Astrid Scholz

Tagline: Purposeful Polypreneur

Keynote Topics

Money, Power and Responsible Technology

Capitalism is a hell of a drug. When used responsibly, it can create freedom, innovation, and efficiency. But unchecked, hoarding, exploitation, and toxic side effects can run rampant.

Silicon Valley’s way of doing business has set the tone for the last few decades, with venture capital and “unicorns” creating the dominant narrative about startups. It’s not greed and growth at all costs… it’s just business. Right?

Wrong. We’re entering a new age, one where entrepreneurs want to create solutions to improve the human experience and quality of life without playing a zero-sum game.

The age of the zebra. In this talk, Astrid will explain why and how purpose and profit are not mutually exclusive, why creating alternatives to venture capital financing for the businesses we need is a moral and economic imperative, and how innovation in business governance and practices can help us solve the world’s big challenges.

Building the Anti-Oppressive Businesses of the Future

Or: How I learned to be an ally in practice. 

End-stage capitalism is bad for the health and wealth of most people working in it, and recent events in the US and elsewhere have prompted a reckoning and examination of “business as usual” and its various -isms that perpetuate systemic injustice and harm on anyone who is not a white, cis-gendered male. But so many DEI efforts just amount to tokenism and unfunded mandates.

In her 20+ year of leadership experience in a variety of corporate settings Astrid has learned to wield her relative privilege and point of view of a first-generation immigrant to the United States to actively decolonize a large nonprofit organization; help invent the distributed, democratic, multicultural governance system of Zebras Unite; and formulate trauma-informed principles for creating new financial products and practices of the Inclusive Capital Collective.

In this talk, we’ll get practical and tactical about using your positional influence and white privilege to transform your institution from the inside out. 

Markets and governments are failing at providing solutions to the urgent social, economic, and environmental problems of our time.

Drawing on the 10 principles for the principled design of new networks and infrastructure for mobilizing people, knowledge, and capital at a scale that matters, Astrid uses case studies from global movements for inclusive entrepreneurship; ocean conservation; and inclusive entrepreneurship to illustrate how we can use contemporary digital, legal and financial innovation to illustrate how to create the change that’s needed at the scale that’s urgently required. 

This topic is particularly pertinent for influencers, philanthropy, large corporate entities, and financial institutions.

Globally, there is about $100 Trillion in capital, of which roughly 1T is invested for impact, and another 1T sits on the balance sheets of US foundations. We need 50T to solve all the world’s ills, from poverty to sanitation to climate change, as characterized by the Sustainable Development Goals.

Only about 200B is currently deployed in the form of venture capital into startups, too few of which are actually solving real-world problems, and too few are run by women, people of color, and generally people who are not white, cis-gendered males.

So how do we activate more capital for purpose? In this talk, Astrid examines strategies for creating new financial assets and products that are legible to mainstream financial markets but have purpose hardwired into them.

They include product innovations that leverage existing financial mechanisms–including loan loss reserves, government programs, pension, and sovereign wealth funds, and development finance institutions (DFIs)–, as well as new catalytic products that bridge key capital gaps in sectoral, regional, and/or demographic ecosystems.  

The business of philanthropy is broken. It has become another industry described by outdated business practices and norms that don’t meet communities where they are at, and, at worst, perpetuate power imbalances and inequities.

Drawing on the experience of giving voice to a global, pent-up demand for a movement that centers the experience entrepreneurs of all different stripes, Astrid uses her experience as a recovering nonprofit executive to reframe how a movement like Zebras Unite gains traction and hacks existing industry norms and practices to create a new breed of social change organization that can anchor a movement in ways that are consistent with its ethic and principles.

Buckle up, systems change is not for the faint of heart! 

