Start with a topic

Northstar Works is a fictional distributed organization. Use these topic summaries to describe the expertise you need, then look for relevant experience in the employee directory.

Customer research

Interview planning, synthesis, and turning themes into a clearer handoff.

Data storytelling

Choosing a chart for a business question and explaining assumptions and limits.

Project retrospectives

Discussing observed work and turning lessons into concrete next actions.

Inclusive meetings

Supporting different ways to contribute and closing with clear decisions and owners.

Example of a useful expertise match

I can share how our team grouped interview themes into a handoff that made the next decision clearer. A useful session would focus on the approach and what we learned, rather than on sharing customer-identifying details.

Morgan Lee (fictional example)
Service Designer Customer Experience

Prepare a clear speaker request

A specific invitation helps both sides decide whether the session is a good fit.

  1. 1

    Name the audience and learning goal

    Say who will attend and what they should understand or be able to discuss afterward.

  2. 2

    Suggest a format and timing

    Offer a session length, remote or in-person preference, and a date range. Treat these as options to discuss, not a booking promise.

  3. 3

    Ask about fit and scope

    Describe the topic and ask what experience the speaker can share, which examples are appropriate, and what is outside their remit.

  4. 4

    Agree on preparation and follow-up

    Confirm who will facilitate, what context the speaker needs, whether questions are included, and how the group will capture useful takeaways.

A worked request—and the boundaries

Use this as a model for a direct, answerable invitation.

Example request: “For our 12-person project team, could you share a 20-minute overview of how your group synthesizes customer interviews, followed by questions? We’re planning a remote session next month; what examples are appropriate to share?”

The group size and timing are illustrative, not a service commitment. This request names the audience, topic, and format, while inviting the speaker to discuss suitable examples and fit.

What a speaker session can—and cannot—do

A colleague can share experience and expertise for learning and discussion. A speaking invitation does not make that person responsible for formal training, project delivery, approvals, or organization-wide policy guidance. For sensitive or regulated questions, seek the relevant trained role and its approved guidance rather than treating a speaker session as authoritative instruction.

Approach a potential speaker through your organization’s established contact channel. Agree directly on availability, preparation, and follow-up; this page does not submit or book a request.