Joan Michelson

Joan Michelson

Keynote Speaker: Leadership & Economic Trends Speaker & Author of "Economic Tsunami"

Joan Michelson Biography

Joan Bryna Michelson, MBA is a highly accomplished business leader and award-winning, strategic, social impact, communications and ESG – environment, social, governance – leader and a dynamic public speaker who has addressed many events and conferences across the globe as an emcee, keynote speaker and moderator.

Michelson is the author of the ground-breaking new book, "Economic Tsunami: How the Great Wealth Transfer to Women and the Next Generation Changes Everything," about the profound shifts we can anticipate in the economy and society as trillions of dollars changes hands.

Her specialties include changes to the economy and society as the massive wealth transfer ripples through and leveraging ESG solutions and partnerships strategically for maximum benefit. She helps organizations recruit innovative, diverse women, and helps these women thrive in their careers. She is based in the Washington D.C. area.

Top organizations who frequently book high-profile speakers said Joan’s presentations were “the most engaging,” received the most questions of any speaker – and the most interesting questions – reflecting a highly-engaged audience.

Michelson has spoken at dozens of conferences and events across the globe (some repeatedly), including: Smart City Expo World Congress (2026); Tulane Energy Forum (2026); SXSW London (2025); The Earth Day Women’s Summit (2025); United Nations General Assembly Climate Week 2024; Export Import Bank 2023; SXSW, ChangeNow 2023 Summit (Paris, France), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (U.S. Defense Department), UN COP26 (Scotland), Sun Valley Forum, The Newseum, U.S. Naval Academy, GLG, Women Automotive Summit, National Institutes of Health, 92nd Street Y, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, MOVE America: Mobility Reimagined; and many more.

Michelson drove breakthrough results at Chrysler (in EVs), American Express and Deloitte in marketing communications leadership roles, and in other businesses, nonprofits and government agencies, as a consultant or interim executive. She is an instructor on ESG issues and communications, including to board members through Competent Boards programs.

A highly-accomplished journalist, Michelson hosts and produces the acclaimed 8Electric Ladies podcast (formerly known as Green Connections Radio*), with over 540 episodes on innovation, leadership and energy- climate and sustainability, and career advice, featuring women experts. USA Today chose her show as one of the top six podcasts for business travelers. She has written hundreds of articles on these issues in Forbes and has also been published in: Harvard Business Review, New Thinking magazine; HuffPost, The New Economy magazine (distributed at the World Economic Forum), TheAtlantic.com, Greenbiz, WTOP.com, regional business journal columns; and in various other media. She coproduced segments with CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” ABC News, and “The Crusaders,” and television specials on NBC.

She is skilled at interviewing C-level corporate executives, top government leaders, academics, scientists, artists and journalists across sectors.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Joan Michelson and other top speakers and celebrities.

Joan Michelson Speaking Topics

How the Great Wealth Transfer to Women and the Next Generation Changes Everything

A once-in-a-century financial shift is shaking the foundations of capitalism, and women, Gen Z, and Millennials are leading the aftershock.

With findings from her new book, ""Economic Tsunami: How the Great Wealth Transfer to Women and the Next Generation Changes Everything,"" award-winning journalist and business leader Joan Michelson discusses the profound changes coming to the economy and society as trillions in wealth shifts to very different hands.

Keeping the talk relevant to her audience's portfolio and industry, Michelson shares practical steps leaders can take to maximize this once-in-a-lifetime massive economic shift, including:

  • What leaders need to do to prepare
  • The kind of leadership companies and organizations need in this new economy and where to find it
  • How what companies have always done, especially in certain industries, is no longer acceptable
  • Steps talent - all levels - can take to maximize this new economy for their own careers

Why Women Are The Leaders The New Economy Needs

The economy is going through a massive shift and it's not because of artificial intelligence. It's because we're living through a once-in-a-century financial shift that is shaking the foundations of capitalism and policy.

Over the next 30 years, women, Gen Z, and Millennials are inheriting $124 trillion (give or take a trillion) in the most massive transfer of wealth in history. Women are predicted to control over 50% of global wealth for the first time ever.

But that's not why women are the leaders this new economy needs.

With findings from her new book, ""Economic Tsunami: How the Great Wealth Transfer to Women and the Next Generation Changes Everything,"" award-winning journalist and business leader Joan Michelson discusses the profound changes coming to the economy and society as a result of this massive economic shift.

Keeping the talk relevant to her audience's portfolio and industry, Michelson shares practical steps leaders can take to maximize this once-in-a-lifetime massive economic shift, including:

  • What leaders need to do to prepare
  • What makes these new wealth-holders very different and how their power and influence will ripple through the economy like an economic tsunami.
  • The kind of leadership companies and organizations need in this new economy and where to find it
  • Why women are uniquely suited to this new economy - and it's not just because they will control trillions more dollars
  • How to identify, recruit, retain and promote talent differently to align with this new economy.

Additional Topics

  • Energy, Sustainability and Climate Issues
  • Seizing Opportunities In The ESG Economy (Environment, Social, Governance)
  • How Do You Talk About The Weather? Communication, Culture & Climate
  • How Sustainability Drives Innovation
  • Why Women Are The Leaders The 21st Century Needs
  • Hire The Outliers
  • Creating Your Career GPS
  • Goal-Setting For Who You Are Today
  • Preparing For Any Kind Of Interview
  • Writing A Book To Support Your Career or Business
  • Motivational Talks on Resilience

Joan Michelson Videos

Joan Michelson - 2023 Sun Valley Forum
Joan Michelson from Electric Ladies Podcast at MOVE Conference 2022
Joan Michelson Keynote Speech | DTRA March 2020

How do I book Joan Michelson to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Joan Michelson for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Joan Michelson, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Joan Michelson or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Joan Michelson for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Joan Michelson, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Joan Michelson are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Joan Michelson, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Joan Michelson speak about?

Joan Michelson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Environment, Sustainability, Energy, Business, Innovation, Leadership, Business Leadership, Marketing, Author, Climate Change, Environmental Science, Earth Day, Business Growth, Conservation, Science, Journalist, Podcast Host, Women in Business, Influential Women, Personal Growth, Empowerment, Female Leadership, Host & Emcee, Women, Ethics & Integrity, Strategic Leadership, Corporate Strategy, ESG, Animals & Wildlife, Environmental Activism, Finance, Small Business and Resilience.

Where does Joan Michelson travel from?

Joan Michelson generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Joan Michelson?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Joan Michelson for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Joan Michelson for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Joan Michelson or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Joan Michelson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Environment, Sustainability and Energy. The estimated speaking fee range to book Joan Michelson for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Joan Michelson generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Pia Heidenmark Cook, Dr. Jonathan Foley and Tensie Whelan. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Joan Michelson for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 29/10/2026.

Joan Michelson Speaking Topics

  • How the Great Wealth Transfer to Women and the Next Generation Changes Everything

    A once-in-a-century financial shift is shaking the foundations of capitalism, and women, Gen Z, and Millennials are leading the aftershock.

    With findings from her new book, ""Economic Tsunami: How the Great Wealth Transfer to Women and the Next Generation Changes Everything,"" award-winning journalist and business leader Joan Michelson discusses the profound changes coming to the economy and society as trillions in wealth shifts to very different hands.

    Keeping the talk relevant to her audience's portfolio and industry, Michelson shares practical steps leaders can take to maximize this once-in-a-lifetime massive economic shift, including:

    • What leaders need to do to prepare
    • The kind of leadership companies and organizations need in this new economy and where to find it
    • How what companies have always done, especially in certain industries, is no longer acceptable
    • Steps talent - all levels - can take to maximize this new economy for their own careers

  • Why Women Are The Leaders The New Economy Needs

    The economy is going through a massive shift and it's not because of artificial intelligence. It's because we're living through a once-in-a-century financial shift that is shaking the foundations of capitalism and policy.

    Over the next 30 years, women, Gen Z, and Millennials are inheriting $124 trillion (give or take a trillion) in the most massive transfer of wealth in history. Women are predicted to control over 50% of global wealth for the first time ever.

    But that's not why women are the leaders this new economy needs.

    With findings from her new book, ""Economic Tsunami: How the Great Wealth Transfer to Women and the Next Generation Changes Everything,"" award-winning journalist and business leader Joan Michelson discusses the profound changes coming to the economy and society as a result of this massive economic shift.

    Keeping the talk relevant to her audience's portfolio and industry, Michelson shares practical steps leaders can take to maximize this once-in-a-lifetime massive economic shift, including:

    • What leaders need to do to prepare
    • What makes these new wealth-holders very different and how their power and influence will ripple through the economy like an economic tsunami.
    • The kind of leadership companies and organizations need in this new economy and where to find it
    • Why women are uniquely suited to this new economy - and it's not just because they will control trillions more dollars
    • How to identify, recruit, retain and promote talent differently to align with this new economy.

  • Additional Topics

    • Energy, Sustainability and Climate Issues
    • Seizing Opportunities In The ESG Economy (Environment, Social, Governance)
    • How Do You Talk About The Weather? Communication, Culture & Climate
    • How Sustainability Drives Innovation
    • Why Women Are The Leaders The 21st Century Needs
    • Hire The Outliers
    • Creating Your Career GPS
    • Goal-Setting For Who You Are Today
    • Preparing For Any Kind Of Interview
    • Writing A Book To Support Your Career or Business
    • Motivational Talks on Resilience

Joan Michelson Videos

Joan Michelson - 2023 Sun Valley Forum
Joan Michelson from Electric Ladies Podcast at MOVE Conference 2022
Joan Michelson Keynote Speech | DTRA March 2020
ESG is Here to Stay! - Joan Michelson on EisnerAmper's Fast Forward Podcast
Women-Powered Innovation | Joan Michelson Ep260
  • How do I book Joan Michelson to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Joan Michelson for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Joan Michelson, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Joan Michelson or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Joan Michelson for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Joan Michelson, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Joan Michelson are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Joan Michelson, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Joan Michelson speak about?

  • Where does Joan Michelson travel from?

    Joan Michelson generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Joan Michelson?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Joan Michelson for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Joan Michelson for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Joan Michelson or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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