Free Speakers Chicago is a pro bono speakers bureau. These Business presentations are given free by local guest speakers to Rotary clubs, public libraries, schools, senior living communities and businesses across Chicagoland. There are no fees, no honorarium and no mileage costs.
Leadership today is not failing because of a lack of talent or intelligence—it’s being strained by chronic pressure, fear-driven thinking, and disconnection from what makes us human. In environments that reward speed, certainty, and constant performance, leaders often lose access to their most powerful resource: a grounded, positive mindset that creates clarity, perspective, and empathy. This session reframes positive mindset
Dr. Shirzad Chamine’s groundbreaking research introduces the concept of “Saboteurs”—internal voices that once helped us navigate real and perceived threats in childhood. While these mental patterns originally served as protection, they often persist into adulthood, operating as unseen forces that shape how we think, feel, and respond. Over time, these Saboteurs become embedded in our neural pathways, creating automatic reactions
Every plant wants reliability, but few achieve it in a way that lasts. Tools and systems help, but they don’t hold up without leadership discipline behind them. This talk explores how reliability is built, not through big initiatives, but through small, consistent behaviors that shape daily work. John shares how to create stability even when production demands spike, how to
If you are a currently working too many hours, can’t seem to find the time to do the things you want to do, and would like to live a balanced life you love, then this presentation is for you! In this presentation, Master Certified Business Coach Tom Kelly covers the shifts you need to make to live a balanced life
An insightful analysis of technological innovations transforming the fraud prevention landscape. Through comprehensive trend analysis and industry insights, this presentation examines how emerging technologies are reshaping fraud detection strategies and what organizations need to know to stay ahead of evolving threats.
In 2016, China surpassed US and become the country with the most billionaires in the world. Beijing overtook NYC as the city with the most billionaires (819) in the world. China's wealth created great opportunities for the world. Will the trend continue as China eventually replace US as the largest economy in the world? This presentation will guide you through
Turnover is one of the most expensive and frustrating challenges in manufacturing, yet the real reasons people leave are often misunderstood. This talk breaks down the human side of turnover, the moments when employees decide to stay or go and how leadership plays a bigger role than most realize. Through candid insights and relatable examples, John explains how clarity, consistency,
While a discussion on workplace manners and courtesy may seem like overkill, the reality is: rudeness is an epidemic costing industry millions a year. Indeed, what society seems to be gaining in terms of both knowledge and technological advancement, it’s losing out on basic social values that directly impact the bottom line. This discussion introduces the concept of civility, its
If you have made the critical decision to take on the role of a leader, and you want to be great at it – it requires an in-depth look at yourself and a practice of self-awareness on all levels, personally and professionally. This is the starting point of emotional intelligence. While the definition might seem simple, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is
Hiring is a two way street. It must be right for both the business and the employee. This workshop provides a different perspective on your biggest challenge and opportunity – hiring people who will thrive in the position and culture.
As a practitioner with a Six Sigma Green Belt, I am seeing demand for Six Sigma principles being used in the Finance industry. Six Sigma is typically viewed as a tool only used for Supply Chain, Logistics or Operations. Finance organizations are using Six Sigma principles such as Value Stream Mapping and Kaizen Events to bring standardization and efficiencies to
Looking to grow your business primarily using social media? The undeniable truth is Social Media is a platform for real networking, growth, and engagement for any business irrespective of the industry. Social media marketing, when done right, allows you to amplify your content to a highly targeted audience with content that connects. This session will break down social media to
The schedule, process, protocol and results thus far of the HIPAA Audit Protocol will be discussed. The talk will include historical information and the top three preparatory steps an organization can take in case of an audit.
Strong financial leadership is essential for every successful organization, not just those in the finance department. In this presentation, Jennifer Witter shares practical insights from the perspective of a CFO to help leaders better understand financial performance, cash flow management, and strategic decision-making. Participants will learn how to interpret financial information, identify key indicators that impact business health, and make
Technically, there is no such thing as a 60-minute strategic plan, but this session will provide the foundation, framework and next steps of building out your personal, team or organization’s strategies and plan. Participants will engage in the following: • Overview of Strategic Framework • What are your goals? • What is your purpose? • What does your environment look
Onboarding new employees is a secure investment that will assist newly hired employees in developing their skills, knowledge, and value within the company. It will help match the technically skilled Millennial workforce with new and emerging needs of your company, which gives your company an advantage within the market. Millennial Onboarding is a specialized type of employee onboarding. With Millennials
Much has changed since 2020, and our workforce has undergone a dramatic shift. One entire generation has retired, while another has entered in greater numbers, reshaping the dynamics of our workplaces. We work in a diverse environment where embracing differences can drive business growth—if organizations empower their workforce to leverage their unique gifts and values. The real challenge lies in
In this high energy presentation, High Performance Coach, Scott Hansen, shares the importance of "21st Century Leadership Rules" that you must know. If you don't adapt these, your business might get left behind In 21st Century Leadership, you and your organization will walk away with the following: - Learn the importance of becoming a better leader - The (3) Income
Are sales nonexistent? Marketing not working? Have you evaluated your customer journey through the eyes of your customer? Are you optimized to give the right value at every stage? Are your marketing and selling initiatives aligned with revenue-generating activities? Is your business stuck on awareness mode desperately needing to switch to sales, acquisition, and conversions mode? Let's break down how
Every organization pays a hidden tax when its stated priorities and its actual behavior do not match. This session identifies what that tax looks like in practice: duplicated work, decision paralysis, and leadership teams that agree in the room and diverge the moment they leave it. Using real patterns from executive coaching and organizational alignment work, this talk gives HR
Your family business survived the hard part — building something worth passing down or selling. But when leadership transitions to the next generation or new owner, most companies keep the old brand out of loyalty to the founder. That loyalty can quietly work against the new leadership's vision, credibility, and growth as well as the direction of the company. Jennifer
Creativity is powerful — but talent alone does not build wealth. In this dynamic and practical session, I break down how to transform skills, passion, and artistic ability into sustainable income streams. This presentation explores the shift from thinking like a creator to operating like a CEO. I share real-world strategies on branding, positioning, monetization models, audience building, and execution.
Helps business owners understand why profits and cash flow differ and how to manage the business more efficiently using this knowledge.
Hiring managers spend 6 to 10 seconds scanning your resume. That is all the time you have to make an impression. This session covers what a modern resume looks like, what has changed in the current marketplace, and how to position your accomplishments around measurable results instead of task descriptions. You will also learn how to use AI to pull
In the United States today, women make up half of the workforce. Unfortunately for women, their male colleagues are promoted at a much higher rate. Women offer great work ethnics, and bring something different from men to the workforce, but many times it goes unnoticed. In this workshop, you will learn about how organizations can develop women leaders, about the
A forcefully energetic and entertaining speaker, Robb hill knows how to deliver content-driven programs designed to empower and encourage your team. A financial adviser for over 18 years, Robb has helped hundreds of people redefine their financial objectives and prepare for a better financial future. Communication is the foundation of relationships, whether it is with family, community, church or business-
High-performing women in corporate roles deliver real results every day. And yet, many of them are still not being recognized and rewarded at the level they have earned. It is not because they lack talent. It is not because they lack confidence. It is because of the Articulation Gap: the distance between the impact they create and the impact leadership
In this 90-minute interactive experience, Leilani guides participants through the process of writing and sharing their personal stories. The result? Deeper trust, increased empathy, and real connection between colleagues who usually only talk in metrics. Ideal for leadership retreats, ERG activations, or culture-building experiences, this workshop makes space for brave reflection and meaningful dialogue—and leaves teams more human than they
Many organizations roll out operating systems with enthusiasm, only to watch them fade when production pressure hits. This talk explores why these systems often stall and how leaders can connect them to strategy in a way that actually lasts. John shares how to make operating systems meaningful to frontline teams, how to reinforce expectations through leadership routines, and how to
Leadership is hard work because the need to be socially connected at all time is a necessity for leaders to influence, impact, and direct organizations, people, and change. Business challenges require fast, direct decisions, therefore, leaders are relentlessly communicating with multiple stakeholders through email, phone, and technology. Yet, the most powerful leaders understand the demands of being a leader and
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