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!
Merit Kahn, CSP, a keynote speaker on sales transformation, bringing over two decades of expertise to stages around the globe. As the CEO of SELLect Sales Development, she has dedicated her career to helping professionals in every industry shift their mindset, master the sales conversation, and SELLect their ideal clients. Known for her engaging delivery […]
Michael Veltri is a battle-tested warrior, both in the boardroom and in the competitive world of martial arts. He is the founder and CEO of one of the largest martial arts academies on the east coast, serving a who’s who of Washington, DC’s elite. Over three decades, he has built, scaled, and sold his own companies and is […]
Simon T. Bailey is a globally recognized speaker, author, and expert on personal and organizational brilliance. With over two decades of experience, Simon has inspired millions through his dynamic presentations, coaching, and best-selling books. He is a catalyst for positive change, guiding individuals and organizations to discover their inner brilliance and achieve extraordinary success. Simon’s […]
Duane Rockwell is a distinguished event emcee known for his exceptional ability to transform any event into an unforgettable experience. With a dynamic stage presence and a unique talent for engaging audiences, Duane has become one of the most sought-after hosts in the industry. His versatility and charisma make him the perfect choice for a […]
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 […]
Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and an outspoken advocate for women’s rights in sports, has made waves beyond the pool. A 12-time All-American swimmer with five SEC titles, she was a celebrated athlete at the University of Kentucky with a promising path to a career in dentistry. However, her future took an unexpected turn […]
Redmond Ramos is an extraordinary keynote speaker, veteran, and advocate for resilience and perseverance. His story of overcoming adversity, from his time in the military to becoming a Paralympic athlete and successful entrepreneur, is an inspiration to audiences worldwide. Redmond delivers powerful and motivational talks that resonate with corporate teams, educators, and individuals, instilling a […]
Tessa Todd Morgan is a mindfulness expert, personal growth coach and accredited trainer in Emotional Intelligence. As the Founder and CEO of TRIESSENCE, Tessa has coached thousands of individuals and organizations to achieve a balance of physical, mental and spiritual wellness. In 2003, Tessa began in the professional speaking industry, and was privileged to work […]
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