the people behind the standard
ISA exists because the speaking profession needed on thing it did not have - a defined, verifiable standard that separates professional speakers from everyone else who calls themselves one.
Who We Are
ISA was built by people who have stood on real stages, in front of real audiences, and understand what professional speaking actually demands.
We are not a membership club. We are not a course provider. We are a certification body - and that distinction matters.
Our role is to assess, recognise, and uphold a standard that event organisers and corporate clients can trust.
Our Vision
A world where professional speaking is recognised, respected, and held to a standard that protects audiences and rewards expertise.
Our Mission
We certify speakers who have earned it - not through self declaration, but through demonstrated skill, professional conduct, and the ability to deliver under pressure.
the people behind the standard
ISA certification means something because the people behind it have earned their place on stage.
Our board is made up of speakers and industry professionals who have delivered in real environments, to real audiences, under real pressure.
They understnd the difference between potential and proven performance - and that is exactly what this certification represents.
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Brian tracy
Board Member
One of the most recognised names in professional speaking, Brian Tracy has addressed more than five million people across five thousand presentations in over 70 countries. Author of more than 80 books translated into dozens of languages, including the bestselling Eat That Frog! and The Psychology of Achievement, Brian brings five decades of expertise in leadership, sales, and human performance to the ISA board. He is the founder and CEO of Brian Tracy International and has trained more than 500,000 sales professionals worldwide.
lisa mcinnes-smith
Board Member
Lisa McInnes-Smith is one of the most decorated speakers in the world — the first person outside North America to be inducted into the International Speaker Hall of Fame. With a background in Sport Psychology and 25 years on stages across 26 countries, she has presented to more than two million people, with a single audience reaching 33,000. A bestselling author of seven books, Lisa brings unmatched expertise in performance, behaviour change, and what it actually takes to move an audience.
kaley chu
Board Member
Kaley Chu is a TEDx and keynote speaker, distinguished author, and speaker development coach based in Melbourne, Australia. Having spoken on over 500 stages to audiences totalling more than 100,000 people, Kaley was honoured in 2023 as part of the prestigious 40 Under 40 Business Elite in Australia. Co-founder of the Next Top Speaker tournament and co-author with Brian Tracy on Get Paid to Speak, she brings a rare combination of stage experience, business acumen, and a genuine commitment to elevating the speaking profession.
ben moote
Board Member
Ben Moote has been at the intersection of digital marketing and live events since 2013. Working closely with Russell Brunson at ClickFunnels, Ben has helped shape some of the largest speaking events in the world — advising on speaker selection, stage strategy, and audience experience for Funnel Hacking Live and major virtual events. He brings a rare understanding of what makes a speaker land with an audience and what event organisers are actually looking for when they book talent.
michael tracy
Board Member
Michael Tracy has spent 20 years as a sales leader across telecommunications, marketing services, and SaaS and brings every bit of that experience to the stage. President of Brian Tracy International and son of legendary speaker Brian Tracy, Michael is a dynamic and entertaining presenter whose content-rich seminars and workshops create measurable results. His expertise spans sales strategy, leadership, coaching, and business development, making him a powerful voice for what professional speaking can achieve.