Product Led Growth Speakers

Not everyone who talks about product-led growth is a product led growth speaker. So what exactly defines one?

A product led growth speaker is someone who specializes in communicating strategies, frameworks, and case studies around growing a business primarily through its product. That means they focus on how the product itself drives acquisition, retention, and revenue-without relying heavily on sales or marketing teams.

These speakers often come from backgrounds in product management, growth marketing, UX, or even customer success. What they have in common is a deep understanding of how user experience, product features, and data-driven experimentation combine to fuel scalable growth.

They might speak at SaaS conferences, startup accelerators, webinars, or podcasts. Some focus on early-stage startups, while others bring insights from enterprise-level PLG transformations. A good example is Wes Bush, author of 'Product-Led Growth', who has spoken extensively about how companies can shift from sales-led to product-led models.

In essence, a product led growth speaker doesn't just talk about growth-they show how the product becomes the engine for it. And they do it in a way that's actionable, not abstract.

When you're trying to scale a business through your product, having the right voices in the room can change everything. That's where a product led growth speaker comes in.

These speakers bring clarity to a model that's often misunderstood. PLG isn't just about freemium pricing or slick onboarding. It's a mindset shift that affects how you build, market, and support your product. A seasoned speaker can help teams understand that shift and apply it to their own context-whether they're a bootstrapped startup in Nairobi or a growth-stage SaaS in Berlin.

They also help cut through the noise. With so many frameworks floating around-AARRR, North Star Metrics, Product Qualified Leads-it's easy to get overwhelmed. A strong speaker distills these into digestible insights, often backed by real-world examples. Think of someone explaining how Figma used collaboration as a growth lever, or how Zoom optimized its viral loop.

Plus, they inspire action. A good product led growth speaker doesn't just inform-they motivate. They show what's possible when you align your product with your growth goals. That kind of clarity can spark strategic shifts, team buy-in, and even investor confidence.

Whether you're hosting a summit, podcast, or internal workshop, the right speaker can be the catalyst that moves ideas into execution.

Product led growth speakers do more than just talk-they educate, challenge, and equip audiences to rethink how growth happens.

Here's what they typically do:

- Break down complex PLG concepts. They explain ideas like onboarding optimization, product-qualified leads, and usage-based monetization in ways that are easy to grasp and apply.

- Share real-world case studies. Whether it's how Canva scaled through user-generated templates or how Airtable built virality into its workflows, these speakers bring examples that resonate across industries.

- Tailor insights to different audiences. For a room full of product managers, they might go deep into experimentation frameworks. For a general business audience, they might focus on the strategic shift from sales-led to product-led models.

- Engage in Q&A and live coaching. Many product led growth speakers thrive in interactive formats, offering live feedback on audience challenges or reviewing real product flows.

- Provide actionable takeaways. From templates and checklists to growth loops and retention tips, they leave audiences with tools they can use immediately.

In short, product led growth speakers are educators and strategists rolled into one. They help teams and founders see their product not just as a tool, but as the primary engine of growth.

Becoming a product led growth speaker isn't just about knowing your stuff - it's about packaging your expertise in a way that resonates with audiences and event organizers. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Niche Within Product-Led Growth.
- Product-led growth (PLG) is a broad field. Are you focused on SaaS onboarding? Freemium conversion? Product analytics? Pick a lane.
- Tip: Look at successful PLG companies like Slack, Calendly, or Notion. What part of their strategy excites you most? That's your starting point.

2. Build Credibility Through Content.
- Start publishing insights on LinkedIn, Medium, or your own blog.
- Create case studies or teardown videos of PLG strategies.
- Tip: Use Talks.co to create a speaker page that showcases your expertise, past talks, and topics you cover.

3. Practice Speaking - Even If It's Small.
- Host webinars, join virtual summits, or speak at meetups.
- Record yourself and refine your delivery. Tools like Loom or Riverside can help.
- Bonus: Offer to be a guest on podcasts focused on SaaS, growth, or startups.

