Julie Smolyansky: Entrepreneurship

  • Julie is also a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, mental health, and social justice.
  • As a public speaker and social entrepreneur, she uses her platform to champion causes such as sexual violence prevention and body positivity.
  • Her TEDx talks, keynote presentations, and philanthropic initiatives inspire audiences globally. 

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL, USA
  • **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000

Keynote Topics

How did she became the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company, overcame all the obstacles that came my way and built Lifeway into an international food company leading the conversation on gut health and self-care.

Her Talks can Address:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Women’s leadership
  • Social impact
  • Gut health
  • Wellness & self-care
  • Immigration & refugee experience (as a refugee from Kyiv when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union)
  • Food industry
     

Julie Smolyansky is the dynamic President and CEO of Lifeway Foods, a pioneering company in the production of kefir and probiotic-rich foods. At just 27 years old, she became the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company, transforming Lifeway into a leader in the health and wellness industry. With her vision and leadership, the […]

Julie Smolyansky is the dynamic President and CEO of Lifeway Foods, a pioneering company in the production of kefir and probiotic-rich foods. At just 27 years old, she became the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company, transforming Lifeway into a leader in the health and wellness industry. With her vision and leadership, the company has expanded its product offerings and market reach, advocating for the importance of gut health and the benefits of probiotics. Julie’s innovative approach to business and passion for health have positioned her as a prominent figure in both the corporate and wellness worlds.

Beyond her business accomplishments, Julie is a fierce advocate for women’s empowerment, mental health, and social justice. She uses her platform to champion causes like sexual violence prevention and body positivity, inspiring change through her work with nonprofits, TEDx talks, and keynote speeches. Her ability to blend entrepreneurship, leadership, and advocacy makes her a sought-after speaker, known for her commitment to creating meaningful societal impact.

Under her leadership, the company has expanded distribution throughout the United States, Mexico, the UK, and Ireland, as well as portions of Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Named to Fortune Business ‘40 under 40,’ Fortune’s 55 Most Influential Women on Twitter, as one of the Best Instagrammers of the 40 Under 40 list, and Julie Smolyansky was recently named a 2020 Champion of Wellness by VeryWell.

Julie Smolyansky

Julie Smolyansky is the CEO and President of Lifeway Foods, a global leader in the production of kefir and probiotic-rich foods. With a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and extensive experience in the health food industry, Julie’s leadership has turned Lifeway into a multi-million-dollar publicly traded company. Having taken over at just 27, she became the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company in the U.S., driving innovation in health and wellness for over two decades. Julie’s expertise in gut health and probiotics has not only transformed Lifeway’s market positioning but also made her a trusted thought leader in the wellness space.

Julie is known for her forward-thinking leadership and ability to translate health trends into actionable, sustainable business strategies. Under her guidance, Lifeway Foods has introduced various new products, expanded its market presence, and led educational campaigns about the benefits of probiotics and gut health. She is regularly invited to speak on topics related to health and wellness, business leadership, and social advocacy, and her insights have been featured in major publications like Forbes, Inc., and The New York Times.

Julie Smolyansky’s authority stems from her extensive industry experience, transformative leadership at Lifeway, and her impactful advocacy work. As a business leader, she has steered Lifeway through significant expansions, growing the brand into a household name and revolutionizing the conversation around gut health. Julie’s leadership has been recognized through numerous accolades, including being named one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ “40 Under 40,” and Lifeway was named one of Fortune’s Fastest Growing Companies.

Beyond her business acumen, Julie’s influence extends to social causes, making her a well-rounded authority. She co-founded Test400K, an initiative addressing the national backlog of untested rape kits, reflecting her commitment to social justice. She is a TEDx speaker and an active voice in discussions on women’s empowerment, mental health, and corporate social responsibility, solidifying her authority as a speaker who can engage audiences across various fields. Her role as a leading advocate for health and gender equality underscores her status as a trusted thought leader.

