Remote Work Speakers

A remote work speaker is someone who specializes in delivering talks, workshops, or presentations focused on the strategies, tools, and culture of working remotely. These speakers are often experts in distributed team management, asynchronous communication, digital collaboration, and the evolving future of work.

Unlike general business speakers, remote work speakers tailor their content to address the unique challenges and opportunities of virtual work environments. They might speak on topics like building trust in remote teams, maintaining productivity without physical oversight, or designing inclusive remote-first policies. Their audiences range from tech startups and remote-first companies to traditional organizations transitioning to hybrid models.

Many remote work speakers come from diverse backgrounds-some are former executives at remote-native companies like GitLab or Buffer, while others are consultants, authors, or researchers who've studied remote work trends across industries and geographies. What unites them is their ability to translate complex remote work dynamics into clear, actionable insights.

These speakers are often featured at virtual summits, webinars, podcasts, and corporate training sessions. They may also contribute to thought leadership in publications like Harvard Business Review or Fast Company, helping shape the broader conversation around the future of work.

In short, a remote work speaker is not just someone who works remotely-they're someone who helps others thrive in remote environments by sharing expertise, frameworks, and forward-thinking ideas.

When companies shift to remote or hybrid models, the playbook changes-and that's where a remote work speaker becomes essential. They help organizations and individuals navigate this shift with clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

First, remote work speakers bring specialized knowledge. They've studied what works and what doesn't across different industries, from tech startups in Estonia to NGOs in Kenya. They offer tested strategies for everything from managing time zones to fostering team culture without a physical office. This kind of insight is especially valuable for leaders who are new to remote work and need to avoid common pitfalls.

Second, they help align teams. In a remote setting, miscommunication can spread fast. A skilled speaker can unify a distributed audience around shared values, goals, and practices. Whether it's a keynote at a virtual all-hands or a breakout session for department heads, their message can reinforce cohesion and clarity.

Third, they inspire innovation. Remote work isn't just about replicating the office online-it's about rethinking how we work. Speakers like Chris Herd or Tsedal Neeley challenge audiences to question assumptions and embrace new models of productivity, autonomy, and collaboration.

Finally, remote work speakers act as catalysts for change. They help organizations move from reactive to proactive-shifting from 'how do we survive remote work?' to 'how do we thrive in it?'. That kind of mindset shift can unlock new levels of performance, retention, and satisfaction.

So whether you're hosting a summit or leading a team, bringing in a remote work speaker can be the spark that drives meaningful transformation.

Remote work speakers do more than just give talks-they educate, challenge, and equip audiences to succeed in a distributed world. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Deliver Keynotes and Workshops
- They speak at virtual and hybrid events, sharing insights on remote leadership, communication, and culture.
- Example: A speaker might lead a session on building psychological safety in remote teams for a global HR conference.

2. Provide Strategic Guidance
- Many remote work speakers also consult with companies, helping them design remote-first policies, onboarding frameworks, or async workflows.
- They often draw on case studies from companies like Zapier, Doist, or Automattic.

3. Create and Share Content
- Through blogs, podcasts, books, and social media, they contribute to the broader conversation about the future of work.
- Example: A speaker might publish a LinkedIn post breaking down the pros and cons of the 4-day remote workweek.

4. Facilitate Internal Trainings
- Some are brought in to run internal sessions for leadership teams or entire organizations.
- These sessions might cover topics like managing remote burnout, running effective virtual meetings, or designing inclusive remote hiring practices.

5. Advocate for Remote Work Equity
- Many speakers highlight issues like digital access, global hiring, and inclusion in remote settings.
- They help companies think beyond Silicon Valley and consider the needs of remote workers in rural or underserved areas.

In essence, remote work speakers are educators, strategists, and change agents. They help individuals and organizations not just adapt to remote work-but master it.

Becoming a remote work speaker isn't just about having experience with Zoom calls or working from a beach in Bali. It's about positioning yourself as a credible voice in the evolving world of distributed work. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Niche.
- Remote work is a broad topic. Are you focused on remote team leadership, asynchronous communication, digital nomadism, or mental health in remote environments?
- Tip: Look at trending topics on LinkedIn or Talks.co to see what event hosts are booking speakers for.

2. Build Your Expertise.
- Create content: blog posts, LinkedIn articles, or YouTube videos.
- Speak on podcasts or panels to build your speaking resume.
- Tip: Use your own remote work journey as a framework, but back it up with data and case studies.

3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Include a bio, headshot, speaking topics, testimonials, and a short video reel.
- Platforms like Talks.co make it easy to set this up and connect with event organizers.

4. Start Small, Then Scale.
- Offer to speak at virtual meetups, coworking communities, or niche summits.
- Use these early gigs to refine your message and gather testimonials.

5. Network with Hosts and Other Speakers.
- Join speaker communities or remote work Slack groups.
- Reach out to summit hosts on LinkedIn with a clear pitch and speaker page link.

6. Get Listed on Speaker Platforms.
- Talks.co, SpeakerHub, and even Eventbrite can help you get discovered.
- Tip: Keep your profile updated with fresh topics and availability.

Becoming a remote work speaker is a mix of credibility, visibility, and consistency. Start with what you know, share it generously, and let your audience grow organically.

To be a remote work speaker, you need more than just a laptop and a good Wi-Fi connection. Here's what sets successful speakers apart:

Credible Experience
You should have firsthand knowledge of remote work. That could mean leading a distributed team, scaling a remote-first startup, or navigating remote freelancing across time zones. The key is depth. Audiences want actionable insights, not surface-level tips.

Clear Point of View
What makes your take on remote work different? Maybe you specialize in asynchronous workflows, or you're passionate about remote onboarding. Carve out a unique angle. This helps event organizers know exactly where to place you in their lineup.

Speaking Skills
You don't need to be a TED Talk veteran, but you do need to communicate clearly and confidently. Practice by recording yourself, joining Toastmasters, or speaking at virtual meetups. The more you speak, the better you get.

A Professional Speaker Page
This is your digital business card. It should include:
- A short bio with your remote work credentials.
- A list of speaking topics.
- A 1-2 minute video clip of you speaking.
- Testimonials or logos from past events.

Platforms like Talks.co make it easy to build a speaker page and connect with hosts looking for remote work experts.

Tech Setup
Since most events are virtual, your audio and video quality matter. Invest in:
- A quality microphone (like the Blue Yeti or Rode NT-USB).
- A decent webcam or DSLR setup.
- Good lighting (ring lights or natural light work well).

Being a remote work speaker is about blending subject matter expertise with strong communication and a bit of personal branding. Nail those three, and you're on your way.

Yes, many remote work speakers do get paid, but the amount and frequency vary widely depending on several factors. Let's break it down.
Factors That Influence Payment
- Experience Level: New speakers may start with unpaid gigs to build credibility. Seasoned speakers with a track record can command higher fees.
- Event Type: Corporate conferences and industry summits often have budgets for speakers. Community events or nonprofit webinars may not.
- Audience Size: A keynote at a 10,000-attendee virtual summit pays more than a panel at a 50-person meetup.
- Topic Demand: Remote leadership, productivity, and digital nomadism are hot topics. Niche areas like remote compliance or cybersecurity may also command premium rates.
Payment Models
- Flat Fee: A set amount for a talk or workshop.
- Revenue Share: Especially common in virtual summits where speakers promote the event and earn a cut of ticket sales.
- Lead Generation: Some speakers waive fees in exchange for access to attendee emails or the chance to pitch a product.
Data Snapshot

Speaker Type	Typical Fee Range (USD)
Beginner	$0 - $500
Mid-Level	$500 - $2,000
Expert/Keynote	$2,000 - $10,000+

While not every gig is paid, remote work speakers who build a strong brand and know how to package their value can absolutely turn speaking into a revenue stream. (See 'How do remote work speakers make money' for more models.)

Remote work speakers generate income through a mix of direct and indirect revenue streams. Here's a breakdown of the most common ways they monetize their expertise:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements
- Keynotes, panels, and workshops at virtual or hybrid events.
- Rates vary based on experience, audience size, and event type.
- Example: A speaker at Running Remote may earn $3,000 for a 45-minute keynote.

2. Affiliate and Revenue Share Models
- Some virtual summits offer speakers a percentage of ticket sales.
- Speakers promote the event to their audience using a unique link.

3. Product or Service Promotion
- Speakers often use events to promote their own offerings, like:
- Online courses (e.g., remote team management).
- Coaching or consulting packages.
- SaaS tools or templates.
- This indirect monetization can be more lucrative than speaker fees.

4. Sponsored Talks
- Companies may pay speakers to represent their brand or speak on aligned topics.
- Example: A speaker discussing remote security might be sponsored by a VPN provider.

5. Lead Generation for Business
- Speaking gigs can drive traffic to a speaker's site or funnel.
- Collecting emails or offering a freebie during the talk can convert attendees into clients.

6. Book Deals and Licensing
- Some speakers turn their talks into books or license their content to companies for internal training.

The most successful remote work speakers diversify their income. They don't rely on one-off gigs alone. Instead, they treat speaking as a growth engine for a broader business ecosystem.

Earnings for remote work speakers vary significantly, depending on their niche, experience, and how they monetize. Let's look at the numbers and influencing factors.
Typical Income Ranges
- Beginner Speakers: $0 to $500 per talk. Often unpaid or compensated with exposure or leads.
- Mid-Level Speakers: $500 to $2,500 per session. These speakers have a few events under their belt and a clear niche.
- Established Experts: $2,500 to $10,000+ per keynote. These individuals often headline major summits or corporate events.
Annual Income Potential

Speaker Type	Estimated Annual Income
Hobbyist	$0 - $5,000
Side Hustler	$5,000 - $25,000
Full-Time Speaker	$50,000 - $200,000+

Variables That Impact Earnings
- Frequency of Gigs: Someone speaking twice a month earns more than someone doing quarterly events.
- Business Model: Speakers who also sell courses, consulting, or software can earn significantly more.
- Audience Reach: A speaker with a large email list or social following can command higher fees and drive more revenue from affiliate or product sales.
Case Example
A remote work speaker who charges $2,000 per talk and books 3 events per month earns $72,000 annually just from speaking. Add in a $500/month course and some affiliate income, and they're easily over six figures.
As with any speaking niche, remote work speakers who treat it like a business tend to earn the most.

Hiring a remote work speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several key factors. Here's a breakdown to help event organizers and hosts budget effectively.
Cost Ranges by Speaker Tier

Speaker Level	Typical Cost per Talk (USD)
New/Emerging	$0 - $500
Mid-Level	$500 - $2,500
Expert/Keynote	$2,500 - $10,000+

Factors That Influence Cost
- Experience and Reputation: A speaker who's been featured on major platforms like Remote Work Summit or TEDx will charge more.
- Topic Complexity: Talks on remote cybersecurity or global compliance may cost more than general productivity tips.
- Customization: Tailored workshops or company-specific training sessions often come with a premium.
- Format: Keynotes typically cost more than panels or fireside chats. In-person events may also require travel fees.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Virtual Summits: Many speakers are open to revenue share models, especially if the event has strong marketing.
- Talks.co Listings: You can find speakers with transparent pricing and availability, making it easier to match your budget.
- Emerging Talent: Consider rising voices in the remote work space who are eager to build their portfolio.
Hiring a remote work speaker is an investment in your audience's experience. Whether you're running a corporate training or a global summit, the right speaker can elevate your event and deliver real value.

