Joan Palmiter Bajorek Turns AI Expertise Into a Thriving Paid Speaking Business
Joan Palmiter Bajorek has spent years at the forefront of AI, earning a Master’s in Linguistics, a PhD in Conversational AI, and establishing herself as a respected influencer in Voice AI. Her work on Fortune 500 AI products similar to Alexa and Siri has impacted millions and gotten her featured in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, FOX Business, and CES. Yet despite her accolades, Joan found herself speaking for free or on an ad-hoc basis, delivering immense value but seeing little direct return.
“I’ve been doing tons of public speaking for years, but mostly for free. I realized there were systems and ways of monetizing speaking, and that’s something I wanted to figure out,” Joan reflects.
Her wake-up call came from a mentor who bluntly told her, “I don’t get why you’re not doing more paid speaking.” At first, Joan felt a sting of frustration and doubt, but she quickly recognized it as a gift.
“It was so painful, but I thought, ‘Wait a minute, this is a huge blessing. He couldn’t have been clearer.’ And he was right,” she says.
From Free Gigs to Paid Opportunities
Joan joined The Speaker Lab to bridge the gap between her expertise and a sustainable, profitable speaking business. Her initial hesitation to dive in was less about her ability and more about the conversations she would have to have with potential clients.
“I was worried about pushback when I said, ‘I need to be paid.’ It’s a whole different kind of conversation. I had to own that line for my business,” she explains.
Through The Speaker Lab, Joan discovered the structured processes she needed, including sales systems, pricing strategies, video content, and repeatable workshop frameworks. She learned how to package her expertise and ensure her time and value were respected.
“Video content has been so profound. People watch my videos before they even decide to get on a call with me. And the sales processes, getting the system down on the back end, can be revolutionary,” Joan says.
Workshops Become the Game Changer
While Joan initially thought keynotes would drive her paid speaking, she discovered that workshops became her fastest-selling, highest-demand offering. Using the tools and strategies from The Speaker Lab, she created repeatable, structured workshops, complete with pre-work assignments that set clients up for success and increased engagement.
“I’ve now established five workshop products. People put down money quickly, and it’s been a ‘don’t mess with success’ moment. Workshops are now the main thing on my website’s homepage. It went from “I’ll think about it” to “I’m ready to send the deposit.” The workshops sell faster than I imagined,” she shares.
This shift has allowed Joan to focus on high-value engagements while maintaining flexibility and control over her speaking business.
Seeing the Impact
Joan’s expertise is truly changing industries. She works with executive teams to help them future-proof their businesses using AI. Her guidance is shaping decisions at companies in construction, lifesciences, and software productivity, work that has the potential to impact millions of lives.
“It hit me that without my help, these companies wouldn’t go as far. My expertise is helping the world, through my zone of genius, and it’s really meaningful,” she says.
Alongside the financial and professional growth, Joan’s confidence in her sales abilities has soared. She has learned to navigate pricing, negotiate professionally, and build long-term relationships with clients who continually seek her guidance.
“I’m paid regularly now, my sales skills have improved, and I’m seeing multi-year relationships develop. Customers say, ‘That’s a relatively cheap price point. I would have paid more,’ and that’s validating,” she explains.
The Speaker Lab Difference
For Joan, The Speaker Lab has been about more than systems and strategies. It has provided a supportive community, accountability partners, and insight into what truly drives demand.
“I’ve met a lot of lovely humans here. I have an accountability buddy, and we share voice notes often. The support is abundant,” she says.
Her advice for anyone considering The Speaker Lab is simple: if you have expertise but haven’t yet monetized it, this program gives you the tools to make it happen.
“Maybe you already have accolades or expertise, but there’s a missing piece. The Speaker Lab teaches the how. It allows you to expand your reach and truly diversify your income,” Joan says.
From Expertise to Influence
Today, Joan’s speaking business is thriving. She turns away opportunities that don’t fit her vision, focuses on workshops that sell quickly, and works with clients who value her expertise. She’s no longer just an AI influencer; she’s a paid thought leader, guiding businesses to prepare for the future while making a meaningful impact on the world.
“I’m seeing the momentum. I’m helping companies succeed, my clients are grateful, and my business is sustainable. It’s exciting to know that the work I do truly matters,” Joan reflects.
Joan’s story is proof that expertise, when paired with the right systems and strategy, can turn into a business that not only pays the bills but amplifies impact in ways you never imagined.