Ross Shafer
Keynote Speaker: Six-Time Emmy Award-Winning Comedian, TV Host, Business Author and Relevance & Customer Experience Expert
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Ross Shafer Biography
Ross Shafer is a six-time Emmy Award–winning comedian, network TV host, keynote speaker, and business author who has rescued 23 companies from bankruptcy and worked with more than 3,000 corporate clients worldwide.
On TV, Shafer became a household name as host of "The Match Game," "The Late Show," and "Almost Live!". His comedy roots and quick wit make him a trusted emcee and entertainer for Fortune 500 events, where he blends humor with business strategies that drive change.
As an author, Shafer has written 10 bestselling books, including "Nobody Moved Your Cheese," "Customer Empathy," "No More Customer Friction," and "RATTLED." His WOW vs. POW method has revolutionized customer loyalty by showing that eliminating frustrations is more powerful than flashy perks.
Shafer’s influence extends to Apple, Microsoft, Hilton, Toyota, FedEx, Adobe, Charles Schwab, and United Airlines. In 2025, he joined Joel McHale and Jaylen Brown to honor his longtime friend Bill Nye at Nye’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony—a full-circle moment, since Shafer coined the name “Bill Nye the Science Guy.”
Whether delivering a funny and unforgettable keynote, hosting your event, or writing game-changing business insights, Shafer helps organizations stay relevant, build loyalty, and thrive through change.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Ross Shafer and other top speakers and celebrities.
Ross Shafer Speaking Topics
This fun and engaging keynote was born from Ross’s bestselling book, "Are You Relevant?" But his content has been updated to address the technology and talent revolution we are currently navigating.
Takeaways:
- Relevance Is a Moving Target – A relevant culture must be constantly curated. AI can provide granular data and keep you current with new efficiencies, but only humans keep you relevant through empathy, judgment, and showmanship. Ross will inspire your teams to realize their human value in the Age of AI.
- Customer Expectations Have Evolved – Taking from his book, "No More Customer Friction," Ross shows why his WOW vs. POW coaching escalates satisfaction scores. Preventing “customer gut punches” matters more than delivering surprise gestures.
- The Relationship Secret that Builds Instant Rapport – Ross shares the talk-show interviewing technique he used on ABC, NBC, USA, and FOX to create instant rapport and trust. This tactic is crucial in our new “deepfake” world. People are suspicious about what they see, hear, and read. AI can tell people the words and videos are real. But only personal engagement and genuine curiosity can read the room for reality.
- The Final Moment Determines Loyalty – Customers may forget the first touch, but they’ll never forget the last. Ross shows how to design final moments that cement loyalty for life.
A funny and unforgettable keynote by six-time Emmy-winning comedian, TV host, and business author Ross Shafer.
Takeaways:
- Authentic, Emotional Storytelling – While AI can write copy, AI can’t make people feel confident in their purchase. Ross will teach your teams why verifiable, human stories differentiate your organization over your competitors.
- Weaving Your Sales Stories into Your Personal Brand Story – Audiences crave real human journeys. Ross uses his own life story (including coaching and launching Bill Nye, the Science Guy) as a blueprint for leaders to establish trust among your customers and your team.
- Why Do Some Stories Go Viral? – Ross shows you how to create compelling stories your customers and fans can’t wait to share. In a world of AI-generated noise and deepfakes, human word-of-mouth engagement can go viral just as fast. – Create an Endless Inventory of Authentic Stories – Ross teaches a reliable way to harvest fresh, ethical stories from outside your industry. With this secret, you’ll have an endless supply of emotional tales that make your brand unforgettable.
Ross Shafer explains why loyalty is won in the battle of WOW vs. POW. WOW moments are nice gestures, but quickly forgotten. By eliminating the POW moments, you can raise satisfaction scores because reliability reduces customer friction and frustration.
Takeaways:
- Proven Thought Leadership – Author of five best-selling customer experience books and 16 training films on the customer experience, customer effort, and reducing friction, Ross shares research-based strategies that blend beautifully in the AI era.
- AI Can Help—but NOT Replace Humans – AI can track orders and automate refunds. But even ChatGPT admits it makes mistakes. It can actually hallucinate! Your organization cannot afford to make unforced errors, gaslight customers through chatbots, or generate misrouted deliveries. Ross simplifies loyalty by showing how to remove the pain points and blend AI efficiency with human empathy.
- Engaging Style – Ross’s energetic style—fueled by humor, storytelling, and real-world examples—makes complex strategies simple and funny.
Ross Shafer brings polish and energy to multi-day events. A seasoned talk/game show host, he effortlessly:
- Moderates executive panels
- Interviews celebrities
- Recaps sessions with humor and clarity
- Keeps audiences energized between sessions (Bonus: Ross weaves in topical AI/business humor so your event feels timely and future-focused.)
Ross Shafer Videos
How do I book Ross Shafer to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Ross Shafer 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 Ross Shafer, 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 Ross Shafer or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Ross Shafer for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Ross Shafer, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ross Shafer are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ross Shafer, 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 Ross Shafer speak about?
