Staffing and Recruiting Speakers

A staffing and recruiting speaker is someone who specializes in sharing insights, strategies, and thought leadership around hiring, talent acquisition, and workforce planning. These speakers often come from backgrounds in HR, recruitment agencies, corporate talent teams, or consulting firms. Their role is to educate, inspire, and challenge audiences to think differently about how they attract and retain talent.

Unlike general business speakers, staffing and recruiting speakers focus specifically on the people side of business. They might speak about sourcing techniques, employer branding, DEI hiring practices, or how to build scalable hiring systems. Some are former recruiters turned consultants, while others are tech founders or analysts who study hiring trends.

These speakers are often featured at industry events like SHRM, HR Tech, or RecFest, but they also appear on podcasts, webinars, and virtual summits. Their talks can range from tactical workshops (e.g., 'How to Build a Talent Pipeline Using LinkedIn') to big-picture keynotes (e.g., 'The Future of Work and What It Means for Hiring').

What makes them different from trainers or coaches is their ability to deliver high-impact content in a live or recorded format, often to large and diverse audiences. They're not just teaching - they're sparking conversations and influencing how organizations think about talent.

In short, a staffing and recruiting speaker is a communicator who brings expertise in hiring to life through engaging, informative, and often provocative presentations.

When hiring is broken, everything else suffers - and that's exactly where a staffing and recruiting speaker steps in. These speakers bring clarity to one of the most complex challenges in business: finding and keeping the right people.

First, they help organizations stay current. The hiring landscape changes fast. From AI-powered sourcing tools to shifting candidate expectations, what worked last year might flop today. A strong speaker can break down these trends and show what actually matters.

Second, they challenge outdated thinking. Too many companies still rely on gut feel or outdated job descriptions. A good speaker can expose those blind spots and offer smarter, data-driven alternatives. For example, someone like Hung Lee might highlight how remote hiring is reshaping global talent access - and what that means for your pipeline.

Third, they unify teams. Hiring isn't just HR's job. It involves leadership, operations, marketing, and more. A speaker can bring everyone to the table with a shared language and strategy. That's especially valuable in cross-functional or fast-scaling environments.

Finally, they inspire action. Whether it's implementing structured interviews or rethinking employer branding, the best speakers don't just inform - they motivate. They leave audiences with a sense of urgency and a toolkit to start making changes.

So if you're hosting an event, podcast, or team offsite, bringing in a staffing and recruiting speaker isn't just a nice-to-have. It's a strategic move that can shift how your audience thinks about one of the most critical parts of their business.

Staffing and recruiting speakers do more than just talk about hiring - they decode it, disrupt it, and help others do it better. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Share Expertise Through Speaking Engagements
- They deliver keynotes, workshops, and panels at conferences, summits, and webinars.
- Topics might include sourcing strategies, candidate experience, DEI in hiring, or recruitment automation.

2. Translate Trends into Actionable Insights
- They analyze industry data and hiring trends, then explain what it means for real-world recruiters and HR teams.
- For example, they might break down how Gen Z's job expectations are shifting or how AI is changing resume screening.

3. Educate and Train Audiences
- Many speakers also offer training sessions or masterclasses for in-house teams or recruitment agencies.
- These sessions often include frameworks, templates, and real-world case studies.

4. Influence Industry Thinking
- Through podcasts, LinkedIn content, and media appearances, they shape how the industry talks about hiring.
- Think of people like Glen Cathey or Stacy Donovan Zapar - their ideas ripple across the recruiting world.

5. Collaborate with Event Hosts and Brands
- They work closely with event organizers to tailor their message to the audience.
- Some also partner with HR tech companies or job boards to co-create content or lead branded sessions.

In essence, staffing and recruiting speakers are educators, strategists, and communicators rolled into one. They help audiences make sense of a noisy hiring world - and give them the tools to navigate it with confidence.

Becoming a staffing and recruiting speaker isn't just about having experience in HR or talent acquisition. It's about positioning yourself as a thought leader and knowing how to share your insights in a way that resonates. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Niche
- Are you focused on tech recruiting? Diversity hiring? Staffing for healthcare or remote teams? Get specific. The more niche your expertise, the more likely you'll stand out.
- Tip: Look at popular sessions from events like SHRM, Talent Connect, or RecFest to see what topics are trending.

2. Build Your Speaker Page
- Create a dedicated speaker page that includes your bio, headshot, speaking topics, testimonials, and a demo video if possible.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to list your profile and get discovered by event organizers. It connects hosts and guests seamlessly.

3. Start Small, Then Scale
- Begin with local meetups, webinars, or podcasts. These are great for refining your message and building confidence.
- Once you have a few talks under your belt, apply to speak at larger industry conferences or virtual summits.

