Availability dot

Available to book

Peak Performance Expert

Marilyn Sherman

Marilyn Sherman helps teams escape their comfort zones and lead with intention. She works with Fortune 500 companies globally, delivering strategies that reduce conflict and drive results. National Speakers Association’s Speaker Hall of Fame (CPAE) member and founder of UpFront Presentations.

Trusted by Starbucks, Boston Market Corporation, Rubios' Restaurants, Inc.

Marilyn Sherman, Speaker | Peak Performance Expert
Marilyn Sherman

Marilyn Sherman

Las Vegas, United States

Typical fee range

$26k–50k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

Get Marilyn's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Marilyn

Las Vegas, United States

Starting from

$26k–50k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Marilyn Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Marilyn Sherman's biography

At a glance

  • Hall of Fame business keynote speaker for Fortune 500 companies
  • Author of four motivational books, including Whose Comfort Zone Are You In?
  • Inspires audiences to embrace change, elevate performance, and lead with purpose
Marilyn Sherman has spent her career inspiring people to get out of their comfort zones and take their seat in the “Front-Row” of life and leadership. As founder of UpFront Presentations and a member of the National Speakers Association's Hall of Fame (CPAE), a distinction held by fewer than 200 speakers worldwide, Marilyn has delivered keynotes for Fortune 500 companies and international universities across the globe. She is the author of four books, including Why Settle for the Balcony? and Whose Comfort Zone Are You In? Marilyn's work draws on years of experience helping teams and individuals close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Her workshops on confident communication give participants concrete strategies for reducing conflict at work and her Front-Row Friday video series reaches professionals looking for weekly moments of inspiration. Audiences who attend Marilyn's sessions leave with a clearer understanding of what is keeping them in their comfort zone and why, practical communication techniques that reduce friction in team settings, and a framework for pursuing goals with greater intention and follow-through. Book Marilyn Sherman when the brief calls for genuine mindset shifts and behavior change.

Marilyn's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Front-Row Success: How Top Performers Never Settle For Balcony Seats
Most people know they are capable of more, yet they stay in the back row. Marilyn Sherman's signature keynote dismantles the habits, fears, and distractions that keep professionals playing small. Drawing on her S.E.A.T. of Success framework, she walks audiences through how top performers manage vision, energy, mindset, and setbacks differently. Equal parts practical and motivating, this session leaves people with a clear plan for closing the gap between where they are and where they want to be.
Communicating For Results: From Conflict To Cooperation
Workplace tension is rising, yet most people will do almost anything to avoid a difficult conversation. Marilyn Sherman shows audiences exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to say it so that hard conversations lead to resolution rather than resentment. This session gives teams a repeatable approach to conflict that reduces friction, rebuilds trust, and keeps performance on track.
Managing Change For Optimal Results
Change is constant, but the way people respond to it varies enormously. Marilyn Sherman introduces audiences to three mindsets that emerge whenever organisations face disruption — victim, vacationer, and volunteer — and makes it immediately obvious which one is holding teams back. Through sharp, recognisable examples, she shows managers and employees alike how to shift their own default response and bring others along with them, building the kind of adaptable culture that makes change a competitive advantage rather than a source of stress.

Why we recommend booking Marilyn

Marilyn's National Speakers Association Hall of Fame distinction and four published books speak directly to her expertise in workplace communication and goal execution. Her workshops provide concrete conflict reduction techniques that teams can implement immediately. Marilyn's sessions are highly valued by organizations looking to create measurable behavior change around communication friction and comfort zone expansion.

Check Marilyn's availability

Trusted by Starbucks, Boston Market Corporation, Rubios' Restaurants, Inc.

Testimonials

Thank you Marilyn for your time, energy, and most importantly, sharing what you love with us! Some comments: “I really came away thinking about my work differently, I want to be as effective as I can be. The keynote speaker and the personal accountability to be a better, more highly effective leader was excellent!’ Thank you again Marilyn for inspiring others to be better than they were yesterday!

Melinda Altamirano

Regional Director, Starbucks

The entire conference was an enormous success, but many people commented specially on how outstanding, motivational, and thought-provoking your presentation was. We believe all who saw you were deeply inspired and benefited greatly from your expertise and guidance!

Phyllis A. James

President and CEO, Foundation For Women's Leadership & Empowerment

On behalf of Boston Market Corporation and our national catering sales team, I want to thank you for your outstanding motivational program "Whose Comfort Zone Are You In?" Your program was the highlight of our national sales meeting. Our team enjoyed your sense of humor and I heard many great comments: She was great…inspiring…that was awesome….and certainly motivating! I also appreciate how easy it was to work with you and your organization! Thank you for your professionalism; we were extremely pleased with your services. I would highly recommend you and your programs to anyone I know that is looking for a motivational speaker!

Jackie Swift

Director, Catering Sales Operations, Boston Market Corporation

Featured Projects

Marilyn Sherman - Why Settle for the Balcony? book cover
Marilyn Sherman - Whose Comfort Zone Are You In? book cover
Marilyn Sherman - Is There a Hole in Your Bucket List? book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Marilyn Sherman for my next event?

What is Marilyn Sherman's speaking style like?

Marilyn Sherman structures her sessions around named frameworks, most notably the S.E.A.T. of Success, which organises her content on vision, energy, mindset, and setbacks into a sequence audiences can apply directly. She also uses a three-mindset model — victim, vacationer, and volunteer — to help teams identify and shift their default response to change.

What topics does Marilyn Sherman specialise in?

Marilyn Sherman's sessions address high performance and goal achievement, workplace conflict and communication, and change management and organisational adaptability. She is a member of the National Speakers Association's Hall of Fame (CPAE), a distinction held by fewer than 200 speakers worldwide, and has delivered keynotes for Fortune 500 companies internationally.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.