Ross Shafer is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Innovation, Customer Experience, Business, Inspirational, Sales, Change Management, Work-Life Balance, Host & Emcee, Health & Wellness, Business Growth, Personal Growth, Author, Business Authors, Motivational, College, Celebrity, Leadership, Marketing and Comedian.
Where does Ross Shafer travel from?
Ross Shafer generally travels from Denver, CO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Ross Shafer?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Ross Shafer 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 Ross Shafer 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 Ross Shafer 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.
Ross Shafer is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Innovation, Customer Experience and Business. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ross Shafer for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Ross Shafer generally travels from Denver, CO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jon Petz, Eric Boles and Joel Zeff. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ross Shafer for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Ross Shafer Speaking Topics
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THE RELEVANT CULTURE: HOW WILL HUMANITY CO-EXIST WITH AI?
This fun and engaging keynote was born from Ross’s bestselling book, "Are You Relevant?" But his content has been updated to address the technology and talent revolution we are currently navigating.
Takeaways:
- Relevance Is a Moving Target – A relevant culture must be constantly curated. AI can provide granular data and keep you current with new efficiencies, but only humans keep you relevant through empathy, judgment, and showmanship. Ross will inspire your teams to realize their human value in the Age of AI.
- Customer Expectations Have Evolved – Taking from his book, "No More Customer Friction," Ross shows why his WOW vs. POW coaching escalates satisfaction scores. Preventing “customer gut punches” matters more than delivering surprise gestures.
- The Relationship Secret that Builds Instant Rapport – Ross shares the talk-show interviewing technique he used on ABC, NBC, USA, and FOX to create instant rapport and trust. This tactic is crucial in our new “deepfake” world. People are suspicious about what they see, hear, and read. AI can tell people the words and videos are real. But only personal engagement and genuine curiosity can read the room for reality.
- The Final Moment Determines Loyalty – Customers may forget the first touch, but they’ll never forget the last. Ross shows how to design final moments that cement loyalty for life.
-
HOW TO TELL STORIES THAT SELL YOUR BRAND AND HUMANIZE YOUR SALES STORIES
A funny and unforgettable keynote by six-time Emmy-winning comedian, TV host, and business author Ross Shafer.
Takeaways:
- Authentic, Emotional Storytelling – While AI can write copy, AI can’t make people feel confident in their purchase. Ross will teach your teams why verifiable, human stories differentiate your organization over your competitors.
- Weaving Your Sales Stories into Your Personal Brand Story – Audiences crave real human journeys. Ross uses his own life story (including coaching and launching Bill Nye, the Science Guy) as a blueprint for leaders to establish trust among your customers and your team.
- Why Do Some Stories Go Viral? – Ross shows you how to create compelling stories your customers and fans can’t wait to share. In a world of AI-generated noise and deepfakes, human word-of-mouth engagement can go viral just as fast. – Create an Endless Inventory of Authentic Stories – Ross teaches a reliable way to harvest fresh, ethical stories from outside your industry. With this secret, you’ll have an endless supply of emotional tales that make your brand unforgettable.
-
WOW-ING CUSTOMERS DOESN’T GUARANTEE LOYALTY
Ross Shafer explains why loyalty is won in the battle of WOW vs. POW. WOW moments are nice gestures, but quickly forgotten. By eliminating the POW moments, you can raise satisfaction scores because reliability reduces customer friction and frustration.
Takeaways:
- Proven Thought Leadership – Author of five best-selling customer experience books and 16 training films on the customer experience, customer effort, and reducing friction, Ross shares research-based strategies that blend beautifully in the AI era.
- AI Can Help—but NOT Replace Humans – AI can track orders and automate refunds. But even ChatGPT admits it makes mistakes. It can actually hallucinate! Your organization cannot afford to make unforced errors, gaslight customers through chatbots, or generate misrouted deliveries. Ross simplifies loyalty by showing how to remove the pain points and blend AI efficiency with human empathy.
- Engaging Style – Ross’s energetic style—fueled by humor, storytelling, and real-world examples—makes complex strategies simple and funny.
-
ROSS IS YOUR ULTIMATE EMCEE
Ross Shafer brings polish and energy to multi-day events. A seasoned talk/game show host, he effortlessly:
- Moderates executive panels
- Interviews celebrities
- Recaps sessions with humor and clarity
- Keeps audiences energized between sessions (Bonus: Ross weaves in topical AI/business humor so your event feels timely and future-focused.)
VIDEO
Ross Shafer Videos
BOOKS
REVIEWS
Ross Shafer Reviews
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SOPREMA - Feb 06 2025
FAQS
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How do I book Ross Shafer to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Ross Shafer 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 Ross Shafer, 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 Ross Shafer or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Ross Shafer for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Ross Shafer, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ross Shafer are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ross Shafer, 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 Ross Shafer speak about?
Ross Shafer is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Innovation, Customer Experience, Business, Inspirational, Sales, Change Management, Work-Life Balance, Host & Emcee, Health & Wellness, Business Growth, Personal Growth, Author, Business Authors, Motivational, College, Celebrity, Leadership, Marketing and Comedian. -
Where does Ross Shafer travel from?
Ross Shafer generally travels from Denver, CO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Ross Shafer?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Ross Shafer 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 Ross Shafer 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 Ross Shafer 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.
BOOK ROSS SHAFER
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All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
