Project Management Speakers

A project management speaker is a professional who delivers talks, workshops, or presentations focused on the principles, tools, and real-world applications of project management. These speakers often have extensive experience leading projects across industries like tech, construction, healthcare, or finance, and they use that background to educate and inspire audiences.

Unlike general business speakers, project management speakers dive deep into topics like agile methodologies, stakeholder communication, risk assessment, resource planning, and team leadership. They might speak at conferences, corporate trainings, webinars, or virtual summits, tailoring their message to suit different levels of expertise-from beginner project coordinators to seasoned program managers.

Many project management speakers are certified professionals, such as PMP (Project Management Professional) holders, Scrum Masters, or Six Sigma experts. But credentials alone don't define them. What matters is their ability to translate complex frameworks into practical strategies that audiences can apply immediately.

Some speakers focus on specific niches. For example, a speaker might specialize in digital transformation projects in the public sector, while another might focus on managing creative teams in advertising agencies. This specialization helps them connect more deeply with targeted audiences.

Ultimately, a project management speaker is both a subject matter expert and a communicator. Their role is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, helping individuals and organizations improve how they plan, execute, and deliver projects.

When deadlines slip and budgets balloon, the right voice can shift the entire trajectory of a team or organization. That's where a project management speaker comes in-not just to inform, but to realign thinking and spark better execution.

Project management speakers bring clarity to chaos. In fast-moving industries like tech or logistics, teams often get buried in tools and processes without understanding the 'why' behind them. A skilled speaker can step in and reframe the conversation, helping teams see the bigger picture and adopt smarter workflows.

They also serve as catalysts for change. Whether you're rolling out a new PMO structure in a multinational company or introducing agile to a small startup, a speaker can accelerate buy-in. Their external perspective and real-world examples lend credibility to new initiatives.

In virtual events and summits, project management speakers help bridge global audiences. They can tailor content for cross-cultural teams, address remote collaboration challenges, and offer frameworks that scale across time zones and industries. That's especially valuable in today's distributed work environment.

Lastly, they inspire continuous learning. A great speaker doesn't just deliver a talk-they spark curiosity. They introduce new tools, challenge outdated habits, and encourage attendees to level up their skills. That ripple effect can lead to better project outcomes long after the event ends.

Project management speakers wear multiple hats-but not in the cliché way. Their work spans education, communication, and strategic influence, all centered around helping others manage projects more effectively.

Here's what they typically do:

- Deliver Keynotes and Workshops. They present at conferences, corporate events, and virtual summits. Topics might include agile transformation, risk mitigation, stakeholder management, or emerging trends like AI in project planning.

- Customize Content for Specific Audiences. Whether speaking to a room of software developers in Bangalore or healthcare administrators in Toronto, they tailor their message to the audience's industry, maturity level, and pain points.

- Translate Theory into Practice. They take frameworks like Scrum, PRINCE2, or Lean Six Sigma and show how to apply them in real-world scenarios. This makes their sessions highly actionable.

- Facilitate Discussions and Panels. Many speakers also moderate or participate in expert panels, bringing diverse perspectives to complex project challenges.

- Support Organizational Change. Some are brought in during major transitions-like a merger or digital transformation-to help teams align on goals and processes.

- Create Educational Content. Beyond live talks, many project management speakers write books, host podcasts, or create online courses. This extends their impact and helps build thought leadership.

In short, project management speakers are educators, motivators, and connectors. They help people not only understand project management-but use it to drive real results.

Becoming a project management speaker isn't just about knowing Gantt charts and timelines. It's about sharing insights that resonate, inspire, and drive action. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Niche and Message.
- Project management is broad. Do you specialize in Agile, Lean, construction, software, or change management? Narrowing your focus helps you stand out.
- Craft a signature talk or theme. For example, 'Agile Transformation in Government Projects' or 'How to Lead Remote Teams Like a Pro'.

2. Build Credibility.
- Get certified (PMP, PRINCE2, Scrum Master) if you haven't already.
- Publish thought leadership content: write LinkedIn posts, contribute to PM blogs, or start a YouTube channel.
- Speak at local meetups or webinars to build experience and testimonials.

3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile.
- Include a bio, talk topics, testimonials, and a short video of you speaking.
- Make it easy for event organizers to contact you.

4. Connect with Event Hosts and Communities.
- Join PM associations (like PMI chapters) and attend their events.
- Use LinkedIn to reach out to conference organizers or podcast hosts.
- Offer to speak for free at first to build your portfolio.

5. Leverage Virtual Events.
- With platforms like Talks.co, you can get matched with virtual summits and podcasts.
- Host your own micro-summit or webinar to showcase your expertise.

6. Collect Feedback and Iterate.
- After each talk, ask for feedback and testimonials.
- Use this to refine your message and improve your delivery.

Remember, speaking is a skill you build over time. Start small, stay consistent, and keep showing up.

To be a project management speaker, you need more than just experience managing projects. You need a blend of credibility, communication skills, and a platform to share your voice. Let's break it down:

1. Subject Matter Expertise
You don't need to be the world's top project manager, but you do need a solid foundation. Certifications like PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile Scrum Master help validate your knowledge. More importantly, you should have real-world stories and lessons learned from managing projects in your field-whether that's tech, healthcare, education, or construction.

2. A Clear Message
What makes your perspective unique? Maybe you led a remote team across five time zones, or you implemented Agile in a non-tech environment. Your message should solve a problem or offer a fresh take. Think: 'How to rescue failing projects' or 'Why traditional PMOs are dying'.

3. Public Speaking Skills
You don't need to be Tony Robbins, but you do need to engage an audience. Practice helps. Join Toastmasters, take a speaking course, or record yourself and review. Clarity, pacing, and storytelling are key.

4. A Platform
You need a way to get booked. This is where a speaker page on Talks.co comes in handy. It acts as your digital resume-complete with your bio, topics, testimonials, and a booking button. You can also use LinkedIn, your website, or even a YouTube channel to showcase your talks.

5. Network and Visibility
Being active in project management communities (online and offline) helps you get noticed. Comment on LinkedIn posts, join webinars, and attend conferences. The more visible you are, the more likely you'll get invited to speak.

In short, being a project management speaker is a mix of expertise, storytelling, and strategy. If you've got the knowledge and the drive, the rest is learnable.

Yes, project management speakers do get paid-but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's analyze the landscape:
Paid vs. Unpaid Gigs
- Many new speakers start with unpaid opportunities to build credibility and collect testimonials.
- Once established, speakers can command fees ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per talk.
Factors That Influence Payment
- Experience Level: A certified PMP with 15 years of experience and a TEDx talk under their belt will earn more than a first-time speaker.
- Event Type: Corporate training sessions and industry conferences typically pay more than community meetups or webinars.
- Region: Speakers in North America, Western Europe, and Australia often see higher rates than those in emerging markets, though virtual events are leveling the playing field.
Data Snapshot

Experience Level	Average Speaking Fee (USD)
Beginner	$0 - $500
Intermediate (3-5 yrs)	$500 - $2,000
Expert (10+ yrs)	$2,000 - $10,000+

Pros and Cons of Paid Speaking
- Pros: Income, authority, and networking.
- Cons: Competitive market, travel (for in-person), and time investment.
So yes, project management speakers do get paid-but it often starts slow and builds over time. As I mentioned in 'How to become a project management speaker', building a strong speaker page and connecting with hosts on platforms like Talks.co can accelerate your path to paid gigs.

Project management speakers have multiple income streams beyond just speaking fees. Let's break down the most common ways they monetize their expertise:

1. Speaking Engagements
- Keynotes at conferences, corporate events, or PM summits.
- Panel discussions, workshops, and breakout sessions.
- Virtual summits and webinars.

2. Training and Workshops
- Many speakers offer half-day or full-day training sessions.
- These can be in-person or online and often command higher fees than a single talk.
- Example: A speaker might charge $5,000 for a corporate Agile workshop.

3. Online Courses and Digital Products
- Courses on Udemy, Teachable, or their own websites.
- E-books, templates, or toolkits for project managers.
- These products generate passive income and scale well.

4. Consulting Services
- Some speakers double as consultants, offering strategic advice to companies.
- Speaking gigs often lead to consulting contracts.

5. Sponsorships and Affiliate Marketing
- Partnering with PM software companies (like Asana, Trello, or Wrike).
- Promoting tools or services during talks or in follow-up emails.

6. Hosting Events or Summits
- Running their own virtual summits or masterminds.
- Monetized through ticket sales, sponsorships, or premium access.

In short, speaking is often the gateway. The real money comes from the ecosystem around it. Smart project management speakers diversify their income and build long-term value.

The income of project management speakers varies widely, depending on their experience, niche, and how they monetize their expertise. Let's look at the numbers and what influences them:
Typical Income Ranges
- Beginner Speakers: $0 to $500 per talk. Often unpaid or compensated with exposure.
- Mid-Level Speakers: $500 to $2,500 per talk. These speakers have a few years of experience and a solid portfolio.
- Top-Tier Speakers: $3,000 to $10,000+ per keynote. These are seasoned professionals with strong reputations and demand.
Annual Income Potential
Let's say a mid-level speaker does:
- 12 paid talks a year at $1,500 = $18,000
- 3 workshops at $5,000 = $15,000
- Online course sales = $10,000
- Consulting gigs = $20,000
That's a total of $63,000 annually-not bad for a side hustle or part-time gig.
Variables That Affect Income
- Location: Speakers in the US, UK, and Australia tend to earn more than those in smaller markets.
- Niche: Specialized topics like Agile transformation or risk management in pharma can command higher fees.
- Platform: Speakers with a Talks.co profile and strong online presence get booked more often.
Comparison Table

Speaker Type	Avg. Fee per Talk	Other Income Sources
Beginner	$0 - $500	Free gigs, exposure
Mid-Level	$500 - $2,500	Courses, workshops
Expert	$3,000 - $10,000+	Consulting, sponsorships

So, how much do project management speakers make? It depends on how you package your expertise and how many income streams you build.

Hiring a project management speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on several key factors. Here's a breakdown:

Cost Ranges by Experience Level
- Entry-Level Speakers: $0 - $500
- Often emerging professionals or local experts.
- May speak for free at meetups, community events, or webinars.

- Mid-Tier Speakers: $500 - $2,500
- Typically have certifications (like PMP), a few years of experience, and a speaker page.
- Suitable for internal company events or regional conferences.

- Top-Tier Speakers: $3,000 - $10,000+
- High-profile experts, authors, or consultants.
- Frequently headline major conferences or corporate retreats.

Other Cost Considerations
- Travel and Accommodation: For in-person events, expect to cover flights, hotels, and per diem.
- Customization Fees: Some speakers charge extra to tailor content to your audience.
- Virtual vs. In-Person: Virtual talks are often 30-50% cheaper due to lower overhead.

Sample Budget Scenarios
- A virtual keynote by a mid-level speaker: $1,200
- A full-day Agile workshop by an expert: $6,000 + travel
- A panel appearance at a local PM meetup: Free or $200 honorarium

If you're booking through a platform like Talks.co, you can often filter by budget and negotiate directly with the speaker. Just remember: you're not just paying for their time, but for their years of experience and the value they bring to your audience.

Here's a list of standout project management speakers who've made a lasting impact on the industry. These names are recognized for their thought leadership, influence, and ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity.

- Harold Kerzner
- Author of 'Project Management: A Systems Approach'.
- Known for shaping modern PM methodologies.

- Rita Mulcahy
- Late founder of RMC Project Management.
- Her PMP prep materials are still widely used.

- Elizabeth Harrin
- Creator of 'A Girl's Guide to Project Management'.
- Known for making PM accessible and inclusive.

- Colin D. Ellis
- International speaker and author of 'The Project Book'.
- Focuses on culture and emotional intelligence in PM.

- Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez
- Former chairman of the Project Management Institute.
- Advocates for strategy execution through projects.