4. Network With Hosts and Event Organizers.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to connect with virtual summit hosts.
- Reach out to conference organizers with a clear pitch and speaker reel.
- Tip: Make it easy for them - include your bio, topics, and audience takeaways.

5. Refine Your Signature Talk.
- Create a 20-30 minute talk that delivers real value. Think frameworks, real-world examples, and actionable takeaways.
- Test it with smaller audiences and iterate based on feedback.

6. Collect Testimonials and Social Proof.
- After each talk, ask for feedback and a testimonial.
- Add these to your speaker page to build trust with future hosts.

Once you've got momentum, doors start opening. And remember: the more you speak, the better you get. Keep showing up.

To be a product led growth speaker, you need more than just a solid understanding of PLG principles. You need a mix of expertise, communication skills, and visibility. Let's break it down:

1. Deep Knowledge of Product-Led Growth
You should be fluent in PLG frameworks, metrics like activation and retention, and tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Pendo. Whether you're drawing from experience at a startup or analyzing the strategies of companies like Dropbox or HubSpot, your insights should be grounded in real-world application.

2. A Clear Point of View
What makes your take on PLG unique? Maybe you focus on PLG for mobile apps, or you specialize in transitioning from sales-led to product-led models. Your perspective is your brand.

3. Strong Communication Skills
You don't need to be a TEDx veteran, but you do need to explain complex ideas clearly. Practice storytelling, use visuals, and keep your message tight. Tools like Loom or Descript can help you rehearse.

4. A Speaker Profile
Create a speaker page on platforms like Talks.co. Include your bio, headshot, talk topics, and testimonials. This acts as your digital resume for event organizers.

5. A Network of Hosts and Peers
Connect with podcast hosts, summit organizers, and other speakers. Engage with their content, offer to collaborate, and stay active in PLG communities on LinkedIn or Slack.

6. A Willingness to Learn and Adapt
The PLG space evolves fast. Stay current with trends, test new ideas, and be open to feedback. The best speakers are also the best listeners.

In short, being a product led growth speaker is about combining expertise with visibility. If you can teach, inspire, and connect, you're on the right path.

Yes, many product led growth speakers do get paid, but the amount and consistency vary widely depending on experience, reputation, and the type of event. Let's break it down:
Paid vs. Unpaid Opportunities
- Paid Events: These include corporate conferences, industry summits, and private workshops. Established speakers can earn anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000 per talk.
- Unpaid Events: Podcasts, webinars, and virtual summits often don't pay, especially for newer speakers. But they offer exposure, leads, and credibility.
Factors That Influence Payment
- Experience Level: First-time speakers often speak for free to build a portfolio.
- Audience Size: A keynote at SaaStr will pay more than a local meetup.
- Topic Relevance: If your talk aligns with the event's theme or solves a burning problem, you're more likely to get paid.
Pros and Cons of Paid Speaking

Pros	Cons
Direct income	High expectations
Builds authority	Competitive to land gigs
Can lead to consulting gigs	Travel and prep time required

Example: A PLG speaker with a strong LinkedIn following and a Talks.co speaker page might get invited to speak at a SaaS growth summit. If they have a track record, they could command $3,000-$5,000 for a 45-minute session.
So yes, PLG speakers do get paid - but it often starts with unpaid gigs that build toward higher-value opportunities.

Product led growth speakers have multiple income streams, and the smartest ones diversify. Here's a breakdown of how they earn:

1. Speaking Fees
- This is the most direct method. Keynotes, panels, and workshops at conferences or corporate events can pay anywhere from $500 to $20,000.
- Example: A speaker at ProductCon or SaaStr might earn $5,000 for a mainstage talk.

2. Virtual Summits and Webinars
- While many are unpaid, some summits offer honorariums or affiliate commissions.
- Tip: Use Talks.co to connect with summit hosts and negotiate value-based compensation.

3. Consulting and Advisory Work
- Speaking often leads to consulting gigs. After a talk, companies may hire the speaker to optimize their PLG strategy.
- Example: A speaker who specializes in onboarding might land a 3-month contract with a fintech startup.

4. Online Courses and Digital Products
- Many speakers turn their frameworks into paid courses, templates, or toolkits.
- Platforms like Teachable or Gumroad make it easy to monetize your knowledge.

5. Book Deals and Publications
- Publishing a book on PLG can open doors to higher-paying speaking gigs and media appearances.
- Example: Wes Bush's book 'Product-Led Growth' helped position him as a go-to expert.

6. Affiliate and Sponsorship Revenue
- Some speakers partner with SaaS tools or platforms and earn commissions by promoting them during talks.
- Example: Mentioning a tool like Appcues or Heap with a referral link.

In short, speaking is often the tip of the iceberg. The real money comes from what happens after the mic drops.

The income of product led growth speakers varies dramatically based on experience, niche, and visibility. Let's look at the numbers and influencing factors:
Typical Income Ranges

Experience Level	Per Talk Fee	Annual Speaking Income*
Beginner	$0 - $500	$0 - $5,000
Intermediate	$500 - $3,000	$5,000 - $30,000
Established Expert	$3,000 - $10,000+	$30,000 - $150,000+

*Assumes 10-15 talks per year.
Other Income Sources
- Consulting: $5,000 - $50,000 per project.
- Courses: $1,000 - $100,000+ depending on audience size.
- Affiliate/Sponsorship: Variable, often $500 - $10,000 per campaign.
Variables That Affect Earnings
- Niche Demand: PLG is hot in SaaS, but less known in traditional industries.
- Geographic Reach: Speakers in North America and Western Europe tend to earn more.
- Platform Presence: A strong Talks.co profile or LinkedIn following boosts visibility and fees.
Example: A PLG speaker who does 12 paid talks a year at $2,500 each, plus two consulting projects at $10,000 each, and sells a $199 course to 300 people could earn over $80,000 annually.
So while some speakers do it for exposure, others turn it into a six-figure business.

Hiring a product led growth speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several key factors. Here's a breakdown:
Cost Tiers

Speaker Type	Typical Fee Range
Emerging Speaker	$0 - $1,000
Mid-Level Expert	$1,000 - $5,000
High-Demand Speaker	$5,000 - $20,000+

What Influences the Cost?
- Reputation: A speaker with a bestselling book or viral TEDx talk will charge more.
- Event Type: Corporate training sessions usually cost more than community webinars.
- Customization: Tailored workshops or keynotes require more prep and cost more.
- Location: In-person events may include travel and accommodation fees.
Virtual vs. In-Person
- Virtual keynotes: $500 - $5,000.
- In-person keynotes: $2,000 - $20,000+ (including travel).
Tips for Event Organizers
- Use platforms like Talks.co to find speakers within your budget.
- Be transparent about your budget up front - many speakers will work with you if the topic aligns.
- Consider offering value beyond cash: exposure, leads, or professional video footage.
Hiring a PLG speaker is an investment in actionable insights. Cost varies, but the right speaker can deliver serious ROI.

Here's a curated list of some of the best product led growth speakers ever - the ones who've shaped the space and inspired thousands:

- Wes Bush: Author of 'Product-Led Growth' and founder of ProductLed.com. He's arguably the most recognized voice in the PLG movement.
- Hiten Shah: Co-founder of Crazy Egg, KISSmetrics, and FYI. Known for his deep insights into user behavior and growth loops.
- April Dunford: While known for positioning, her talks often intersect with PLG by focusing on product-market fit and user onboarding.
- Des Traynor: Co-founder of Intercom. His talks on product strategy and user experience are staples at SaaS events.
- Brian Balfour: CEO of Reforge and former VP Growth at HubSpot. His frameworks on growth models are foundational in PLG circles.
- Elena Verna: Former Head of Growth at SurveyMonkey and Miro. A frequent speaker on PLG metrics and cross-functional growth teams.
- Andrew Capland: Founder of Delivering Value. Focuses on PLG onboarding and activation strategies.
- Casey Winters: Former growth lead at Pinterest and Grubhub. Known for his product-led approach to scaling marketplaces.

