Julie Smolyansky: Entrepreneurship

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • 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. 

Formats:

Audiences:

Outcomes:
Reading time: 4 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000

Talent Services

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 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

Talent FAQ's

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

  • 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!

Talent Resources

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
Was this profile helpful?

You may be interested in...

  • (24)
Dave Noll

Dave Noll is an Emmy Award-winning creative mastermind with a remarkable career spanning decades. His visionary contributions to the television and media industry have left an indelible mark. With over 60+ television series and an astonishing 3500+ episodes to his name, Dave’s portfolio is a testament to his unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication. Co-creating the legendary CHOPPED franchise, […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Celebrity Speakers
  • (72)
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
  • (9)
Sara Blakely

Sara Blakely is the Founder and Executive Chairwoman of SPANX. She revolutionized the undergarment industry with just $5,000 and a “lucky” red backpack and turned it into a global brand known for inventing smarter, more comfortable solutions. Sara was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the world and was featured on […]

  • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (48)
Leah Busque Solivan

Leah Busque Solivan is not just a speaker; she’s a visionary entrepreneur who has redefined the way we approach productivity and task management. As the founder of TaskRabbit, she revolutionized the gig economy, empowering individuals to outsource errands and tasks with ease. Leah’s journey from a software engineer at IBM to a pioneering businesswoman showcases […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • STEM Speakers
  • (47)
Daymond John

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 […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (64)
Sophia Amoruso

Sophia Amoruso is a visionary who redefined the e-commerce landscape and built a global brand from the ground up. As the founder of Nasty Gal and Girlboss, she has transformed the way women approach business, leadership, and personal growth. Her journey from selling vintage clothing on eBay to running a multi-million-dollar fashion empire is a […]

  • Travels from: London, UK
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (51)
Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry is a true renaissance figure in the world of entertainment, renowned for his unparalleled success as a director, playwright, screenwriter, producer, actor, author, and entrepreneur. The Birth of Madea and the Rise of the Chitlin’ Circuit In the early 1990s, Perry started his journey in the entertainment industry with a series of stage […]

  • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
  • Celebrity Speakers
  • (31)
Julia Collins

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 […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • STEM 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

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.