Story teller
From Success
For Joe Schmidt, shifting from metrics to meaning is a daily effort; he draws on his own messy journey to illustrate what it actually takes to build a purpose-driven life.
Speaking topics
Four talks that change the room.
Entremanureship
A raw, witty, and deeply practical look at what it actually takes to build and scale market-leading companies — past the Silicon Valley myths, into the messy middle.
Hidden in Plain Sight
How digital enterprise and corporate vigilance can expose and dismantle modern human exploitation. Joe has helped mobilized 8 million supporters and partnered with companies like Delta Airlines to foster the modern day abolition movement.
The Significance Shift
What happens after you reach the top of the corporate mountain — and how to build a life that outlasts your career. Vulnerable, personal, and paradigm-shifting.
The ROI of Humanity
Conscious capitalism isn't CSR fluff — it's the ultimate competitive advantage. How CustomerHD won Best Places to Work while creating 500 high-dignity jobs in Belize City.
About Joe
30 Years Learning How to Build Businesses. Now Learning How to Serve Something Bigger.
Joe Schmidt is a visionary growth executive, elite venture builder, and global humanitarian leader with a 30-year track record of scaling disruptive startups into market powerhouses. He co-founded Canvas on Demand — ranked #283 on the INC 500 — and served as CMO of CafePress overseeing $350M in annual revenue through its IPO.
In 2013, Joe made a deliberate pivot — turning his enterprise-scaling expertise toward the global abolition movement. He founded Freedom United, now the world's largest anti-slavery movement with over 8 million supporters, 70+ international non-profit partners, and 18 million recorded advocacy actions worldwide.
What people say
Having worked side-by-side with Joe Schmidt, I can tell you that he possesses a rare ability to present and transform a dark, complex topic like modern slavery into a story of hope, dignity, and collective action. When we partnered with Joe and Freedom United, it wasn't just talk — he inspired our team to see how enterprise leadership and frontline awareness can save lives. Joe is an extraordinary storyteller whose passion is contagious and whose impact is undeniable.
Allison Ausband
Executive Vice President & Executive Sponsor for Anti-Human Trafficking Delta Air Lines
Joe did an excellent job in his presentation. He was engaging, knowledgeable, and passionate about the subject. His energy captivated the room and motivated the audience to take action. I would definitively recommend Joe for any speaking engagement on business, leadership, entrepreneurship, or human trafficking.
Michael Chen
Former President and CEO GE Capital and NBC Universal
I've heard Joe speak a few times in both a business and philanthropic context. He exudes passion and energy, holds the audience's attention, and is good for a few laughs too!
Jon Mark Baucom
President & Managing Director Peter Millar
"Joe has an ability to engage and capture an audience with his relatable approach and compelling storytelling. I have seen him speak in a variety of venues, and in each one he was able to connect with the audience and communicate his message effectively."
Geoffrey Krouse
Associate Dean Duke Law School
Josef brought the perfect mix of humor, insight, and practical tactics that kept our audience engaged from start to finish. Josef is a great speaker, and I always learn something new when I hear him share. I would highly recommend him to any organization looking for a speaker who can educate, motivate, and connect with an audience.
Mihali Stavlas
CEO Mellonaid
The book
Entremanureship
The unvarnished truth about building a business — no glitz, no glamour. Co-authored with Tom Lotrecchiano, this is the book Joe wrote about his first exit.
Ready to move your audience?
Joe speaks at corporate events, leadership summits, and conferences worldwide. Inquiries are reviewed personally.