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!

John Register is a remarkable individual whose journey from athlete to motivational speaker has inspired countless individuals worldwide. As a two-time Paralympian and Paralympic Games Silver Medalist, he embodies the spirit of resilience and determination. Hailing from Oak Park, Illinois, Register’s life took an unexpected turn when a misstep over a hurdle during training for […]

Tom Coverly is a world-renowned entertainer, celebrated for his remarkable ability to blend comedy, magic, and motivational speaking into an unforgettable experience. Known as “The Illusionist,” Tom captivates audiences with jaw-dropping magic tricks and heartwarming humor, while delivering powerful life lessons that resonate deeply with people of all ages. Having performed for millions across the […]

Maria Elena Salinas is an award-winning journalist, trailblazing media personality, and inspirational keynote speaker with nearly four decades of experience at the forefront of American journalism. Celebrated as “The Voice of Hispanic America,” Maria Elena has earned the trust of millions with her unwavering dedication to truth, cultural representation, and advocacy for underrepresented communities. Her […]

Princess Sarah Culberson embodies a captivating narrative of royalty, humanitarianism, and personal triumph. As the adopted daughter of an American family, she discovered her royal lineage in Sierra Leone, Africa, and has since dedicated her life to uplifting communities, sharing her remarkable journey, and empowering individuals worldwide. A prominent figure in humanitarian efforts, an acclaimed […]

For Inky Johnson, though, the game changed everything. A routine tackle turned into a life-threatening injury, and nothing has been normal for Inky ever since. Not with a paralyzed right arm. Not with daily pain. Not with constant physical challenges. September 9, 2006. It started as a normal college football game in Neyland Stadium. If […]

Dr. David Hanson is an award-winning roboticist, artist, and entrepreneur best known as the founder and CEO of Hanson Robotics, the company behind the world-famous humanoid robot Sophia. Recognized globally as a pioneer in social robotics and artificial intelligence, Hanson’s work blends cutting-edge engineering with artistic expression to create machines that are not only functional […]

After 20 years in the personal and professional development space, Kevin L McCrudden is better known as “Mr. Motivation and America’s CMO – Chief Motivation Officer.” Kevin L McCrudden is an international author, speaker and the only motivational and leadership speaker in American history to ever have a day of recognition passed by The United […]

Brent Gleeson is a distinguished individual whose multifaceted career spans military service, entrepreneurship, literature, and public speaking. As a former Navy SEAL combat veteran, he brings a unique blend of leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking to the forefront. Gleeson’s journey from the rigors of military life to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship is a testament […]
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.
Connecting you with the perfect speaker.
We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.
Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel