helps others do the same through powerful, practical storytelling.
Why is a nurse entrepreneurship speaker important
These speakers are crucial because they fill a gap in the innovation narrative. Nurses are the largest segment of the healthcare workforce, yet their voices are often missing from startup stages and investment panels. A nurse entrepreneurship speaker brings that frontline insight into the boardroom.
They also serve as role models. For nurses who've never seen someone like them start a business, hearing from a speaker who's done it can be transformative. It's not just inspiration-it's validation that their ideas matter.
From a business standpoint, nurse entrepreneurship speakers offer a competitive edge. They understand user experience in a way few others do. If you're building a health app, launching a clinic, or investing in medtech, their insights can save you from costly missteps.
And finally, they drive change. By speaking at events, on podcasts, and in webinars, they challenge outdated systems and spark new ideas. That ripple effect is how innovation spreads-from one nurse founder to the next.
What do nurse entrepreneurship speakers do
1. Educate and inspire audiences.
- They deliver keynote speeches, workshops, and webinars on topics like launching a healthcare startup, navigating compliance, or building a brand as a nurse founder.
- Example: A speaker might walk through how they scaled a mobile wound care business from one van to a statewide operation.
2. Bridge clinical and business knowledge.
- They translate healthcare experience into business strategy. Think: explaining how bedside workflow informs app UX design.
- This makes them valuable to both nurse audiences and cross-functional teams in health tech or policy.
3. Mentor and consult.
- Many offer coaching or advisory services to aspiring nurse entrepreneurs.
- They might help someone develop a business plan, pitch deck, or go-to-market strategy.
4. Advocate for nurse-led innovation.
- Through public speaking, they raise awareness about the value of nurse-founded businesses.
- They often speak at policy forums, investor panels, or academic events to push for systemic change.
5. Collaborate with event hosts and platforms.
- They work with virtual summit hosts, podcast producers, and conference organizers to tailor content.
- On platforms like Talks.co, they list their availability, topics, and connect with aligned shows.
In essence, nurse entrepreneurship speakers are educators, innovators, and connectors. They don't just talk-they catalyze.
How to become a nurse entrepreneurship speaker
1. Define Your Niche and Message.
- Focus on the intersection of nursing and entrepreneurship. Are you passionate about nurse-led startups, healthcare innovation, or business coaching for nurses?
- Craft a signature talk that solves a problem or inspires action. Think: 'How Nurses Can Build 6-Figure Side Hustles' or 'From Bedside to Boardroom: The Nurse CEO Journey.'
2. Build Your Speaker Page.
- Use a platform like Talks.co to create a professional speaker profile. Include a bio, headshot, talk titles, and a short video clip of you speaking (even if it's just a Zoom recording).
- Add testimonials or endorsements from past events or clients if you have them.
3. Start Speaking Anywhere You Can.
- Offer free talks at local nursing associations, online communities, or university events.
- Apply to speak at virtual summits or podcasts. Talks.co makes it easy to connect with hosts looking for experts in healthcare and entrepreneurship.
4. Grow Your Visibility.
- Share your speaking gigs on LinkedIn, Instagram, or your email list. Tag event organizers and use hashtags like #nursespeaker or #nurseentrepreneur.
- Repurpose your talks into blog posts, YouTube clips, or LinkedIn articles.
5. Get Booked Consistently.
- Reach out to event hosts directly or use speaker directories like Talks.co to get discovered.
- Keep refining your pitch and updating your speaker page with new content and topics.
Becoming a nurse entrepreneurship speaker is about positioning yourself as a thought leader and making it easy for the right people to find and book you. Start small, stay consistent, and let your expertise speak for itself.
What do you need to be a nurse entrepreneurship speaker
First, credibility. You should have real-world experience in both nursing and entrepreneurship. That might mean you've launched a healthcare startup, built a coaching business for nurses, or created a product that solves a clinical problem. Your audience wants to hear from someone who's been in the trenches and has insights they can trust.
Second, clarity. You need a clear message and a defined audience. Are you speaking to new nurse entrepreneurs? Hospital administrators? Nursing students? Your content should be tailored to their needs. A strong speaker page on a platform like Talks.co helps you articulate your value and makes it easier for hosts to book you.
Third, connection. Great speakers know how to connect with their audience. That means storytelling, practical takeaways, and a conversational tone. You don't need to be a TED Talk veteran, but you do need to be engaging and authentic. A short demo video on your speaker page can showcase your style.
