Systems and Processes Speakers

A systems and processes speaker is someone who specializes in teaching, demonstrating, or inspiring audiences around the design, optimization, and implementation of business systems and workflows.

These speakers often come from backgrounds in operations, project management, automation, or entrepreneurship. They bring clarity to complex topics like standard operating procedures (SOPs), team handoffs, CRM workflows, and tech stack integrations. But more than just being experts, they're communicators who know how to make these topics engaging and relevant.

Unlike general business speakers, systems and processes speakers focus specifically on the 'how' behind business efficiency. They're the ones who help audiences understand how to scale without chaos, delegate without confusion, and automate without losing control.

You'll find them speaking at virtual summits, corporate retreats, SaaS conferences, and even niche industry events-from eCommerce to healthcare. Their talks often include frameworks, templates, and real-world examples that attendees can apply immediately.

In short, a systems and processes speaker is your go-to expert when your audience needs to stop winging it and start building scalable, repeatable systems that actually work.

When growth outpaces structure, things break-and that's exactly where a systems and processes speaker comes in. They help prevent the chaos that often follows rapid scaling or team expansion.

For small businesses, these speakers offer clarity. Imagine a founder juggling sales, marketing, and fulfillment. A systems speaker can show them how to delegate effectively using SOPs and automation tools like Zapier or Notion. That's not just helpful-it's transformative.

In larger organizations, the stakes are even higher. Misaligned processes can cost millions in lost productivity. A speaker who understands enterprise-level systems can help teams streamline operations across departments, reduce redundancy, and improve accountability.

They're also crucial in today's remote and hybrid work environments. With teams scattered across time zones, clear systems are non-negotiable. A great speaker can teach asynchronous workflows, documentation best practices, and onboarding systems that keep everyone aligned.

Ultimately, systems and processes speakers are important because they bridge the gap between strategy and execution. They don't just talk about scaling-they give your audience the tools to actually do it.

Systems and processes speakers do more than just talk about efficiency-they equip audiences with the tools, frameworks, and mindset shifts needed to build scalable, sustainable operations.

Here's a breakdown of what they typically do:

- Deliver Keynotes and Workshops. They speak at events, summits, and internal company trainings, focusing on topics like automation, delegation, SOPs, and workflow design.

- Tailor Content to Specific Industries. Whether it's a SaaS startup, a manufacturing firm, or a nonprofit, they adapt their message to the unique challenges of each audience.

- Provide Actionable Frameworks. They often share templates, checklists, and step-by-step systems that attendees can implement immediately. Think of frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix for prioritization or the RACI model for team roles.

- Inspire Operational Change. Beyond the tactics, they help shift mindsets. They show teams why systems matter and how they can reduce burnout, improve communication, and drive results.

- Consult or Coach Post-Event. Some speakers offer follow-up consulting or coaching to help organizations implement what was taught during the session.

In essence, systems and processes speakers are educators, strategists, and motivators rolled into one. They don't just share ideas-they help people operationalize them.

Becoming a systems and processes speaker isn't just about knowing your workflows. It's about communicating them in a way that inspires others to take action. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Define Your Niche
- Systems and processes can mean different things in different industries. Are you focused on automation in SaaS? Lean manufacturing? Remote team operations? Pick a lane.
- Tip: Use your past experience to anchor your credibility. If you've built scalable onboarding systems or streamlined operations in a startup, that's your story.

2. Build Your Signature Talk
- Create a 20- to 45-minute talk that showcases your framework or methodology. Think: 'The 5-Step SOP Blueprint' or 'Scaling with Systems: A Playbook for Founders'.
- Include real-world examples, data, and a clear transformation for the audience.

3. Create a Speaker Page
- Platforms like Talks.co make it easy to set up a speaker profile. Include your bio, talk titles, testimonials, and a short video clip.
- Make it easy for event organizers to find and book you.

4. Start Small, Then Scale
- Speak at local meetups, virtual summits, or industry webinars. Record everything.
- Use those recordings to pitch bigger stages. Upload clips to your speaker page or LinkedIn.

5. Connect Hosts and Guests
- Use platforms like Talks.co to network with event hosts. Offer to connect them with other speakers too. Being a connector builds trust fast.

6. Package Your Expertise
- Eventually, turn your talk into a workshop, course, or consulting offer. This is where the real leverage comes in.

Remember: speaking is a business. The more you treat it like one, the faster you'll grow.

To be a systems and processes speaker, you need more than just a knack for organization. You need a blend of expertise, communication skills, and strategic positioning. Let's break it down:

1. Deep Subject Matter Knowledge
You must understand systems thinking, process optimization, and operational efficiency. Whether it's Kanban boards in agile teams or SOPs in e-commerce, your insights should be grounded in real-world application. Audiences want actionable takeaways, not theory.

