Problem Solving Speakers

A problem solving speaker is someone who specializes in delivering talks that focus on identifying challenges and offering practical, often innovative, solutions. Unlike general motivational speakers, their core value lies in their ability to dissect complex issues and guide audiences through actionable frameworks.

These speakers often come from diverse backgrounds-tech, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship-and bring deep expertise in their field. What unites them is their structured approach to tackling problems. They don't just inspire, they equip.

For example, a problem solving speaker in cybersecurity might walk an audience through how to respond to a ransomware attack, using real case studies. In contrast, someone in education might speak on how to close learning gaps in under-resourced schools, offering data-backed interventions.

They typically speak at conferences, corporate events, summits, or virtual panels. Their talks are often interactive, using audience polls, live Q&A, or scenario-based exercises to engage attendees in the problem-solving process.

In short, a problem solving speaker is a strategist with a mic-someone who doesn't just talk about change, but shows you how to make it happen.

When you're hosting an event or podcast, you're not just filling a time slot-you're curating an experience. That's where a problem solving speaker becomes essential.

First, they bring clarity to chaos. In industries like tech, healthcare, or logistics, challenges evolve fast. A skilled speaker can unpack a complex issue-like AI bias or supply chain disruption-and make it understandable and solvable for your audience.

Second, they drive engagement. People are drawn to solutions. A speaker who can walk through a real-world challenge and explain how it was tackled-step by step-keeps listeners hooked. This is especially valuable in virtual events, where attention spans are short.

Third, they deliver value beyond the talk. A great problem solving speaker leaves your audience with tools, frameworks, or mental models they can apply immediately. That kind of takeaway boosts your event's credibility and ROI.

Finally, they elevate your brand. Booking a speaker known for solving real problems-like Whitney Johnson on disruption or Eric Ries on lean startups-positions your platform as a place for smart, actionable content.

So if you're serious about delivering value, not just entertainment, a problem solving speaker isn't just helpful-they're a strategic asset.

Problem solving speakers do more than just talk-they guide, challenge, and equip audiences to tackle real-world issues head-on. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Analyze and Frame Challenges
- They start by identifying a specific problem relevant to the audience. This could be anything from scaling a startup to addressing mental health in the workplace.
- They frame the issue in a way that's relatable and urgent, often using data, stories, or analogies to make it stick.

2. Share Proven Frameworks
- These speakers don't rely on vague inspiration. They offer concrete models-like the Eisenhower Matrix for prioritization or the 5 Whys for root cause analysis.
- Example: A speaker on organizational change might walk through Kotter's 8-Step Process, showing how it was applied in a Fortune 500 company.

3. Facilitate Audience Engagement
- Many problem solving speakers use interactive methods like live polls, breakout sessions, or scenario planning to involve the audience.
- This isn't just for show-it helps people internalize the solution process.

4. Customize Content for Context
- They tailor their message to the audience's industry, region, or maturity level. A talk for a rural nonprofit will look very different from one for a fintech accelerator.

5. Inspire Action
- At the end of the day, their goal is to spark change. Whether it's adopting a new tool, shifting a mindset, or launching a pilot project, they leave audiences with a clear next step.

In essence, problem solving speakers are part educator, part strategist, and part catalyst. They don't just inform-they activate.

Becoming a problem solving speaker isn't just about being good at solving problems. It's about communicating those solutions in a way that inspires, educates, and drives action. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Niche.
- Are you solving problems in tech, education, leadership, or sustainability? Pick a lane.
- Example: If you specialize in conflict resolution for remote teams, that's a unique angle.

2. Build Your Signature Talk.
- Develop a core presentation that highlights your approach to problem solving.
- Include real-world examples, frameworks, and actionable takeaways.
- Tip: Use the 'problem-solution-impact' structure to keep your message clear.

3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to showcase your bio, topics, testimonials, and videos.
- Include a downloadable one-sheet and a booking form.

4. Start Small, Then Scale.
- Speak at local meetups, webinars, or virtual summits to build experience.
- Record every talk. Use clips for your speaker reel.

5. Connect with Hosts and Event Planners.
- Reach out to podcast hosts, summit organizers, and conference curators.
- Use Talks.co to get matched with events looking for your expertise.

6. Collect Feedback and Refine.
- Ask for testimonials and speaker ratings.
- Use feedback to tweak your delivery, slides, or storytelling.

7. Position Yourself as an Authority.
- Publish content on LinkedIn, Medium, or your own blog.
- Host your own virtual events to attract your ideal audience.

Consistency and clarity are key. The more you speak, the more you learn what resonates-and that's how you grow into a powerful problem solving speaker.

To be a problem solving speaker, you need more than just a knack for fixing things. You need a toolkit that blends expertise, communication skills, and visibility. Let's break it down:

Expertise in a Specific Domain
You can't speak about solving problems unless you've actually solved some. Whether it's in cybersecurity, education reform, or startup scaling, your credibility comes from experience. Audiences want to hear from someone who's been in the trenches.

A Clear Framework or Methodology
Problem solving speakers are often hired because they bring a repeatable system. Think of Simon Sinek's 'Start With Why' or Brené Brown's vulnerability framework. Your method should be easy to explain and apply.

Strong Storytelling and Communication Skills
You're not just delivering facts-you're telling a story that moves people. Practice your delivery, use real-world examples, and learn how to read a room (or a Zoom chat). Tools like Toastmasters or speaker coaching can help.

A Professional Online Presence
You need a speaker page that showcases your topics, testimonials, and videos. Platforms like Talks.co make this easy. Event organizers want to see what you bring to the table before they book you.

Connections with Hosts and Events
Being a great speaker isn't enough-you need to be visible. Use Talks.co or LinkedIn to connect with podcast hosts, summit organizers, and corporate event planners. The more you show up, the more you get booked.

In short, being a problem solving speaker means combining your unique insights with the ability to communicate them clearly and confidently. It's part expertise, part performance, and part marketing.

Yes, problem solving speakers do get paid-but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's look at the landscape.

The Short Answer:
Most professional problem solving speakers earn income from speaking engagements, but the range is wide. Some speak for free to build their brand, while others command five-figure fees per event.

Factors That Influence Pay:
- Experience Level: New speakers may earn $0 to $1,000 per talk. Seasoned experts can charge $5,000 to $25,000 or more.
- Industry: Corporate events (especially in finance, tech, or healthcare) pay more than educational or nonprofit gigs.
- Event Type: Keynotes usually pay more than breakout sessions or panels.
- Geography: Speakers in North America and Western Europe tend to earn more, but virtual events have leveled the playing field.

Pros of Paid Speaking:
- Builds authority and credibility.
- Can lead to consulting, coaching, or product sales.
- High ROI if you've built a strong personal brand.

Cons:
- Competitive market.
- Requires ongoing marketing and networking.
- Not all events have budgets.

In summary, yes, problem solving speakers do get paid-but it's not automatic. You need to build demand for your unique insights and position yourself as a high-value expert.

Problem solving speakers don't just rely on stage time to earn a living. They diversify their income streams to build sustainable businesses. Here's how they typically make money:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements
- Keynotes, workshops, panels, and webinars.
- Corporate events pay the most, especially in industries like tech, healthcare, and finance.

2. Consulting and Advisory Services
- After a talk, companies often hire speakers to help implement their strategies.
- Example: A speaker on supply chain optimization might consult for a logistics firm.

3. Online Courses and Digital Products
- Many speakers package their frameworks into self-paced courses.
- Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi are popular for this.

4. Books and Publications
- Publishing a book boosts credibility and creates passive income.
- Think of it as a business card that pays you.

5. Virtual Summits and Webinars
- Hosting your own events can generate revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, or upsells.
- Tools like Talks.co help connect with guests and audiences.

6. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships
- Some speakers partner with tools or services they recommend.
- Example: A productivity speaker might promote a task management app.

7. Licensing Content
- Companies pay to license training videos or frameworks for internal use.

By combining multiple income streams, problem solving speakers can create a stable and scalable business model-even if they're not on stage every week.

The income of problem solving speakers varies widely based on experience, niche, and business model. Let's break it down with some real-world context.
Entry-Level Speakers
- Typically earn $0 to $1,500 per talk.
- Often speak for free or low fees to build credibility.
- May rely on backend offers like coaching or courses.
Mid-Level Speakers
- Earn $2,000 to $7,500 per event.
- Have a niche, a signature talk, and a speaker page.
- Often booked for corporate trainings, summits, or industry conferences.
High-Level Speakers
- Command $10,000 to $50,000+ per keynote.
- Usually have a bestselling book, media presence, or a well-known framework.
- Examples: Daniel Pink, Amy Cuddy, or Patrick Lencioni.
Annual Income Estimates

Speaker Level	Talks/Year	Avg. Fee	Total Income
Beginner	10	$500	$5,000
Mid-Level	25	$4,000	$100,000
High-Level	40	$15,000	$600,000

Other Income Sources (see 'How do problem solving speakers make money') can push total earnings even higher.
Bottom line: There's no ceiling if you build a strong brand, diversify your income, and consistently deliver value.