Finally, logistics. You'll need a few basics to get started:
- A speaker bio and headshot.
- A list of talk titles and descriptions.
- A way to get booked (like a Talks.co profile or a personal website).
- A good microphone and camera setup if you're doing virtual events.
Being a nurse entrepreneurship speaker is about sharing your journey and helping others navigate theirs. With the right tools and positioning, you can turn your experience into a platform that educates and inspires.
Do nurse entrepreneurship speakers get paid
Let's look at the landscape:
- Entry-Level Speakers: Nurses just starting out may speak for free or for small honorariums ($100-$500) to build credibility and exposure.
- Mid-Level Speakers: Those with a few years of speaking experience and a solid online presence can command $1,000-$5,000 per event.
- High-Demand Experts: Nurse entrepreneurs with bestselling books, large followings, or media exposure may earn $10,000+ per keynote.
Virtual events typically pay less than in-person conferences, but they offer more volume and reach. For example, a nurse entrepreneurship speaker might earn $500 for a virtual summit slot but book 10 of those in a month.
Here's a quick comparison:
Speaker Level | Typical Fee Range | Event Type |
---|---|---|
Beginner | $0 - $500 | Local meetups, podcasts |
Intermediate | $1,000 - $5,000 | Nursing conferences, webinars |
Established Thought Leader | $5,000 - $15,000+ | National summits, corporate events |
How do nurse entrepreneurship speakers make money
1. Paid Speaking Engagements.
- Keynotes at nursing conferences, healthcare expos, or entrepreneurship summits.
- Workshop facilitation for hospitals, universities, or corporate wellness programs.
2. Online Courses and Coaching.
- Many speakers offer online programs teaching nurses how to start businesses, build personal brands, or launch side hustles.
- 1:1 or group coaching is a common upsell after a talk.
3. Books and Digital Products.
- Self-published books, eBooks, and downloadable templates (like business plan guides for nurses) can generate passive income.
4. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships.
- Speakers often promote tools or services they use (like EMR software or business coaching platforms) and earn commissions.
- Sponsors may pay to be featured in a talk or webinar.
5. Consulting and Advisory Roles.
- Some nurse entrepreneurship speakers consult for healthcare startups or serve on advisory boards.
6. Virtual Summits and Podcasts.
- Hosting your own summit or podcast can attract sponsors, grow your email list, and lead to paid partnerships.
In short, speaking is a lead generator. The most successful nurse entrepreneurship speakers use it to build trust, grow their audience, and sell high-value services or products. Platforms like Talks.co can help streamline this by connecting speakers with aligned hosts and opportunities.
How much do nurse entrepreneurship speakers make
Typical Income Ranges:
- Beginner Speakers: $0 - $500 per talk. Often unpaid or compensated with exposure, especially in podcasts or small virtual events.
- Mid-Level Speakers: $1,000 - $5,000 per talk. These speakers usually have a few years of experience and a growing audience.
- Top-Tier Speakers: $5,000 - $15,000+ per keynote. These are nurse entrepreneurs with strong brands, books, or media appearances.
Annual Income Potential:
- A nurse entrepreneurship speaker doing 2 paid talks per month at $2,500 each could earn $60,000/year from speaking alone.
- Add in coaching, courses, or consulting, and total income could exceed $100,000/year.
Factors That Influence Earnings:
- Niche Demand: Topics like burnout prevention, nurse-led innovation, or healthcare entrepreneurship are in high demand.
- Platform: Speakers with a Talks.co profile and demo video are more likely to get booked at higher rates.
- Marketing: Those who actively promote their talks and engage on social media tend to land more gigs.
While not every nurse entrepreneurship speaker earns six figures, those who treat it as a business and diversify their income streams have strong earning potential. The key is to build authority, deliver value, and stay visible.
How much do nurse entrepreneurship speakers cost
1. Experience Level:
- New or Local Speakers: $0 - $500. These speakers may be building their portfolio and willing to speak for free or a small honorarium.
- Mid-Level Professionals: $1,000 - $5,000. These speakers have a track record, testimonials, and a clear message.
- High-Profile Experts: $5,000 - $15,000+. These include published authors, media personalities, or founders of successful nurse-led businesses.
2. Event Type:
- Podcasts and Virtual Summits: Often free or under $1,000, especially if the speaker is promoting their own services.
- In-Person Conferences: Typically $2,000 - $10,000, depending on travel, prep time, and audience size.
- Corporate or Hospital Trainings: May cost more due to customization and licensing of materials.
