Wellbeing Speakers

A wellbeing speaker is someone who specializes in delivering talks, workshops, or presentations focused on physical, mental, emotional, or social health. But that's just the surface.

These speakers are often experts in fields like psychology, nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, or workplace wellness. Some come from academic backgrounds, others from lived experience. What unites them is their ability to communicate strategies that help individuals or organizations improve their overall wellbeing.

Unlike general motivational speakers, wellbeing speakers focus on actionable, evidence-based insights. Think of someone like Jay Shetty, who blends ancient wisdom with modern science to talk about purpose and mental health. Or Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, who speaks on childhood trauma and its long-term health effects.

Wellbeing speakers can appear at conferences, corporate retreats, school assemblies, or virtual summits. Their topics range from stress management and sleep science to diversity and inclusion, resilience, and self-care.

In short, a wellbeing speaker is a guide. Not just someone who talks about wellness, but someone who helps others live it-through stories, science, and strategies that stick.

When burnout is trending and mental health is finally part of the mainstream conversation, the role of a wellbeing speaker becomes more than just helpful-it becomes essential.

First, they bring clarity to a noisy space. With so much conflicting advice online, from TikTok trends to wellness influencers, a credible wellbeing speaker cuts through the noise with grounded, research-backed insights. They help audiences understand what's real, what's hype, and what actually works.

Second, they create safe spaces for dialogue. Whether it's a corporate team struggling with remote work fatigue or a school navigating student anxiety, wellbeing speakers open up conversations that might otherwise stay buried. Their presence signals that it's okay to talk about stress, burnout, or emotional health.

Third, they drive cultural change. A single keynote can shift how a company approaches work-life balance or how a community prioritizes mental health. For example, after a wellbeing speaker addressed sleep hygiene at a tech firm, leadership implemented no-email policies after 6 PM. That's real impact.

Finally, they empower action. It's not just about awareness. The best wellbeing speakers leave people with tools they can use immediately-whether it's a breathing technique, a journaling prompt, or a new way to structure their day.

In a world that often prioritizes productivity over people, wellbeing speakers remind us that health isn't a luxury. It's the foundation.

Wellbeing speakers do more than just deliver talks-they educate, inspire, and catalyze change across diverse settings. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Deliver Keynotes and Workshops
- They speak at conferences, corporate events, schools, and online summits.
- Topics range from mental health and emotional intelligence to nutrition, mindfulness, and work-life integration.

2. Customize Content for Different Audiences
- A wellbeing speaker might tailor a talk on stress management differently for a group of nurses in a hospital versus a team of software engineers.
- They consider cultural, regional, and industry-specific nuances to make their message resonate.

3. Translate Research into Practical Tools
- They distill complex scientific findings into digestible, actionable advice.
- For example, a speaker might explain the neuroscience of habit formation and then walk the audience through a 3-step routine to build better sleep habits.

4. Facilitate Conversations and Engagement
- Many wellbeing speakers lead interactive sessions, Q&As, or breakout discussions.
- They encourage audience participation, making the experience more memorable and impactful.

5. Inspire Long-Term Change
- Their goal isn't just a great talk-it's lasting transformation.
- Whether it's a company rethinking its wellness policy or an individual starting a meditation practice, the ripple effects of a powerful speaker can be profound.

In essence, wellbeing speakers act as bridges between knowledge and action. They don't just talk about wellbeing-they help people live it.

Ready to step into the world of wellbeing speaking? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you build your brand, message, and income as a wellbeing speaker.

1. Define Your Niche.
- Wellbeing is a broad space. Are you focused on mental health, workplace wellness, mindfulness, nutrition, or emotional resilience?
- Tip: Look at what problems you've solved or helped others solve. That's your starting point.

2. Craft Your Signature Talk.
- Develop a powerful, repeatable talk that delivers value and transformation.
- Include personal insights, research-backed strategies, and a clear call to action.
- Example: A talk titled 'Burnout Recovery for Remote Teams' might appeal to tech companies.

