Free Business Topics in Chicago

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3: Browse for a topic, Click the orange request button, Fill out the contact form.
Now the speaker will contact you in the next few days to coordinate details.

• 

  Women in Leadership

  Bette Lawrence-Water, Founder and Principal Consultant, Spectrum Strategic Solutions

  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 benefits of women in organizations, as well as advancements for the future of women. You will learn how women in the workplace cannot only benefit the women themselves, but also the organization. MORE >

  Through this engaging, enlightening, and empowering discussion of Women in Leadership, the audience will learn how women are changing the workforce. The discussion helps participants gain a new perspective on the workforce, and uncover the benefits that come from hiring and promoting women to higher positions.

  Presentation Objectives:
  • Discuss the leadership gap between men and women
  • Learn about women in various powerful positions
  • Discuss different traits associated with women in management
  • Understand the different barriers facing women in leadership positions
  • Learn about the benefits of having women in the workforce

  Request This Free Speech
• 

  LinkedIn Top 5 Tips

  Dee Reinhardt, Social Media Strategist, Time2Mrkt, Inc.

  LinkedIn is THE professional social networking tool. Are you using it to your advantage? This session talks about the top 5 things you should do with your personal profile to help drive your business forward. As a bonus, we can discuss 3 tips to employ to make your business profile top notch. All in all, each of the tips help you show up higher in LinkedIn search results and ultimately warm-up cold leads. MORE >

  This session works best in a 20-30 minute time slot.

  Request This Free Speech
• 

  5 Secrets of Businesses That Actually Thrive (Not Just Survive)

  Amanda Wittenborn, Owner, Amanda Creation Inc.

  Why do some businesses seem to grow with ease while others constantly struggle to stay afloat?
  In this uplifting and practical keynote, Amanda Wittenborn, founder of a multi-million-dollar creative brand, reveals the five hidden factors that separate thriving entrepreneurs from the ones just trying to get by. MORE >

  After losing her business twice—and rebuilding stronger each time—Amanda discovered that lasting success isn’t about luck, trends, or working harder. It’s about mastering five timeless principles that every thriving business has in common.

  With her signature blend of real-world honesty and contagious optimism, Amanda helps audiences uncover what’s really holding them back and shows them how to create momentum, confidence, and clarity in their business again.

  Attendees will learn how to:
  ✅ Identify and focus on the work that actually drives growth
  ✅ Harness mindset and energy as tools for strategic success
  ✅ Build simple systems that support (not suffocate) creativity
  ✅ Stay grounded and resilient when plans fall apart
  ✅ Lead with purpose, authenticity, and joy

  Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or leader in transition, this talk will inspire you to stop surviving—and start truly thriving.

  Request This Free Speech
• 

  Power of Stories for Business

  Valerie Fuson, Author & Certified Speaking Coach, Empowered Speaking

  Whether you are a CEO, entrepreneur, sales professional or business expert, your story is the deciding factor of why people will do business with you. Valerie’s talk shows how to bring your stories to life to attract the ideal client and increase profits.

  Request This Free Speech
• 

  Preliminary Blocking and Tackling to Start a Debt or Equity Capital Raise

  Barrett Willich, CFO, Bear & Kenmore LLC

  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 key milestones of a process. MORE >

  Request This Free Speech
• 

  The Mindset That Changes Everything: Leading With Clarity, Compassion, and Human Strength

  Clara Lucia Jaramillo-Carrier, M.A., PCC, Purpose, Life, Executive Coach and Author, Breaking Through Consulting & Coaching

  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. MORE >

  This session reframes positive mindset as a leadership discipline—not cheerfulness, denial, or motivational talk, but the ability to choose thoughts, perspectives, and responses that expand capacity rather than contract it. Participants explore how mindset directly shapes leadership presence, relationships, and decision-making—and how reconnecting with purpose and humanity restores effectiveness, trust, and resilience in today’s complex world.

  Request This Free Speech
• 

  Heart, Hustle, & Muscle: The Real Estate

  Marcus Carter, Marcus Carter, Carter Property Solutions LLC

  In a consumer driven market, many seek financial freedom and fall prey to snake oil salesmen offering life altering results based on a catchy pitch. MORE >

  The wealthy keep to themselves, adding mystery to fulfillment and success. Well I'm here to let the cat out of the bag. In this fast paced, results driven presentation, Marcus Carter uses real estate to describe an attainable, realistic path to wealth and success.

  In this presentation, participants can look to gain:

  1. Keys To Discovering What Works For You To Pursue Success And Efficiency
  2. The 3 Key Elements The Most Productive People Have At Their Disposal
  3. Actions Steps To Make Change Right After This Talk!

  Request This Free Speech
• 

  Get a Grip on Your Business

  John McMahon, President, TractionLeadership, LLC

  Even the most successful entrepreneurs occasionally find running a business a challenge. They grapple with lack of control, profit, growth and people who don’t follow through. Hear John’s solutions.

  Request This Free Speech
• 

  Own the Interview: Preparation That Reduces Anxiety

  Rosie Zilinskas, Keynote Speaker | Certified High-Performance Coach, No Woman Left Behind

  Interviews do not have to feel overwhelming. This hands-on session gives you a practical system to prepare for any interview and show up feeling calmer, clearer, and more in control. The session also introduces free AI tools like ChatGPT for ongoing interview practice. No tech experience needed. Whether you are changing careers, preparing for a promotion, or navigating an unexpected job search, you will leave with a clear plan and renewed self-assurance. MORE >

  What attendees will walk away with:
  ~ How to build a Story Vault of accomplishments so you have clear, structured examples ready for any question
  ~ Confidence-building opening phrases to start strong and command attention
  ~ Three strategies for responding when you are unsure how to answer a question, so you never freeze or go blank
  ~ How to create a 90-Day Plan that signals readiness and forward thinking to a hiring manager
  ~ A simple pre-interview routine to manage nerves and stay grounded on interview day
  ~ Access to a custom AI interview practice coach for continued preparation after the session

  Ideal for:
  ~ Job seekers at any career stage
  ~ Career changers and professionals reentering the workforce
  ~ Mid-career professionals preparing for internal interviews or promotions
  ~ Anyone who feels anxious or underprepared walking into interviews
  ~ Libraries, workforce development programs, community organizations, and corporate learning events

  Presented by Rosie Zilinskas, a Certified High Performance Coach and former Executive Vice President who has sat on both sides of the interview table during 30+ years of corporate leadership at AIG Private Client Group.

  Request This Free Speech
• 

  Millennials Are Uniquely Designed for Innovation. Now If I Could Just Understand Them!

  Pamela Bozeman-Evans, Founder & Senior Consultant, ProPlanProject

  Our 21st century problems are very complex and require our best and brightest to solve them. Millennials are uniquely prepared for the challenge. Their parents have positioned them for success and they will boldly transform our world. MORE >

  While this should be exciting news for the corporate and nonprofit community, today's multi-generational workplace struggles to find the sweet spot between Gen X experience and Gen Y exploration. Pamela Bozeman-Evans describes the myths and realities of multi-generational workplaces, and offers best management practices for the "new norm".

  Request This Free Speech