Justin Gillebo - Speaking
Most career advice is written for job seekers.
Justin teaches what executives actually reward.
After 15 years leading operations at Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, and UPS — and now researching how Fortune 500 leaders deploy AI and redesign organizations at Zero100 — Justin brings a perspective most speakers can’t: he’s been inside the room where hiring, promotion, and investment decisions get made.
His talks translate enterprise strategy into practical career advantage for the people who need it most: first-generation professionals, ambitious students, and early-career leaders navigating a world being reshaped by AI.
Trusted By
University of Washington, Foster School of Business | Northeastern University | Western Washington University | Zero100
“Justin is one of those rare people who can walk into a room full of strangers and leave everyone feeling like they’ve gained a teammate. I’ve known Justin as a stellar student, an engaged alum, and now a thoughtful professional voice. His insights are grounded in real experience, and his delivery is warm, engaging, and sincere. If your group needs a speaker who builds connection and lifts people up, Justin is an outstanding choice.”
-Lindsey Bain-McCorkle, Associate Director of Programs at University of Washington, Foster School of Business
“I have had the privilege of collaborating with Justin across multiple career development sessions, where he has demonstrated the ability to translate professional experience into actionable advice for aspiring college students. Participants have repeatedly highlighted the practical value of his insights. Notably, at a recent session focused on AI's growing influence in the workforce, his guidance on maintaining professional relevance was met with enthusiasm from both students and staff. Justin's commitment to supporting the future workforce is a testament to his character and expertise.”
-Kathy Wong, Cooperative Education Faculty at Northeastern University
Speaking Topics
The AI-Proof Career: How to Build Leverage When the Rules Are Changing
AI isn’t coming for careers, it’s already reshaping who gets hired, who gets promoted, and who gets left behind. Drawing on his research into how Fortune 500 companies are actually deploying AI, Justin breaks down what young professionals need to understand right now to stay on the side of leverage, not replacement.
Audiences leave knowing what AI is genuinely changing inside organizations and with a concrete framework for positioning themselves ahead of it.
Best for: University career fairs, business school events, corporate early-career programs, workforce development organizations.
The Executive Playbook: What Leaders Actually Look For (But Rarely Say Out Loud)
Hiring and promotion decisions are made by people, not algorithms and the criteria executives actually use rarely appear in a job description. Drawing on experience running teams and hiring panels at Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, Justin reveals how leaders evaluate talent, allocate opportunity, and identify future leaders long before titles change.
Audiences walk away with an insider’s view of how organizations actually work and what to do differently starting Monday.
Best for: First-generation professional programs, MBA and graduate business programs, leadership development events, ERGs.
Designing a Career That Compounds: Strategy for a 40-Year Game
The best career decisions don’t look impressive in year one. They look inevitable in year ten. This talk challenges conventional wisdom about passion, credentials, and hustle — and replaces it with a framework for making early decisions that build long-term leverage, optionality, and earning power.
Audiences leave with a different way of thinking about the career choices in front of them right now.
Best for: Undergraduate programs, community college and first-gen initiatives, scholarship programs, commencement and convocation events.
Formats
Available for keynotes (45–60 min), talks with Q&A (30 min), panels, workshops, and podcast conversations — in person or virtually.
Book Justin
To inquire about availability and fees, email justin.gillebo@gmail.com
Justin speaks at universities, corporate events, leadership forums, workforce development organizations, and podcasts. Response within 48 hours.
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