Julie Smolyansky’s trustworthiness is evidenced by her consistent dedication to improving both individual lives and larger communities. As the CEO of Lifeway Foods, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to health and wellness, emphasizing transparency, quality, and sustainability in Lifeway’s products. Her leadership extends beyond profits, focusing on the health and well-being of her consumers, as well as the company’s corporate responsibility. Lifeway’s customer-centric approach, coupled with Julie Smolyansky’s passion for advancing the wellness industry, has earned the brand a loyal following, solidifying her reputation as a trusted leader.

Her advocacy for social issues, particularly related to women’s empowerment and mental health, is equally rooted in a sincere desire to drive positive change. Julie Smolyansky is known for her integrity and her dedication to creating platforms for those who are often silenced or overlooked. Whether championing the rights of sexual assault survivors through Test400K or advocating for accessible healthcare, Julie has built trust among diverse communities as someone who leads with compassion, authenticity, and action.

Julie Smolyansky is an inspiring leader, health expert, and social advocate who has made a significant impact in both the corporate world and beyond. As the CEO of Lifeway Foods, she has turned a family business into a global leader in the probiotic and wellness industry, while also using her platform to drive conversations around women’s empowerment, mental health, and social justice. Her ability to blend business success with advocacy work makes her a highly sought-after keynote speaker who delivers both inspiration and practical insights.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

You may be interested in...

  • (37)
Danica Patrick-4

Danica Patrick has become a global icon, not just in the world of motorsports but also as a symbol of determination, bold ambition, and female empowerment. Her journey from a ten-year-old girl with a dream to an internationally recognized race car driver has captivated millions. With her groundbreaking career in IndyCar and NASCAR, she shattered […]

  • Travels from: Austin, TX
  • NASCAR Speakers
  • (20)
Josh Linkner

Josh Linkner is not your typical speaker. With over two decades of experience in igniting creativity and innovation, he stands as a beacon for leaders seeking to unlock their full potential. As an entrepreneur and CEO, Josh has left an indelible mark on the business world, having founded and led multiple tech companies that collectively […]

  • Travels from: Detroit, MI
  • Business Speakers
  • (34)
  • (3)
Omar Johnson-cover

Omar Johnson is a marketing visionary and brand strategist whose innovative approach transformed Beats by Dre from a niche audio brand into a global cultural phenomenon. As the former Chief Marketing Officer of Beats by Dre, he played a pivotal role in growing the company’s revenue from $20 million to over $2 billion, ultimately leading […]

  • Travels from: Santa Monica, CA
  • Business Speakers
  • (48)

Dr. Catriona Wallace is a globally recognized thought leader in artificial intelligence (AI), ethics, and digital transformation. A trailblazer in the tech industry, Dr. Wallace is one of the few women at the helm of an AI-driven enterprise, leading the charge to create technology that not only solves problems but also fosters positive societal impact. […]

  • Travels from: Sydney, NSW
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (35)
Matt Mullenweg

Matt Mullenweg, the visionary co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, has been a transformative force in the digital publishing world. His pioneering work in open-source web development has democratized online content creation, empowering millions globally. As a speaker, Matt captivates audiences with his insights into technology, entrepreneurship, and the future of work. Born on […]

  • Travels from: Houston, TX
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (29)
  • (2)
Jess Ekstrom

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 […]

  • Travels from: Raleigh, NC
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (25)
Scott Dikkers

Scott Dikkers is a New York Times bestselling author, comedy writer, and comedian known for his innovative approach to both creativity and branding. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of comedy, earning global recognition for his leadership at The Onion and his ability to redefine comedy for modern […]

  • Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
  • Branding Speakers
  • (33)
Chef Nancy Silverton

Nancy Silverton, a name synonymous with culinary excellence, is a Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur who has left an indelible mark on the world of fine dining. Her extraordinary talent, dedication to the craft, and innovative approach to cuisine have earned her accolades and admiration from both the culinary world and food enthusiasts around the globe. […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Chefs Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other 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.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

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

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel