Erik Qualman: AI Digital Leadership
Erik Qualman helps leaders turn digital disruption into strategic advantage through clear, actionable frameworks that accelerate decision-making, culture change, and customer impact.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Known for his high-energy, interactive keynotes, Erik leaves audiences with actionable takeaways and a clear understanding of the digital landscape.
- Erik has held leadership positions at Yahoo and Travelzoo, gaining hands-on experience in digital marketing and strategy.
- He has delivered keynote presentations in over 55 countries, earning accolades for his engaging style and thought-provoking content.
- Formats: Keynote (45–60 min), Executive Briefing, Half-day Workshop, Breakout Session, Virtual Masterclass
- Audiences: Leadership teams, innovation groups, digital transformation owners, and organizations facing fast-paced technological or behavioral change.
- Outcomes:
- Clear, actionable framework to turn digital disruption into measurable business initiatives.
- Practical leadership habits teams can adopt to boost engagement and execution.
- Roadmap to prioritize digital investments and speed time-to-impact.
- Travels from: Austin, TX
- **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
GENERATIVE AI: FUTURE PROOFING YOU AND YOUR ORGANIZATION.
We don’t have a choice on whether we team-up with AI, the choice is how well we do it. As a leading futurist, practitioner, professor, author, and speaker, Erik Qualman is at the forefront of the AI revolution and the impact it’s having across all sectors: business, education, healthcare, government, and beyond.
In entertaining fashion, Qualman will cover these 3 critical organizational outcomes:
- How AI is revolutionizing the way we live and work and how your organization can harness AI to drive innovation, enhance customer experiences, and streamline operations.
- Overcoming the challenges these new technologies present including: successfully navigating ethical implications, job adjustments, algorithmic bias, privacy, security, and more.
- Striking the right balance between AI and Eye-to-Eye (Jetsons + Flintstones).
This entertaining, educating, and empowering experience will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed today, and tomorrow, to harness the power of AI to drive growth and innovation. Your audience will learn how to stay a year ahead of your competition but never a year ahead of your market.
DIGITAL LEADERSHIP: STRIKING THE BALANCE BETWEEN AI AND EYE-TO-EYE
THE FOCUS PROJECT: SIMPLE AND DOING LESS
Welcome to The Focus Project, a keynote designed to provide answers and solutions to the challenge of focusing in an unfocused world. Combining street science and institutional research alongside his own personal focus project, Qualman delivers practical advice on doing the important things instead of a bunch of things.
The following is a guide to pursuing less in order to achieve more—both personally and professionally. We will realize that leading an overly busy life is a choice, but it’s not a wise one. Being overscheduled isn’t something to be proud of, it’s something to avoid at all costs. Instead, we should choose to focus on what matters most.
This choice determines our success, happiness, health, and fulfillment. Successful and happy people understand it’s not about getting more things done, it’s about getting more of the big things done.
DIGITAL LEADERSHIP: THE 5 SIMPLE HABITS OF DIGITAL LEADERS
Leaders this digital decade are made—not born. The key is understanding the balance of offline and online. Using profound and practical research, Qualman showcases the 5 Habits that drive success & happiness for employees, partners and customers in a WiFi World.
Qualman reveals new techniques including Posting-It-Forward, Being FLAWsome, and other insights to positively impact and transform your audience & organization.
INNOVATION BY DESIGN: BECOMING THE DISRUPTOR VS. THE DISRUPTED
To ensure you are the disruptor versus the disrupted, you must understand societal shifts and instill a culture of creativity around them. This session looks at key future trends and their impact on your organization.
Qualman provides the roadmap for your organization’s digital transformation. Leap over the pitfalls of incremental change and land on a foundation of progressive and practical innovation principles. Future forward!
SOCIALNOMICS: WINNING CUSTOMERS’ HEARTS AND MINDS AT SCALE
Based on his #1 Bestseller, Qualman dives into the powerful concept of Socialnomics. Word-of-Mouth is on digital steroids and has transformed into World-of-Mouth.
Organizations must learn the new rules of social, mobile, and beyond or they will miss this once-in-a-generation opportunity to earn customers’ loyalty and drive long-term success. Socialnomics is the key to winning customers’ hearts, minds, and wallets.
Talent Short Bio
Erik Qualman (aka “Equalman”) is a bestselling author, digital leadership expert, and internationally sought-after keynote speaker who helps organizations convert digital disruption into strategic advantage. Over his career, Erik has studied and advised how leaders and brands should adapt to the rapid shifts in technology, social behavior, and customer expectations. He translates complex digital trends into practical, repeatable leadership habits and frameworks that teams can implement immediately, not someday.
Erik’s work blends research, real-world case studies, and engaging storytelling to show executives how to spot trends early, make faster decisions, and create measurable business outcomes from social and digital initiatives. His presentations are high-energy, evidence-based, and built to move audiences from confusion to clarity: he covers strategy prioritization, cultural change to support digital transformation, and practical tactics for improving customer experience and growth.
He’s known for clear frameworks that leaders can adopt during workshops or one-hour keynotes and then scale across teams. Erik’s content is ideal for companies seeking pragmatic next steps, not theory, and for conference audiences who want bold insight with usable takeaways. His style blends humor, urgency, and concrete tools, making his sessions equally effective for leadership offsites, executive briefings, and large-scale conferences.
