Retirement Entrepreneurship Speakers

A retirement entrepreneurship speaker is someone who specializes in discussing the intersection of retirement and business creation. These speakers focus on guiding, inspiring, and educating individuals who are either approaching retirement or already retired and looking to start or grow a business.

Unlike general entrepreneurship speakers, retirement entrepreneurship speakers tailor their message to a unique demographic-people with decades of experience, shifting priorities, and often a desire to build something meaningful in their next chapter. They understand that the motivations and challenges of a 65-year-old launching a consulting firm are very different from those of a 25-year-old building a tech startup.

These speakers often come from diverse backgrounds: some are former executives who transitioned into coaching or consulting, others are financial advisors who help retirees structure business ventures, and some are serial entrepreneurs who simply never stopped creating. What unites them is their focus on helping older adults navigate the mindset, strategy, and logistics of launching a business later in life.

They speak at summits, webinars, podcasts, and corporate events, often covering topics like finding purpose after retirement, funding a business without risking savings, or leveraging decades of experience into a profitable venture. Their talks are both motivational and practical-designed to spark action, not just inspiration.

In short, a retirement entrepreneurship speaker is a guide for the second-act entrepreneur, offering both vision and roadmap for building a business after retirement.

When someone retires, they don't just stop working-they often start asking, 'What's next?' That's where a retirement entrepreneurship speaker becomes crucial. They help answer that question with clarity, confidence, and a roadmap.

First, they address a growing trend. According to the Kauffman Foundation, people aged 55-64 consistently make up one of the fastest-growing groups of new entrepreneurs. But many of them don't see themselves as 'entrepreneurs' yet. A speaker can bridge that gap by normalizing the idea that retirement is not an end, but a pivot point.

Second, they provide tailored guidance. Starting a business at 60 is not the same as starting one at 30. Retirement entrepreneurship speakers understand the financial, emotional, and logistical nuances of launching a venture later in life. They speak to concerns like risk tolerance, legacy, and time management in a way that resonates.

Third, they inspire action. Many retirees have the skills, networks, and capital to build something impactful-but they need a spark. A great speaker can be that catalyst. They don't just share information; they shift beliefs. They help people see that it's not too late to start, scale, or reinvent.

Finally, these speakers help event hosts and summit organizers tap into a valuable and often overlooked audience. By featuring a retirement entrepreneurship speaker, you're not just adding another voice-you're opening the door to a whole new segment of engaged, motivated listeners who are ready to build their next chapter.

Retirement entrepreneurship speakers do a lot more than just talk-they educate, empower, and activate. Here's a breakdown of their core roles:

1. Educate on Business Fundamentals.
- They teach retirees how to start and run a business, covering topics like business models, marketing, legal setup, and funding.
- For example, they might explain how to turn a lifelong hobby into a profitable online course or how to use platforms like Shopify or Etsy to sell handmade goods.

2. Inspire Personal Reinvention.
- These speakers help audiences reframe retirement as a beginning, not an end.
- They often share stories of people who launched coaching businesses, consulting firms, or nonprofits after 60, showing what's possible at any age.

3. Address Age-Specific Challenges.
- They tackle issues like ageism, tech literacy, and health considerations in entrepreneurship.
- For instance, a speaker might guide an audience through using AI tools to automate parts of their business or discuss how to balance business goals with caregiving responsibilities.

4. Offer Strategic Frameworks.
- Many provide step-by-step systems for launching a business post-retirement, including idea validation, customer discovery, and monetization strategies.
- They may use frameworks like Lean Startup or Business Model Canvas, adapted for older entrepreneurs.

5. Connect and Build Community.
- Retirement entrepreneurship speakers often facilitate networking, masterminds, or Q&A sessions to help attendees connect.
- They might partner with platforms like Talks.co to help attendees find mentors, collaborators, or accountability groups.

In essence, retirement entrepreneurship speakers are part educator, part motivator, and part strategist. They help people turn decades of experience into meaningful, income-generating ventures-and they do it with empathy, clarity, and actionable insight.

Becoming a retirement entrepreneurship speaker isn't just about having a great story to tell-it's about packaging your experience, insights, and voice in a way that resonates with audiences who are either approaching retirement or already there and looking for their next big move. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Define Your Niche and Message.
- Are you focused on helping retirees start online businesses? Franchises? Social enterprises? Pick a lane.
- Clarify your core message. For example: 'It's never too late to launch your dream business.'

2. Build Your Signature Talk.
- Create a 20- to 45-minute presentation that delivers value, includes personal insights, and ends with a call-to-action.
- Use frameworks like 'The Hero's Journey' to structure your story.
- Include real-world examples: maybe a retired teacher who launched a tutoring platform or a former engineer who started a 3D-printing business.

3. Set Up Your Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to create a professional speaker profile.
- Include a bio, headshot, topics you speak on, past appearances, and a booking form.
- Add a short video reel or clips from webinars or podcasts.

4. Start Speaking-Anywhere.
- Look for local meetups, online summits, retirement communities, and business podcasts.
- Use Talks.co to connect with virtual event hosts and get listed in speaker directories.
- Offer to speak for free at first to build your portfolio.

5. Collect Testimonials and Refine.
- After each talk, ask for feedback and testimonials.
- Tweak your talk based on what resonates most with your audience.
- Build a mailing list of attendees and stay in touch.

6. Monetize and Scale.
- Add paid offerings like coaching, online courses, or books.
- Apply to speak at larger conferences or corporate events.
- Partner with retirement-focused brands or financial services for sponsored talks.

This path isn't about being famous-it's about being relevant, helpful, and visible to the right audience. Start small, stay consistent, and let your expertise shine.

To be a retirement entrepreneurship speaker, you need more than just a microphone and a story. You need a blend of credibility, clarity, and connection. Let's break it down:

1. Subject Matter Expertise
You don't need to be a bestselling author or a retired CEO, but you do need real-world experience. Maybe you've launched a business post-retirement, helped others do it, or studied the trends. The key is to speak from a place of knowledge and authenticity.

2. A Clear Audience and Message
Are you speaking to retirees who want to start side hustles? Or professionals planning for retirement in 5 years? Your message should be tailored. For example, if you're targeting women over 60, your content might focus on confidence, digital literacy, and low-risk ventures.

3. Presentation Skills
You don't need to be Tony Robbins, but you should be engaging. Practice storytelling, pacing, and using visuals. Tools like Canva or Prezi can help make your slides pop.

4. A Digital Presence
Set up a speaker page-Talks.co is a great place to start. Include your bio, topics, testimonials, and a booking form. Make it easy for hosts to find and book you.

5. A Way to Connect with Hosts
You'll need to network with event organizers, podcast hosts, and summit creators. Talks.co helps by connecting speakers with virtual event hosts. You can also use LinkedIn, Facebook groups, or even Eventbrite to find opportunities.

6. Optional but Powerful: A Signature Offer
Many speakers also offer coaching, courses, or books. This not only boosts your income but also gives your audience a next step.

In short, being a retirement entrepreneurship speaker is about combining your lived experience with a strategic approach to sharing it. If you can inspire, educate, and guide others, you're already halfway there.

Yes, retirement entrepreneurship speakers do get paid-but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's unpack it.

Factors That Influence Payment:
- Experience Level: Newer speakers may speak for free or a small honorarium, while seasoned experts can command thousands per talk.
- Audience Type: Speaking at a corporate retreat or financial planning conference usually pays more than a local meetup or nonprofit event.
- Format: Keynotes and workshops tend to pay more than panel appearances or podcast interviews.

Common Payment Models:
- Flat Fee: A set rate for a talk, often ranging from $500 to $10,000+.
- Revenue Share: If you're part of a paid event or summit, you might earn a percentage of ticket sales.
- Lead Generation: Some speakers waive fees in exchange for access to the audience (e.g., email list growth).

Pros:
- Speaking can be a lucrative side income.
- It builds authority and trust, which can lead to coaching clients or product sales.

Cons:
- Not all gigs pay, especially early on.
- Travel and prep time can be significant.

According to SpeakerHub and other industry sources, mid-level speakers in niche markets like retirement entrepreneurship can earn between $1,000 and $5,000 per event. Top-tier speakers with books or media appearances can earn $10,000 or more.

Bottom line: Yes, they get paid-but the real value often comes from what speaking leads to, not just the check.

Retirement entrepreneurship speakers have multiple income streams, and the smartest ones diversify. Here's a breakdown of how they typically earn:

1. Speaking Fees
- Paid keynotes, panels, and workshops are the most direct source of income.
- Rates vary based on experience, audience size, and event type.

2. Coaching and Consulting
- Many speakers offer one-on-one or group coaching to retirees launching businesses.
- Example: A speaker might charge $2,000 for a 6-week startup bootcamp for retirees.

3. Online Courses and Digital Products
- Courses on topics like 'How to Start a Business After 60' or 'Franchise Basics for Retirees'.
- Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi make this easy to scale.

4. Books and Ebooks
- Publishing a book helps establish authority and can generate passive income.
- Self-publishing on Amazon is common.

5. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships
- Promoting tools or services for retirees (e.g., accounting software, franchise directories).
- Sponsored talks or webinars with financial institutions or retirement planners.

6. Virtual Summits and Events
- Hosting or co-hosting events through platforms like Zoom.
- Speakers can earn from ticket sales, upsells, or partnerships.

7. Membership Communities
- Some speakers create paid communities for ongoing support and networking.
- Example: $29/month for access to monthly Q&As, templates, and peer support.

The key is to treat speaking as a lead generator. The talk itself might pay $1,000, but if it brings in five coaching clients or 200 new email subscribers, the long-term value is much higher.

The income of retirement entrepreneurship speakers varies widely, but let's look at some real-world numbers and scenarios to give you a clearer picture.
Typical Ranges:

Experience Level	Per Talk Fee	Annual Income (Est.)
Beginner	$0 - $500	$0 - $5,000
Intermediate	$500 - $2,500	$10,000 - $50,000
Advanced/Top Tier	$3,000 - $10,000+	$75,000 - $250,000+

Variables That Affect Income:
- Frequency: A speaker doing 2 events/month at $2,000 each earns $48,000/year.
- Add-ons: Selling a $500 course to 10% of a 500-person audience = $25,000.
- Niche Demand: Retirement entrepreneurship is growing, especially in North America and parts of Asia where aging populations are exploring second careers.
Realistic Example:
- A mid-level speaker does 12 paid talks/year at $1,500 = $18,000.
- Adds $20,000 from coaching and $12,000 from course sales.
- Total: $50,000/year from speaking-related activities.
Top Earners:
- Those with bestselling books, media appearances, or corporate partnerships can exceed $200,000 annually.
So while not every retirement entrepreneurship speaker is making six figures, the potential is there-especially if you combine speaking with other monetization strategies.

If you're looking to hire a retirement entrepreneurship speaker, pricing can vary significantly depending on the speaker's experience, the event type, and the delivery format (virtual vs. in-person). Here's a breakdown:
Typical Cost Ranges:

Speaker Level	Virtual Event Fee	In-Person Event Fee
Emerging Speaker	$0 - $500	$500 - $1,500
Mid-Level Speaker	$500 - $2,000	$2,000 - $5,000
Top-Tier Speaker	$2,000 - $5,000+	$5,000 - $15,000+

What Influences Cost:
- Event Size: Larger audiences often mean higher fees.
- Customization: Tailored workshops or keynotes cost more than standard talks.
- Travel: In-person events may require covering travel, lodging, and per diem.
- Reputation: Speakers with books, media features, or TEDx talks command higher fees.
Budget-Friendly Options:
- Use platforms like Talks.co to find emerging speakers who are building their portfolios.
- Consider virtual events to save on travel and logistics.
- Offer value beyond cash: testimonials, exposure, or affiliate commissions.
Example Scenarios:
- A local retirement expo might pay $1,000 for a 45-minute keynote.
- A financial services firm might pay $7,500 for a customized workshop and Q&A.
Hiring a retirement entrepreneurship speaker is an investment in education and inspiration. The right speaker can energize your audience and offer actionable insights that stick.

Here's a curated list of standout retirement entrepreneurship speakers who've made a lasting impact through their insights, books, or stage presence:

1. Chris Guillebeau - Author of 'Side Hustle' and 'The $100 Startup', Chris has inspired thousands, including retirees, to launch low-cost businesses. His talks blend practicality with global perspective.

2. Barbara Winter - A pioneer in the 'Joyfully Jobless' movement, Barbara has been speaking for decades about self-employment as a lifestyle, especially for older adults.

3. Boomer Reinvention (John Tarnoff) - John focuses on career reinvention after 50. His TEDx talk and book 'Boomer Reinvention' are go-to resources for retirees seeking purpose-driven work.

4. Marc Freedman - Founder of Encore.org, Marc has been a vocal advocate for second acts in life. His talks and books explore how retirees can contribute through entrepreneurship and social impact.

5. Kerry Hannon - A leading voice on work and money over 50, Kerry has spoken at AARP events and written extensively on entrepreneurship in later life.

6. Paul Tasner - Gave a viral TED Talk on becoming an entrepreneur at 66. His story of launching a sustainable packaging company post-retirement is both inspiring and instructive.

7. Elizabeth Isele - Founder of the Global Institute for Experienced Entrepreneurship, she's a champion for older entrepreneurs and frequently speaks at global forums.

8. Chip Conley - While not exclusively focused on retirees, his work on 'Modern Elders' and midlife reinvention resonates deeply with older entrepreneurs.

These speakers have helped redefine what retirement can look like. They've spoken at global summits, written bestsellers, and most importantly, sparked action.

Looking globally, here are some of the most influential retirement entrepreneurship speakers making waves across continents:

1. Elizabeth Isele (USA)
- Founder of the Global Institute for Experienced Entrepreneurship.
- Works with the UN and OECD to promote senior entrepreneurship.

2. Paul Tasner (USA)
- Launched a green packaging startup at 66.
- His TED Talk has over 2 million views and is used in entrepreneurship courses worldwide.

3. Marc Freedman (USA)
- Founder of Encore.org and author of 'How to Live Forever'.
- Speaks globally on intergenerational entrepreneurship and purpose in later life.

4. Kerry Hannon (USA)
- Regular speaker at AARP and international finance conferences.
- Her books are translated into multiple languages.

5. Chris Guillebeau (USA)
- Though not retirement-specific, his global reach and focus on low-barrier startups make him a favorite among older audiences.

6. Andrew Scott (UK)
- Co-author of 'The 100-Year Life'.
- Speaks on longevity and the economic need for later-life entrepreneurship.

7. Yukari Mitsuhashi (Japan)
- Author and speaker focused on aging and work in Japan.
- Highlights how retirees in Asia are launching businesses to stay active.

8. Dr. Hans Becker (Netherlands)
- Advocates for 'successful aging' through enterprise and community involvement.
- Popular speaker in EU policy and aging forums.

9. Lynda Gratton (UK)
- Co-author of 'The New Long Life'.
- Speaks on the future of work and entrepreneurship across life stages.

10. Chip Conley (USA/Mexico)
- Founder of the Modern Elder Academy.
- Speaks globally on midlife reinvention and entrepreneurship.

These speakers are shaping the global conversation around aging, purpose, and business. Whether it's through policy, personal stories, or practical frameworks, they're helping redefine what's possible after 60.

Myth 1: "Retirees don't have the energy or tech skills to become speakers."
This assumption is outdated and flat-out wrong. Many retirement entrepreneurship speakers are leveraging decades of experience and pairing it with modern tools like Zoom, Kajabi, and LinkedIn Live. Take someone like Chip Conley, who founded the Modern Elder Academy after retiring from the hotel industry. He's not only speaking globally but also using digital platforms to scale his message. Age doesn't limit energy-it often sharpens focus.

Myth 2: "You need a massive following to get booked."
Sure, having a big audience helps, but it's not a prerequisite. Event organizers are looking for credibility, clarity, and a unique angle. If you've built a business, led a team, or navigated a major life transition, you have a story worth sharing. Many retirement entrepreneurship speakers start by speaking at local chambers of commerce, online summits, or niche podcasts before scaling up.

Myth 3: "Speaking is just a hobby for retirees, not a real business."
This one's especially misleading. Speaking can be a full-fledged business model. Think of it as a hybrid: keynote fees, coaching packages, online courses, and even book deals. Retirement entrepreneurship speakers often monetize their talks through backend offers. For example, someone who built a franchise business might speak about scaling operations, then offer consulting services to attendees.

Myth 4: "If you didn't speak during your career, it's too late to start."
Plenty of speakers didn't touch a mic until after 60. What matters is the clarity of your message and your ability to connect. Tools like Toastmasters, speaker coaches, and virtual summits make it easier than ever to refine your delivery. Plus, audiences often prefer authenticity over polish. Real stories resonate more than rehearsed scripts.