3. Build Your Speaker Page.
- Use a platform like Talks.co to create a professional speaker profile.
- Include a bio, headshot, talk titles, testimonials, and a booking form.
- Pro tip: Add a short video clip of you speaking to boost credibility.

4. Connect with Event Hosts.
- Start by reaching out to podcasts, virtual summits, and webinars.
- Use Talks.co to connect with hosts looking for wellbeing experts.
- Don't wait for invites-pitch yourself with a clear value proposition.

5. Practice and Refine.
- Speak at local meetups, online events, or even Instagram Lives.
- Ask for feedback and tweak your delivery, slides, and timing.

6. Scale Your Presence.
- Once you've got traction, aim for bigger stages: corporate events, conferences, and global summits.
- Collaborate with other speakers or join speaker bureaus to expand your reach.

Becoming a wellbeing speaker isn't about being perfect-it's about being real, prepared, and consistent. Start small, stay focused, and keep showing up.

To be a wellbeing speaker, you don't need a PhD or a bestselling book-but you do need a few key ingredients to stand out and deliver real value.

First, you need expertise. That doesn't mean you have to be a clinical psychologist (though that helps in some circles). It means you've got lived experience, professional training, or a deep understanding of a specific wellbeing topic. For example, if you've helped teams reduce burnout through mindfulness, that's a valuable angle.

Second, you need a compelling message. This is your unique take on wellbeing. What's your core belief? What do you want people to walk away with? A strong message helps you stand out in a crowded space.

Third, you need speaking skills. You don't have to be Tony Robbins, but you do need to hold attention, tell stories, and guide people through transformation. Practice is key here. Join Toastmasters, host Instagram Lives, or speak at local events to sharpen your delivery.

Fourth, you need a platform. This is where Talks.co comes in. Having a speaker page with your bio, topics, and booking info makes it easy for hosts to find and book you. It also adds instant credibility.

Finally, you need connections. Whether it's through LinkedIn, speaker directories, or platforms like Talks.co that connect hosts and guests, relationships are what get you booked.

In short, to be a wellbeing speaker, you need expertise, a message, speaking skills, a platform, and a network. Nail those, and you're on your way.

Yes, wellbeing speakers do get paid-but how much and how often depends on several factors, including experience, audience size, and event type.

Let's break it down:

- Corporate Events: These tend to pay the most. Companies invest in employee wellbeing and are willing to pay $2,000 to $10,000+ for a strong speaker.
- Virtual Summits: Payment varies. Some offer honorariums ($100-$500), others offer exposure and affiliate commissions.
- Podcasts and Webinars: Often unpaid, but great for lead generation and building authority.
- Workshops and Trainings: These can be lucrative, especially if you offer a half-day or full-day session. Rates range from $1,000 to $5,000+.

Pros:
- High demand in corporate and healthcare sectors.
- Opportunities to upsell coaching or courses.
- Global reach through virtual events.

Cons:
- Inconsistent income if not diversified.
- Some events only offer exposure.
- Requires ongoing marketing and outreach.

According to a 2023 survey by SpeakerFlow, 41% of wellbeing speakers earn over $50,000 annually from speaking alone. But many combine speaking with other income streams (see next section).

So yes, wellbeing speakers do get paid-but the smartest ones build multiple income streams to make it sustainable.

Wellbeing speakers make money in a variety of ways, and the most successful ones diversify their income streams. Here's a breakdown of how they do it:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements.
- Corporate wellness programs, HR conferences, and healthcare events often pay top dollar.
- Example: A speaker specializing in burnout prevention might be hired by a tech company for a $5,000 keynote.

2. Workshops and Trainings.
- These are more interactive and often command higher fees.
- Half-day or full-day sessions can range from $1,500 to $10,000 depending on the audience and depth.

3. Online Courses and Memberships.
- Many speakers turn their talks into digital products.
- Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi make it easy to monetize your expertise.

4. Books and Publications.
- Publishing a book boosts credibility and opens doors to higher-paying gigs.
- Royalties and bulk sales to organizations can add up.

5. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships.
- Especially relevant for podcast guests or summit speakers.
- Example: A speaker promoting a meditation app might earn a commission per sign-up.

6. Consulting and Coaching.
- After a talk, some clients want more. Offering 1:1 or group coaching can be a natural upsell.

7. Talks.co and Virtual Summits.
- Platforms like Talks.co help speakers get discovered and booked.
- Some summits offer revenue-sharing models or affiliate payouts.

So while the stage is a great place to start, the real money often comes from what happens after the applause.

The income of wellbeing speakers varies widely based on experience, niche, and business model. Let's look at the numbers:
- Entry-Level Speakers: Typically earn $0 to $1,000 per talk. Many start with free gigs to build credibility and testimonials.
- Mid-Level Speakers: With a few years of experience and a solid speaker page (like on Talks.co), they can earn $1,000 to $5,000 per event.
- Top-Tier Speakers: These are the authors, influencers, or industry veterans. They command $10,000 to $50,000+ per keynote.
According to the National Speakers Association:
- The average speaker fee in the wellness space is around $3,500.
- 25% of speakers earn over $100,000 annually from speaking alone.
Factors that influence earnings:
- Niche: Mental health and workplace wellbeing are in high demand.
- Audience: Corporate clients pay more than nonprofits or schools.
- Delivery Format: In-person keynotes often pay more than virtual talks, though virtual events are more frequent.
Here's a quick comparison table:

Experience Level	Avg. Fee per Talk	Annual Income (est.)
Beginner	$0 - $1,000	$0 - $10,000
Intermediate	$1,000 - $5,000	$20,000 - $75,000
Advanced	$5,000 - $20,000+	$100,000+

So while some wellbeing speakers do it as a side hustle, others turn it into a six-figure career.

If you're looking to hire a wellbeing speaker, the cost can range dramatically depending on who you're booking, the format, and the audience size. Here's a breakdown:
- Local or Emerging Speakers: $500 to $2,000.
- Great for schools, community events, or small businesses.
- Often flexible and open to negotiation.
- Mid-Level Professionals: $2,000 to $7,500.
- These speakers have a track record, a speaker page on platforms like Talks.co, and solid testimonials.
- Ideal for corporate wellness days or industry panels.
- High-Profile Experts: $10,000 to $50,000+.
- These are bestselling authors, TEDx speakers, or media personalities.
- Often booked for large conferences, leadership retreats, or global summits.
Other cost factors:
- Virtual vs. In-Person: Virtual talks are generally 30-50% cheaper.
- Customization: Tailored content or workshops may increase the fee.
- Travel and Expenses: For in-person events, expect to cover flights, hotels, and per diem.
Sample pricing tiers:

Speaker Type	Virtual Fee	In-Person Fee
New/Emerging	$500	$1,000 - $2,000
Experienced	$2,000	$5,000 - $7,500
Celebrity/Author	$5,000+	$10,000 - $50,000+

So whether you're a small startup or a Fortune 500 company, there's a wellbeing speaker for your budget-you just need to know where to look.

- Deepak Chopra. A pioneer in mind-body medicine, Chopra has authored over 90 books and spoken on global stages about consciousness, meditation, and holistic health.
- Brené Brown. Known for her research on vulnerability and shame, her TED Talk 'The Power of Vulnerability' has over 60 million views.
- Tony Robbins. While often categorized as a motivational speaker, Robbins has long incorporated wellbeing principles into his events and coaching.
- Louise Hay. Founder of Hay House Publishing, she was one of the first to link emotional health with physical healing.
- Jon Kabat-Zinn. Creator of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), he brought mindfulness into mainstream medicine and corporate culture.
- Gabby Bernstein. A spiritual teacher and author who blends mental health, mindfulness, and personal development.
- Dr. Gabor Maté. Known for his work on trauma, addiction, and the mind-body connection.
- Arianna Huffington. After collapsing from burnout, she launched Thrive Global to promote sustainable success and wellbeing.
- Shawn Achor. His research on happiness and performance has been featured in his bestselling book 'The Happiness Advantage'.
- Oprah Winfrey. While not a traditional speaker-for-hire, her influence in wellbeing through interviews, books, and events is unmatched.

