Speaking
Talks That Move People to Action
I don’t do keynotes that put people to sleep. I tell real stories about building something from nothing — and I leave audiences with frameworks they can use the next day.
From TEDx stages to intimate boardrooms, I speak internationally on the topics that shape how people connect, lead, and build. As the founder of Linked.Club (333+ members) and Director of Startup Grind Calgary, every talk comes from a decade of doing — not theorizing. Read insights on the blog.
What I Speak About
Every talk is tailored to your audience. Here are the themes I bring to stages — each one grounded in real experience, not textbook theory.
Building Real Relationships in a Digital-First World
We live in the most connected era in human history — and the loneliest. I break down why in-person community still wins, how to design spaces where authentic connections happen, and the systems behind relationships that create real business and personal value. Based on a decade of building communities spanning 40+ nationalities.
Best for: Conferences, corporate offsites, leadership summits
The Immigrant Entrepreneur’s Playbook
How to arrive in a new country with nothing — no network, no playbook, no safety net — and build something meaningful. I share the raw, unfiltered truth about navigating unfamiliar cultures, starting from zero, and turning the outsider perspective into the ultimate competitive advantage. Equal parts strategy and grit.
Best for: Diversity events, entrepreneur gatherings, university talks, immigration conferences
Leading Without a Title
You don’t need a corner office to move people. This talk explores how to build influence, rally communities, and drive change without formal authority. Drawing from my experience leading volunteer-powered movements, community chapters, and startup ecosystems — I show why the most powerful leaders are the ones nobody appointed.
Best for: Corporate training, student conferences, nonprofit leadership summits
Why People Stay: The Psychology of Belonging
Getting people to show up is easy. Getting them to come back is the hard part. This talk dives into what makes communities, teams, and organizations sticky — the psychology of belonging, the architecture of culture, and the tiny moments that turn first-timers into lifelong members. Practical insights from building communities that retain.
Best for: Community managers, HR leaders, membership organizations, event organizers
Storytelling That Moves People to Action
The best ideas die without a story to carry them. I share the storytelling frameworks I use to fill rooms, build brands, and inspire movements — whether you’re pitching investors, rallying donors, or trying to get your team to care about the company mission. Forget elevator pitches. Learn to tell stories that people repeat.
Best for: Marketing teams, founders, fundraisers, nonprofit leaders
The Art of Bringing People Together
After 300+ events, I’ve learned that great gatherings aren’t accidents — they’re engineered. From intimate dinner gatherings to 200+ person conferences, I break down the psychology, logistics, and marketing behind events people actually want to attend. The right venue, the right format, the right energy — every detail is intentional.
Best for: Event organizers, marketing teams, community builders, municipalities
The Burnout Trap: Sustainable Hustle
Running four organizations, hosting hundreds of events, and doing it for a decade without burning out doesn’t happen by accident. I talk about the real systems behind sustainable ambition — energy management over time management, knowing when to push and when to pull back, and building a life where the hustle serves you instead of consuming you.
Best for: Entrepreneur conferences, wellness events, young professionals
Building Startup Ecosystems From the Ground Up
As Director of Startup Grind Calgary — part of the world’s largest startup community — I share a firsthand look at what it takes to build an innovation ecosystem in a city finding its next identity. Lessons for any city, region, or organization trying to become a magnet for entrepreneurship.
Best for: Economic development, municipal events, startup gatherings, tech conferences
How I Can Contribute to Your Event
Every format is tailored to your audience. I bring the same energy whether it’s 20 people in a boardroom or 500 in a ballroom.
Keynote
30–60 minute presentations designed to inspire, challenge, and leave your audience with clear takeaways they can implement the next day. High energy. Real stories. Zero fluff.
Workshop
Interactive 90-minute to half-day sessions with hands-on exercises, frameworks, and group work. Participants leave with a specific plan — not just motivation that fades by Monday.
Fireside Chat
Conversational Q&A format perfect for podcasts, panels, and intimate leadership gatherings. Candid, unscripted, and audience-driven. Some of my best moments happen here.
Where I’ve Spoken
A selection of stages, communities, and events I’ve had the privilege to address over the past decade.
TEDx Speaker
Delivered a TEDx talk on the importance of authentic human connection and community building in today’s world. A milestone that validated a decade of work — and opened doors to speaking engagements internationally.
Startup Grind — Fireside Chats & Panels
As Director of Startup Grind Calgary, I host and participate in fireside chats with founders, investors, and ecosystem builders — including leaders from companies like KPMG Canada. Part of the world’s largest startup community, spanning 600+ cities.
LinkedIn Local — International
Founded and led LinkedIn Local chapters internationally, bringing professionals together for authentic, in-person networking rooted in the LinkedIn community. Regularly spoke on professional networking and personal branding to audiences of 100+ across multiple countries.
Linked.Club & Community Events
As founder of Linked.Club (333+ members), I regularly lead sessions on networking strategy, community building, and professional growth at curated events at venues like Heliopolis and Platform Calgary.
Industry Conferences & Corporate Events
Regular speaker at community building, nonprofit leadership, startup, and professional development events internationally. Topics range from strategic networking to nonprofit operations to cross-cultural collaboration.
Speaking Inquiries
How do I book Alish Shams to speak at my event?
Submit a request through the contact page with your event date, format (keynote, workshop, fireside chat, or panel), audience size, and preferred topic. You can also connect with Alish directly on LinkedIn. Alish responds to all inquiries within 48 hours.
What topics does Alish Shams speak about?
Alish speaks on community building, networking strategy, immigrant entrepreneurship, leadership without authority, the psychology of belonging, storytelling, event design, sustainable hustle, and startup ecosystems. Every talk is customized to the audience. View all speaking topics above. Learn more about Alish’s ventures.
Does Alish speak at virtual events?
Yes. Alish is available for both in-person and virtual engagements internationally. He speaks at live conferences, corporate events, podcasts, webinars, and virtual summits. Submit a speaking inquiry for availability.
What is Alish Shams’s speaking experience?
Alish has delivered a TEDx talk, hosted 300+ events over a decade, led fireside chats with leaders from organizations like KPMG Canada through Startup Grind Calgary, and spoken to audiences spanning 40+ nationalities and cultures across multiple countries. He is also the founder of Linked.Club (333+ members). Learn more on the About page.
Can Alish customize a talk for my audience?
Absolutely. Every talk is tailored to the audience, event format, and goals. Whether it’s a 30-minute keynote for 500 people or an intimate workshop for 20, Alish works with event organizers to ensure the content resonates and delivers actionable value. Start the conversation.
Book Alish for Your Next Event
Available for in-person and virtual engagements internationally.
Include your event date, format, audience size, and topic of interest when reaching out.