Myth 5: "There's no demand for older speakers."
Actually, there's growing demand for seasoned voices-especially in industries like finance, healthcare, and leadership. As the workforce ages and more people consider second careers, retirement entrepreneurship speakers offer relatable, lived-in wisdom. They're not just relevant-they're essential.

When Susan Golden retired from a career in venture capital, she didn't slow down. Instead, she leaned into her expertise in longevity and launched a speaking career focused on the 'Third Age' economy. Her talks now reach global audiences curious about aging, innovation, and purpose. She's spoken at Stanford, TEDx, and numerous longevity summits-proving that retirement can be a launchpad, not a finish line.

Then there's Paul Tasner. After being laid off at 64, he founded a sustainable packaging startup and began sharing his story on stages worldwide. His TED Talk, 'How I became an entrepreneur at 66,' has over 2 million views. Paul's blend of humor, resilience, and eco-conscious entrepreneurship struck a chord with both corporate and startup audiences.

In Australia, Margaret Lomas transitioned from property investing to speaking about financial independence in retirement. She built a brand around empowering older Australians to take control of their wealth. Her webinars and conference appearances are now staples in the financial education space.

And let's not forget Ken Dychtwald, a psychologist turned speaker who's been championing the power of aging for decades. His company, Age Wave, consults with Fortune 500 firms, and his keynotes are booked by healthcare, insurance, and policy organizations worldwide. His message? Aging is not decline-it's evolution.

These stories aren't just inspiring-they're strategic. Each speaker found a niche, built a message around lived experience, and used modern platforms to scale. Whether it's sustainability, finance, or personal development, retirement entrepreneurship speakers are showing that the second act can be the most impactful.

Retirement entrepreneurship speakers are stepping into a new era-one shaped by digital platforms, shifting demographics, and a hunger for authentic voices. Here's what's on the horizon:

- More virtual-first speaking careers. With tools like StreamYard and Zoom Events, speakers can reach global audiences without leaving home. This is especially appealing for retirees who want flexibility.
- Niche micro-audiences. Instead of chasing massive stages, speakers are targeting specific communities: retired military personnel starting businesses, women over 60 launching wellness brands, or rural entrepreneurs building local economies.
- Hybrid monetization models. Speaking is no longer just about keynotes. Retirement entrepreneurship speakers are bundling talks with online courses, group coaching, and digital products. Think: a 45-minute talk followed by a 6-week mastermind.
- Intergenerational collaboration. Expect to see more partnerships between older speakers and younger influencers. These collaborations bring credibility and energy together-bridging wisdom with innovation.
- Global expansion. As aging populations rise in countries like Japan, Germany, and South Korea, there's growing demand for speakers who can address retirement, reinvention, and entrepreneurship in culturally relevant ways.

The bottom line? The future isn't about slowing down-it's about scaling up strategically. Retirement entrepreneurship speakers who embrace tech, tailor their message, and stay agile will find more opportunities than ever before.

- Talks.co: This podcast guest matching tool is a goldmine for new speakers. You can find shows looking for experts in entrepreneurship, aging, finance, and more. Great for building your speaking reel and authority.

- SpeakerHub: A platform where you can create a speaker profile, list your topics, and get discovered by event organizers. It's especially useful for niche or regional events.

- Canva: Need a slick slide deck or social media promo for your next talk? Canva's templates make it easy, even if you're not a designer. Pro tip: use the 'Presentations' category to build your keynote visuals.

- Zoom Events: Not just for meetings anymore. Zoom Events lets you host ticketed webinars, summits, and workshops. Perfect for retirement entrepreneurship speakers who want to monetize their own virtual stage.

- Toastmasters International: A classic for a reason. Toastmasters clubs offer a supportive environment to practice public speaking. Many retirees use it to sharpen their delivery before going pro.

- Kajabi: If you want to turn your talks into courses or memberships, Kajabi is a solid all-in-one platform. It's not the cheapest, but it's robust and scalable.

- LinkedIn Creator Mode: Turn on Creator Mode to highlight your speaking topics, publish thought leadership, and attract event organizers. Use hashtags like #retirementbusiness or #encorecareer to get discovered.

These tools aren't just tech-they're leverage. Use them to build your brand, get booked, and turn your message into a movement.