Julie Smolyansky

Tagline: Entrepreneurship

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
     

Videos

Talent 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. Smolyansky co-founded the nonprofit Test400K, aimed at addressing the backlog of untested rape kits in the United States, showcasing her commitment to making a positive social impact.

  • A trailblazer in both business and advocacy, Julie Smolyansky is a sought-after keynote speaker who blends leadership, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility into her powerful messages.

  • Her passion for creating meaningful change resonates with organizations and event planners who seek dynamic, purpose-driven speakers.

Travels from:

  • Chicago, IL

Fee Range:**

  • Fees* $35,001 - $50,000

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 was recently named a 2020 Champion of Wellness by VeryWell.

Julie Smolyansky | Entrepreneur Leadership

Expertise: Leadership, Health & Wellness, Social Advocacy

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.

Authority: A Trailblazer in the Health and Wellness Industry

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.

Trustworthiness: Reliable Advocate for Health, Business, and Social Good

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’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 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.

Why Event Planners Should Book Julie Smolyansky

Inspiring Leadership: Julie Smolyansky brings an incredible story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and leadership that resonates with diverse audiences. As a CEO who took charge of a major company at a young age and grew it into a market leader, her insights into business leadership, innovation, and health make her an inspiring choice for conferences and corporate events. Her presentations are rooted in her real-life experience, offering actionable advice on how to lead with vision and purpose.

Health and Wellness Expertise: With the rise in interest in health, nutrition, and wellness, Julie’s expertise in probiotics and gut health makes her a valuable speaker for events focused on corporate wellness, healthcare trends, and sustainable business practices. She can break down complex scientific concepts in ways that are engaging, accessible, and immediately applicable to both personal well-being and business success.

Social Advocacy and Empowerment: Julie Smolyansky is a powerful voice for women’s empowerment, mental health awareness, and social justice. Event planners seeking a speaker who can address both business growth and social impact will find in Julie a leader who seamlessly integrates purpose with profit. Her advocacy work around sexual violence prevention and gender equality adds depth and inspiration to her keynotes, making her a versatile and impactful speaker for various types of audiences.

Julie Smolyansky has produced several documentaries, including “The Homestretch,” “Honor Diaries,” “The Hunting Ground” and most recently, “On the Record.”

In 2013 Julie Smolyansky co‐founded a non‐profit, Test400k, an organization dedicated to advocating ending the backlog of 400,000 untested rape kits in the United States. She released her first book, The Kefir Cookbook: An Ancient Healing Superfood for Modern Life, Recipes from My Family Table and Around the World in March of 2018. Currently she lives in Chicago and is the mother of two girls.

Summary and Conclusion

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.

Event planners looking for a speaker who can motivate audiences, provide expert insights into leadership and wellness, and leave a lasting impact will find Julie Smolyansky an ideal choice. Whether for a corporate event, wellness seminar, or leadership conference, her dynamic presentations are sure to captivate and inspire.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

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 was recently named a 2020 Champion of Wellness by VeryWell.

Julie Smolyansky | Entrepreneur Leadership

Expertise: Leadership, Health & Wellness, Social Advocacy

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.

Authority: A Trailblazer in the Health and Wellness Industry

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.

Trustworthiness: Reliable Advocate for Health, Business, and Social Good

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’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 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.

Why Event Planners Should Book Julie Smolyansky

Inspiring Leadership: Julie Smolyansky brings an incredible story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and leadership that resonates with diverse audiences. As a CEO who took charge of a major company at a young age and grew it into a market leader, her insights into business leadership, innovation, and health make her an inspiring choice for conferences and corporate events. Her presentations are rooted in her real-life experience, offering actionable advice on how to lead with vision and purpose.

Health and Wellness Expertise: With the rise in interest in health, nutrition, and wellness, Julie’s expertise in probiotics and gut health makes her a valuable speaker for events focused on corporate wellness, healthcare trends, and sustainable business practices. She can break down complex scientific concepts in ways that are engaging, accessible, and immediately applicable to both personal well-being and business success.