- Jason Fried: Co-founder of Basecamp and co-author of 'Remote: Office Not Required'. Known for challenging traditional office norms and advocating for calm, asynchronous work.
- Darren Murph: Head of Remote at GitLab, one of the most cited experts on building remote-first cultures. He's spoken at countless summits and helped shape remote work playbooks globally.
- Laurel Farrer: Founder of Distribute Consulting. She's worked with governments and Fortune 500s to implement remote strategies and speaks regularly at major conferences.
- Lisette Sutherland: Host of the Collaboration Superpowers podcast. Her talks focus on remote collaboration and team dynamics.
- Tsedal Neeley: Harvard Business School professor and author of 'Remote Work Revolution'. Her academic insights have influenced both corporate and policy-level decisions.
- Chris Herd: Founder of Firstbase. Known for bold predictions about the future of work and a strong social media presence.
- Tammy Bjelland: Founder of Workplaceless. She's a leading voice in remote learning and upskilling distributed teams.
- Brian Elliott: Executive leader at Slack and co-author of the Future Forum Pulse, offering data-backed insights on hybrid and remote work.
- Ali Greene: Co-author of 'Remote Works' and a frequent speaker on remote team culture and leadership.
- Pilar Orti: Director of Virtual Not Distant and host of the 21st Century Work Life podcast. Focused on remote team communication and leadership.

These speakers have shaped the conversation around remote work for years, influencing both startups and global enterprises.

- Darren Murph (USA): GitLab's Head of Remote, he's helped define what a remote-first company looks like. His talks blend strategy with practical frameworks.
- Laurel Farrer (USA): Based in the U.S. but working globally, she's a go-to consultant for governments and enterprises transitioning to remote work.
- Tsedal Neeley (USA): Her research at Harvard Business School has global relevance, especially for multinational corporations navigating hybrid models.
- Lisette Sutherland (Netherlands): Based in Europe, she brings an international lens to remote collaboration. Her workshops are popular across continents.
- Ali Greene (France): A digital nomad turned author and speaker, she brings a global perspective to remote leadership and culture.
- Pilar Orti (UK/Spain): Operating between London and Madrid, she's a key voice in European remote work circles.
- Chris Herd (UK): Known for his bold takes on Twitter, he's a frequent speaker at global tech events and startup summits.
- Tammy Bjelland (USA): Her company Workplaceless has trained remote teams in over 30 countries.
- Gonçalo Hall (Portugal): Founder of the Remote Work Movement and Digital Nomad Village in Madeira. He speaks globally on remote work ecosystems.
- Rowena Hennigan (Ireland/Spain): A remote work educator and advocate who speaks at universities and conferences across Europe and Latin America.

These speakers don't just talk about remote work-they live it, teach it, and help organizations around the world implement it successfully.

Myth 1: Remote work speakers only talk about working from home.
This is a narrow view. While home offices are a common topic, remote work speakers dive into a wide range of issues: digital nomadism, asynchronous communication, cross-border hiring, mental health in distributed teams, and even the geopolitics of remote labor. For instance, speakers like Laurel Farrer often explore the economic impact of remote work on rural communities, not just how to set up a Zoom background.

Myth 2: You need to be a tech expert to be a remote work speaker.
Not true. While tech is part of the conversation, many successful speakers come from HR, operations, education, or even wellness backgrounds. The key is having insights into how people collaborate and thrive remotely. For example, Tamara Sanderson, co-author of 'Remote Works', brings a behavioral design lens to her talks, not a coding background.

Myth 3: Remote work speakers are only relevant during pandemics.
This one's fading, but it still lingers. Remote work was growing long before 2020 and continues to evolve. Speakers now focus on long-term strategy, hybrid models, and global talent. Events like Running Remote and Remote-First Institute summits prove there's ongoing demand for these voices.

Myth 4: You have to be a full-time digital nomad to speak credibly.
Nope. While some speakers travel constantly, others live in one place and still offer valuable insights. What matters is your perspective and experience, not your passport stamps. For example, Darren Murph from GitLab built his reputation while working remotely from North Carolina.

Myth 5: Speaking about remote work is just a side hustle.
It can be, but many have turned it into a full-time career or a major business pillar. With the rise of virtual summits, online courses, and corporate training, remote work speakers are monetizing their expertise in multiple ways. It's not just keynotes anymore - it's workshops, panels, consulting, and content licensing.

When you think of successful remote work speakers, you're not just thinking about people who give talks. You're thinking about individuals who've shaped the conversation around distributed work across industries and continents.

Take Laurel Farrer, for example. She started as a remote operations consultant and gradually became one of the most sought-after voices in the space. Her talks at conferences like Running Remote and her features in Forbes and BBC helped shift the narrative from 'remote as a perk' to 'remote as infrastructure'. Her success lies in combining operational know-how with policy-level insight.

Then there's Gonçalo Hall from Portugal. He didn't just speak about remote work - he helped build remote-first communities. His work with the Digital Nomad Village in Madeira brought together government, tourism, and tech to create a living case study. His talks resonate because he brings real-world implementation to the stage, not just theory.

In the corporate world, Darren Murph stands out. As the Head of Remote at GitLab, he became a go-to speaker for enterprise leaders navigating hybrid transitions. His talks are backed by GitLab's publicly available remote playbook, making his sessions not just inspirational but deeply practical.

And don't overlook voices from outside tech. People like Rowena Hennigan, who teaches remote work skills in universities and speaks about digital inclusion, show that remote work speaking isn't limited to Silicon Valley. Her work bridges academia, social impact, and global mobility.

What ties these speakers together isn't just their knowledge. It's their ability to translate complex, evolving systems into clear, actionable narratives. They speak to CEOs, freelancers, policymakers, and students - and they make each group feel seen.

Remote work speakers are entering a new era. The topics are getting sharper, the audiences more diverse, and the expectations higher. So what's next? Here's what we're seeing on the horizon:

- Hyper-niche specialization. Generalist talks about 'how to work remotely' are fading. Audiences want depth. Expect more speakers focusing on remote compliance, asynchronous leadership, or cross-cultural onboarding. Think less TEDx, more tactical playbooks.

- Global-local fusion. Speakers are increasingly tailoring content to regional realities. A talk on remote hiring in Nigeria looks different than one in Estonia. The best speakers will blend global trends with local case studies, making their talks more relevant and grounded.

- AI and automation in remote workflows. As tools like ChatGPT and Notion AI become standard, speakers who can explain how to integrate these into remote teams will be in demand. It's not just about tools - it's about changing how teams think and operate.

- Virtual stage mastery. With hybrid events and virtual summits here to stay, speakers who can command a screen as well as a stage will stand out. Expect more investment in production quality, interactive formats, and audience engagement tactics.

- Policy and ethics conversations. As governments regulate remote work (think digital nomad visas, tax laws, labor rights), speakers who can navigate these complexities will be essential. This is especially true for multinational companies and remote-first startups.

In short, the future belongs to remote work speakers who are adaptable, data-informed, and globally aware. The bar is rising - and that's a good thing.

Talks.co. A smart platform that matches speakers with podcast hosts. Great for building your voice, testing your message, and getting in front of niche audiences. Tip: Start with smaller shows to refine your pitch before aiming for top-tier podcasts.

Virtual Speaker Hall. A curated directory of virtual event organizers and speaker bureaus. Use it to research event themes and pitch yourself with relevant topics. Bonus: They often list CFP (Call for Proposals) deadlines.

Notion. More than a note-taking app, it's a full-on speaker HQ. Use it to track gigs, build talk outlines, store testimonials, and manage your outreach pipeline. Pro tip: Create a shareable speaker page with your bio, topics, and past talks.

Loom. Record short demo reels or pitch videos for event organizers. A 2-minute Loom showing your energy and clarity can outperform a PDF speaker sheet. Keep it tight, relevant, and audience-focused.

Otter.ai. Transcribe your talks, podcast interviews, or brainstorming sessions. Use the transcripts to repurpose content into blog posts, LinkedIn carousels, or even a book. It's a time-saver and a content multiplier.

LinkedIn Creator Mode. Turn on Creator Mode to highlight your speaking topics, add a call-to-action, and grow your following. Engage with remote work hashtags and comment on relevant posts to stay visible in the space.

SessionLab. Ideal for workshop-focused speakers. Plan interactive sessions, map out learning objectives, and collaborate with co-facilitators. Especially useful if you're doing corporate training or virtual bootcamps.

Slidebean. If design isn't your thing, this tool helps you create clean, professional decks fast. Use their templates to focus on your message instead of fiddling with fonts. Great for webinars and online summits.