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.
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
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
Are your incentive programs delivering desired results? Incentives work, but you must get them right to positively impact performance and avoid wasting time and money. The traditional approach to improving workplace behavior was often characterized by a “lady-or-the-tiger” experience which ignored that employees are motivated in different ways and underestimated the importance of connecting personal meaning to what they do.
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.
Join Dan Gelfond, a master networker with 28+ years of experience building his business almost entirely through networking. As moderator of the Northbrook Chamber’s “First Friday” networking meeting for the past 25 years (averaging 110 attendees monthly), Dan brings proven, practical strategies you can use immediately. What you’ll learn: Clear, actionable do’s — and even more important don’ts — for
In this presentation, we will do a quick introduction to things to think about and how to start preparing when you are ready to raise debt or equity capital. After this presentation, you will have a better idea of advisors to connect with as well as tasks your internal team can start preparing. We will also walk you through the
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.
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
With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated by the day, it is crucial to understand the risks you face. Our presentation will shed light on the tactics employed by hackers, helping you decode their methods and motives. We will explore the inner workings of various cyber attacks, from phishing scams to ransomware, all presented in a conversational and approachable manner that
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
Most plants have binders full of processes, charts, and operating systems yet daily execution still varies wildly. The problem isn’t the process; it’s the behavior gap between what leaders expect and what teams actually do. In this session, John explains why even the best systems fall apart without the right leadership habits behind them. Audiences learn how clarity, confirmation, and
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
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.
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
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
Are you a real estate agent that has been struggling with your sales since the real estate boom has ended? Are you wondering how you can turn your business around and have just as much, if not more success during a market downturn? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Master Certified Business Coach Tom Kelly will teach
Tired of feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of IT and cybersecurity compliance? Look no further! In our presentation, "Keep It Simple: IT and Cyber Security Compliance Made Easy," we'll break down the jargon and provide you with practical solutions to simplify the compliance process. Navigating the intricate web of regulations and requirements can be daunting for any business. But fear
Have you ever heard someone say this about their marketing: “We tried that and it didn’t work?” or, "We are not seeing the marketing results we expected." They are probably missing one or more of these principals. And it is costing time and money. Attend this presentation to see how these five key principals will help you: - Avoid the
Helps business owners understand why profits and cash flow differ and how to manage the business more efficiently using this knowledge.
Be the visionary servant leader and inspire innovation and elite performance. Get your team feeling they "get to go to work" instead of "have to go to work"
If referrals are a part of your business, then this presentation is for you! In this presentation, Mater Certified Business Coach Tom Kelly talks about potential sources for referrals, how to overcome your fears around asking for referrals, and how to build an effective referral system that will help you generate solid leads on a regular basis.
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
Many capable, high-performing professionals experience stress in their body even when things are going well at work. - A tight chest before meetings. - A jolt when emails come in. - A constant background sense of being “on edge.” This free talk introduces Off High Alert, a practical, body-first approach to understanding and reducing work-related stress that doesn’t rely on
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
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
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.
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
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-
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
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
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