2. A Clear Framework or Methodology
The best speakers have a repeatable system they can teach. Think of Michael Gerber's E-Myth framework or David Allen's GTD method. Your framework should be easy to remember, visually simple, and tied to outcomes.

3. Strong Communication Skills
You don't need to be a TED-level orator, but you do need to engage, educate, and energize. Practice storytelling. Use analogies. Break down complex ideas into simple steps. Tools like Toastmasters or speaker coaching can help.

4. A Platform to Share Your Message
This could be a Talks.co speaker page, a YouTube channel, or a podcast. You need a place where event organizers can see your work and reach out. Make sure your platform includes a speaker reel, talk topics, and testimonials.

5. A Network of Hosts and Collaborators
Speaking is a relationship game. Connect with podcast hosts, summit organizers, and other speakers. Offer value first. Share their events. Introduce them to others. Talks.co is a great place to start building these connections.

In short, being a systems and processes speaker is about packaging your expertise in a way that solves problems for others-and then getting that message in front of the right people.

Yes, systems and processes speakers do get paid-but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's dig into the numbers and nuances.

1. Paid vs. Unpaid Gigs
- Many new speakers start with unpaid talks to build credibility.
- Once you have a strong portfolio, you can command fees ranging from $500 to $10,000+ per talk.
- Corporate events, industry conferences, and private workshops are more likely to offer payment.

2. Factors That Influence Pay
- Experience: A speaker with a track record of results can charge more.
- Audience Size: Larger audiences often mean higher fees.
- Event Type: Keynotes pay more than breakout sessions or panels.
- Industry: Tech and finance tend to pay more than education or nonprofit sectors.

3. Other Forms of Compensation
- Travel and accommodation.
- Access to high-value networking.
- Opportunities to pitch services or products.

Pros:
- Speaking can lead to high-ticket consulting or coaching clients.
- Builds authority and brand visibility.

Cons:
- Not all events pay.
- Time investment can be high for prep and travel.

In summary, systems and processes speakers can absolutely get paid-but the real value often comes from what speaking leads to, not just the check for the talk.

Systems and processes speakers generate income in multiple ways. Speaking is often just the tip of the iceberg. Here's how they diversify their revenue:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements
- Keynotes, workshops, and breakout sessions at conferences or corporate events.
- Rates vary widely, from $1,000 to $25,000+ depending on the speaker's brand and audience.

2. Consulting and Advisory Services
- Many speakers offer backend consulting after their talks.
- Example: After a talk on workflow automation, a speaker might land a $15,000/month retainer with a SaaS company.

3. Online Courses and Digital Products
- Systems experts often turn their frameworks into courses.
- Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi are common.
- Example: A speaker might sell a $497 course on building SOPs for remote teams.

4. Books and Licensing
- Publishing a book boosts credibility and opens doors.
- Some license their systems to other coaches or organizations.

5. Affiliate and Partner Revenue
- Recommending tools like ClickUp, Zapier, or Notion can generate affiliate income.
- Especially effective if the speaker has a strong email list or community.

6. Virtual Summits and Events
- Hosting or co-hosting events via platforms like Zoom.
- Speakers can monetize through ticket sales, sponsorships, or upsells.

The smartest systems and processes speakers treat their speaking as a lead generator for higher-ticket offers. The stage is just the start.

The income of systems and processes speakers varies widely based on experience, niche, and business model. Let's break it down:
Entry-Level Speakers
- Typically earn $0 to $1,000 per talk.
- Often speak at local events, podcasts, or virtual summits to build credibility.
Mid-Level Speakers
- Earn between $1,000 and $5,000 per engagement.
- Usually have a few signature talks, a speaker page (like on Talks.co), and some testimonials.
- May supplement with consulting or digital products.
Top-Tier Speakers
- Command $10,000 to $25,000+ per keynote.
- Often have published books, large followings, or are known in specific industries (e.g. Lean Six Sigma in manufacturing).
- Frequently land corporate gigs or international conferences.
Annual Income Ranges

Speaker Level	Estimated Annual Income
Entry-Level	$10,000 - $30,000
Mid-Level	$50,000 - $150,000
Top-Tier	$200,000 - $1M+

Variables That Affect Income
- Number of speaking gigs per year.
- Backend offers (courses, consulting, etc.).
- Industry demand and specialization.
So while some speakers treat it as a side hustle, others build full-blown businesses around their speaking platform.

Hiring a systems and processes speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the scope and context. Here's a breakdown:

1. Virtual Events and Webinars
- Cost: $500 to $3,000
- These are typically shorter sessions (30-60 minutes).
- Great for internal team training or online summits.

2. In-Person Conferences
- Cost: $3,000 to $15,000
- Includes travel, prep time, and sometimes a custom workshop.
- Speakers with a strong brand or book may charge more.

3. Corporate Workshops
- Cost: $5,000 to $25,000+
- These are hands-on, often full-day sessions.
- Customization, team size, and follow-up support affect pricing.

4. Retainers and Advisory
- Cost: $2,000 to $20,000/month
- Some speakers offer ongoing support post-event.
- Ideal for companies undergoing digital transformation or scaling.

Factors That Influence Cost
- Speaker's experience and reputation.
- Event size and audience profile.
- Customization level required.
- Travel and logistics.

Hiring a systems and processes speaker is an investment in efficiency, scalability, and clarity. The ROI often comes from improved operations and team alignment.

Michael Gerber: Author of 'The E-Myth', Gerber revolutionized how small businesses think about systems. His talks focus on building businesses that work without you.

David Allen: Creator of the Getting Things Done (GTD) method. His productivity framework has influenced millions globally.

Sam Carpenter: Known for 'Work the System', he emphasizes the power of documenting and optimizing business processes.

Gino Wickman: Creator of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and author of 'Traction'. His talks are popular with startups and scale-ups.

Verne Harnish: Founder of EO and author of 'Scaling Up'. He's known for helping companies implement systems for hypergrowth.

Lisa Bodell: A futurist and simplification expert. She speaks on eliminating complexity in systems to drive innovation.

Chris Ducker: While more known for personal branding, his talks often include systems for outsourcing and delegation.

Tony Robbins: Though not a systems speaker per se, his business mastery events include deep dives into operational frameworks.

Marie Forleo: Her B-School program includes strong systems for online business, and she's a compelling speaker.

Dan Martell: SaaS founder and coach, he speaks on scaling with systems, automation, and team structure.

Gino Wickman (USA): EOS is used by thousands of companies globally. His talks are practical, structured, and high-impact.

Lisa Bodell (USA): Her global keynotes on simplification have reached audiences in over 40 countries.

Daniel Priestley (UK/AUS): Author of 'Key Person of Influence', he integrates systems thinking into business growth strategies.

Verne Harnish (Global): His Scaling Up methodology is taught in over 50 countries. A go-to for high-growth firms.

Taki Moore (Australia): Known for his systems-driven coaching business model. Popular in the coaching and consulting world.

Tiago Forte (USA): Creator of the 'Second Brain' system. His talks blend productivity with digital systems mastery.

Melissa Guller (USA): Focuses on course creation systems and podcasting workflows. Great for solopreneurs and educators.

Chris Ronzio (USA): Founder of Trainual, he speaks on documenting processes and scaling teams effectively.

Natalie Sisson (New Zealand): The Suitcase Entrepreneur, she speaks on systems for remote work and freedom-based businesses.

Benjamin Harvey (Malaysia): Co-founder of Authentic Education, he integrates NLP and systems thinking in his workshops.

Myth #1: Systems and processes speakers are only relevant to corporate audiences.

This assumption overlooks the diversity of sectors that benefit from structured thinking. From solopreneurs running online businesses to nonprofit leaders managing remote teams, the need for streamlined systems is universal. For example, in the creator economy, YouTubers like Ali Abdaal have built entire content machines using repeatable workflows. Speakers who specialize in these topics bring massive value to audiences far beyond the boardroom.

Myth #2: You need to be a certified project manager to speak on systems and processes.

While credentials like PMP or Six Sigma can help, they're not a prerequisite. What matters more is your ability to communicate how systems solve real-world problems. Take Marie Forleo, who speaks on business systems without a formal ops background. Her insights come from experience, not certifications. Many successful speakers in this niche are entrepreneurs who built their own frameworks through trial and error.

Myth #3: Talking about systems is boring.

Not if you do it right. The best systems and processes speakers use storytelling, visuals, and interactive frameworks to keep audiences engaged. Think of someone like Chris Ducker, who breaks down virtual team systems with humor and clarity. When you tie systems to outcomes-like saving 10 hours a week or scaling to 7 figures-it becomes instantly relevant.

Myth #4: Systems are one-size-fits-all.

This couldn't be further from the truth. A good speaker tailors their message to the context: a SaaS startup in Berlin doesn't need the same system as a rural health clinic in Kenya. Effective speakers highlight principles, then show how to adapt them. That flexibility is what makes their message stick.

Myth #5: You have to be a tech expert to speak on systems.

