Relationships First, Speakers Second: Inside Jo Borello’s Career at Eagles Talent

At Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau, booking the right speaker is never just about matching a topic to an agenda. It’s about understanding a

client, their audience, and what will truly resonate on the day of the event. Today we’re introducing Jo Borello, a Talent Consultant whose career at Eagles Talent spans more than three decades.

We sat down with Jo to talk about what keeps the work exciting after 30-plus years, the philosophy that guides every booking, and why relationships have always come before anything else.

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What’s your role at Eagles Talent, and what does a typical week look like for you?

“I’m a Talent Consultant at Eagles Talent, where I work with organizations to find the right keynote speakers, entertainers, and thought leaders for their meetings and events. Every week is different, which is one of the things I enjoy most. I spend time learning about a client’s goals, researching speakers, negotiating contracts, and making sure every detail is in place so each event runs smoothly.

What I’ve always enjoyed most is building relationships. I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful clients over the years, and I genuinely care about them and the success of their events. When things go well, I’m celebrating right along with them. If challenges come up, I feel those too, and I do everything I can to help make things right.”

What first drew you to the speaker/event industry?

“I love working with people, and I was immediately drawn to an industry where every day brings something new. I enjoy learning about different businesses and industries, meeting incredible speakers, and helping clients create events that educate, inspire, and motivate their audiences. More than 30 years later, I still love that no two days are ever the same.”

What’s a moment from a past event that reminded you why you love this work?

“One of my favorite moments is hearing from a client after an event who tells me the speaker exceeded every expectation. When attendees leave feeling inspired, energized, or with practical ideas they can use immediately, it reminds me that we’re helping create experiences that make a real impact.”

How do you match a speaker’s style to a company’s culture or the tone of an event?

“It’s about much more than the topic. I consider the company’s culture, audience demographics, event format, and the energy they’re trying to create. Some audiences respond best to humor and storytelling, while others prefer research-driven insights or practical strategies. Finding that balance is what helps make a keynote memorable.”

What’s a request you’ve gotten that seemed impossible at first, but you found a way to make it work?

“I’ve had quite a few over the years! One that comes to mind involved a client with a limited budget and a very tight timeline who was looking for a speaker with a highly specialized background. It took a lot of creativity, but we found someone who was the perfect fit and ended up exceeding the client’s expectations. Those are the moments that remind me how valuable strong relationships and persistence can be.”

What’s your go-to solution when something goes wrong day-of?

“Stay calm, communicate clearly, and focus on solutions. Unexpected situations are part of live events, so preparation and flexibility are key. My goal is to resolve issues quickly and quietly so the client can stay focused on their event, and most attendees never even know there was a challenge.”

Outside of work, what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

“People are often surprised to learn how much I enjoy traveling and experiencing new places. I also love spending time with family and friends. Some of my favorite memories come from traveling together, trying great restaurants, and simply enjoying time with the people I love.”

“I’ve always believed this business is about relationships first and speakers second. The relationships I’ve built with clients over the years have been the most rewarding part of my career. When you genuinely care about people and understand what’s important to them, everything else tends to fall into place.”

Expert Speaker Recommendations Backed by Decades of Experience

Looking for the perfect keynote speaker? Jo Borello and the Eagles Talent team are here to help you navigate the speaker booking process and create an unforgettable event.

Looking for more inspiration? Explore our keynote speakers for corporate events, leadership and management speakers, sales speakers, motivational speakers, AI Speakers, and diversity, equity, and inclusion speakers. Planning something more specialized? We can also help with executive retreats, leadership summits, annual sales meetings, customer conferences, association events, and company kickoffs.

You can also browse our event planning resources, client success stories, and speaker videos to help you find the perfect fit for your audience.

Ready to start planning your next event? Contact Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau today!

Email us at info@eaglestalent.com or call us at 1-973-313-9800.