Free Speakers Chicago is a pro bono speakers bureau. Every presentation on this page is free to book, with no fees, no honorarium and no mileage. Browse the topics below and request a guest speaker for your next meeting, workshop or community event.
What if the greatest danger isn't failing at the life you want—but becoming successful at a life you never truly wanted? This talk begins at the end: imagining ourselves looking backward and asking what we regret not saying, risking, loving, becoming, or pursuing. From there, we explore the hidden bargain so many of us make—trading authenticity for approval, possibility for
Right-wing populism is rising in many western nations, but here in the US it is beginning to actually threaten our democracy. This presentation points out why this is happening uniquely here in the US: Because the country is becoming a true multi-racial democracy, a transformation that no other country is undergoing. And the US constitution actually empowers the minority that
Are you a small business owner or professional that struggles with networking? Are you tired of attending networking events, and walking away empty handed? Are you starting to think that networking events are a complete waste of your time? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this presentation is for you! In this presentation, Master Certified Coach
Having the technical skills and knowledge to successfully execute your job duties is only one part of being the best you can be in the workplace. In addition to these “hard” skills, we also need “soft” skills. Soft skills are those skills which allow us to effectively work with others. No matter what your position, organization, or industry, you work
The democratic party has seen a rise in candidates who declare themselves to be "democratic socialists". What does that label reallty mean? And what can we expect from those candidates? This presentation explains what labels such as "democratic socialist" and "social democracy" really mean, why these candidates are rising withing the democratic party, and what their rise means for the
If you're nearing retirement or already retired you need to understand how taxes (including the new 2018 changes) impact your retirement income, as it may be possible for you to pay less in taxes on your hard-earned dollars. Since each person's tax situation is unique, and the tax rules can change year to year, it can be challenging to get
Breaking the stigma surrounding men and their emotional well-being, Jason encourages open conversations about men’s mental health and self-worth. Society often teaches men to suppress their emotions, leading to silent struggles with mental health issues. In this extremely vulnerable keynote, Jason discusses how childhood trauma and an absent father led to years of internal struggles with masculinity, anger issues and
Black|Line's "Digital Disaster" presentation explains how many businesses are failing to create and maintain some of their most valuable assets, their digital ones. Mr. Jankovsky explores what "Digital Assets" are, why they are important to a business/organization and how to avoid becoming a "Digital Disaster". The presentation can be made to fit a 30-60 minute format and can be tailored
In this powerful keynote, Jason explores the reality of mental illness including, anxiety, depression and suicide while offering practical strategies for managing mental health. Deeply personal, honest and insightful, Jason shares his story of overcoming years of childhood trauma that led to decades of struggles with depression, anxiety and eventually teetering on the edge of suicide. Equal parts personal and
Manufacturing leaders know the feeling: fix one problem and two more pop up. It’s exhausting, expensive, and strangely familiar. This talk explores why so many plants fall into “Whack a Mole Leadership,” where quick fixes replace real solutions and teams spend more time reacting than improving. Through relatable stories from the plant floor, John shows how small leadership habits can
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
Life is difficult. Our lives are constantly "under construction" and so are our goals and dreams both personally and professionally. What happens when life throws you a curveball you didn't expect? What do you do when it feels like all is lost and you want to give up? This session tackles the reality and fear of defeat. Focuses: • How
Why Settle For Less, When You Can Be The Best? Many people settle for far less than they can have or achieve. Complacency becomes their biggest enemy, as disappointment becomes the norm. Knowledge is not power, APPLIED knowledge is power, and learning this application, can change the life out come. Financial advisor, author and inspirational speaker, Robb Hill has for
Synopsis: 65% of businesses fail because of three things - complexity, confusion, and chaos. To avoid failure, modern day success requires businesses to relinquish expired “best practices” and embrace modern marketing and sales frameworks while leveraging fundamentals to succeed. Breakdown: • The 3 Cs Causing Marketing Strategies to Fail & How to Avoid Them • Improve MarketingOps Using the D.A.R.T.
Most of us have an old story running quietly underneath our lives: I'm not enough. I'm too much. I don't matter. I'm not lovable. I have to do everything myself. We didn't consciously choose these beliefs; many were formed through early experiences and then reinforced until they began to feel like truth. This talk reveals the extraordinary possibility that our
If you thought the student loan bubble was only a Millennial problem, think again! The trillion dollar student loan bubble is bursting. This eye-opening program details the depth of this country’s student loan crisis, how it is spreading beyond the millennial generation, and why it is becoming your problem as well.
If you are looking to dramatically increase your sales, make more money with less effort, and build a sales system that produces predictable results, then this presentation is for you! In this presentation, Master Certified Business Coach Tom Kelly covers the 5 shifts that you need to make in how you approach your business so that you can attract what
In today's fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become all too common, affecting entrepreneurs, leaders, and individuals from all walks of life. As a seasoned speaker and expert in stress management and anxiety reduction, I provide practical strategies and actionable insights to help individuals reclaim control over their mental well-being and unlock their full potential. My approach is rooted in
Are you or someone you know ready to begin receiving Social Security? If you are going to collect Social Security benefits in the next 10 years you should attend this educational session. In this session, you will learn: • When to take benefits - sooner or later? • Working while getting benefits • Taxation and Social Security • Spousal Benefits
The fashion industry is one of the world's largest polluters—but the solution may already be hanging in your closet. In this engaging TEDx-inspired presentation, Certified B Corporation CEO Sarene Alsharif reveals how repairing, tailoring, and rethinking the clothes we already own can reduce waste, save money, support local jobs, and create a more sustainable future. Audiences leave with practical actions
The program will highlight the three key areas of opportunity to reduce the overall cost of a college education. The presentation will focus on strategies to maximize need-based financial aid eligibility, target the right colleges for merit-based financial aid, and exploit tax-saving opportunities.
According to the Social Security Administration: 94% of the Baby-boomers are not prepared for retirement. The sad reality is that retirement is a financial position not an age. Far too many people think of retirement in terms of time however; that is only half of the equation. Retirement is time+money and so many people miss the second part “money”. There
You don't have the team you thought you did? Neither did I for many years until I finally discovered the secret to forming the team I always dreamed of. I'll tell you what you need to do for you to get your dream team too.
Modern relationships are full of confusion, pressure, resentment, and mixed expectations. Instead of blaming one another, this refreshing and balanced presentation explores how both men and women are navigating new emotional realities, changing roles, and unmet needs. Susan offers practical insight into communication, connection, and how couples can move from conflict to understanding.
Personal Branding is identifying your assets, characteristics, strengths, and skills as an individual. Understanding Personal Branding will provide advantages in your participant’s personal and professional lives. Branding is a mix of how you present yourself and how others see you. It is important to be aware of how you are viewed. During this lively and enlightening personal branding discussion, participants
In today's dynamic and fast-paced business environment, effective leadership is not just about making strategic decisions or achieving bottom-line results—it's also about understanding and effectively managing the emotions of oneself and others. As a seasoned speaker and expert in emotional intelligence for leadership success, I provide invaluable insights and practical strategies to help leaders excel in their roles. The role
AI can speed up your job search when you know how to use it strategically. This session goes beyond the resume and covers how to use free AI tools across every stage of the job search process, from applications to networking to interview preparation. You will learn prompts that save time while keeping your unique voice, and how to build
Every plant wants lower turnover and higher engagement, but most overlook the one thing that drives both: leadership consistency. When expectations change from manager to manager, employees feel unstable — and instability sends people looking for the exit. This talk dives into how leaders shape culture through everyday behaviors. John shares practical, real‑world examples of how aligned leadership creates trust,
It seems that lately, our inner resources are being taxed to our limits and it feels like relief is a long way away. In just a few minutes Dr. Sassetti will teach you simple, efficient stress reduction techniques. These techniques can be implemented immediately, practiced with minimal effort and give you much needed respite from the extraordinary stressors we are
Old ways don't open new doors. We hear two things consistently these days: everybody sells or everybody is in sales. Nobody wants be sold. The question we ask ourselves is how do these two things coexist? The traditional way of selling leaves your prospects wanting something different and you, wanting more prospects! In The Games Buyers & Prospects Play session,
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