Employees can also increase sales. They know things about their local customers that no centralized system can know. They know what the customers are asking for that the store or restaurant doesn’t have.
Of course, all this requires enough time to do the daily work and engage in improvement. Many low-wage employers think that increasing labor productivity means doing as much as possible with as few people as possible all working as quickly as possible.
But key aspects of great service can’t be speeded up. An IT system may find an answer quickly, but it can’t listen to the customer’s problem more quickly or with any empathy. Nor can thinking about improvement and experimenting with countermeasures be speeded up.
Zeynep Ton is a professor, author and leading expert on operations management in retail and service businesses. She is a sought-after international keynote speaker who has spoken at major conferences worldwide on topics ranging from leadership and innovation to women in technology.
In 2017, Zeynep co-founded Good Jobs Institute, and she serves as the President. The non-profit organisation provides evaluations, workshops, and long-term collaborations to assist and support retail executives in transforming their businesses.
Zeynep has been researching and writing about business strategy for over 15 years, focusing on how companies can create good jobs and offer excellent customer service while still achieving superior returns to investors. In 2014, her work culminated in the publication of her book, The Good Jobs Strategy.
Zeynep’s research has been published in managerial and scholarly journals including Harvard Business Review, California Management Review, and Organization Science. She also wrote several Harvard Business School cases. Her work has been featured widely in the media, including The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The New York Times, PBS, and NPR.
Zeynep Ton teaches MBA and executive education courses in operations management. She received several awards for excellence in teaching both at HBS and MIT Sloan. She was named one of the World’s 40 Best Business School Professors Under the Age of 40 by Poets & Quants and was featured by CNNMoney as one of eight young business school professors on the rise.
Zeynep lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with her husband and four children. A native of Turkey, she first came to the U.S. on a volleyball scholarship from the Pennsylvania State University.
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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.
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Selena Rezvani is a powerhouse in the realm of leadership, self-advocacy, and workplace empowerment. An award-winning author and expert strategist, Selena has become a go-to voice for professionals seeking to assert their worth and lead with confidence. With her engaging presence and data-backed insights, she challenges outdated norms and inspires individuals—particularly women and marginalized professionals—to […]
Connor Fields is more than just an elite athlete—he’s a symbol of perseverance, precision, and peak performance under pressure. As a three-time Olympian, two-time World Champion, and the first American to ever win Olympic gold in BMX racing, Connor brings a compelling story of excellence and grit to stages worldwide. With a career that spans […]
Chris Bashinelli, better known as “Bash”, is a celebrated Diversity, Equity & Inclusion speaker, Bash brings to life an inspiring message of empathy and connection that has birthed lifelong friendships around the world. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York to Lebanese and Italian-American parents. After a decade-long acting career including an appearance […]
W Kamau Bell is a sociopolitical comedian who is the host and executive producer of the Emmy Award winning CNN docu-series United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell. On June 26th he makes his Netflix debut with a new stand-up comedy special, Private School Negro. Kamau has a book with the easy-to-remember title The Awkward […]
Katey McCausey, professionally known as DJ KaMcCauZey, is a certified DJ and a true master of her craft. Trained at the world-renowned Scratch DJ Academy in Los Angeles, DJ KaMcCauZey combines technical expertise with creative flair to deliver unforgettable musical experiences. Whether spinning for weddings, corporate events, private parties, or community gatherings, she has earned […]
Donna Maine is an LA-based clean, corporate comedian and comedy writer (or less clean, depending on situation) who performs across the country. Her comedic insights run the gamut; including relationships, kids, medical background, and coping with middle-age in a post-millennial world. Donna has been bringing the laughter to all the major comedy clubs, the Burbank […]
Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP, is a distinguished professional in the field of psychotherapy and human behavior. With a solid educational background from Duke University and the University of Kansas, Britt has garnered extensive expertise in her field. Her commitment to her craft has earned her recognition as an award-winning adjunct instructor at the University of […]
In the realm of professional emcees, there are few who embody the essence of warmth, authenticity, and charisma quite like Melanie Lawson. With a career spanning over two decades in the television industry, Melanie has not only garnered acclaim as an Emmy Award-winning journalist but has also established herself as a sought-after professional emcee, moderator, […]
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