Strategy Speakers

A strategy speaker is someone who specializes in communicating strategic thinking, planning, and execution to an audience-typically at events, summits, or corporate gatherings. Their role is to break down complex business concepts into digestible, actionable insights.

Unlike general business speakers, strategy speakers focus specifically on how organizations can position themselves for long-term success. This might involve topics like competitive analysis, market entry, innovation strategy, or organizational alignment. Whether it's a keynote on digital disruption or a workshop on strategic planning tools, the content is centered on helping audiences think more strategically.

These speakers often come from diverse backgrounds. Some are former CEOs or consultants, like Ram Charan or Liz Wiseman. Others are academics or authors who've developed influential frameworks. What unites them is their ability to connect high-level strategy with real-world execution.

Strategy speakers are often featured at leadership retreats, industry conferences, or virtual summits. Their talks are designed to spark new thinking, challenge assumptions, and equip audiences with frameworks they can apply immediately. They're not just talking heads-they're facilitators of transformation.

In short, a strategy speaker helps people move from reactive to proactive, from scattered to focused. They don't just talk about where the world is going-they help you figure out how to get there.

When you're navigating uncertainty, a strategy speaker can be the compass that helps your audience recalibrate. In today's fast-moving world, where industries shift overnight and business models get disrupted in months, having someone who can distill clarity from chaos is essential.

Strategy speakers bring an outside perspective that internal teams often miss. They challenge groupthink, introduce global trends, and offer frameworks that have worked across different sectors-from fintech in Singapore to healthcare in Canada. This cross-pollination of ideas is what drives innovation.

They also help bridge the gap between vision and execution. It's one thing to say 'we want to grow internationally'-it's another to map out the strategic steps to get there. A good strategy speaker can walk your team through that process, using examples from companies that have done it successfully.

For event organizers, strategy speakers elevate the quality of your programming. They attract decision-makers, spark meaningful discussions, and often become the most talked-about session of the day. Whether it's a virtual summit or an in-person leadership forum, their insights can shift mindsets and catalyze action.

So if you're curating content that aims to do more than entertain-if you want to equip your audience with tools to think differently-a strategy speaker isn't just helpful. They're essential to the conversation.

Strategy speakers do more than just deliver talks-they shape how audiences think about the future of their organizations. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

- Decode Complexity. Strategy speakers take intricate concepts like market positioning, value chain optimization, or scenario planning and make them understandable. They use real-world examples, like how Netflix shifted from DVD rentals to streaming, to illustrate abstract ideas.

- Deliver Keynotes and Workshops. Whether it's a 20-minute TED-style talk or a 2-hour interactive session, they adapt their delivery to the format. For instance, at a corporate offsite, they might run a live SWOT analysis with the leadership team.

- Customize Content for the Audience. A strategy speaker talking to a group of early-stage founders will focus on lean models and MVPs. For a Fortune 500 audience, they might dive into M&A strategy or global expansion.

- Inspire Strategic Thinking. They don't just inform-they provoke. A good strategy speaker will leave the audience asking better questions, like 'Are we solving the right problem?' or 'What's our real competitive edge?'

- Support Post-Talk Engagement. Some speakers offer follow-up resources, like worksheets, reading lists, or even one-on-one strategy sessions. This helps the audience apply what they've learned.

In essence, strategy speakers are educators, provocateurs, and facilitators. They don't just talk about strategy-they help people live it.

Becoming a strategy speaker isn't about having the loudest voice in the room - it's about delivering clarity, insight, and actionable frameworks that help others think smarter. Here's a practical step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Strategic Niche.
- Are you focused on business growth, digital transformation, leadership, or market entry? Narrowing your focus helps you stand out.
- Tip: Look at what problems you solve best. For example, if you're great at helping startups scale, that's your niche.

2. Build Your Signature Framework.
- Strategy speakers are known for their models or methods. Think of Simon Sinek's 'Start With Why' or Michael Porter's Five Forces.
- Create a repeatable framework that audiences can remember and apply.

3. Start Speaking - Anywhere.
- Host webinars, speak at local meetups, or offer to guest on podcasts. Use platforms like Talks.co to connect with event hosts and get booked.
- Tip: Record every talk. Build a speaker reel to showcase your style and expertise.

4. Create a Speaker Page.
- This is your digital resume. Include your bio, topics you speak on, testimonials, and a booking form.
- Talks.co makes this easy with customizable speaker pages.

5. Network Like a Pro.
- Join virtual summits, LinkedIn groups, and speaker communities. Reach out to hosts directly with a clear pitch.
- Example: 'Hi, I help SaaS founders create go-to-market strategies that convert. I'd love to speak at your next event on that topic.'

6. Collect Testimonials and Refine.
- After each talk, ask for feedback. Use positive quotes on your speaker page.
- Keep refining your delivery, slides, and storytelling based on audience reactions.

7. Monetize and Scale.
- Once you're getting consistent gigs, start charging. Package your talks into workshops, courses, or consulting offers.

Becoming a strategy speaker is a journey, but with the right tools and consistent action, you'll build a brand that gets you booked again and again.

To be a strategy speaker, you need more than just a sharp mind. You need a toolkit that combines expertise, communication skills, and a platform that gets you seen. Let's break it down:

1. Deep Strategic Expertise
You can't fake strategy. Whether you're advising Fortune 500s or emerging startups, your insights need to be grounded in real-world experience or research. This could come from:
- Running your own business.
- Leading strategic initiatives in a corporate role.
- Consulting across industries.

2. A Clear Point of View
Strategy speakers stand out when they bring a unique lens. Maybe you challenge conventional thinking, or you've developed a new framework. The key is to have a perspective that sparks curiosity and delivers value.

3. Communication Skills
You need to translate complex ideas into digestible, engaging content. This includes:
- Storytelling: Use real examples to illustrate your points.
- Visuals: Slide decks that support, not distract.
- Delivery: Confident, paced, and audience-aware.

4. A Platform to Get Booked
You need a way for event organizers to find and trust you. That's where platforms like Talks.co come in. With a speaker page, you can showcase your topics, testimonials, and availability. It's also a great way to connect with virtual summit hosts and podcast producers.

5. Social Proof and Content
Videos of past talks, testimonials from hosts, and articles or books you've written all build credibility. If you're just starting, record a mock talk or host a free webinar to build your portfolio.

In short, to be a strategy speaker, you need a mix of substance, style, and systems. Nail those, and you're on your way.

Yes, strategy speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors like experience, niche, audience, and format. Let's break this down with a bit of analysis.

1. Paid vs. Unpaid Gigs
- Established speakers often command fees ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 per keynote.
- Emerging speakers may speak for free initially to build credibility, but can still earn through backend offers (more on that in the next section).
- Virtual events typically pay less than in-person conferences, but they offer broader reach and lower travel costs.

2. Factors That Influence Pay
- Industry: Corporate strategy speakers in finance or tech tend to earn more than those in nonprofit or education sectors.
- Audience Size: Bigger events often have bigger budgets.
- Speaker Reputation: If you've written a bestselling book or led a major company, your perceived value increases.

3. Talks.co and Monetization
Platforms like Talks.co help strategy speakers get discovered by event hosts. While not every opportunity is paid upfront, many speakers use these gigs to land consulting clients or sell courses.

Pros of Paid Speaking:
- Direct income.
- Prestige and positioning.

Cons:
- Competitive market.
- Travel and prep time can be high.

In conclusion, strategy speakers do get paid, but the smartest ones diversify their income streams and use speaking as a lead generator too.

Strategy speakers make money in multiple ways, and the most successful ones treat speaking as just one part of a larger business model. Here's a breakdown of the most common revenue streams:

1. Speaking Fees
- Keynote speeches at conferences, corporate retreats, or industry summits.
- Fees range from $1,000 to $50,000+ depending on experience and audience.

2. Workshops and Training
- Many strategy speakers offer half-day or full-day sessions for leadership teams.
- These are often priced higher than keynotes because they're interactive and tailored.