Videos

Gallery

Talent Highlights

  • Visionary Leader: Astrid Scholz emerges as a visionary leader, known for her innovative approaches and forward-thinking strategies in addressing complex societal and environmental challenges.
  • Impactful Social Entrepreneurship: With a passion for social impact, Astrid has spearheaded transformative initiatives that harness the power of entrepreneurship to drive positive change and foster sustainable development.
  • Expertise in Environmental Conservation: Astrid’s expertise in environmental conservation is unparalleled, as evidenced by her significant contributions to advancing conservation efforts and promoting biodiversity conservation on a global scale.
  • Advocate for Equity and Inclusion: As a staunch advocate for equity and inclusion, Astrid Scholz is committed to dismantling barriers and creating opportunities for marginalized communities to thrive, both economically and socially.
  • Dynamic Speaker: Known for her dynamic and engaging speaking style, Astrid captivates audiences with her insightful perspectives, inspiring narratives, and thought-provoking ideas on topics ranging from environmental sustainability to social entrepreneurship.

Travels from:

  • Portland, OR

Fee Range:**

  • Fees* $5,001 - $10,000

Dr. Astrid J. Scholz is co-founder and CFO/COO of Armillaria, a tech-for-good company that creates digital infrastructure for more effectively and equitably mobilizing data, people, and capital towards addressing the most urgent challenges of our time.

Astrid Scholz | Serial Entrepreneur

Integrating contemporary innovations in technology, finance, and law, Armillaria is focused on the development of incentives and mechanisms for achieving coordination at universal scale.

Astrid is also a co-founder and board member of Zebras Unite, a global movement for and by founders and investors who are building the businesses that are better for the world. Astrid was previously President of Ecotrust, a conservation-based development organization with more than $300M in assets under management.

She holds degrees from the Universities of St. Andrews, Bristol, and California at Berkeley, and serves on the boards of Living Oceans Society, Habitat Media, and the nonprofit arm of Zebras Unite.

Astrid’s speaking influence at events stems from her ability to synthesize complex concepts into accessible insights that resonate with diverse audiences. Whether addressing corporate executives, policymakers, or grassroots activists, she brings a fresh perspective and pragmatic approach to catalyzing change. Through her engaging presentations, Astrid empowers individuals and organizations to embrace sustainability as a cornerstone of responsible leadership, driving meaningful impact across sectors and industries.

Astrid Scholz’s influence extends beyond the podium, as she actively contributes to shaping global conversations on sustainability and innovation. As the co-founder and CEO of a leading sustainability consultancy, she leverages her entrepreneurial spirit to bridge the gap between theory and practice, helping companies integrate sustainability into their core strategies. Her thought leadership has been instrumental in guiding organizations towards more ethical, resilient, and future-proof business models.

Astrid Scholz’s speaking engagements leave a lasting impression, inspiring audiences to reimagine their roles as stewards of change in a rapidly evolving world. By blending visionary thinking with actionable insights, she empowers individuals and organizations to embrace innovation, collaboration, and sustainability as catalysts for building a brighter future for generations to come.

Why Book Astrid Scholz?

Event planners seeking to inspire and educate their audiences on the urgent need for sustainable leadership and innovation should look no further than Astrid Scholz. With her unparalleled expertise and dynamic speaking style, Astrid delivers presentations that not only inform but also motivate individuals and organizations to take meaningful action towards a more sustainable future. Her ability to connect with audiences on both an intellectual and emotional level ensures that her messages resonate long after the event concludes.

Moreover, Astrid’s diverse background and multidisciplinary approach make her a versatile speaker capable of addressing a wide range of topics related to sustainability, technology, and leadership. Whether speaking at corporate conferences, academic symposiums, or community events, she tailors her presentations to meet the specific needs and interests of each audience, ensuring maximum impact and engagement.

Beyond her impressive credentials and speaking prowess, Astrid Scholz embodies the values of authenticity, integrity, and passion for positive change. As a thought leader and change agent, she leads by example, inspiring others to embrace innovation and sustainability as guiding principles in both their personal and professional lives. By booking Astrid for their events, planners can be confident in delivering a transformative experience that sparks dialogue, fosters collaboration, and catalyzes action towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Why Event Planners Should Use Speakers Inc

Event planners entrusted with curating exceptional experiences for their audiences understand the importance of partnering with reputable speakers bureaus like Speakers Inc. By leveraging the expertise and network of a trusted agency, planners gain access to a diverse roster of top-tier speakers, including thought leaders like Astrid Scholz, who bring unique perspectives and valuable insights to their events.