4. Leverage Your Network
- Reach out to colleagues, LinkedIn connections, or past clients. Let them know you're available for speaking gigs.
- Ask for introductions to event organizers or podcast hosts in your niche.

5. Keep Evolving
- Stay up to date with trends in staffing and recruiting. Subscribe to industry newsletters, attend events, and follow top voices.
- Update your speaker page regularly with new topics, testimonials, and recordings.

If you're serious about getting booked, consistency is key. The more visible you are, the more opportunities will come your way.

To be a staffing and recruiting speaker, you need more than just a resume full of HR experience. You need credibility, clarity, and a platform. Here's what that looks like:

1. Subject Matter Expertise
You should have a deep understanding of staffing and recruiting processes, trends, and challenges. Whether it's high-volume hiring, employer branding, or DEI strategies, your insights must be relevant and actionable. Having worked in the field is a plus, but being able to articulate your knowledge clearly is what counts.

2. A Clear Point of View
Event organizers look for speakers who bring something fresh to the table. What's your unique take on talent acquisition? Maybe you've developed a new sourcing framework or have data-backed insights on candidate experience. Define your angle and build your content around it.

3. Speaking Skills
You don't need to be a TEDx-level orator, but you do need to be engaging. Practice storytelling, use real-world examples, and keep your sessions interactive. Virtual or in-person, your delivery matters.

4. A Speaker Profile
Platforms like Talks.co make it easy to showcase your speaking credentials. Your speaker page should include:
- A short bio that highlights your expertise.
- A list of topics you speak on.
- Testimonials or reviews.
- A video clip of you speaking (even if it's from a webinar).

5. Connections to Hosts and Events
You'll need to build relationships with event organizers, podcast hosts, and summit creators. Talks.co is a great tool for this, as it helps match speakers with relevant opportunities.

In short, you need expertise, a message, and a way to get in front of the right audience. The rest is practice and persistence.

Yes, many staffing and recruiting speakers do get paid, but the amount and frequency vary widely depending on experience, audience, and event type.

Let's break it down:

- Corporate Events & Conferences: These often pay speakers, especially if the event is sponsored or ticketed. Rates can range from $500 to $10,000+ depending on the speaker's reputation.
- Webinars & Virtual Summits: These may be unpaid, especially if you're just starting out. However, they offer exposure and lead generation opportunities.
- Workshops & Trainings: These are often paid gigs, especially if you're delivering a customized session for a company or association.

Pros of Paid Speaking:
- Direct income.
- Higher perceived value.
- Often includes travel and accommodations.

Cons:
- Competitive market.
- Requires strong branding and proof of value.
- Some events prefer unpaid speakers in exchange for exposure.

Tip: Many speakers use a hybrid model. They might speak for free at high-visibility events while charging for private workshops or corporate keynotes. As your reputation grows, so does your rate.

Staffing and recruiting speakers can monetize their expertise in several ways, and it's not just about getting paid to speak. Here's a breakdown of common revenue streams:

1. Speaker Fees
- This is the most direct method. Speakers charge for keynotes, panels, or workshops. Fees vary based on experience, audience size, and event type.

2. Consulting Engagements
- After a talk, companies often reach out for deeper help. Speakers can offer consulting packages around hiring strategy, employer branding, or recruitment tech.

3. Online Courses and Training
- Many speakers turn their content into digital products. Think LinkedIn Learning-style courses or private cohort-based training.

4. Books and Ebooks
- Publishing a book on staffing strategies or recruitment trends can boost credibility and generate passive income.

5. Affiliate Partnerships
- Some speakers partner with HR tech companies or job boards. When they mention these tools in talks or content, they earn a commission.

6. Virtual Summits and Events
- Hosting your own event (like a virtual summit) can be lucrative. You can charge for tickets, sponsorships, or upsell access to recordings.

7. Talks.co and Similar Platforms
- Listing on Talks.co can lead to paid speaking gigs or partnerships. It also helps speakers connect with hosts looking for niche experts.

The smartest speakers diversify their income. They don't rely on one-off gigs but build ecosystems around their expertise.

The income of staffing and recruiting speakers varies significantly based on factors like experience, audience, and how diversified their revenue streams are. Here's a closer look:
Typical Fee Ranges:

Experience Level	Average Fee per Talk
New/Local Speaker	$250 - $1,000
Mid-Level/Niche Expert	$1,000 - $5,000
Top Industry Leader	$5,000 - $15,000+

Annual Income Estimates:
- Part-time speakers (doing 5-10 events/year): $5,000 - $50,000.
- Full-time speakers with consulting or product income: $75,000 - $250,000+.
Variables That Affect Income:
- Event Type: Corporate events pay more than community webinars.
- Audience Size: Larger audiences often mean higher fees.
- Geography: U.S. and European markets tend to pay more than others.
- Reputation: A published book, media appearances, or a large LinkedIn following can justify higher rates.
Example: A speaker who does 12 paid gigs a year at $3,000 each, plus earns $40,000 from consulting and $10,000 from online courses, could make $86,000 annually.
The key is to mix speaking with other income streams, as covered in 'How do staffing and recruiting speakers make money'.

If you're looking to hire a staffing and recruiting speaker, the cost depends on several factors: experience, format, location, and audience. Here's a breakdown to help you budget:
Typical Cost Ranges:

Speaker Type	Cost per Engagement
Emerging Speaker	$500 - $1,500
Mid-Level Expert	$1,500 - $5,000
Industry Leader	$5,000 - $15,000+

Factors That Influence Cost:
- Event Format: Virtual talks are typically cheaper than in-person keynotes.
- Customization: A tailored workshop or training session will cost more than a standard keynote.
- Travel Requirements: If the speaker needs to fly in, expect to cover flights, hotel, and per diem.
- Audience Size: Larger events often justify higher fees.
Additional Costs to Consider:
- AV setup or tech support.
- Licensing fees if the talk is recorded and distributed.
- Speaker gifts or honorariums for unpaid events.
Tip: Platforms like Talks.co allow you to filter speakers by budget and topic, making it easier to find someone who fits your needs and price range.
Hiring a speaker is an investment in your event's value. A great speaker can elevate the entire experience for your audience.

- Lou Adler: Known for his Performance-based Hiring methodology, Lou has been a staple in the recruiting world for decades. His books and talks have shaped how companies approach talent acquisition.
- Shally Steckerl: A pioneer in sourcing, Shally is often called the 'Godfather of Sourcing'. His sessions are packed with actionable tactics and tech-forward strategies.
- Johnny Campbell: CEO of SocialTalent, Johnny is a dynamic speaker who blends humor with deep insights into recruiter training and performance.
- Gerry Crispin: Co-founder of CareerXroads, Gerry is a respected voice in candidate experience and recruiting analytics.
- Katrina Collier: Author of 'The Robot-Proof Recruiter', Katrina is known for her no-nonsense approach to humanizing recruitment.
- Hung Lee: Curator of the Recruiting Brainfood newsletter, Hung is a go-to speaker for trends, tools, and tech in the hiring space.
- Stacy Zapar: A LinkedIn Top Voice and founder of The Talent Agency, Stacy is known for her practical, people-first approach to recruiting.
- Bill Boorman: With his trademark hat and informal style, Bill brings a global perspective to recruitment innovation.
- Meghan M. Biro: Founder of TalentCulture, Meghan speaks on the intersection of HR, tech, and workplace culture.
- Craig Fisher: A branding and recruiting strategist, Craig is known for his work on employer branding and recruitment marketing.

- Hung Lee (UK): Globally recognized for his Recruiting Brainfood newsletter and weekly livestreams, Hung is a connector of ideas and people in the global recruitment space.
- Katrina Collier (UK): With a global speaking presence, Katrina's workshops and keynotes on candidate engagement have been featured across Europe, Asia, and North America.
- Johnny Campbell (Ireland): As CEO of SocialTalent, Johnny has trained thousands of recruiters worldwide and is a regular on international stages.
- Shally Steckerl (USA): A global sourcing expert, Shally has spoken in over 20 countries and is often invited to share insights on talent tech and sourcing strategy.
- Vanessa Raath (South Africa): A sourcing trainer and speaker, Vanessa brings a unique perspective from the African market and is known for her engaging, practical sessions.
- Gerry Crispin (USA): His work on candidate experience has global relevance, and he frequently speaks at international HR and TA events.
- Bill Boorman (UK): With a footprint in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, Bill's informal yet insightful talks on recruiting innovation are world-renowned.
- Meghan M. Biro (USA): Her influence spans continents, and she's a frequent speaker at global HR tech conferences.
- Craig Fisher (USA): Known for his employer branding expertise, Craig has delivered sessions across North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Sedef Buyukataman (Turkey): A rising voice in European recruiting, Sedef brings a regional perspective to global hiring challenges.

Myth 1: Staffing and recruiting speakers only talk about hiring tactics.
This is a common misconception. While hiring strategies are part of the conversation, top staffing and recruiting speakers dive much deeper. They explore workforce planning, DEI initiatives, employer branding, automation in recruitment, and even labor economics. For example, Hung Lee, curator of Recruiting Brainfood, often discusses the intersection of tech and talent acquisition, not just how to write job ads.

Myth 2: You need to be a corporate executive to become a staffing and recruiting speaker.
Not true. Many successful speakers in this space come from agency backgrounds, freelance recruiting, or even HR tech startups. What matters is your insight and ability to communicate it. Katrina Collier, for instance, built her speaking career on candidate experience and recruiter-candidate relationships, not a C-suite title.