3. Consulting Engagements
- After a talk, a company might hire the speaker to help implement the strategy.
- This can lead to long-term contracts worth tens or hundreds of thousands.

4. Online Courses and Digital Products
- Speakers often turn their frameworks into self-paced courses.
- Example: A speaker on digital strategy might sell a $497 course on building a go-to-market plan.

5. Books and Licensing
- Publishing a book boosts credibility and can generate royalties.
- Some speakers license their content to training companies or universities.

6. Affiliate and Partner Revenue
- When speaking at summits hosted on platforms like Zoom, speakers may earn affiliate commissions by promoting the event or related tools.

7. Sponsored Talks
- Brands sometimes pay speakers to present content that aligns with their messaging.

In short, strategy speakers make money through a mix of direct fees and indirect business opportunities. The key is to treat speaking as both a revenue stream and a marketing channel.

Strategy speakers can earn anywhere from a few thousand dollars a year to well into six or even seven figures. It all depends on their niche, experience, and how they monetize their platform. Let's look at the data and patterns.
Typical Income Ranges:

Experience Level	Average Per Talk	Annual Income (Est.)
Beginner	$0 - $1,500	$5,000 - $25,000
Mid-Level	$2,000 - $7,500	$50,000 - $150,000
Top-Tier/Corporate	$10,000 - $50,000	$200,000+

Variables That Influence Income:
- Number of Talks: A speaker doing 30 paid talks at $5,000 each earns $150,000.
- Backend Offers: Many speakers earn more from consulting or product sales than from the talk itself.
- Geography: Speakers in the U.S., UK, and Australia often command higher fees than those in developing markets.
Real-World Examples:
- A strategy speaker focused on SaaS growth might earn $10,000 per workshop for VC-backed startups.
- A corporate strategist could land a $100,000 contract after a single keynote.
Additional Income Sources:
- Online courses: $10K-$100K annually.
- Book royalties: $2K-$50K depending on sales.
In essence, how much strategy speakers make depends on how they package and scale their expertise. The top earners treat speaking as a business, not just a gig.

Hiring a strategy speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the speaker's profile, the event type, and the value they bring. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Entry-Level Speakers
- Cost: $0 - $2,000
- Who They Are: Newer speakers building their portfolio. They may speak for free at virtual events or small conferences.
- Best For: Local meetups, online summits, or internal team training.

2. Mid-Tier Speakers
- Cost: $2,000 - $10,000
- Who They Are: Experienced professionals with a clear niche and some media exposure.
- Best For: Industry conferences, corporate off-sites, or association events.

3. High-Profile Speakers
- Cost: $10,000 - $50,000+
- Who They Are: Published authors, former executives, or thought leaders with a strong following.
- Best For: Large-scale conferences, investor summits, or global leadership events.

4. Additional Costs
- Travel and accommodation (if in-person).
- Customization fees for tailored content.
- Licensing fees if you want to reuse the talk.

Using Platforms Like Talks.co
- Talks.co allows hosts to filter speakers by budget, making it easier to find someone who fits your event.
- Some speakers offer discounted rates for virtual events or bundled packages.

In short, strategy speakers vary widely in cost, but the right one can deliver ROI through clarity, alignment, and inspiration. It's not just about the fee... it's about the value they bring to your audience.

- Michael Porter: Widely considered the godfather of business strategy, Porter developed the Five Forces model and has influenced generations of strategists.
- Clayton Christensen: Known for 'The Innovator's Dilemma', Christensen's work on disruptive innovation reshaped how companies think about growth.
- Peter Drucker: Though more of a management thinker, Drucker's strategic insights remain foundational in business education.
- Jim Collins: Author of 'Good to Great', Collins is known for his research-backed frameworks that help leaders build enduring companies.
- Ram Charan: A trusted advisor to Fortune 100 CEOs, Charan combines deep strategic thinking with practical execution.
- Gary Hamel: His work on core competencies and strategic intent has been influential in both academia and corporate strategy.
- Henry Mintzberg: A critic of overly analytical strategy models, Mintzberg brought a more human, emergent view to strategic planning.
- Rita McGrath: Known for her work on transient advantage, McGrath helps companies thrive in fast-changing markets.
- Simon Sinek: While more known for leadership, his 'Start With Why' framework is fundamentally strategic and has influenced countless organizations.
- Tony Robbins: Though not a traditional strategist, Robbins has helped entrepreneurs and executives think strategically about life and business.