3. Add-Ons and Deliverables:
- Some speakers offer workshops, breakout sessions, or follow-up coaching, which can increase the total cost.
- Licensing fees may apply if the talk is recorded and reused.
4. Booking Platform:
- Using a platform like Talks.co can streamline the process and provide transparent pricing, making it easier to match budget with speaker quality.
In short, the cost of hiring a nurse entrepreneurship speaker depends on what you're looking for: inspiration, education, or transformation. Define your goals, set your budget, and choose a speaker who aligns with your audience and message.
Who are the best nurse entrepreneurship speakers ever
Barbara Dossey. A global leader in holistic nursing, Barbara has spoken extensively on nurse leadership and integrative health. Her legacy in nurse entrepreneurship is rooted in decades of advocacy and education.
Louise Jakubik. Founder of Nurse Builders, Louise is a powerhouse speaker on nurse education and business development. Her ability to turn clinical expertise into scalable business models is unmatched.
Kati Kleber. An award-winning nurse blogger and author, Kati has transitioned into speaking on nurse burnout, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship. Her relatable style resonates with younger audiences.
Sandy Summers. As the founder of The Truth About Nursing, Sandy has used speaking to challenge stereotypes and advocate for nurse-led change. Her influence spans both media and policy circles.
Patricia Bemis. Former president of the National Nurses in Business Association (NNBA), Patricia has mentored countless nurse entrepreneurs and spoken at hundreds of events.
Lorie Brown. A nurse attorney and founder of Empowered Nurses, Lorie combines legal insight with entrepreneurial strategy in her talks. She's a go-to voice on nurse-owned businesses.
Carol Huston. A thought leader in nursing leadership and innovation, Carol has delivered keynotes globally and authored several foundational texts on nurse-led change.
Who are the best nurse entrepreneurship speakers in the world
Dr. Mary Foley (USA). Former president of the American Nurses Association, Mary is a trailblazer in nurse advocacy and entrepreneurship. Her global speaking engagements focus on empowerment and systems change.
Dr. Catherine Hannaway (UK). A leading voice in nurse-led public health initiatives, Catherine speaks across Europe on entrepreneurship in community health and policy innovation.
Dr. Uche Amazigo (Nigeria). A nurse and public health leader, Uche has spoken globally about nurse-led entrepreneurship in disease prevention and rural health systems.
Dr. Jean Watson (USA). Known for the Theory of Human Caring, Jean's influence extends beyond academia. Her global talks inspire nurse entrepreneurs to lead with compassion and purpose.
Dr. Sheila Tlou (Botswana). A nurse, educator, and former Minister of Health, Sheila has spoken at the UN and WHO on nurse leadership and entrepreneurship in global health.
Dr. Elizabeth Iro (Cook Islands). As the Chief Nursing Officer at WHO, Elizabeth speaks globally on nurse innovation and entrepreneurship in health systems strengthening.
Dr. Melanie Rogers (UK). A nurse practitioner and academic, Melanie speaks on advanced practice, entrepreneurship, and spiritual care in nursing across Europe and Asia.
Common myths about nurse entrepreneurship speakers
1. Myth: Nurses aren't business-savvy.
This one's surprisingly persistent. The assumption is that clinical skills and business acumen are mutually exclusive. But here's the truth: many nurses are already managing complex workflows, coordinating teams, and making high-stakes decisions daily. Take Rebecca Love, for example-she's a nurse, entrepreneur, and speaker who co-founded SONSIEL, a global nursing innovation network. Her work proves that nurses can absolutely lead startups, pitch investors, and speak on innovation stages.
2. Myth: You need a PhD or advanced degree to speak on entrepreneurship.
Credentials help, but they're not the only path. What matters more is your story, your results, and your ability to communicate them. Some of the most compelling nurse entrepreneurship speakers built their credibility through action-launching health tech platforms, founding clinics, or scaling wellness brands. Their lived experience often resonates more than academic theory.
3. Myth: Speaking is just a side hustle, not a real business.
This myth limits growth. Speaking can be a full-fledged business model with multiple revenue streams: keynote fees, workshops, online courses, consulting, and even product partnerships. Nurse speakers like Dr. Scharmaine Lawson have turned their speaking careers into platforms for advocacy, education, and enterprise.
4. Myth: There's no demand for nurse entrepreneurship speakers.
Actually, demand is rising. Conferences on healthcare innovation, digital health, and women in leadership are actively seeking diverse voices. And with the global spotlight on healthcare post-2020, nurse entrepreneurs bring a rare blend of frontline insight and strategic thinking that audiences crave.
