Jason Young
Former Senior Executive at Southwest Airlines & Renowned Training & Development Expert
Biography
Driven by the need to extend his unique insight in leadership development to others outside Southwest, Jason Young separated from the pack in 1998, when he left the airline to launch his own consulting practice to focus on corporate training and development services specializing in culture, leadership, customer service and team building. Today, as president of LeadSmart, Inc., Jason Young shares his vision in developing successful corporate cultures with forward-thinking companies, including Starbucks, IHOP, Radio Shack and Tyson Foods, to name just a few. He has even returned to his old turf—Southwest Airlines—to extend his knowledge as a corporate training consultant in the leadership development area once again. Jason has captured his philosophy of creating high performance cultures in his books, The Culturetopia Effect and Servicetopia. Capturing the innovative strategies and tactics he created at Southwest Airlines, Jason Young offers insight and practical information that can be implemented immediately. His keynote presentations and training programs are in demand for audiences of all types—from senior level executives to front line employees. Jason’s messages reach to the core of every audience member with his unique style and engaging presentation skills. Participants are treated to a compelling experience that will change the way they view themselves, their customers and the company for which they work. Jason Young’s keynote presentations are designed to reinforce the concepts and skills geared to increase learning and assist in the transition from the meeting room to the workplace. The result is an inspirational encounter that resonates long after his presentation is over.
Speech Topics
Lead Smart -- High Performance Leadership
Jason Young teaches that leaders develop, motivate and empower people to achieve extraordinary results while providing vision and guidance throughout the entire process. Truly smart leaders know that is more than a mere statement of fact, but rather a personal and professional challenge to be met everyday. Faced with two choices – lead smart or die – they’ll know what to do to achieve your organization’s success. They will find out the new definition of becoming a person of influence and how that applies to everyone in your organization. Your leaders will hear how organizing talent to build effective teams creates an incredible workplace culture and how applying successful coaching skills will help your teams excel. They’ll learn how to handle change – for better or worse – and how effective disagreement management can enhance team productivity.
The Southwest Effect -- Successful Practices of a Market Leader
Southwest Airlines has given the business world a textbook example that providing fabulous customer service and maintaining high employee morale in a low-cost environment is possible – and indeed profitable in Corporate America today. But what’s the real story? As a key developer of Southwest Airlines’ legendary positively outrageous customer service and leadership training programs, Jason Young knows that great culture does not “just happen.” A customer service initiative can be created and nurtured to flourish into a customer service culture. Beyond the headlines and the hype, Jason shares the real inside story behind the success of the company consistently rated No. 1 in customer service and employee satisfaction. Best of all, you'll learn how you can take these proven organizational principles to your team or company. You won’t want to miss this inside edition from the man who knows it best.
Culturetopia: The Ultimate High-performance Workplace
Based on his experience as an insider at famed Southwest Airlines and consultant to dozens of other Fortune 500 companies, Jason Young offers a dramatically different approach to creating and sustaining a high performance workplace. His solution for companies is to create an organizational culture where employees can do their best work and one that will produce the desired performance outcomes in productivity, profitability, employee retention and customer satisfaction. The key is intentionally identifying and developing the essential factors that impact performance for any organization: leadership principles, management practices, team alignment and employee behavior. These are the elements that truly define organizational culture and that have the greatest impact on results.
Servicetopia: The Ultimate Customer Service Experience
In this keynote, Jason Young explains how a company can deliver a transformational service experience — Servicetopia — with each and every customer encounter. What is Servicetopia? Imagine an environment where all employees are aligned with the mission and vision of the company and every day they go to work committed to providing exceptional service to every customer. They understand their purpose in the organization. They perform their duties with passion as they seek to meet every customer’s needs. They are professional and work tirelessly to build customer loyalty. They follow a carefully outlined process to ensure customer satisfaction and eliminate pain and frustration. And in the end, they add a little pizazz to surprise and delight the customer. Purpose. Passion. Professional. Process. Pizazz. These are the hallmarks of Servicetopia, the behaviors required for delivering exceptional customer service, everyday. You’ll discover that a commitment to Servicetopia can help your organization make a name for itself and impact the bottom line.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Jason Young's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Jason Young's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Jason Young's speaking fee?
The typical range for Jason Young's speaking fee is $7,000–$13,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Jason Young to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Jason Young for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Jason Young's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Jason Young through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Jason Young

Mark DeVolder
• Top Change Management and Transformation Speaker • Global Transition Thought-Leader • Award Winning Keynote Speaker
Fee Range: $12,000–$20,000
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Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee has built one of the most illustrious athletic careers in the world of track & field. Her performance in the heptathlon and long jump in the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics, made her a legend. Jackie Joyner-Kersee has set over 18 athletic records, received over 24 recognition awards, is a successful businesswoman, respected community leader, and a dynamic motivational speaker who inspires audiences to go after their dreams with passion and commitment. Working with the 77-year-old Farm Foundation and the United States Department of Agriculture, Jackie has embarked upon a nationwide effort to enhance the comprehensive health of our nation’s communities through the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
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Ross Shafer
Ross Shafer is a 6-time Emmy Award Winning Comedian and Writer. Pretty good for pet shop manager moonlighting as a comedian. In l984, a local TV station saw him and decided to hire him as an on-air host. Ross’ unconventional style was soon spotted by the networks and he moved to Hollywood to host talk/game shows for ABC, USA, and Comedy Central. What Ross gleaned most from show business was how TV and movies reacted to emerging trends and human behavior shifts. So in l994, he began studying how customer emotional connections affected organizational growth (or extinction). To that end, he has written 14 H.R. training films on customer service, motivation, and leadership. He is also the author of Absolutely Necessary: Bulletproof Tactics That Will Put You in High Demand.
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Lisa Ford
Lisa Ford delivers what her audiences want—practical ideas combined with plenty of opportunities to laugh and relate to her examples. Her content inspires people to increase their personal, team and organization's results. Lisa is the author of How To Give Exceptional Customer Service, the #1 selling business videotape series for the last 3 years in the U.S. She has also authored, Developing A Customer Retention Program, co-authored Building A Customer Driven Organization: The Manager's Role video and audio tapes, and Personal Power audio tapes. She is an expert in the field of customer service, customer retention, managing, hiring and training for service excellence. Other popular topics offered by Lisa are on leadership, team issues, everyday excellence and change. Lisa is known for designing content customized to the audience and the issues they face. Audiences love how the presentation is filled with practical strategies, common sense, memorable stories and combined with enthusiasm and humor.
Fee Range: $10,000–$20,000
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