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Keynotes + Workshops
Clear, energetic learning experiences that make AI practical, relevant, and less intimidating for real people doing real work.
For BSOs, conferences + communities
Human-Centered AI Strategist + Trainer
Think clearly.
Build boldly.
Use AI well.
Whitney helps business support organizations, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and small-to-mid-sized companies move beyond AI overwhelm to make smarter decisions, build useful systems, and turn their expertise into action.
AI should expand your thinking,
not replace it.
not replace it.
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE. HUMAN IMPACT.
2,000+hours working with AI
100+trainings delivered since 2022
10+years in marketing and communications
Featured Event
Play with AI. Then build for your business.
Join a no-pressure, hands-on build-along for entrepreneurs. Start with play, learn how to direct AI, and begin a real website connected to a business goal.
DateSeptember 29, 2026
Time6:00–8:00 PM
Location1501 N. Main Street
Dayton, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio
Where Whitney Has Spoken + Trained
Trusted in rooms that move people forward.
Universities, business support organizations, professional associations, and community partners have invited Whitney to help their audiences learn, think, and build.
Watch Whitney
See the work in action.
A closer look at how Whitney brings practical ideas, clear thinking, and human-centered AI to the room.
The Work
AI that leaves the room with you.
Through Speakerazzi®, Whitney designs learning experiences that help people understand what matters, practice on real work, and leave with something they can actually use.
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AI Strategy + Training
Human-centered programs that help organizations decide where AI belongs, build capacity, and create workflows people will use.
For nonprofits + growing companies
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Build Experiences
Hands-on sessions where ideas become working websites, assistants, assessments, and other useful tools—in the room.
For founders, professionals + learners
Signature Approach
Truth → Tools → Traction™
The question is rarely “Which AI tool should we use?” It is “What are we trying to change, and what belongs in human hands?” True Traction™ begins there.
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TRUTHGet honest about the goal, the friction, and what people really need.
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TOOLSChoose technology that fits the work instead of forcing the work to fit the tool.
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TRACTIONBuild the habits, systems, and confidence that turn possibility into progress.
Meet Whitney
STRATEGIST.
TRAINER.
BUILDER.
TRAINER.
BUILDER.
Whitney L. Barkley makes emerging technology feel human—and helps people do something meaningful with it.
She brings more than a decade of experience across marketing, communications, entrepreneurship, and education to the questions organizations are asking about AI right now.
As founder of Speakerazzi®, Whitney has taught entrepreneurs, business support organizations, nonprofits, and small-to-mid-sized companies how to move from curiosity to capability. Her work sits at the intersection of self-awareness, story, strategy, and systems—because lasting adoption is never only about the technology.
AI StrategyTraining + FacilitationPersonal BrandingWorkflow DesignHuman-Centered Adoption
What People Say
The impact lasts beyond the room.
Leaders and partners share what it is like to bring Whitney into their conferences, cohorts, workshops, and entrepreneurial communities.
Whitney excels as a speaker, presenter, facilitator, trainer, and panel moderator. Her ability to engage audiences is remarkable, and her deep knowledge ensures that every session she leads is impactful and insightful.
Jelani Johnson, CBADayton Regional Director
Minority Business Assistance Center
Minority Business Assistance Center
Whitney consistently fostered an inclusive, interactive learning environment. Her extensive AI knowledge and adaptability as a communicator and educator significantly enhanced both our virtual conference and Aspire program.
Keena M. Smith, MPAChief Executive, Publisher
and Economic Inclusion Leader
and Economic Inclusion Leader
Whitney is a gem! She has a strategic marketing brain and is so generous with her knowledge. Everyone comes away with new ideas and a growth mindset, thanks to Whitney.
Jill MorenzPresident & CEO
Aviatra Accelerators
Aviatra Accelerators
Press + Media
Read, watch, and listen.
Features, interviews, podcast appearances, and published stories exploring practical AI, entrepreneurship, personal branding, and the human thinking behind the work.
Dayton Daily NewsPress Feature
Helping small business owners navigate the world of AI
A conversation about helping entrepreneurs make sense of AI and use it in practical ways.
Read the feature →VoyageOhioFounder Interview
Hidden Gems: Meet Whitney Barkley of Speakerazzi
Whitney shares her path into AI, the evolution of Speakerazzi®, and why human insight must remain at the center.
Read the interview →WYSOReported Story
How Black entrepreneurs are using ChatGPT to level the playing field
Whitney reports on how West Dayton business owners are using AI to build capacity, create content, and compete.
Read or listen →Side Hustle SaturdayPodcast Appearance
AI Is Changing Entrepreneurship: Build Your Business Faster and Smarter
Whitney joins Lisa Brown to discuss how entrepreneurs can use AI to research, create, market, and build while keeping their judgment and creativity at the center.
Watch the episode →The Business Storytelling ShowPodcast Appearance
694: How to use AI for brand visibility
Whitney joins Christoph Trappe to discuss practical ways to use AI to strengthen brand visibility.
Watch the conversation →Young Black MRS PodcastPodcast Appearance
Is AI the Regulator for Your Nervous System?
Whitney joins the Young Black MRS Podcast for a conversation about AI, self-awareness, and using technology with intention.
Watch the feature →Joint CenterNational Policy Brief
How State Policymakers and Community Leaders Can Help Close the Federal AI Policy Gap for Black Entrepreneurs
Whitney’s 2024 WYSO reporting on Dayton entrepreneurs was cited as real-world evidence supporting recommendations to state and local leaders.
Read the policy brief →Preschool PromiseFeatured Video
Learning with & from AI
Speakerazzi® CEO Whitney Barkley is featured in this video from the 2026 Preschool Promise Readiness Summit, where she later presented to more than 500 educators around the theme “Smart Tools, Human Touch: AI and Early Education.”
Watch the video →LINK nkyCommunity Voices
Community Voices: The top 5 AI tools every small business should try
Dawn Winterhalter Parks features Whitney’s advice for helping small businesses turn existing webinars, podcasts, trainings, and testimonials into useful new content.
Read the column →Lemons to Lessons
Ideas with a little more squeeze.
Subscribe to Lemons to Lessons on Substack for Whitney’s essays on AI, entrepreneurship, creativity, and what happens when the tools change but the work still matters.
“Think before you automate.”THE PRINCIPLE BEHIND EVERY TRAINING, SYSTEM, AND BUILD
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you book.
Practical answers about audiences, formats, customization, timing, and what participants can expect.
What types of organizations does Whitney work with?
Whitney works with business support organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions, associations, conferences, and small-to-mid-sized companies seeking practical, human-centered AI learning experiences.
Are sessions available virtually and in person?
Yes. Keynotes, workshops, training programs, and facilitated build experiences can be delivered virtually or in person. Travel requirements are discussed during planning.
Does Whitney offer introductory AI training?
Yes. Every experience is tailored to the audience’s existing comfort level, responsibilities, and goals. Sessions can support people getting started with AI as well as teams ready to build practical systems and workflows.
Can a workshop be customized for an organization?
Yes. Whitney customizes the examples, activities, tools, and intended outcomes around the organization and its participants. The goal is for people to work on situations that are relevant to them, not generic exercises. Select engagements can also include office hours, implementation labs, or follow-up sessions.
What can participants expect to leave with?
Depending on the experience, participants may leave with a working website, assistant, assessment, workflow, decision framework, implementation plan, or another practical resource they can continue using.
How far in advance should an organization book?
Booking at least four to six weeks in advance is recommended, particularly for customized training or engagements requiring travel. Earlier inquiries are encouraged for conferences and multi-session programs.
How much does it cost to bring Whitney in?
Pricing depends on the format, length, customization, audience size, travel, and level of follow-up support. Organizations can submit an inquiry to receive a recommendation and tailored proposal.
Are public classes available for individuals?
Yes. Public classes and learning experiences are announced throughout the year. Use the inquiry form below for an upcoming class or registration question, or join the interest list when dates are announced.
Contact Whitney
Let’s start a conversation.
Have a question or want to bring Whitney in? Share a few details below and your inquiry will be sent to Whitney and managed through Speakerazzi®.