These speakers have not only delivered impactful talks but have also shaped the way companies think about growth through product. Their influence spans books, courses, and keynote stages worldwide.

Looking globally, these product led growth speakers are making waves across continents and industries:

- Wes Bush (Canada): Still the go-to name in PLG. His workshops and keynotes are in demand from Berlin to San Francisco.
- Elena Verna (USA/Ukraine): A global voice on PLG leadership and strategy. She regularly speaks at events across Europe and North America.
- Brian Balfour (USA): His Reforge programs are studied worldwide. He's a top-tier speaker for advanced growth audiences.
- Des Traynor (Ireland): Intercom's co-founder brings a European perspective to product strategy and user engagement.
- Shanelle Mullin (Canada): Known for her work in experimentation and conversion, she brings a data-driven lens to PLG.
- Samuel Hulme (UK): A rising voice in PLG for B2B SaaS. Known for his practical, no-fluff talks.
- Tania Luna (USA): While broader in scope, her behavioral science approach adds depth to PLG discussions.
- Lenny Rachitsky (USA): Former Airbnb PM and author of Lenny's Newsletter. His insights on product-led growth are followed globally.

These speakers are not just talking about PLG - they're helping companies implement it across different cultures, markets, and business models. Whether you're in Singapore or São Paulo, their insights resonate.

Let's break down some of the most persistent misconceptions about product led growth speakers. These aren't just harmless misunderstandings-they can actually hold people back from stepping into the role or hiring the right expert.

1. Myth: Product led growth speakers only talk about SaaS.
This one comes up a lot. Yes, PLG is huge in SaaS, but that doesn't mean it's exclusive to it. Product led growth speakers are showing up in industries like e-commerce, fintech, and even education tech. Take Duolingo, for example. Their growth strategy is textbook PLG, and speakers from their team have shared insights at global events. The principles apply across sectors-it's about user experience, not just software.

2. Myth: You need to be a founder or CPO to be a credible PLG speaker.
Not true. While founders like Blake Bartlett (who coined the term PLG) often speak on the topic, many impactful speakers are growth marketers, UX designers, or data analysts. What matters is your depth of experience and ability to communicate how product drives growth. Think of someone like Elena Verna-she's not a founder, but she's one of the most respected voices in PLG.

3. Myth: PLG speakers only focus on acquisition.
This is a narrow view. The best product led growth speakers talk about the full funnel: activation, retention, monetization, and advocacy. They dive into onboarding flows, pricing experiments, and even customer success. If a speaker is only talking about top-of-funnel tactics, they're missing the bigger picture.

4. Myth: PLG talks are too technical for general audiences.
Actually, the opposite is often true. Great PLG speakers simplify complex ideas. They use visuals, stories, and real product examples to make their points stick. Whether you're a startup founder or a corporate exec, the right speaker can make PLG feel accessible and actionable.

5. Myth: You need a massive platform to become a PLG speaker.
While having a following helps, it's not a requirement. Many speakers start by sharing insights on LinkedIn, contributing to niche podcasts, or speaking at local meetups. Consistency and clarity matter more than follower count. Talks.co, for instance, helps match emerging voices with podcast hosts looking for fresh perspectives.

When you think of product led growth speakers who've made a real impact, a few names and stories stand out-not just because of their stage presence, but because of how they've translated deep product knowledge into compelling narratives.

Take Wes Bush. Before he became a go-to name in PLG circles, he was a product marketer who saw a gap in how companies approached growth. His book 'Product-Led Growth' became a blueprint for many, but it was his speaking gigs-at SaaStock, Hypergrowth, and countless webinars-that turned him into a trusted voice. Wes doesn't just talk theory. He walks audiences through real funnels, onboarding flows, and user behavior data. That mix of clarity and practicality is what makes him resonate.

