I am not a “professional speaker” but I have spoken professionally to thousands of people in venues around the world. A powerful, live presentation can inspire and guide people in ways a piece of writing cannot. That’s why I enjoy public speaking: it’s an opportunity to share my passions and questions about the world in a format that can change people’s lives.
Who: There are three types of audiences I tend to speak to. First, high school, college, or graduate students, where I draw on my experiences as a young entrepreneur and writer to build a unique connection with the students. Second, corporate and professional audiences looking for new insights from the future of work, technology, and culture. Finally, international audiences. I’ve spoken in places as varied as Cyprus, Indonesia, Morocco, Switzerland, Greece, and Ukraine on topics ranging from globalization, to doing business in America, to self-education online.
What: In 2012, I am doing a select number of engagements based on my #1 New York Times bestselling book The Start-Up of You: Adapt to the Future, Invest in Yourself, and Transform Your Career. Speech topics include the new rules of work, 21st century career strategy, the new employer-employee pact, an entrepreneurial corporate culture, the future of HR, and life entrepreneurship for students.
How: If you’re interested in having me keynote an event, please email me at: ben@casnocha.com and include information about your event. I’m happy to send additional information on my speaking by request.
What Others Say:
“He was phenomenal. I must have had 30 people come up to me and say ‘what a refreshing speaker’. He was just phenomenal. He had four great points and he talked from the heart. We were so happy, I would definitely recommend him.”
— Anne Mathison, University of Wisconsin Continuing Ed / Adult Learning Program
“Ben’s presentation about his entrepreneurial life philosophy was insightful and inspiring to everyone in the audience. Ben delivered his presentation with elegance and confidence; he was exactly the right person delivering exactly the right message!”
— Deborah Murray, Director, Center for Rural Research and Development, University of Nebraska at Kearney
“Ben Casnocha provided a viewpoint into entrepreneurial leadership that was dead on. His keen insight into leading Generation Y workers was informational, refreshing, and inspirational. He’s a must for those who want to understand our younger workforce.”
— Justin Rueb, PhD, Executive Director, Center for Leadership Excellence & Economic Development
“Ben grabs and holds his audience with a rapid fire, succinct, insightful and motivational presentation. Aspiring entrepreneurs in attendance were well served by his insights into the entrepreneurial mind.”
— Robert Robb, Professor, University of Texas at Dallas
“It is rare these days when an entire auditorium of students sit without text messaging, and listen attentively while a speaker delivers his message. When Ben Casnocha spoke at Lone Star College – Montgomery, every student listened and afterwards asked pertinent, intelligent questions fueled by one of the most powerful speeches on entrepreneurship I have had the good fortune to witness.”
— James F. Zipperer, Professor of Economics, Lone Star College
“Ben’s presentation was a refreshing, practical look at the realities youth face as they pursue an entrepreneurial pathway. His presentation was both witty and thought-provoking. Our educators walked away with many ideas on how to better serve the ‘Ben’s’ in their classroom. Well done!”
— Heather Vansickle, Executive Director, National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship
“Ben’s example as an entrepreneur provides a challenge for many experienced and mature business people; his interest to create and develop new ventures is refreshing, his enthusiasm is contagious and, in spite of his age, we all like to learn from him.”
— Jorge Zavala, CEO, TechBA Silicon Valley-Mexico
“As a speaker, Ben is engaging, insightful and thought provoking. He is down to earth in style and uplifting in his message.”
— Chuck Alvery, CEO, Western Nevada Economic Development Association
“Everyone who participated in Ben’s presentations in Indonesia, from business students to businesspeople, and from public health students to members of the community interested in learning about entrepreneurship, came away from the events with newfound insights on how to live a more fulfilling life.”
— Daniel Phelps, Economic & Political Officer, U.S. Consulate Surabaya, Indonesia
“I heard Ben Casnocha’s keynote address as a very positive commentary on a newer philosophy of success. His primary assertion, that young people don’t need to be literal entrepreneurs to lead entrepreneurial lives, was inspiring and hopeful. I especially liked his suggestion that people embrace the random (seemingly chance encounters with people and ideas in our lives) as a spark for personal and professional creativity.”
— Georgia Wheatley, Women’s Studies Program Director, Casper College
“There are many young entrepreneurs who can give students encouragement and share enthusiasm for starting their own businesses. What I believe sets Ben’s presentation apart from the others is his holistic approach to entrepreneurship as a worldview. He offers students a new definition of entrepreneurship, one that marries passion, life-long learning and spiritual meaning. After all, being an entrepreneur is more than just starting a business; it truly is charting a course for your life.
— Julie Mierau, Iowa Western Community College
“I very much enjoyed Ben’s presentation last night. His message was so important and pertinent to all of us, regardless of whether or not we plan a business opportunity. I wish every YTC employee could hear it and would employ his principles in daily work.”
– Carolyn Stewart, Executive Vice President, York Technical College
“Through Ben’s presentation, students learned about the value of entrepreneurship not only as a profession, but also as an approach to life. As a result of Ben’s talk, students are actively engaging in conversation about the importance of taking risks in order that life-learning opportunities are maximized and regrets are a thing of the past. College of Business Administration students at UTEP are already asking for a repeat visit!
– Stacey Grady, College of Business, University of Texas, El Paso
“You were a wonderful, highly rated speaker…the students loved your speech, your demeanor…you really connected with them. We want you back!”
– Marlene Titus, Coordinator, Miller Entrepreneurial Institute, Carroll Community College
