In an era where employee engagement has become a critical factor in organisational success, innovative approaches to inspiration are proving invaluable. Employee Experience Magazine speaks with Dušan Basalo, Founder and CEO of Talks and Folks, who is transforming corporate culture across Europe through the power of inspirational speaking.
Finding the Missing Ingredient in Professional Development
With over 20 years of experience in people and organisational development, Dušan Basalo’s impressive career spans numerous certifications and expertise in various developmental tools. However, it was a fundamental insight about human motivation that led him to establish Talks and Folks, the first dedicated public speaking bureau in the Balkan region.
To begin, can you tell us more about the inspiration behind founding Talks and Folks? What gap did you see in the market for inspirational speakers?
“Over more than two decades in the consulting industry, I noticed that many people aren’t ready to adopt new knowledge or skills, even when those resources are right in front of them. That made me ask: why? I came to the conclusion that what’s missing is inspiration.
That’s how Talks and Folks was born: to gather exceptional individuals from different fields: sports, science, the arts, culture, business – who can share their life principles and experiences to inspire others in the professional world. When people are truly inspired, they naturally seek out knowledge and growth. In today’s world, where information is abundant (perhaps overwhelmingly so), inspiration often gets buried. I firmly believe that inspiration is the fuel for everything meaningful we achieve.”
“When people are truly inspired, they naturally seek out knowledge and growth. In today’s world, where information is abundant, inspiration is the fuel for everything meaningful we achieve.”
The Alchemy of Exceptional Speakers
Based in Belgrade, Serbia, but operating across Europe, Talks and Folks has developed a roster of remarkable voices from diverse backgrounds. The bureau specialises in providing inspirational speakers for corporate events, particularly those focused on employee engagement and development.
Your speaker lineup includes some truly unique voices: cardiac surgeons, conductors, neuroscientists, and more. What do you look for when selecting speakers for your portfolio?
“Our speakers come from all walks of life, but they share three essential qualities: they’ve achieved excellence in their fields, they have the ability to communicate in a truly inspiring way, and most importantly – they’re good people. We believe that only those who are authentic and grounded can genuinely inspire others.”
Beyond Traditional Training: The Tangible Impact
In an age where conventional training methods are increasingly seen as insufficient, Basalo’s approach offers companies a fresh avenue for cultivating employee engagement and organisational culture.
Many companies today are looking for new ways to engage employees beyond traditional training. How can inspirational speeches make a tangible impact on employee experience and culture?
“Inspirational talks spark motivation and self-reflection. When people hear stories of overcoming adversity, innovation, and personal growth, it prompts them to reconsider their own behaviours and perspectives. These experiences can significantly shift organisational culture, driving collaboration, initiative, and a broader sense of purpose.”
Can you share a memorable moment or story from one of your speaker engagements that really showcases the power of what you do?
“One of the most memorable moments was when a new speaker we had been preparing for months stepped on stage for the very first time, facing an audience of a thousand people. It was a huge moment of pressure for him, and of course for us. But the result? A standing ovation and phenomenal audience feedback. That moment confirmed that the vision we had created made sense and that it was absolutely worth pursuing.”
Crafting Bespoke Inspirational Experiences
Understanding that different audiences have distinct needs, Talks and Folks takes a customised approach to each engagement.
How do you tailor talks to suit different audiences, for example, a leadership team versus frontline employees?
“Every talk is custom designed based on the specific audience. For leadership teams, we focus on strategic thinking, decision making, and authentic leadership. For operational teams, the emphasis might be on teamwork, motivation, and applicable skills. Our approach is always tailor-made to meet our clients’ goals.”
“Our speakers share three essential qualities: they’ve achieved excellence in their fields, they can communicate in a truly inspiring way, and most importantly – they’re good people.”
Addressing Contemporary Workplace Challenges
As organisations navigate complex issues around employee wellbeing, diversity, and innovation, Basalo ensures that Talks and Folks provides relevant content for today’s workplace concerns.
Employee wellbeing, diversity, and creative thinking are big themes in HR right now. Do your speakers address these kinds of topics directly or indirectly?
“Absolutely. Our speakers cover a wide range of topics: from mental health and inclusion to creative problem solving. For example, we offer talks on unconscious bias and workshops that promote innovative thinking using methods like Design Thinking. These themes are deeply woven into our content.”
You’ve also developed mentorship programs and trainings: how do those complement your speaker services?
“Mentorship and training programs are a natural extension of our talks. While speeches ignite curiosity and drive change, mentoring and training provide practical tools and support to implement that change in everyday work. It’s a powerful combination.”
Cultural Nuances Across Markets
With a pan-European operation, Talks and Folks has gained unique insights into regional preferences and trends.
Operating across Europe, have you noticed any regional differences in what companies are looking for in inspirational content?
“Yes, there are some noticeable differences. In Western Europe, companies often seek topics related to innovation and sustainability, while in Eastern Europe, leadership and motivation are in higher demand. However, the need for inspiration and personal growth is universal.”
The Evolution of Employee Engagement
As workplace dynamics continue to shift, Basalo has observed significant changes in how organisations approach internal communications and events.
What trends are you seeing in corporate events and internal communications when it comes to engaging and inspiring employees?
“We’re seeing a big shift toward personalised content and interactive formats. Companies want to engage employees through experiences that are relevant and tailored to their specific needs. There’s also growing interest in themes that connect personal development with business performance.”
Future Horizons
With a successful model established in Europe, Basalo has ambitious plans for expanding Talks and Folks’ impact globally.
Finally, what’s your vision for Talks and Folks in the next few years? Any exciting developments you can share?
“We plan to expand into new markets, especially in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. We’re also focused on identifying and developing new speakers globally: people who may not have prior speaking experience, but who have powerful stories and insights to share. We believe that everyone has a unique perspective that can inspire others, and we want to bring those voices to the stage.”
Talks and Folks operates from its headquarters in Belgrade, Serbia, providing inspirational speakers for corporate events across Europe. The bureau specialises in connecting companies with unique voices who can transform employee experience through the power of authentic, meaningful communication.