Then there's Hila Qu. She's led growth at companies like Acorns and GitLab, and her talks often blend data with storytelling. At GrowthHackers Conference, she broke down how GitLab used community-driven feedback loops to fuel product adoption. No fluff, just actionable insights. Her ability to connect product strategy with user psychology makes her a standout speaker.

Another example is Ramli John. He's known for his expertise in onboarding, and his talks often focus on that critical first experience users have with a product. At ProductLed Summit, he shared how small tweaks in onboarding copy increased activation rates by over 20%. His storytelling style-mixing humor, visuals, and real-world experiments-keeps audiences engaged and learning.

These speakers didn't start on big stages. They built credibility by sharing unique insights consistently, whether through blog posts, podcasts, or niche events. Their success isn't just about charisma-it's about clarity, relevance, and a deep understanding of how products grow.

So if you're thinking about becoming a PLG speaker, study these paths. Notice how they each carved out a niche within PLG-onboarding, community, data-driven growth-and used it to build authority. That's the real playbook.

Product led growth speakers are evolving with the ecosystem they represent. As companies rethink how they scale, the demand for nuanced, data-savvy, and globally relevant PLG voices is only growing. Here's where things are heading.

First, expect more cross-functional storytelling. PLG used to be the domain of product managers and growth marketers. Now, customer success leaders, data scientists, and even sales engineers are stepping onto stages. Why? Because PLG is no longer just about product-it's about how the entire org supports self-serve growth. Speakers who can bridge these silos will be in high demand.

Second, the rise of regional PLG narratives. While Silicon Valley still dominates the conversation, we're seeing more speakers from Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe bringing fresh perspectives. For example, SaaS companies in India are pioneering hybrid PLG models that blend self-serve with high-touch onboarding. Speakers who can highlight these regional nuances will stand out.

Third, more demand for tactical, workshop-style talks. Audiences are tired of vague inspiration. They want frameworks, templates, and teardown sessions. The best speakers will lean into this by offering hands-on sessions-think live onboarding audits or pricing model critiques.

Here are a few key trends to watch:
- More PLG speakers emerging from non-traditional backgrounds (e.g. community managers, UX writers).
- Increased focus on product-led sales and how it integrates with traditional sales teams.
- Greater emphasis on ethical growth-how PLG can avoid dark patterns and prioritize user trust.
- AI-powered personalization becoming a hot topic in PLG talks, especially around onboarding and retention.

Bottom line: the future of PLG speaking isn't just about being an expert. It's about being relevant, relatable, and ready to adapt to a more global, more tactical, and more user-conscious audience.

If you're looking to break into the world of product led growth speaking, you don't need to start from scratch. There's a growing ecosystem of tools and platforms designed to help you sharpen your message, find your audience, and land speaking gigs. Here's a curated list to get you started:

1. Talks.co. A podcast guest matching platform that connects speakers with relevant podcast hosts. Great for building your speaking resume and testing your messaging with niche audiences.

2. ProductLed.com. Founded by Wes Bush, this site offers courses, community events, and a speaker directory. Their summits are a great place to pitch yourself as a speaker or learn from others.

3. SlidesCarnival. Free presentation templates that are clean, professional, and easy to customize. If design isn't your strength, this tool helps you look polished on stage or screen.

4. Loom. Record short video pitches or sample talks to share with event organizers. Also useful for practicing your delivery and reviewing your tone and pacing.

5. Notion. Organize your speaking topics, audience personas, and event outreach in one place. Create a public speaker page with embedded videos and testimonials.

6. GrowthHackers Community. Engage in discussions, publish articles, and connect with other growth professionals. Many speakers get discovered here through their thought leadership.

7. Typeform. Use it to collect feedback after your talks or workshops. Helps you refine your message and gather testimonials for future pitches.

8. Canva. For quick visuals, diagrams, or social media snippets promoting your upcoming talks. Their templates make it easy to stay on-brand.

Pro tip: Start small. Use these tools to build momentum-guest on a podcast, share a Loom video on LinkedIn, or co-host a webinar. The more you put your ideas out there, the more likely you are to get noticed by event organizers looking for fresh PLG voices.