Zeynep Ton: Organizational Strategist

Highlights:
  • Co-Founder and President – Good Jobs Institute
  • Professor of the Practice – MIT Sloan School of Management
  • Author of “The Good Jobs Strategy”

Formats:
Audience:
Outcomes:
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Cambridge, MA
  • **Fee range: On Request

Keynote Topics

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

Zeynep Ton | Organizational Strategy

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

Talent resources available for download

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?

View further speakers

  • (61)
  • (5)
Lily Brasch

Lily Brasch is a living testament to the power of resilience and determination. Born with a rare congenital condition and told she would never walk, Lily has turned impossibilities into achievements that inspire audiences worldwide. Her journey is a beacon of hope, proving that the human spirit can overcome even the most daunting challenges. From […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (58)
WELCOME TO MY OFFICE

With a trailblazing spirit and a commitment to excellence, Carey Lohrenz has soared to remarkable heights both in the sky and on the ground. As the first female F-14 Tomcat pilot in the United States Navy, Carey shattered stereotypes and paved the way for women in military aviation. Her journey is not just one of […]

  • Travels from: Excelsior, MN
  • Aviation Speakers
  • (51)
  • (4)
Shane Snow: Human Behavior

Shane Snow is a renowned keynote speaker, celebrated author, and esteemed entrepreneur whose expertise in high performance, culture, and teamwork has transformed organizations worldwide. As the co-founder of the content technology company Contently and an acclaimed journalist, Shane’s insights into the dynamics of collaboration and innovation have positioned him as a thought leader in today’s […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Human Values
  • (32)
Cassandra Worthy Atlanta Keynote Speaker

Cassandra Worthy is a trailblazing thought leader in change management, known for her disruptive insights and dynamic approach to organizational transformation. As the world’s leading authority on navigating change, she equips companies with the mindset and tools to build resilience and adaptability in today’s fast-paced business landscape. With her signature energy and expertise, Cassandra has […]

  • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
  • Culture Speakers
  • (11)
Nidhi Tewari

Nidhi Tewari is a dynamic and influential figure in the realm of workplace culture and wellbeing. With a unique blend of clinical expertise and a decade-long immersion in therapy, she stands at the intersection of mental health advocacy and organizational development. Nidhi brings a wealth of experience garnered from her specialized work with high-performing leaders, […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Culture Speakers
  • (81)
Chef Richard Blais

Chef Richard Blais, a name synonymous with culinary innovation and avant-garde gastronomy, has captivated the culinary world with his remarkable talents and unrelenting commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the kitchen. Born on February 19, 1972, in Uniondale, New York, Richard Blais has become a celebrated chef, restaurateur, television personality, and an […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Chefs Speakers
  • (4)

If you dream of inspiring cult-like brand loyalty and especially the kind that involves mile-long queues and even permanent tattoo then Johnny Cupcakes is for you. The founder of the world-renowned tee-shirt brand Johnny Cupcakes, Johnny’s known for helping other people create blueprints for building brand loyalty, creating memorable experiences, and inspiring innovation. With global […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Branding Speakers
  • (49)
Jason Redman 

Retired Navy SEAL Lieutenant Jason Redman stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His electrifying presentations on leadership, failure, redemption, and overcoming life’s ambushes captivate audiences worldwide. With a distinguished 21-year career in the Navy, Redman’s journey from youthful setbacks to battlefield heroism is an inspiring narrative of perseverance and triumph. […]

  • Travels from: Chesapeake, VA
  • Military 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.