Many people confuse systems with software. But systems are about repeatable processes, not just tools. You can teach systems using sticky notes and whiteboards. In fact, some of the most impactful talks focus on analog systems-like how a restaurant in Tokyo reduced waste by 40% using a simple checklist. Tech can help, but it's not the foundation.

When you think about systems and processes speakers, you might picture someone in a suit talking about flowcharts. But the reality is much more dynamic.

Take Lisa Bodell, for example. She's known for helping organizations simplify complexity. In one of her most talked-about keynotes, she walked a room full of executives through a live exercise: eliminating 50% of their internal processes. The result? A Fortune 500 company cut meeting time by 30% within three months. Her storytelling style, backed by real data, made her message unforgettable.

Then there's David Jenyns, founder of SYSTEMology. He built a business around helping entrepreneurs remove themselves from daily operations. His talks often include the story of how he systemized his SEO agency to the point where it ran without him. That story resonates with overwhelmed founders who want freedom without sacrificing growth.

In the nonprofit world, Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday, speaks about systems that enable global collaboration. Her team coordinates thousands of campaigns across 80+ countries. Her talks highlight how decentralized systems-built on trust and shared values-can scale movements without top-down control.

Even in entertainment, systems matter. Will Curran, founder of Endless Events, speaks about event production systems. His talks break down how to run seamless virtual and hybrid events using backstage checklists, automation tools, and team SOPs. It's not just theory-it's what his company uses to deliver high-stakes events for clients like Amazon.

These speakers succeed because they connect systems to outcomes. They show how structure creates freedom, how process drives creativity, and how clarity reduces burnout. And they do it with stories that stick.

As more businesses embrace remote work, automation, and global collaboration, the demand for systems and processes speakers is shifting in some interesting directions.

First, there's a growing appetite for talks that blend systems thinking with emotional intelligence. It's not just about efficiency anymore. Audiences want to know how to build systems that support mental health, reduce decision fatigue, and foster inclusive cultures. Speakers who can connect process with people will stand out.

Second, expect to see more crossover between systems and AI. Tools like Zapier, Notion AI, and ChatGPT are changing how teams build workflows. Speakers who can demystify these tools-especially for non-tech audiences-will be in high demand. Think: how to use AI to document SOPs, automate onboarding, or streamline customer support.

Third, localization is becoming key. As virtual events reach global audiences, speakers need to adapt their examples and frameworks to different cultural contexts. A system that works in a Silicon Valley startup might flop in a family-run business in Lagos. The best speakers will show how to adapt principles, not just copy-paste templates.

Here are a few trends to watch:
- Hybrid systems: Combining digital tools with analog methods for more resilient workflows.
- Process storytelling: Using narrative techniques to teach systems in a more engaging way.
- Outcome-first frameworks: Shifting focus from tools to results (e.g., 'how to reclaim 10 hours a week' vs. 'how to use Asana').
- Micro-systems: Teaching bite-sized systems for solopreneurs and freelancers who don't need enterprise-level solutions.

In short, the future of systems and processes speaking isn't about complexity. It's about clarity, adaptability, and relevance. Speakers who can meet audiences where they are-and show them a better way-will lead the next wave.

Talks.co. A smart platform that matches speakers with podcasts. If you're just starting out, this is a great way to build authority and test your message. Tip: Use filters to find shows focused on entrepreneurship, operations, or productivity.

Notion. More than a note-taking app, Notion is a powerful tool for building and showcasing your own systems. Create templates, SOPs, and even speaker one-pagers. Tip: Build a public 'Speaker Kit' page with your bio, topics, and testimonials.

Process Street. Ideal for creating and sharing repeatable workflows. Aspiring speakers can use it to document their own speaking process-from outreach to follow-up. Tip: Offer your audience a free checklist as a lead magnet.

ClickUp. A project management tool that's flexible enough for solopreneurs and scalable for teams. Use it to manage your speaking pipeline, content calendar, and client onboarding. Tip: Create a 'Talk Delivery' template to streamline prep.

Loom. Record quick videos to explain your systems visually. Great for pitching event organizers or creating bonus content for your audience. Tip: Embed Looms in your speaker kit or follow-up emails.

Miro. A visual whiteboard tool perfect for mapping out systems during virtual workshops. Tip: Use it live during talks to co-create a system with your audience in real time.

AirTable. A database tool with spreadsheet simplicity. Use it to track speaking gigs, testimonials, or even system case studies. Tip: Share a read-only view with collaborators or VAs.

Slidebean. If design isn't your thing, this AI-powered presentation tool helps you create clean, compelling decks. Tip: Build a 'Systems in Action' slide series with before-and-after visuals.