Speakers Inc excels in matching event planners with speakers who not only meet their content and audience requirements but also exceed their expectations in terms of professionalism, reliability, and impact. With a proven track record of success and a commitment to excellence, Speakers Inc streamlines the speaker selection process, saving planners time and resources while ensuring seamless execution and outstanding results.

Furthermore, Speakers Inc provides comprehensive support throughout the event planning process, from initial consultation and speaker selection to logistics coordination and post-event evaluation. Their team of seasoned professionals understands the intricacies of event management and works closely with planners to customize solutions that align with their goals, budget, and vision. By entrusting their speaker needs to Speakers Inc, event planners can focus on creating memorable experiences that inspire, educate, and empower their audiences, confident in the knowledge that they have partnered with the best in the industry.

Summary and Conclusion

In summary, Astrid Scholz stands at the forefront of sustainable leadership and innovation, captivating audiences with her visionary insights and transformative initiatives. With a background spanning environmental science, technology, and entrepreneurship, Astrid brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing our world today. Astrid Scholz dynamic speaking style and pragmatic approach empower individuals and organizations to embrace sustainability as a catalyst for positive change, driving meaningful impact across sectors and industries.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Dr. Astrid J. Scholz is co-founder and CFO/COO of Armillaria, a tech-for-good company that creates digital infrastructure for more effectively and equitably mobilizing data, people, and capital towards addressing the most urgent challenges of our time.

Astrid Scholz | Serial Entrepreneur

Integrating contemporary innovations in technology, finance, and law, Armillaria is focused on the development of incentives and mechanisms for achieving coordination at universal scale.

Astrid is also a co-founder and board member of Zebras Unite, a global movement for and by founders and investors who are building the businesses that are better for the world. Astrid was previously President of Ecotrust, a conservation-based development organization with more than $300M in assets under management.

She holds degrees from the Universities of St. Andrews, Bristol, and California at Berkeley, and serves on the boards of Living Oceans Society, Habitat Media, and the nonprofit arm of Zebras Unite.

Astrid’s speaking influence at events stems from her ability to synthesize complex concepts into accessible insights that resonate with diverse audiences. Whether addressing corporate executives, policymakers, or grassroots activists, she brings a fresh perspective and pragmatic approach to catalyzing change. Through her engaging presentations, Astrid empowers individuals and organizations to embrace sustainability as a cornerstone of responsible leadership, driving meaningful impact across sectors and industries.

Astrid Scholz’s influence extends beyond the podium, as she actively contributes to shaping global conversations on sustainability and innovation. As the co-founder and CEO of a leading sustainability consultancy, she leverages her entrepreneurial spirit to bridge the gap between theory and practice, helping companies integrate sustainability into their core strategies. Her thought leadership has been instrumental in guiding organizations towards more ethical, resilient, and future-proof business models.

Astrid Scholz’s speaking engagements leave a lasting impression, inspiring audiences to reimagine their roles as stewards of change in a rapidly evolving world. By blending visionary thinking with actionable insights, she empowers individuals and organizations to embrace innovation, collaboration, and sustainability as catalysts for building a brighter future for generations to come.

Why Book Astrid Scholz?

Event planners seeking to inspire and educate their audiences on the urgent need for sustainable leadership and innovation should look no further than Astrid Scholz. With her unparalleled expertise and dynamic speaking style, Astrid delivers presentations that not only inform but also motivate individuals and organizations to take meaningful action towards a more sustainable future. Her ability to connect with audiences on both an intellectual and emotional level ensures that her messages resonate long after the event concludes.

Moreover, Astrid’s diverse background and multidisciplinary approach make her a versatile speaker capable of addressing a wide range of topics related to sustainability, technology, and leadership. Whether speaking at corporate conferences, academic symposiums, or community events, she tailors her presentations to meet the specific needs and interests of each audience, ensuring maximum impact and engagement.

Beyond her impressive credentials and speaking prowess, Astrid Scholz embodies the values of authenticity, integrity, and passion for positive change. As a thought leader and change agent, she leads by example, inspiring others to embrace innovation and sustainability as guiding principles in both their personal and professional lives. By booking Astrid for their events, planners can be confident in delivering a transformative experience that sparks dialogue, fosters collaboration, and catalyzes action towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Why Event Planners Should Use Speakers Inc

Event planners entrusted with curating exceptional experiences for their audiences understand the importance of partnering with reputable speakers bureaus like Speakers Inc. By leveraging the expertise and network of a trusted agency, planners gain access to a diverse roster of top-tier speakers, including thought leaders like Astrid Scholz, who bring unique perspectives and valuable insights to their events.

Speakers Inc excels in matching event planners with speakers who not only meet their content and audience requirements but also exceed their expectations in terms of professionalism, reliability, and impact. With a proven track record of success and a commitment to excellence, Speakers Inc streamlines the speaker selection process, saving planners time and resources while ensuring seamless execution and outstanding results.

Furthermore, Speakers Inc provides comprehensive support throughout the event planning process, from initial consultation and speaker selection to logistics coordination and post-event evaluation. Their team of seasoned professionals understands the intricacies of event management and works closely with planners to customize solutions that align with their goals, budget, and vision. By entrusting their speaker needs to Speakers Inc, event planners can focus on creating memorable experiences that inspire, educate, and empower their audiences, confident in the knowledge that they have partnered with the best in the industry.

Summary and Conclusion

In summary, Astrid Scholz stands at the forefront of sustainable leadership and innovation, captivating audiences with her visionary insights and transformative initiatives. With a background spanning environmental science, technology, and entrepreneurship, Astrid brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing our world today. Astrid Scholz dynamic speaking style and pragmatic approach empower individuals and organizations to embrace sustainability as a catalyst for positive change, driving meaningful impact across sectors and industries.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

For Meeting Planners

This PowerPoint slide above is designed for meeting planners.

Register for FREE and simply click the URL link for automatic download of the PPTX slide.

We have created a simple “ABOUT” single slide which you can instantly insert into your pitch deck when submitting speaker proposals.

Features:

  • video links,
  • short concise bio
  • Book images and
  • topic list.

Similar Speakers for consideration

  • 5 (5 reviews)
Deborah Perry Piscione
  • Digital Speaker

Deborah Perry Piscione, a renowned authority in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of work in the metaverse. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Deborah has garnered international recognition for her groundbreaking insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and its impact on business and society. As a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and thought leader, […]

Julia Collins
  • Business Innovation

Julia Collins is a trailblazing figure in the world of technology and entrepreneurship, making history as the first Black woman to achieve “unicorn” status with her tech company. As the Founder and CEO of Planet Forward, she has garnered international acclaim for her innovative approach to addressing climate change through technology. With a unique blend […]

Chef Sean Sherman
  • The Sioux Chef

Chef Sean Sherman has dedicated his career to supporting and promoting Indigenous food systems and Native food sovereignty. Sean’s cooking style is based on pre-colonial Indigenous food systems, using only ingredients that are native to North America. His menus are inspired by the seasons and the land, featuring traditional ingredients like bison, hand-harvested wild rice, […]

Jessica Mah San Francisco Speakers
  • Innovative Entrepreneur

As Founder and CEO of inDinero, Jessica Mah loves helping entrepreneurs run better businesses. She started inDinero back in 2010 to help entrepreneurs with all their accounting and tax needs after going through the same challenges with her own businesses.  Jessica has grown inDinero from zero to multi-million dollar revenues with over 100 full-time employees […]

Tye Caldwell
  • Business Innovation

Dr. Tye Caldwell stands at the forefront of innovation in the beauty industry, wielding a potent combination of entrepreneurial acumen, technological prowess, and a profound commitment to empowering beauty and barbering professionals worldwide. As the Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of ShearShare, Dr. Caldwell has etched his name as a visionary leader, dedicated to revolutionizing […]

Adam Braun
  • Humanitarian

Adam Braun is a distinguished figure renowned for his multifaceted expertise in professional upskilling, the future of work, and sustainability. As a New York Times bestselling author and prominent leader, he navigates the realms of entrepreneurship and philanthropy with unparalleled vision and impact. Currently serving as the CEO of Climate Club, Braun spearheads initiatives that […]

Whitney Johnson
  • Business Innovation

Whitney Johnson is the CEO and co-founder of Disruption Advisors, a tech-enabled talent development company. Whitney is a globally recognized thought leader (named by Thinkers50 as a top #10 management thinker), author, keynote speaker, executive coach, and consultant; Whitney is the WSJ, USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company (Harvard Business Press, […]

Claudia Romo Edelman - A LA LATINA
  • Social Entrepreneur

Claudia Romo Edelman is a trailblazing advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, known for her passionate leadership in advancing social causes on a global scale. As the founder of the We Are All Human Foundation, Claudia has dedicated her career to promoting unity, empowering underrepresented communities, and championing Hispanic voices around the world. With over […]

Alicia Asin
  • Innovation Entrepreneur

Alicia Asín is the CEO and co-founder of Libelium, the Spanish IT company that has created “Waspmote”, a wirelTaess, modular and open source sensor hardware platform for the Internet of Things (IoT). As a speaker, Alicia Asín provides great insight on data mining, particularly addressing the big questions surrounding Big Data and the relevance of […]

  • 5 (1 reviews)
Andrea Guendelman
  • Leadership Expert

Andrea Guendelman is a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur who specializes in Expansive Leadership—helping individuals and organizations unlock potential through openness. She is a leading force in creating platforms for minority professionals and the tech industry. Through her own experiences as a Harvard-trained corporate lawyer and an entrepreneur, she co-created Bevisiblelatinx, Wallbreakers, and most recently, Speak – a […]

Daymond John
  • Business Motivation

Daymond John has come a long way from turning a $40 budget into FUBU, a $6 billion fashion game-changer. Throughout his career, Daymond has continued to be an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. He is not only a pioneer in the fashion industry but a Shark on the 4-time Emmy Award winning Shark […]

  • 5 (2 reviews)
Jess Ekstrom
  • Inspirational Speaker

Jess Ekstrom is a dynamic and inspiring speaker who has captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world with her powerful message of resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. As the founder of Headbands of Hope, a social enterprise that has donated over one million headbands to children battling cancer, Jess exemplifies the power […]

The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various keynote speakers and talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.
 
The fees provided are a local range (country of residence), for an accurate “international” fee please contact one of our team at Speakers Inc who can provide you with their fees accordingly. 
 
All talent fees exclude local taxes, travel and accommodation where required.
 
Fees are subject to change without notice and often vary based on a number of factors, including: schedule, timings, script writing, rehearsals, location, and other factors.
 
Please contact us with your specific event details and requirements below, and we would be delighted to provide you with a more bespoke quote.
  • The speaking fees quoted are net of taxes (withholdings, VAT, other taxes, etc.) and fees required by the state, country, province, or jurisdiction where the engagement is to take place, other than state and federal income taxes as required by the laws of the United States and within the state the Speaker resides.
  • For international bookings, Speakers Inc will determine the initial buyout amount quoted (to include business class airfare) and we confirm the amount at the time of the firm offer. We are also happy to quote a buyout for a specific event at any time, just reach out. 

We are actively working to have our profiles current with Keynote Speech titles, and Summaries.

Some Speakers do not have a set title or summary for their topic lists. Instead they customize for each. Other speakers only do moderated conversations.

If you do not see content here, please contact us.

We also have ample information off line that we can share as some do not want to have visible profiles and as such these are hidden pages. Or in the event we do not have the information, we can contact the speaker to provide and share.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

A full-service speaker booking agency is an organization that handles all aspects of speaker engagements, from identifying and recommending speakers based on event objectives, to negotiating contracts, and managing logistics. Agencies like Speakers Inc provide extensive support throughout the process, ensuring that the right speaker is matched to the right event, that all technical and logistical needs are met, and that the event runs smoothly. This includes handling travel arrangements, audio-visual requirements, and any special accommodations the speaker might need. By offering a comprehensive suite of services, a full-service agency allows event planners to focus on their overall event strategy and attendee experience without getting bogged down in the details of speaker management.

Why is Speakers Inc Bureau different from other booking agencies?

Speakers Inc Bureau distinguishes itself through a deep commitment to personalized service and a unique understanding of client and speaker needs. Our approach is built on more than 25 years of industry experience, enabling us to not only anticipate the needs of our clients but also to provide insightful recommendations that enhance event outcomes. We pride ourselves on our:

  • Expert Matching: Leveraging our extensive network, we carefully match speakers to events based on a deep understanding of both the speaker’s expertise and the event’s goals.
  • Global Reach with Local Insight: With offices in major cities like New York, San Diego, and London, we combine global reach with local expertise, ensuring that no matter where your event is, we have on-the-ground insights.
  • End-to-End Support: From initial inquiry to post-event follow-up, our team offers continuous support, ensuring every aspect of the speaker engagement is flawless.
  • Innovation and Trends: We stay at the forefront of industry trends, including the integration of technology and new media in speaking engagements, which allows our clients to benefit from the latest innovations.
  • Ethical and Transparent Practices: Honesty, integrity, loyalty, and trust are the pillars of our operations, reflecting our commitment to ethical practices in all our interactions.

How can I find the right speaker for my event through Speakers Inc?

To find the perfect speaker for your event, you can start by visiting our website or contacting our client service team directly. We will discuss your event’s objectives, theme, audience demographics, and budget. Based on this information, we will provide you with a curated list of speaker recommendations who not only align with your goals but are also known for engaging and captivating audiences. You can also browse through our extensive speaker profiles online, which include detailed bios, speaking topics, and video clips of past engagements to help you make an informed decision.

What types of events does Speakers Inc cater to?

Speakers Inc caters to a wide range of events, including corporate meetings, conferences, educational workshops, leadership retreats, and public seminars. Our speakers specialize in various topics such as business, technology, health, education, motivation, and more, making us a versatile partner capable of servicing diverse event needs.

How do I book a speaker through Speakers Inc?

Booking a speaker through Speakers Inc is straightforward:

  1. Initial Consultation: Contact us with your event details, including date, location, audience, and objectives.
  2. Speaker Selection: Choose from our recommendations or browse our online profiles to select your preferred speaker.
  3. Contract and Confirmation: We handle all negotiations and contracts to ensure all terms are clear and favorable. Once the contract is signed, your speaker is confirmed.
  4. Event Preparation: We coordinate with you and the speaker to prepare for the event, handling all logistical details to ensure a seamless experience.
  5. Event Execution and Follow-Up: Our team supports you on the day of the event to handle any last-minute details, and we conduct a post-event follow-up to gather feedback and ensure satisfaction.

What support does Speakers Inc provide on the day of the event?

On the day of the event, a dedicated Speakers Inc coordinator can be available to manage the speaker’s schedule, ensure all technical requirements are met, and assist with any last-minute changes. This on-site support is designed to ensure that the speaker’s presentation goes as smoothly as possible, allowing event organizers to focus on their guests and overall event execution.

How does Speakers Inc handle speaker travel arrangements?

Speakers Inc manages all travel logistics for speakers, including flights, accommodations, and local transportation. We ensure that travel is efficient and meets the needs of both the speaker and the event, relieving you of the administrative burden and potential complications of managing these details.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Our Mission:

 

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2024.  Designed using Voxel