5. Myth: You have to be famous to get booked.
Not true. While visibility helps, what really gets you booked is a clear message, a unique angle, and a solid pitch. Platforms like Talks.co make it easier than ever to connect with podcast hosts and event organizers looking for fresh voices. You don't need fame-you need focus.
Case studies of successful nurse entrepreneurship speakers
Then there's Dr. Scharmaine Lawson, a nurse practitioner from New Orleans. After Hurricane Katrina, she saw firsthand how underserved communities lacked access to care. She launched a house call practice, authored a children's book series about nurse practitioners, and became a sought-after speaker on healthcare access and innovation. Her talks aren't just informative-they're deeply personal, rooted in lived experience and systemic insight.
In the UK, nurse-turned-entrepreneur Ruth Oshikanlu used her midwifery background to launch a consultancy focused on maternal health and leadership. Her speaking career took off when she started addressing corporate audiences about resilience, diversity, and inclusive leadership. Her story resonates across sectors, not just in healthcare.
And in the Philippines, nurse entrepreneur and speaker Ivy Villanueva built a wellness brand that integrates Eastern and Western practices. She speaks at regional conferences about holistic care, entrepreneurship, and women's leadership in Asia. Her journey shows how nurse entrepreneurship speakers can thrive outside of Western markets, bringing culturally relevant insights to global audiences.
These aren't isolated stories. They're part of a growing movement of nurses who are stepping into entrepreneurship-and then stepping onto stages to share what they've learned. Their paths are diverse, but the common thread is this: they saw a gap, built something to fill it, and now use their voice to help others do the same.
Future trends for nurse entrepreneurship speakers
First, there's a growing appetite for authentic, frontline voices in healthcare innovation. Audiences are tired of generic leadership advice. They want real stories from people who've been in the trenches. Nurse entrepreneurs bring that credibility, and event organizers are taking notice.
Second, hybrid and virtual events are here to stay. This means nurse entrepreneurship speakers can now reach global audiences without the travel budget. Platforms like Hopin and Airmeet are making it easier to deliver high-impact talks from anywhere. Expect to see more virtual summits focused on niche topics like telehealth startups, nurse-led clinics, and healthcare equity.
Third, interdisciplinary stages are opening up. Nurse speakers are no longer confined to nursing conferences. They're being invited to speak at tech expos, startup accelerators, and corporate leadership retreats. Why? Because their perspective bridges clinical insight with business execution.
Here are a few key trends to watch:
- Rise of micro-niche events. Think: summits for nurse-led wellness brands or panels on AI in nursing.
- Increased demand for DEI-focused speakers. Nurses from underrepresented backgrounds are uniquely positioned to speak on equity and access.
- More monetization options. From paid webinars to online courses, speakers are diversifying income beyond keynotes.
- Globalization of speaking circuits. Speakers from Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America are gaining traction in international forums.
The takeaway? The future of nurse entrepreneurship speaking isn't just about sharing your story-it's about shaping the conversation. And the stage is getting bigger.
Tools and resources for aspiring nurse entrepreneurship speakers
1. Talks.co. A smart tool for matching speakers with podcast hosts. Great for building credibility and getting your message out to niche audiences. Tip: Create a compelling profile with a clear speaking topic and a short video intro.
2. SpeakerHub. A global directory where you can list your speaker profile and get discovered by event organizers. Bonus: They offer free resources on building your speaker brand.
3. Canva. Use it to design your speaker one-sheet, slide decks, and social media graphics. Tip: Keep your speaker sheet to one page with a strong headline, bio, topics, and testimonials.
4. LinkedIn Creator Mode. Turn on Creator Mode to highlight your speaking topics and grow your audience. Share short videos, articles, and behind-the-scenes content to build authority.
5. Zoom Events. If you're hosting your own virtual event or workshop, Zoom Events offers registration, ticketing, and analytics. Tip: Use it to run a free masterclass and invite potential clients or event planners.
6. Toastmasters International. A classic for a reason. Join a local or virtual club to sharpen your public speaking skills in a supportive environment.
7. Thinkific. Want to turn your talk into an online course? Thinkific lets you build and sell courses directly from your website. Great for monetizing your expertise beyond the stage.
Each of these tools serves a different part of the journey-from building your brand to getting booked. Start with one or two, test what works, and scale from there.