Hiring a problem solving speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several key factors. Here's a breakdown to help you budget:
Cost Ranges by Experience Level
- Emerging Speakers: $500 - $2,000.
- Great for small events, local meetups, or virtual panels.
- Professional Speakers: $3,000 - $10,000.
- Ideal for corporate trainings, summits, or association conferences.
- Celebrity or High-Demand Experts: $15,000 - $50,000+.
- These speakers often have bestselling books, TED Talks, or major media appearances.
Other Cost Considerations
- Travel and Accommodation: Some speakers include this in their fee, others bill separately.
- Customization: Tailoring a talk to your audience may increase the fee.
- Virtual vs. In-Person: Virtual talks are usually 30-50% cheaper.
Sample Cost Table

Speaker Type	Virtual Fee	In-Person Fee
New/Emerging	$500	$1,000
Mid-Level	$2,500	$5,000
High-Profile Expert	$10,000	$25,000+

Tips for Booking
- Use platforms like Talks.co to find speakers within your budget.
- Ask about package deals (e.g., keynote + breakout session).
- Consider speaker availability and lead time-last-minute bookings often cost more.
Hiring a problem solving speaker is an investment in insight and inspiration. The right speaker can shift mindsets and spark real change.

Here's a list of standout problem solving speakers who've made a lasting impact across industries and generations:

- Tony Robbins: Known for his high-energy delivery and practical frameworks, Robbins has helped millions tackle personal and professional challenges.

- Simon Sinek: His 'Start With Why' concept revolutionized leadership thinking. He's a go-to speaker for solving organizational and cultural problems.

- Stephen Covey: Author of 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People', Covey's legacy lives on in time management and personal development circles.

- Malcolm Gladwell: While not a traditional problem solver, his storytelling and insights into human behavior have helped audiences rethink complex issues.

- Brené Brown: Her work on vulnerability and courage has addressed deep-rooted problems in leadership and team dynamics.

- Clayton Christensen: The late Harvard professor coined 'disruptive innovation' and helped companies rethink how they solve market problems.

- Jim Collins: Author of 'Good to Great', he's known for helping businesses solve strategic and operational challenges.

- Daniel Kahneman: Nobel Prize-winning psychologist whose work on decision-making has influenced everything from economics to UX design.

- Marshall Goldsmith: A top executive coach who helps leaders solve behavioral and performance issues.

- Peter Drucker: Though more of a thinker than a speaker, his ideas on management problem solving still influence keynotes and workshops today.

Looking at today's global stage, these problem solving speakers are making waves across industries and continents:

- Adam Grant (USA): Organizational psychologist and bestselling author. His talks on rethinking assumptions and workplace innovation are in high demand.

- Priya Parker (USA/India): Expert in conflict resolution and gathering design. Her insights help solve problems around human connection and group dynamics.

- Eric Thomas (USA): Known as the 'hip-hop preacher', he combines motivational energy with practical problem solving for students and entrepreneurs.

- Julian Treasure (UK): Specializes in sound and communication. His TED Talks help solve problems related to listening and speaking effectively.

- Linda Yueh (UK/China): Economist and broadcaster. She addresses global economic challenges with clarity and depth.

- Dr. Ayesha Khanna (Singapore): AI and smart city expert. She speaks on solving urban and technological challenges in Asia and beyond.

- Nilofer Merchant (USA): Business strategist focused on innovation and inclusion. Her talks help organizations solve growth and culture issues.

- Tariq Qureishy (UAE): Futurist and media entrepreneur. He helps leaders in the Middle East navigate disruption and transformation.

- Mick Liubinskas (Australia): Tech entrepreneur and startup advisor. Known for solving early-stage business problems with speed and clarity.

- Luvvie Ajayi Jones (Nigeria/USA): Author and speaker tackling social justice and leadership challenges with humor and boldness.

Each of these speakers brings a unique lens to problem solving, shaped by their culture, industry, and lived experience. Whether you're booking for a global summit or a niche conference, these voices deliver real value.

Myth 1: Problem solving speakers are only for corporate audiences.
This one pops up a lot. People assume that problem solving speakers only belong on stages at Fortune 500 retreats or leadership summits. But the truth is, their insights are just as relevant in classrooms, community organizations, and even grassroots startups. For example, speakers like Simon Sinek have addressed both boardrooms and high school students with equal impact. The key is adaptability, not audience size.

Myth 2: You need to be a psychologist or academic to be a problem solving speaker.
Not even close. While some speakers do come from academic backgrounds, many others are entrepreneurs, engineers, nonprofit leaders, or even athletes. Take Daymond John from Shark Tank. He's not a psychologist, but his talks on overcoming business hurdles and thinking creatively about setbacks are textbook examples of problem solving in action.

Myth 3: Problem solving speakers just talk about mindset.
Sure, mindset matters. But the best problem solving speakers go way beyond that. They share frameworks, tools, and real-world examples. Think of someone like Brené Brown. While she touches on mindset, her talks are packed with research-backed strategies and actionable takeaways. The myth that these talks are just motivational fluff doesn't hold up.

Myth 4: They need to have solved a 'big' problem to be credible.
This is a limiting belief. You don't need to have cured cancer or launched a unicorn startup to be a credible problem solving speaker. Solving local community issues, navigating complex team dynamics, or even innovating within a small business can provide powerful lessons. Audiences care about relevance and relatability, not just scale.

Myth 5: Problem solving speakers are born, not made.
Nope. Public speaking is a skill, and so is structured problem solving. Both can be learned, practiced, and refined. Many top speakers started with shaky first talks and built their craft over time. The idea that you either 'have it' or you don't? That's just fear talking.

When you think of problem solving speakers, you might picture someone with a whiteboard and a laser pointer. But some of the most compelling examples come from unexpected places.

Take Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx. She's spoken on stages around the world, not just about entrepreneurship, but about how she tackled rejection, prototyped her product with no fashion background, and navigated legal red tape. Her talks are packed with lessons on creative problem solving, especially for women in business.

Then there's Naveen Jain, a tech entrepreneur who speaks about solving global challenges like healthcare and education. In one keynote, he broke down how he approached solving the problem of diagnostic testing in rural areas using AI and at-home kits. His storytelling blends moonshot thinking with practical steps, making complex ideas accessible.

In a completely different arena, there's William Kamkwamba, the Malawian inventor who built a windmill from scrap parts to power his village. His TED Talk is a masterclass in resourcefulness. He didn't just solve a problem-he redefined what was possible with limited tools. His story resonates across cultures and age groups.

Even in entertainment, problem solving speakers are making waves. Ava DuVernay, the filmmaker, often speaks about solving systemic issues in storytelling and representation. Her talks don't just inspire-they challenge audiences to rethink the problems they're ignoring.

What ties all these speakers together isn't their industry. It's their ability to break down a challenge, share the journey, and leave audiences with a new lens. Whether it's a tech founder, a filmmaker, or a teenage inventor, the impact comes from clarity, authenticity, and a clear framework for action.

If you're eyeing the future of problem solving speakers, you're not alone. The landscape is shifting, and it's not just about who's on stage-it's about how they're delivering value.

First, expect more hybrid delivery. Virtual summits, like those hosted by Liam Austin, have opened the door for speakers to reach global audiences without ever stepping on a plane. Problem solving speakers are now using tools like Zoom, Hopin, and even the metaverse to deliver interactive workshops and keynotes.

Second, there's a growing demand for niche expertise. Generalist talks are losing steam. Audiences want speakers who can dive deep into specific challenges-like supply chain resilience in Southeast Asia or mental health solutions for remote teams. This means speakers with specialized knowledge will have more opportunities.

Third, data-driven storytelling is gaining traction. Speakers who can back up their insights with real metrics-whether from case studies, experiments, or industry benchmarks-are standing out. Think of it as the TED Talk meets McKinsey report hybrid.

Here are a few key trends to watch:
- Interactive formats. Workshops, live Q&A, and audience-driven problem solving sessions are replacing one-way lectures.
- AI integration. Speakers are using tools like ChatGPT to co-create content, simulate scenarios, or even personalize talks in real time.
- Global-local fusion. Speakers who can connect global trends to local realities (and vice versa) are becoming more valuable, especially in multicultural or international settings.
- Authenticity over polish. The era of overly rehearsed, slick presentations is fading. Audiences crave realness-flaws, failures, and all.

Bottom line: the future belongs to problem solving speakers who are agile, data-savvy, and deeply connected to the real-world problems their audiences face.

Ready to level up your game as a problem solving speaker? Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your craft, here's a curated list of tools and resources to help you build authority, land gigs, and deliver powerful talks.

1. Talks.co. This platform connects speakers with podcast hosts looking for expert guests. Great for building your reputation and practicing your message in a low-pressure format.

2. Miro. A collaborative whiteboard tool that's perfect for mapping out problem solving frameworks visually. Use it to design your talk structure or run interactive sessions during virtual keynotes.

3. Notion. Organize your research, case studies, and speaking notes in one place. Create a template for each talk that includes audience pain points, key takeaways, and stories.

4. SpeakerHub. A directory where you can list your profile, connect with event organizers, and apply for speaking opportunities. Tailor your profile to highlight your problem solving niche.

5. Coursera. Look for courses like 'Creative Problem Solving' or 'Design Thinking for Innovation'. These can deepen your expertise and give you fresh content for your talks.

6. Canva. Use it to create slide decks that are clean, engaging, and on-brand. Their templates make it easy to visualize complex concepts without needing a design degree.

7. Otter.ai. Record and transcribe your practice sessions or live talks. Reviewing transcripts helps you refine your delivery and spot areas for improvement.

8. LinkedIn Events. Host your own mini-webinars or workshops. It's a great way to test new material, build an audience, and get feedback in real time.

Pro tip: Don't just collect tools-build a workflow. For example, research your audience in Notion, design your talk in Miro, create slides in Canva, and promote via LinkedIn. Then use Otter.ai to review and improve. That's how you go from aspiring to in-demand.