- Jay Shetty (UK/US). Former monk turned bestselling author and podcast host. His talks on purpose and mindfulness have reached millions.
- Dr. Rangan Chatterjee (UK). A GP and author who simplifies wellbeing into actionable steps. Host of the 'Feel Better, Live More' podcast.
- Mel Robbins (US). Known for her '5 Second Rule', she blends neuroscience and motivation with practical wellbeing strategies.
- Mo Gawdat (UAE/Global). Former Chief Business Officer at Google X, now focused on happiness engineering and emotional resilience.
- Dr. Edith Eger (US/Hungary). Holocaust survivor and psychologist whose talks on trauma and healing are deeply moving and transformative.
- Vishen Lakhiani (Malaysia/US). Founder of Mindvalley, he speaks globally on consciousness, personal growth, and wellbeing.
- Juliet Funt (US). Specializes in reducing workplace burnout and promoting white space for creativity and wellbeing.
- Andy Puddicombe (UK). Co-founder of Headspace, he brings meditation and mindfulness to corporate and public audiences worldwide.
- Dr. Shimi Kang (Canada). Psychiatrist and TEDx speaker focused on mental health, parenting, and workplace wellbeing.
- Kris Carr (US). Wellness advocate and cancer survivor who speaks on self-care, nutrition, and emotional health.

Myth 1: Wellbeing speakers are just motivational cheerleaders.
This one comes up a lot. People assume that if you're a wellbeing speaker, you're just there to pump up the crowd with feel-good quotes and vague affirmations. But the reality? The best wellbeing speakers are grounded in science, psychology, and real-world strategies. Take Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, for example. He's a physician who blends medical expertise with practical wellbeing advice. His talks are packed with data, case studies, and actionable frameworks-not just inspiration.

Myth 2: You need to be a certified therapist or doctor to be taken seriously.
While credentials can help, they're not the only path. Many successful wellbeing speakers come from diverse backgrounds-corporate leadership, fitness, education, even the arts. What matters more is credibility through lived experience, consistent content, and results. Jay Shetty, for instance, built his reputation through storytelling and digital content before becoming a bestselling author and speaker. He's not a licensed therapist, but his insights resonate globally.

Myth 3: Wellbeing is a 'soft' topic that doesn't belong in serious business settings.
This misconception is fading fast, especially post-2020. Companies like Google, Deloitte, and SAP now invest heavily in employee wellbeing programs and bring in speakers to address burnout, resilience, and mental health. In fact, Deloitte's 2023 Human Capital Trends report listed wellbeing as a top priority for leadership development. Wellbeing speakers are now being booked for boardrooms, not just yoga retreats.

Myth 4: You have to be extroverted and charismatic to succeed.
Not true. While stage presence helps, authenticity and clarity matter more. Introverted speakers like Susan Cain (author of 'Quiet') have captivated audiences by leaning into their natural style. If you're thoughtful, prepared, and speak from a place of truth, your message will land.

Myth 5: It's all about personal branding and social media.
Sure, a strong online presence helps, but it's not the whole game. Many wellbeing speakers build their careers through workshops, referrals, and niche communities. Some focus on local impact-speaking at schools, clinics, or regional conferences-rather than chasing viral fame. The key is consistency and value, not follower count.

In 2018, a former HR executive from Melbourne named Leanne Butterworth noticed a troubling pattern: employees were burning out, and managers didn't know how to respond. Instead of staying in her corporate lane, she pivoted. Leanne founded 'Empathy First' and began speaking at schools, businesses, and conferences about mental health literacy. Her talks are now part of leadership training programs across Australia. She didn't start with a TEDx stage-she started with local meetups and built from there.

Then there's Mo Gawdat, the former Chief Business Officer at Google X. After the tragic loss of his son, he turned his grief into a mission. Mo developed a happiness equation based on engineering principles and began speaking globally about emotional resilience. His talks blend logic with vulnerability, attracting both tech audiences and wellness communities. His book 'Solve for Happy' became a global bestseller, but it was his speaking engagements that brought the message to life.