- Rita McGrath (USA): A Columbia Business School professor, McGrath speaks globally on strategy in volatile environments. Her talks are packed with actionable insights for leaders navigating disruption.
- Roger Martin (Canada): Former Dean of Rotman School of Management, Martin blends strategy with design thinking. His talks are popular with innovation-driven organizations.
- Tiffani Bova (USA): Chief Growth Evangelist at Salesforce, Bova speaks on customer-centric strategy and growth acceleration. A favorite at tech and SaaS events.
- Nilofer Merchant (USA): Known for her concept of 'Onlyness', Merchant brings a fresh, inclusive perspective to strategic thinking.
- Martin Reeves (UK): Chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, Reeves delivers high-level strategy talks backed by cutting-edge research.
- Alex Osterwalder (Switzerland): Creator of the Business Model Canvas, Osterwalder is a go-to speaker for strategy and innovation.
- Herminia Ibarra (France/UK): A professor at London Business School, Ibarra speaks on strategic leadership and career reinvention.
- Scott Galloway (USA): NYU professor and tech analyst, Galloway mixes strategy with sharp commentary on business trends.
- Whitney Johnson (USA): A former Wall Street analyst, Johnson speaks on personal and organizational growth strategy.
- Naval Ravikant (USA/India): While not a traditional speaker, Naval's strategic thinking on startups and wealth creation has made him a sought-after voice in tech circles.

Myth 1: Strategy speakers only come from corporate backgrounds.

This one's easy to assume, especially when you see speakers with titles like 'former McKinsey consultant' or 'ex-Google strategist'. But the truth is, some of the most compelling strategy speakers come from startups, nonprofits, and even the military. For example, Jocko Willink, a former Navy SEAL, speaks on leadership and strategic decision-making with a perspective that's anything but corporate. Strategy isn't owned by boardrooms - it's shaped by experience, adaptability, and insight, no matter where it comes from.

Myth 2: You need an MBA or academic credentials to be taken seriously.

Sure, degrees can help build credibility, but they're not the only path. Many strategy speakers build authority through results. Think of Gary Vaynerchuk - no MBA, but a deep understanding of business strategy through hands-on work. Audiences care more about what you've done and how you communicate it than where you studied.

Myth 3: Strategy speakers are all about theory, not action.

This couldn't be further from the truth. The best strategy speakers translate complex frameworks into practical steps. Take Rita McGrath, for instance. Her talks on strategic inflection points are grounded in real-world application. Strategy speakers who thrive today are those who bridge the gap between vision and execution.

Myth 4: You have to be charismatic or extroverted to succeed.

Not at all. Strategy speaking isn't about being flashy - it's about clarity, insight, and relevance. Some of the most effective speakers are calm, methodical, and deeply analytical. Their strength lies in substance, not showmanship. If you're more introverted, your edge might be in how deeply you think, not how loudly you talk.

Myth 5: There's no room for new voices in the strategy space.

Actually, there's never been more demand for fresh perspectives. With industries evolving and global markets shifting, organizations are hungry for new ways of thinking. Whether you're focused on sustainability, digital transformation, or community-based strategy, there's space for your voice if you bring something unique to the table.

When you think of successful strategy speakers, it's easy to picture someone on a TED stage or delivering a keynote at Davos. But the paths they took to get there? Surprisingly diverse.

Take Dorie Clark. She started out in journalism and gradually built her brand as a thought leader in personal strategy and career reinvention. Her talks are packed with actionable insights, but what really sets her apart is how she connects long-term planning with personal branding. She didn't wait for permission - she created her own platform through books, blogs, and consistent speaking.