- Jennifer Bridges
- Founder of ProjectManager.com.
- Known for her engaging video tutorials and PM insights.

- Susanne Madsen
- Focuses on leadership in project management.
- Author of 'The Power of Project Leadership'.

- Dr. David Hillson
- Also known as 'The Risk Doctor'.
- Specializes in risk management and speaks globally.

These speakers have influenced generations of project managers through books, keynotes, and training. Their legacy continues to shape how we think about projects today.

Looking for the top project management speakers making waves right now? Here's a global list of dynamic voices who are shaping the conversation in 2024:

- Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez (Spain/Belgium)
- Strategy implementation expert and TEDx speaker.
- Author of 'The Project Revolution'.

- Colin D. Ellis (Australia/UK)
- High-energy speaker on culture and leadership in PM.
- Known for his storytelling and practical insights.

- Susanne Madsen (UK)
- Leadership coach and speaker.
- Focuses on emotional intelligence and team dynamics.

- Elizabeth Harrin (UK)
- Advocates for women in PM and digital transformation.
- Her blog and talks are widely followed.

- Dr. Harold Kerzner (USA)
- A legend in the field, still active in academic and corporate circles.

- Jennifer Bridges (USA)
- Founder of ProjectManager.com and a go-to for online PM education.

- Karthik Ramamurthy (India)
- Speaker and trainer on Agile and Lean Six Sigma.
- Known for his work in emerging markets.

- Ricardo Vargas (Brazil)
- Former director at the UN Office for Project Services.
- Speaks on global project governance and sustainability.

- Amany Nuseibeh (Jordan)
- PMI Fellow and advocate for PM in the Middle East.
- Focuses on public sector transformation.

These speakers bring diverse perspectives from different industries and regions. Whether you're organizing a summit or looking for inspiration, this list is a great place to start.

Let's get real about some of the most common misconceptions floating around about project management speakers. These myths can hold people back from stepping onto the stage or booking the right expert for their event.

- Myth 1: Project management speakers only talk about Gantt charts and deadlines.
This one's a classic. While timelines and task tracking are part of the conversation, top project management speakers dive into leadership, communication, change management, and even psychology. For example, Elizabeth Harrin, a well-known voice in the space, often speaks about stakeholder engagement and emotional intelligence in project teams-not just scheduling tools.

- Myth 2: You need to be a certified PMP to be a credible speaker.
Credentials can help, sure. But they're not the only path to authority. Many impactful speakers come from unconventional backgrounds-startups, creative industries, or even military logistics-where they've led complex projects without formal certifications. What matters more is your ability to translate experience into insights that resonate with an audience.

- Myth 3: Project management speakers are only relevant to corporate audiences.
Not true. From nonprofits managing global aid programs to indie game developers coordinating remote teams, project management principles apply everywhere. Speakers who tailor their message to different sectors-like tech, education, or healthcare-often connect more deeply with diverse audiences.

- Myth 4: Speaking about project management is boring.
If it's boring, you're doing it wrong. The best speakers use stories, humor, and real-world examples to bring their message to life. Think of someone like Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, who frames project management as a strategic driver for global change. That's far from dull.

- Myth 5: You have to be a full-time speaker to succeed.
Many successful project management speakers balance speaking with consulting, writing, or leading teams. In fact, staying active in the field often makes your talks more relevant and grounded. You don't need to quit your day job to start making an impact on stage.

When you look at the journeys of successful project management speakers, a few patterns emerge-but each story has its own flavor.

Take Colin D. Ellis, for example. He started out managing IT projects in the UK and Australia, but what set him apart was his focus on culture. Instead of just talking about frameworks, he spoke about how teams behave, how to build trust, and how to lead with empathy. His talks are energetic, filled with humor, and grounded in real-life team dynamics. That authenticity helped him grow from regional events to international conferences.

Then there's Susanne Madsen, who carved a niche by focusing on leadership in project environments. Her talks often blend coaching techniques with project delivery insights, appealing to both technical managers and HR professionals. She didn't just rely on her books-she built a reputation by consistently showing up at PMI chapters, webinars, and virtual summits, delivering value every time.

In a different lane, Ricardo Vargas brings a global perspective. With experience leading UN projects and advising governments, his talks often tackle complexity at scale. He uses case studies from humanitarian missions and infrastructure rollouts to illustrate principles like risk management and stakeholder alignment. His ability to connect macro-level strategy with day-to-day project execution makes him a go-to speaker for high-stakes environments.

What's interesting is how these speakers tailor their message. Whether it's a startup founder audience in Berlin or a public sector team in Nairobi, they adapt their language, examples, and delivery style. They don't just talk about project management-they make it relevant to the people in the room.

Their success isn't about flashy slides or buzzwords. It's about clarity, relevance, and the ability to turn complex ideas into actionable insights. That's what keeps them booked and remembered.

So what's next for project management speakers? If you're planning to step into this space-or already in it and looking to stay ahead-here's what's shaping the future.

First, audiences are craving more than just frameworks. They want context. That means speakers who can connect project management to broader themes like sustainability, digital transformation, or mental health will stand out. For example, tying agile methodologies to climate adaptation projects or exploring burnout in remote project teams isn't just timely-it's necessary.

Second, hybrid and virtual speaking formats are here to stay. Even as in-person events return, many organizers are keeping digital components. That means speakers need to master both the stage and the screen. Tools like Miro or Prezi Video are becoming part of the speaker toolkit, not just for workshops but for keynotes too.

Third, there's a growing demand for culturally aware content. Global teams are the norm now, and project management speakers who understand cross-cultural dynamics-like time perception, communication styles, or decision-making norms-will resonate more. Think of speakers who can reference both Silicon Valley sprints and Japanese kaizen practices in the same talk.

Here are a few key trends to watch:
- AI in project delivery: Speakers who can demystify how AI tools like ChatGPT or Jira plugins impact planning and execution will be in demand.
- Neurodiversity and inclusion: Talks that explore how to design project environments that support diverse cognitive styles are gaining traction.
- Outcome-based planning: Moving beyond deliverables to focus on measurable impact is a shift many organizations are making-and they need guidance.
- Soft skills as hard skills: Emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and storytelling are becoming core topics, not side notes.

The bottom line? The best project management speakers of tomorrow won't just teach-they'll challenge, inspire, and connect across industries and borders.

Breaking into the speaking world as a project management expert? Here's a curated list of tools and platforms that can help you build your presence, refine your message, and land more gigs.

1. Talks.co. This podcast guest matching tool is a goldmine for new speakers. It helps you get booked on relevant shows where you can share your expertise, build credibility, and test your messaging in a conversational format.

2. SpeakerHub. Create a profile, list your topics, and get discovered by event organizers. It's especially useful for speakers outside North America looking to connect with international opportunities.

3. Toastmasters International. Old school? Maybe. Still effective? Absolutely. Toastmasters clubs around the world are great for sharpening your delivery, getting feedback, and practicing in a low-pressure environment.

4. PMI Events. The Project Management Institute runs global and regional events where emerging speakers can pitch breakout sessions or panels. Start with local chapters-they're often looking for fresh voices.

5. Canva. Not just for social media. Use Canva to design clean, professional slides that support your message without overwhelming your audience. Their templates save time and look sharp.

6. Otter.ai. Record your practice sessions and get transcripts. Reviewing your own delivery is one of the fastest ways to improve pacing, clarity, and tone.

7. LinkedIn Creator Mode. Turn on Creator Mode to highlight your speaking topics, post short video clips, and attract event organizers. Use hashtags like #projectmanagementspeaker or #virtualkeynote to get discovered.

8. Slidebean. If you're not a designer but want pitch-deck-level polish, Slidebean helps you structure and beautify your slides with minimal effort.

Pro tip: Don't just collect tools. Use them to build a system. For example, record a podcast interview via Zoom, transcribe it with Otter.ai, pull quotes for LinkedIn, and turn the transcript into a blog post. That's how you build authority while staying efficient.