Jimmy Wales Speaking Fee: $50,000 to $75,000

Jimmy Wales is renowned as the co-founder of Wikipedia, the world's largest and most popular free online encyclopedia. Born on August 7, 1966, in Huntsville, Alabama, Wales developed a passion for knowledge and information sharing from an early age. He grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment, attending Randolph School, a college-preparatory institution. Wales later pursued a degree in finance from Auburn University, followed by a master's degree in finance from the University of Alabama. Wales' career began in the financial sector, working as a futures and options trader in Chicago. However, his keen interest in the burgeoning field of the internet led him to pivot towards technology. In 2000, he founded Nupedia, a free online encyclopedia written by experts. Despite its initial promise, Nupedia's slow progress prompted Wales to explore alternative models of content creation. In January 2001, Wales, alongside Larry Sanger, launched Wikipedia. This revolutionary platform allowed anyone with internet access to edit and contribute articles, transforming the way information was shared and accessed globally. Wikipedia rapidly grew, becoming a cornerstone of knowledge and a top-ten visited website worldwide. Wales didn't stop there. In 2003, he co-founded the Wikimedia Foundation, a non-profit organization that oversees Wikipedia and its sister projects. His dedication to free and open knowledge has earned him numerous accolades, including Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World" in 2006. Beyond Wikipedia, Wales has ventured into various other projects like Wikia, a for-profit wiki hosting service, and WikiTribune, a news platform aimed at combating misinformation. An accomplished public speaker, Wales regularly gives keynote addresses at global conferences, sharing his insights on technology, internet freedom, and the future of information. Today, Jimmy Wales continues to champion the cause of free knowledge, leveraging technology to bridge gaps in information access. His journey from a small-town Alabama boy to a pivotal figure in the digital age is a testament to his vision, perseverance, and impact on the world.