Then there's Simon Sinek. His 'Start With Why' concept didn't just become a bestselling book - it became a strategic framework used by leaders across industries. What's interesting is that Sinek didn't begin as a strategy consultant. He was a marketing guy who noticed patterns in leadership and decision-making. His ability to simplify complex ideas into memorable messages made him a go-to speaker for organizations looking to align purpose with action.

In Asia, Nilofer Merchant's rise as a strategy speaker shows how cultural and organizational dynamics can shape a speaker's niche. Her concept of 'onlyness' - the idea that each person has a unique perspective based on their history and experience - resonates deeply in regions where hierarchy often stifles innovation. Her talks challenge traditional strategy models and invite more inclusive thinking.

And let's not forget those who operate outside the spotlight. In South Africa, a speaker like Vusi Thembekwayo has built a reputation for strategic thinking in emerging markets. His talks blend economic insight with entrepreneurial grit, offering a different lens on global strategy. He's not just speaking to boardrooms - he's speaking to communities, startups, and governments.

These stories show that there's no single mold for a strategy speaker. Whether you come from academia, entrepreneurship, or activism, what matters is your ability to connect ideas with action and tailor your message to the audience in front of you.

Strategy speakers are stepping into a new era, where relevance is defined by agility, not legacy. The old model of delivering static frameworks is giving way to dynamic, real-time insight. Here's where things are heading:

- Micro-strategy over macro-theory. Audiences are craving specificity. Instead of sweeping five-year plans, they want to know what to do next quarter. Speakers who can break down strategy into 90-day sprints or agile cycles will stand out.

- Hybrid delivery models. Virtual summits, asynchronous keynotes, and interactive workshops are becoming the norm. Strategy speakers who can adapt their delivery to digital-first formats - while still maintaining engagement - will reach broader audiences. Think less 'sage on stage', more 'guide on screen'.

- Localized strategy insights. Globalization is no longer a one-size-fits-all game. Companies want speakers who understand regional nuances. A strategy that works in Berlin might flop in Jakarta. Speakers with multicultural fluency or regional expertise will be in high demand.

- Data fluency as a baseline. It's not enough to talk about strategy - you need to back it up. Speakers who can interpret data trends, visualize insights, and tie them to actionable outcomes will be seen as more credible. This doesn't mean you need to be a data scientist, but you should be able to speak the language.

- Ethical and sustainable strategy. With ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) on the rise, organizations are looking for strategy speakers who can address long-term impact, not just short-term wins. Speakers who integrate sustainability, equity, and ethics into their frameworks will resonate more deeply.

In short, the future belongs to strategy speakers who are nimble, tech-savvy, and globally aware. The days of one-size-fits-all keynotes are fading. What's replacing them? Tailored, data-informed, and culturally relevant strategy conversations that meet people where they are.

- Talks.co. A smart platform for matching podcast hosts with expert guests. If you're an aspiring strategy speaker, this is a great way to build your speaking resume, test your messaging, and reach niche audiences.

- Slidebean. Creating a compelling deck is half the battle. Slidebean helps you design professional presentations without needing a design degree. Use it to visualize frameworks, timelines, or case studies.

- Thinkers50. This is like the Oscars for business thinkers. Follow their rankings, read their insights, and study the formats of top strategy speakers like Roger Martin or Amy Webb. It's a goldmine for understanding what high-level strategy content looks like.

- LinkedIn Learning. Offers courses on strategic thinking, public speaking, and storytelling. Great for brushing up on skills or exploring adjacent topics like behavioral economics or systems thinking.

- Notion. Use it to organize your speaking topics, collect research, and build a content calendar. You can even create a public-facing speaker page with your topics and availability.

- SpeakerHub. A directory where you can list yourself as a speaker, browse events, and connect with organizers. It's especially useful for those just starting out or looking to get into international markets.

- Harvard Business Review. Not just for reading - use it to stay current on strategy trends, cite credible sources in your talks, and identify gaps where your voice can add value.

- Otter.ai. Record your practice sessions, transcribe your talks, and analyze your delivery. It's a simple way to refine your message and improve clarity.

Each of these tools serves a different purpose - from building your brand to refining your message to booking your next gig. Start with one or two, and expand as your strategy speaking journey evolves.