Social Advocacy and Empowerment: Julie Smolyansky is a powerful voice for women’s empowerment, mental health awareness, and social justice. Event planners seeking a speaker who can address both business growth and social impact will find in Julie a leader who seamlessly integrates purpose with profit. Her advocacy work around sexual violence prevention and gender equality adds depth and inspiration to her keynotes, making her a versatile and impactful speaker for various types of audiences.

Julie Smolyansky has produced several documentaries, including “The Homestretch,” “Honor Diaries,” “The Hunting Ground” and most recently, “On the Record.”

In 2013 Julie Smolyansky co‐founded a non‐profit, Test400k, an organization dedicated to advocating ending the backlog of 400,000 untested rape kits in the United States. She released her first book, The Kefir Cookbook: An Ancient Healing Superfood for Modern Life, Recipes from My Family Table and Around the World in March of 2018. Currently she lives in Chicago and is the mother of two girls.

Summary and Conclusion

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.

Event planners looking for a speaker who can motivate audiences, provide expert insights into leadership and wellness, and leave a lasting impact will find Julie Smolyansky an ideal choice. Whether for a corporate event, wellness seminar, or leadership conference, her dynamic presentations are sure to captivate and inspire.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Similar Speakers for consideration

Vishen Lakhiani
  • Mindvalley Founder

In a world teeming with motivational speakers and thought leaders, few individuals manage to stand out quite like Vishen Lakhiani. As a top inspirational keynote speaker, Vishen has transcended the boundaries of conventional personal development and self-help, captivating audiences around the globe with his unique approach to transformation and personal growth. With an unrelenting commitment […]

Aileen Lee
  • Business Innovation

Aileen Lee is the founder of Cowboy Ventures. She partners at the earliest stages with enterprise and consumer-oriented startup teams to build products customers love, and to help teams build aspirational companies. She has over two decades of experience starting at seed stage and staying involved for many years beyond. Prior to Cowboy, Aileen spent […]

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 […]

Antonia Lofaso
  • Celebrity Chef

Chef Antonia Lofaso is a culinary virtuoso whose talents have made her a household name in the world of food. Her remarkable journey from a young girl with a passion for cooking to a successful chef, restaurateur, and television personality is a testament to her dedication, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich […]

Sara Frasca
  • Business Innovation

Sara Frasca is a business growth expert. Honing her skills in senior leadership roles in both corporate America and the world of startups, Sara now serves as Chief Executive Officer for Point NorthEast, a global business coaching firm. She helps leading organizations cultivate human imagination, build a culture of accountability, and solve complex problems to […]

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, […]

Dave Noll
  • Business Innovation

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, […]

Isaac Oboth
  • Inspirational Speaker

Isaac Oboth is a self-taught filmmaker from Uganda. In 2010, Isaac founded his first production company, Media 256. In 2017 (barely 7 years later). Media 256 was the single largest freelance producer of feature Africa shows on CNN International (African Voices, Inside Africa, and Marketplace Africa). Isaac has personally shot, produced, and edited over 50 […]

  • Artificial Intelligence

Dr Catriona Wallace is an entrepreneur in the Artificial Intelligence field, and Founder & Executive Director of the Stock Exchange listed company Flamingo AI – a Machine-Learning company with headquarters in New York and Sydney. Having recently been inducted into the Royal Institution of Australia in 2019, recognising her excellence in scientific achievement and commitment […]

  • 5 (1 reviews)
Greg Reid
  • Power of Perseverance

Greg Reid is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, bestselling author, and filmmaker who has inspired millions to take personal responsibility and embrace their potential. His journey, characterized by relentless pursuit of excellence and a life devoted to contribution, has earned him accolades from global leaders, royalty, and industry icons alike. With an unwavering belief in […]

Chef Nancy Silverton
  • Michelin Chef

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. […]

Erin King - On Your Terms
  • Energy Management

Erin King is a dynamic force in the realm of motivational speaking and energy management. Recognized by SUCCESS Magazine as one of the “Top 10 Must-See Motivational Speakers of 2023,” alongside luminaries like Jay Shetty and Mel Robbins, Erin has solidified her reputation as a leading expert in unlocking what she calls “Big Deal Energy®.” […]

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