In Kenya, Wanjiru Njoya, a Nairobi-based wellness consultant, began offering stress management workshops to rural healthcare workers during the pandemic. She wasn't a social media influencer or a published author. But her deep understanding of local challenges and her ability to connect in Swahili and English made her an in-demand speaker across East Africa. Her story shows that success isn't always global-it can be deeply regional and still transformative.

And don't overlook the digital-first speakers. Sahil Bloom, originally known for his finance content, has transitioned into wellbeing topics like habit formation and mental clarity. His Substack newsletter and podcast appearances have led to speaking gigs at universities and startups. He's proof that you can evolve your niche and still grow your audience.

Each of these speakers took a different path. Some started with personal pain, others with professional insight. Some scaled globally, others stayed local. But they all share one thing: a clear message that meets a real need.

If you're thinking about stepping into the world of wellbeing speaking, it's worth knowing where the field is heading. The landscape is shifting-not just in content, but in format, audience, and delivery. Here's what to watch:

- Hybrid and asynchronous speaking formats. Virtual events aren't going anywhere. But more organizers are asking for pre-recorded talks, interactive Q&A sessions, and even audio-only formats for internal podcasts. Wellbeing speakers who can adapt to multiple formats will have more opportunities.

- Data-backed storytelling. Audiences are getting more discerning. It's not enough to share a personal journey-you need to back it up with research, case studies, or frameworks. Speakers like Dr. Andrew Huberman are leading this trend by blending neuroscience with accessible language.

- Niche specialization. General wellbeing is too broad. The future belongs to speakers who go deep: workplace burnout in tech, trauma-informed parenting, digital detox for teens, etc. The more specific your expertise, the more likely you'll be booked by targeted audiences.

- Cultural fluency and regional relevance. Global events have made wellbeing a universal concern, but solutions aren't one-size-fits-all. Speakers who tailor their content to cultural norms-like addressing mental health stigma in Southeast Asia or work-life balance in Nordic countries-will stand out.

- Integration with corporate KPIs. Companies are no longer satisfied with feel-good sessions. They want measurable outcomes: reduced absenteeism, improved engagement scores, better retention. Speakers who can align their message with business metrics will be seen as strategic partners, not just guest presenters.

In short, the future of wellbeing speaking is more strategic, more specialized, and more tech-savvy. If you're just starting out, think about how your message can evolve with these trends. And if you're already on the circuit, now's the time to refine your niche and delivery style.

- Talks.co. A smart platform that matches speakers with podcast hosts. Great for building credibility and getting your message out without needing a massive following. Tip: Use it to test your message and refine your delivery before going after bigger stages.

- SpeakerHub. A global directory where you can list your profile, pitch to event organizers, and find speaking opportunities by category. Make sure your bio clearly states your niche within wellbeing-'stress management for remote teams' will stand out more than 'general wellness'.

- Canva. Not just for social posts-use it to design slide decks, speaker one-sheets, and branded handouts. Their templates make it easy to look polished even if you're not a designer.

- The Speaker Lab Podcast. Hosted by Grant Baldwin, this podcast dives into the business side of speaking. Episodes cover pricing, positioning, and how to land gigs. Especially helpful if you're transitioning from coaching or consulting.

- Google Scholar. Want to back up your talk with real data? Use this to find peer-reviewed studies on wellbeing topics. Citing research boosts your credibility and helps you stand out from fluffier speakers.

- LinkedIn Events. A low-barrier way to host your own virtual sessions and build an audience. Start with free workshops, gather feedback, and use testimonials to pitch paid gigs later.

- Otter.ai. Use this to transcribe your talks, pull quotes, and repurpose content into blog posts or social media snippets. It's a time-saver and helps you stay visible between gigs.

- Eventbrite. Not just for finding events to attend-use it to host your own workshops or webinars. You can test new topics, gather leads, and build a reputation as a go-to expert in your niche.

These tools aren't just about looking professional-they're about building momentum. Pick two or three to start with, and use them consistently. The goal isn't to do everything-it's to do the right things well.