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.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
No reviews available for this post.
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.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
Nathan Jamail is the author of three bestselling books, The Leadership Playbook, The Sales Leaders Playbook and the The Sales Professionals Playbook although he will tell you he is not a writer, rather a business leader that writes books for business leaders. Nathan spent the last two + decades helping and coaching leaders and organizations […]
Vanessa Aguilar, widely known as DJ Mizz V, is a powerhouse entertainer who has electrified the Las Vegas music scene with her unparalleled talent, dynamic stage presence, and infectious energy. Renowned for her ability to create unforgettable experiences through music, Mizz V has become one of the most sought-after DJs in Las Vegas and beyond. […]
Sarah Wells is an Olympic 400m hurdler, Pan Am Games silver medalist, and powerhouse keynote speaker whose high-voltage energy and authentic storytelling have electrified audiences across the globe. From the track to the stage and even the set of The Amazing Race, Sarah’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, bold ambition, and redefining what excellence […]
Ray Dalio is a global macro investor with more than five decades of experience. He founded Bridgewater Associates from his New York City apartment and grew it into the world’s largest hedge fund and the fifth most significant private company in the United States, according to Fortune Magazine. Through pioneering investment frameworks such as risk […]
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 […]
A 30-year news veteran, journalist Paula Zahn is executive producer and host of Discovery ID`s On the Case with Paula Zahn. Paula is also the co-host of Sunday Arts, a weekly television magazine for news covering the arts in New York City. She also hosted the highly acclaimed two hour documentary for PBS called The Retirement Revolution, taking […]
Curt Steinhorst is an acclaimed keynote speaker, author, and thought leader specializing in workplace productivity, focus, and generational communication. In a world increasingly dominated by technology and distractions, Curt has dedicated his career to helping leaders and teams foster environments where focus thrives, and intergenerational understanding becomes a strength rather than a barrier. With over […]
Roger Haskett is an award-winning international keynote speaker and President of Engagement Unlimited. With his innovative keynotes and programs, he ignites positive transformational change in teams and individuals across North America and beyond. Roger’s experience, knowledge and highly contagious positive energy have garnered him countless 10/10 audience rankings “best of conference” survey results and hundreds […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel