Small Business Speaker
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Want more than just motivation?
What about real talk, real results and some humor?
→ Looking for a small business keynote speaker who actually gets what it’s like to grow a business in all the unpredictability?
→ Want someone who can speak both strategy and simplicity, and not put your audience to sleep?
You’ve just found her.
Hi, I’m Elaine Lou Cartas business and executive coach, keynote speaker, and founder of a nationally recognized coaching practice that’s helped 20,000+ leaders in 58 countries. I’ve spoken to packed rooms of Fortune 500 execs (literally, people were sitting on the floor, and they had to close the doors).
I also won first place at a pitch competition beating out dozens of other powerhouse entrepreneurs. Watch it here.
And when it comes to supporting small business owners and leaders?
I don’t just teach what works, I share my mistakes so you don’t have to repeat them No promises you won’t make a few of your own though it’s part of life).
“I loved the 6-prong framework, I’ve leveraged it and plan to do so, as it’s easy to remember the 6-Ps organized around the visual of the heart. Passion at its core. I just had a real time conversation yesterday. I was part of a team that led a big networking event last week, and when I stepped in and around with the attendees, I owned the room!”
– Brenda Valley, Albertsons
Finance Officer
⚡ TL;DR — Why Book Me As Your Small Business Speaker?
What You Get
Keynote Speaker with 8+ years of small business, leadership & executive coaching experience and 300+ client reviews
Founder CEO who built her biz from scratch (no outside funding)
Emotional intelligence meets practical action
Trauma-informed, inclusive, and relatable style
Proven track record with LinkedIn, USC, Brown, Duke, and 30+ universities
Audience magnet
Why It Matters
You want someone who doesn’t just drop buzzwords, but actually knows what works on the ground and in the boardroom
I speak the real talk of small biz hustle, leadership, and sustainable success
So your audience doesn’t just feel inspired… they leave with a strategy
People feel safe to ask questions and walk away with confidence
Your event gets elevated by a nationally respected thought leader
My sessions often go standing-room only (and yes, people sit on the floor!)
✅ Book me through your speakers bureau, or contact me directly at
Let’s create a keynote or workshop your people won’t forget.
Why Book This Small Business Speaker (a.k.a. Me)?
You want more than a motivational talk. You want real talk, strategy, and someone who actually understands what it means to build something from scratch while juggling all the things clients, payroll, culture, rest (what’s that?), and your own mental health.
Let’s skip the jargon-y nonsense like:
“Let’s optimize your synergistic workflows with cross-functional KPIs…”
I promise I won’t put you to sleep.
I’m not here to impress with buzzwords. I’m here to connect with the founders, CEOs, first-gen entrepreneurs, and small business leaders who are out here navigating big dreams, tight budgets, and timelines held together by coffee, courage, and a little chaos.
I bring heart, humor, strategy, and storytelling with a side of Muay Thai (yes, I’ve been training for 21 years). Because sometimes leadership isn’t about another system it’s about grounding, breath, and learning how to strike and stay soft.
I’ll say what needs to be said, hold space for what others are afraid to name, and leave your audience feeling seen, empowered, and ready to take action on their terms.
What Makes a Great Small Business Speaker?
(Hint: It’s Not Just Credentials)
Your audience deserves more than recycled TED Talk quotes.
Here’s what I bring to the table:
✅ Relatable storytelling (from 8 years of being a small business owner myself)
✅ Emotional intelligence, neuroscience and practical strategy (I’m trained in trauma-informed facilitation and hold a Cognitive Science degree)
✅ Certifications & credibility: Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, LinkedIn Learning instructor, former political fundraiser (I’ve raised $11M+), and I’ve presented to Fortune 500 leaders.
Email me at [email protected]
Trained, coached and presented to Fortune 500 Executives & leaders from:
Types of Events I Speak At
- Speakers bureau bookings for national conferences
- Keynotes for small business summits and accelerators
- Corporate workshops for executive teams and employee resource groups
- Leadership & entrepreneurship events
- B2B networking events and retreats
Talks are always customized to fit your event’s theme, goals, and audience.
Email me at [email protected]
Most Requested Topics
🎤 Small Business, Big Presence: Executive Personal
🎤 Sustainable Success: How to grow without burning out
🎤 Emotional Intelligence for Founders and Teams
🎤 Personal Branding
🎤 How Rest & Hobbies Makes You More Productive
🎤 How to Use AI to work Smarter as a Small Business Owner
“My favorite part was your ability to let others SHINE. You showed us our own power and knowledge by permitting us to help each other out. It sometimes takes people like you to bring it out of us.”
– Vicki Goizueta, PHR, SHRM-CP Acosta Group
Human Resources Business Partner
Your Audience Will Walk Away With:
✔ Clarity on what leadership and success look like for them
✔ Practical tools for better communication, decision-making, and time management
✔ Permission to lead without burning out or betraying who they are
✔ A-ha moments that turn into long-term action
✔ Talks don’t need to be all motivational and sluff
FAQs
Are your talks interactive or lecture-style?
Highly interactive! I love getting the audience involved. I partner with organizations to do an anonymous survey so I can best understand the audience’s goals and challenges. Whether it’s a keynote or workshop, I make sure people feel seen and leave with takeaways they can actually use.
Are you available for virtual events?
Absolutely. I’ve led virtual sessions for teams across the globe and I know how to keep things engaging on screen. In fact in 2020 when the world shutdown during COVID, I hosted bi-weekly sessions.
Do you speak to corporate audiences too?
Yes. I regularly speak to corporate teams, from execs to new hires.
Do you customize your talk?
Every. Single. Time. I even send out a pre-event survey if desired to make the session more tailored and impactful.
Let’s Talk.
📅 Want to connect directly? Click here to book a call or email me.
👀 Looking for a keynote speaker who speaks from real experience not just a slide deck?
Let’s make your next small business event one that actually changes something.