Read Full Bio
Erik Qualman, also known as “Equalman,” is a renowned keynote speaker, bestselling author, and digital leadership expert who has made a significant impact in the realms of digital transformation and social media. With a unique blend of storytelling, humor, and actionable insights, Erik has captivated audiences worldwide, helping organizations navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. His work has influenced leaders from Fortune 500 companies to small startups, and his dynamic presentations leave a lasting impression on all who experience them.
Erik Qualman is a pioneer in the field of digital leadership, having authored several bestsellers, including “Socialnomics,” which has been translated into multiple languages and featured on the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller lists. His other notable works, such as “Digital Leader” and “What Happens in Vegas Stays on YouTube,” have further solidified his reputation as a thought leader in the digital age. Erik’s expertise lies in his ability to demystify complex digital concepts and present them in an engaging and relatable manner.
Qualman’s career began in the tech industry, where he held leadership positions at companies such as Yahoo and Travelzoo. His hands-on experience in digital marketing and strategy provided him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that businesses face in the digital era. This practical knowledge, combined with his academic background—Erik holds an MBA from the University of Texas—enables him to provide valuable insights and strategies that are both theoretically sound and practically applicable.
As a keynote speaker, Erik Qualman has delivered presentations in over 55 countries, earning accolades for his engaging style and thought-provoking content. His ability to connect with diverse audiences, from C-suite executives to college students, sets him apart as a speaker who can inspire and motivate individuals at all levels. Erik’s keynote speeches are known for their high energy, interactive elements, and actionable takeaways, making them a favorite among event planners and attendees alike.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
**Overview of User Reviews for Equalman's Presentation**
Users have overwhelmingly praised Equalman's presentation for its impactful insights and immediate applicability to their professional roles, particularly in sales. Reviewers noted that his engaging delivery and inspirational message on digital communication and personal branding were transformative for their approach to work. The concept of being “FLAWSOME” resonated well, encouraging attendees to embrace authenticity in their professional lives.
Strengths highlighted include:
– Significant immediate impact on sales strategies
– Inspirational content that resonates with personal branding and reputation management
– Engaging delivery and interaction with the audience
Weaknesses were not mentioned in the reviews, indicating a strong overall satisfaction with the presentation.
Overall, Equalman's presentation is highly recommended for professionals looking to enhance their digital communication skills and personal branding strategies.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (20)
Mike Walsh travels over 300 days a year worldwide: researching trends, collecting case studies and presenting on the future of business and leadership. Mike is the CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing companies for the 21st century. A global nomad, futurist and author of the bestselling book, The Algorithmic Leader, he advises some […]
- Travels from: Sydney, NSW
- Artificial Intelligence
- (30)
Steve Lerch is an award-winning international public speaker, consultant, and former Google Executive, and has become a highly respected voice in the world of digital strategy, marketing, consumer behavior, and innovation. While at Google, Steve served as a digital strategy advisor to prominent brands like GoPro and Roku, respected non-profits like the YMCA and Save the […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Artificial Intelligence
- (51)
Tonya M Evans is a global leader on crypto currencies and a technology keynote speaker, accomplished academic and administrator, and world-renowned speaker with over twenty years of experience in law, innovation, academia, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Evans currently serves as tenured Professor of Law at Penn State Dickinson Law School. Beginning July 1, 2022, she will […]
- Travels from: Carlisle, PA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (42)
Dr. Kate Darling stands at the forefront of the rapidly evolving field of Robot Ethics, wielding her expertise as a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab. With a keen focus on human-robot interaction, she delves into the intricate dynamics of social robotics, unraveling the complexities of our emotional connection with […]
- Travels from: Boston, MA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (21)
Graham Fink is a world-renowned creative mind known for his groundbreaking work in advertising, art, and technology. As one of the most awarded creatives globally, Fink has transformed disciplines such as photography, film, painting, and drawing, merging these fields with advanced technology. His multidisciplinary approach and relentless pursuit of new creative frontiers have redefined creativity […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Creativity Speakers
- (43)
Olympia LePoint is a force of inspiration, a rocket scientist turned keynote speaker who transforms complex science into compelling stories of triumph, innovation, and human potential. Known globally for her groundbreaking work with NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, Olympia brings unmatched credibility and charisma to every stage she graces. With her riveting presence and profound storytelling, […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- AI Technology Speakers
- (17)
Jason Schenker is the President of Prestige Economics and Chairman of The Futurist Institute. He is a top-ranked economist, leading futurist, bestselling author, and in-demand keynote speaker who delivers high-impact presentations on economic trends, financial markets, geopolitical risks, AI, technology trends, and the future of work. Through his talks and research, Schenker helps clients anticipate […]
- Travels from: Austin, TX
- Futurists Speakers
- (30)
Kay Firth-Butterfield is an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) ethics and governance, championing the responsible development and deployment of technology. As the CEO of Good Tech Advisory LLC, she leverages her extensive legal and academic background to guide organizations toward ethical AI practices. Her leadership in this domain earned her a spot among TIME’s 100 […]
- Travels from: Various Cities
- Artificial Intelligence
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
