ProSpeakers.com – October 28, 2024
Owner and Founder of ProSpeakers.com, Heather MacLean began her career with a passion for connecting people and ideas. Holding an Honours Business Administration (HBA) degree from Western University, Heather combined her educational background with extensive experience in sports marketing to build a leading speakers bureau.
She started her professional journey as a consultant in Sports Marketing with Lang & Associates, where she honed her skills in brand development and sponsorship. Heather then advanced to become the Global Head of Sponsorship at Labatt/Anheuser-Busch, one of the world’s largest brewing companies. In this role, she managed high-profile sponsorships and partnerships, further deepening her expertise in marketing and event management.
Recognizing the transformative power of storytelling and inspiration, Heather dedicated herself to bringing together some of the most influential voices in business and sports to motivate and educate audiences worldwide through ProSpeakers.com.
An accomplished athlete herself, Heather has competed for Canada in squash, embodying the perseverance and dedication she admires in the sports speakers she represents. Her passion for sports extends beyond her own participation; it influences her focus on featuring sports speakers who can share powerful lessons about leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity.
Heather is also deeply committed to giving back to the community. Since its inception, she has been involved with George Brown College’s “5 to Watch” awards, supporting the next generation of leaders in the sports industry. This involvement reflects her dedication to nurturing talent and fostering opportunities for others.
As a mother of two teenage boys and the owner of a beloved dog named Siri, Heather understands the importance of balancing a demanding career with family life. Her personal experiences enrich her perspective and drive her commitment to empowering other women in business.
Please tell us a little bit about your company – what is ProSpeakers.com all about?
ProSpeakers.com was founded with the vision of bridging the gap between organizations seeking impactful speakers and the talented individuals who can deliver transformative messages. Unlike many of our competitors, we do not exclusively represent speakers. This unique approach allows us the flexibility to focus solely on finding the best possible speaker for each client’s specific needs, drawing from an extensive network of talent across various fields and industries.
We specialize in representing a diverse roster of keynote speakers, motivational speakers, sports figures, and industry experts. Our goal is to match the right speaker with the right event to create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact on audiences.
Being a woman-owned business, we are committed to supporting and elevating female voices in the industry. By showcasing women in business and leadership roles, we contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic speaking landscape. Additionally, our strong focus on sports speakers stems from the universal lessons of perseverance, teamwork, and success that resonate with all audiences.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company.
My journey began with a deep appreciation for the power of effective communication and the impact a compelling speaker can have on an audience. After earning my HBA from Western University, I worked as a consultant in Sports Marketing with Lang & Associates and later became the Global Head of Sponsorship at Labatt/Anheuser-Busch. These experiences allowed me to develop a strong network within the industry and a keen understanding of how impactful partnerships are formed.
I noticed a gap in the market for a personalized approach to connecting organizations with speakers who not only inform but also inspire and motivate. I also observed that many agencies exclusively represented certain speakers, which limited the options available to clients and sometimes led to less-than-perfect matches between speakers and events. I wanted to create a company that was client-focused, with the flexibility to find the best speaker for each event without the constraints of exclusive representation.
Drawing on my experience and passion for both business and sports—and as someone who has competed for Canada in squash—I founded ProSpeakers.com. My aim was to create a platform that elevates voices from diverse backgrounds. As a woman in business and a mother, I was particularly motivated to create opportunities for other women to share their expertise and stories on prominent stages. This commitment has been a driving force behind our company’s growth and reputation for excellence.
What are your plans, and how do you plan to grow this company?
Our plans for growth involve expanding our reach both nationally and internationally while continuing to diversify our roster of speakers. By not being tied to exclusive contracts with speakers, we maintain the flexibility to continually seek out new and emerging talent that aligns with our clients’ evolving needs.
We aim to leverage technology to facilitate virtual and hybrid events, making it easier for clients and speakers to connect regardless of location. This adaptability is especially important in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing event landscape.
We are also focusing on initiatives that support emerging speakers, especially women and individuals from underrepresented groups. By mentoring new talent and providing them with opportunities, we hope to bring fresh perspectives and voices to the forefront of the speaking industry. This not only enriches our offerings but also contributes to positive change within the industry as a whole.
Additionally, my involvement with George Brown College’s “5 to Watch” awards allows us to stay connected with upcoming talent in the sports industry, further enhancing our ability to offer fresh and relevant speakers to our clients.
What was the biggest problem you encountered with your business, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges we faced was establishing credibility in a competitive industry often dominated by larger agencies that exclusively represent speakers. As a boutique, woman-owned business that does not hold exclusive contracts, we needed to demonstrate that we could provide the same level of service and access to top-tier talent as our larger counterparts.
We overcame this by prioritizing personalized service and building strong, trust-based relationships with both our clients and a wide network of speakers. By taking the time to understand each client’s unique needs and delivering tailored solutions, we were able to showcase our commitment to excellence. Our ability to source the best speaker for each event, unrestricted by exclusive representation, has been a significant advantage that our clients value.
Our focus on authenticity and integrity has helped us build a solid reputation and a loyal client base that appreciates the distinct advantages we offer.
Please tell us more about your focus on women in business and sports speakers.
Promoting women in business is a core value at ProSpeakers.com. We believe that female leaders bring invaluable insights and perspectives that can inspire change and drive innovation. By providing platforms for women to share their experiences and expertise, we aim to contribute to a more balanced and inclusive dialogue in the corporate world.
Our focus on sports speakers is deeply personal for me. I understand firsthand the powerful lessons sports can teach about leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity. Sports figures often have compelling stories that resonate with audiences from all walks of life, making them excellent choices for events seeking to motivate and inspire.
What sets ProSpeakers.com apart from other agencies in the industry?
Our personalized approach, flexibility, and unwavering commitment to our clients set us apart. Unlike many agencies that exclusively represent certain speakers, we are not limited by exclusive contracts. This allows us to focus entirely on finding the best possible speaker for each client’s specific needs, drawing from an extensive and diverse network of talent.
We take the time to understand the specific goals and objectives of each event, allowing us to recommend speakers who are the perfect fit. Our emphasis on supporting women in business and featuring sports speakers adds unique dimensions to our offerings.
Additionally, as a boutique agency, we offer a level of flexibility and attentiveness that larger firms may not provide. Our clients appreciate the direct communication and the genuine partnerships we build throughout the planning process. We are dedicated to making each event a success by ensuring that the speaker not only meets but exceeds expectations.
At ProSpeakers.com, Heather MacLean continues to lead with a vision of connecting audiences with speakers who can make a real difference. Through her dedication to empowering others, fostering meaningful connections, and giving back to the community through initiatives like George Brown College’s “5 to Watch,” she exemplifies the impact that a woman-owned business can have in the industry. By focusing on the needs of our clients and not being confined by exclusive representation, we remain committed to finding the perfect speaker to inspire, educate, and motivate each unique audience.