Myth 3: The audience is always HR professionals.
Actually, staffing and recruiting speakers often present to founders, hiring managers, tech teams, and even policymakers. Conferences like SHRM and HR Tech draw diverse crowds, and virtual summits expand that reach even more. If you're tailoring your message only to HR, you're missing a huge part of the market.

Myth 4: Speaking in this niche is only relevant in large urban markets.
Wrong again. Rural communities, small businesses, and regional governments all face unique hiring challenges. Speakers who address these needs-like remote workforce development or gig economy integration-can stand out by offering localized insights.

Myth 5: You need to be a natural-born speaker.
Nope. Many staffing and recruiting speakers started with webinars, podcasts, or internal training sessions. Speaking is a skill, not a trait. With practice, feedback, and the right platforms, anyone with valuable insights can grow into a compelling speaker.

When you look at the rise of successful staffing and recruiting speakers, the paths are as diverse as the audiences they serve. Take Torin Ellis, for example. He didn't start with a massive following or a corporate megaphone. His focus on diversity and inclusion in recruiting gave him a unique voice. Over time, his authenticity and direct style earned him keynote spots at major HR events and a loyal podcast audience.

Then there's Stacy Zapar. Known as one of the most connected women in recruiting, she built her brand through LinkedIn and hands-on consulting. Her talks often blend real-world experience with practical frameworks, which resonates with both startups and enterprise teams. She didn't just speak about recruiting-she showed how to do it better.

In a different lane, Glen Cathey, aka the Boolean Black Belt, carved out a niche by teaching advanced sourcing techniques. His technical approach appeals to sourcing professionals who want more than motivational fluff. He's spoken at SourceCon, Talent42, and other events where the audience expects depth.

And let's not forget international voices. In India, speakers like Aadil Bandukwala have combined tech, storytelling, and recruitment strategy to build cross-border relevance. His talks often explore how AI and data intersect with human decision-making in hiring.

These stories show that there's no single mold. Whether you're a data geek, a DEI advocate, or a hands-on recruiter with battle-tested stories, there's room to grow as a staffing and recruiting speaker-as long as you bring something real to the table.

The staffing and recruiting space is shifting, and speakers in this niche need to stay ahead of the curve. It's not just about what you say-it's about how and where you say it.

First, hybrid events are here to stay. That means speakers must master both in-person charisma and virtual engagement. Tools like interactive polls, breakout rooms, and asynchronous Q&A are becoming standard. If you're not adapting your delivery, you're falling behind.

Second, content expectations are rising. Audiences want data-backed insights, not just opinions. Speakers who can translate labor market analytics, automation trends, or DEI metrics into actionable takeaways will stand out. Think of how Josh Bersin uses research to anchor his talks-that's the bar.

Third, niche specialization is gaining traction. Instead of being a generalist, speakers are finding success by owning a specific angle: remote hiring, neurodiverse recruiting, green jobs staffing, or AI-driven sourcing. This allows them to become go-to experts in a crowded field.

Here are a few trends to watch:
- AI fluency. Speakers who can demystify AI in recruiting will be in demand.
- Global workforce insights. With remote hiring, understanding cross-border employment laws and cultural nuances is key.
- Ethical recruiting. Topics like algorithmic bias, candidate data privacy, and fair pay are gaining attention.
- Interactive formats. Panels, live case studies, and audience-led sessions are replacing traditional lectures.

The future belongs to speakers who are both educators and facilitators-those who can spark dialogue, not just deliver monologues.

- Talks.co. A podcast guest matching platform that helps you get booked on relevant shows. Great for building your speaking chops and reaching niche audiences in recruiting and HR.

- SpeakerHub. A directory and marketplace where you can list your profile, pitch to event organizers, and find speaking opportunities by topic or region.

- Recruiting Brainfood. Not just a newsletter-it's a community. Use it to stay on top of trends, discover events, and connect with other speakers and thought leaders.

- SlidesCarnival. Free, professional slide templates that don't look like they're from 2004. If you're not a designer but want your decks to pop, this is a lifesaver.

- Otter.ai. Use it to transcribe your talks, webinars, or podcast appearances. Then repurpose that content into blog posts, LinkedIn articles, or speaker reels.

- LinkedIn Events. Host your own mini-talks or panels. Great for testing new material and building visibility without waiting for an invite.

- Eventbrite. Search for HR and recruiting events by location or topic. Reach out to organizers with a tailored pitch that shows how your talk fits their audience.

- Canva. For creating speaker one-sheets, social media promos, and branded visuals. Clean design goes a long way in making you look pro.

Pro tip: Start small. Use these tools to book niche webinars or podcasts, then build up to larger summits. And always ask for feedback-it's the fastest way to level up.