The Top 100 Motivational Speakers
- By Brendan Egan
- Jun 09, 2022
Motivational speakers are experts in their space who offer talks and appearances that inspire those listening. Unlike any other group, motivational speakers are known for their ability to impact others and create change in the lives of complete strangers. Their speeches, presentations, and personal anecdotes are very impactful regardless of whether the speaker is attempting to provoke thought, alter one’s perspective on contentious topics, or simply fire up their listeners.
Professional motivational speakers are flexible in their topic and are very adept at tailoring their presentations to fit the needs of any and all groups interested in booking them.
When speaking to a company’s sales team, employee resource groups, or executive groups, motivational speakers fill their speeches with tangible takeaways and lessons that are sure to drive sales for the company, enhance employee engagement, or improve communication channels within a company.
When speaking to a group of students, a sports team, a non-profit, or an association, speakers fill their presentations with easy-to-remember, relatable life lessons, and personal anecdotes that their listeners can resort back to for immediate motivation and inspiration when they need it.
Thus, the question that remains to be answered is, “Who are the Top 100 Motivational Speakers in the World”?
We’ve conducted extensive research and compiled a list of the world’s most sought after motivational speakers below:
Ed is passionate about inspiring others to be champions in all areas of their lives. A peak performance expert who has shared the stage with the likes of John Maxwell, Phil Knight, and Tony Robbins, Ed realized early in life that since he was going to have to work, he might as well work for himself. This entrepreneurial drive led him to where he is today: a multi-millionaire who built a global financial services company while raising a happy family and cultivating his personal brand to capture millions of followers across multiple channels. Ed is a master at motivating listeners to bet on themselves while empowering them with the peak performance skills to make their wildest dreams a reality.
Jen Welter was the first woman to coach in the National Football League. She was also the first woman to play in a men’s professional league and the head coach of the first Australian women’s national team. Prior to becoming a trailblazer in the world of professional football, she played 14 seasons of women’s professional football. Jen is on a mission to empower women everywhere to break barriers and make an impact in whatever sphere they choose. Her keynotes are well reviewed and she’s a hit with corporations, women’s groups and professional associations, and any football-related audience! Book her today for your next event.
Ben dropped out of university during his first year due to an unexpected bout with depression. Trying to feel more alive, he drove a rickety RV across the country with three friends, crossing items off of Ben’s bucket list. Every time they did, they also helped a complete stranger cross an item off their bucket list. This journey inspired Ben’s best-selling book What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? and taught him the true meaning of happiness. As a motivational speaker, Ben integrates stories from his bucket list (like playing basketball with former President Obama) with timely mental health topics. He is an incredible motivational speaker who has received standing ovations at Fortune 100 companies like Amazon, FedEx, and Microsoft.
Daymond John has achieved so much that he hardly needs to be introduced. Daymond stars on ABC’s Shark Tank and grew his lifestyle brand FUBU into a 6 billion dollar company after bootstrapping it with a $100,000 mortgage on his mother’s house. He is also the author of five best-selling books. A dynamic speaker, Daymond can cover technical topics about how to communicate with consumers or close deals and can also motivate audiences to overcome obstacles and persevere on an entrepreneurial path. A true modern titan, Daymond might just be the big name that your event needs to get to the next level.
One of Canada’s most powerful businesswomen, Arlene Dickinson is known for her role on the hit show Dragon’s Den and for building multiple full-service independent marketing firms. Arlene’s success inspired generations of female entrepreneurs to follow their dreams and start a business, efforts which she now supports with her venture capital fund. Arlene loves to get “into the weeds” on marketing and communications trends and is also always humbled when asked to speak about her own personal journey, which makes her a high-impact speaker for multiple audience types.
Kevin O’Leary started his journey like most entrepreneurs do: with big ideas and no money. He went on to build a software company which he sold for 4.2 billion dollars. Recognizable to most Americans as “Mr. Wonderful” from ABC’s Shark Tank, O’Leary is a shrewd businessperson and keen commentator on a variety of business and personal development topics. He’s not shy about sharing his own story and learnings and has received positive feedback about his fundamental ideas on hard work, money, success, and sales. He’s a great choice to headline a variety of events.
Jake Olson beat retinoblastoma cancer but lost his eyesight to it at the age of 12 years old. Ever since then, he’s used his experience to inspire and motivate others to find “the setup in the setback.” Determined to not allow cancer to define his limitations, Jake walked onto the football team at the University of Southern California. On September 2nd, 2017, he became the first completely blind Division I college football player when he snapped in his first game. Today, Jake is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and keynote speaker. He speaks all over the world, helps build the company he co-founded, Engage, and promotes his non-profit that supports cancer research and visually impaired children.
American softball legend Jennie Finch was an “Ace” pitcher who dominated opposing teams. Her skillful play was one of the driving forces behind the American Gold Medal in Softball in the Athens Olympics in 2004. What some people don’t know about Jennie is that she’s also an “Ace” keynote presenter who can fire up audiences of all shapes and sizes. Her mild-mannered demeanor does little to mask the determination and leadership ability that led her to success on the diamond. Her own story is about more than just on-field success; Jennie was also part of the team that lobbied the IOC to preserve Olympic softball, and she has lessons learned about growing into the spotlight and building a softball academy to share her love of the game with future generations of young women. She tells this story masterfully and customizes her talking points to the wishes of the sponsoring organization to ensure that she hits every speech out of the park.
While playing football for Rutgers University in 2010, Eric LeGrand endured an injury that would change the course of his life. Injuries to his C3 and C4 vertebrae left him paralyzed from the neck down, ending his dreams of playing professional football. Eric fought hard, overcoming the odds to regain movement throughout most of his body. He also launched Team LeGrand, a fundraising effort supporting individuals and families affected by spinal cord paralysis. In 2021, Eric founded and launched LeGrand Coffee House, all while continuing his philanthropy, pursuing sports broadcasting opportunities, and fighting every day for the ability to walk again. Eric will bring every audience to their feet with his rousing keynote on transforming adversity into opportunity.
Michael Oher went from often being homeless as a child to star left tackle and Super Bowl champion. When he was a kid, Michael’s mother was addicted to crack cocaine, and his father wasn’t in his life. Michael went to 11 different schools in his first nine years as a student. He finally found stability in high school when the Tuohy family took him into their home and soon became his legal guardians. Michael’s story is well-known through the famous Michael Lewis book and Academy Award-winning film of the same name, The Blind Side. But Michael also wrote his own autobiography and has his own foundation focused on supporting youth. To hear him speak about what he’s learned through his journey is as genuinely uplifting as you could ever ask for in a keynote.
Not many people ever hold a world record, serve in the special forces, or befriend Prince Harry. Peak performance expert and renowned international motivational speaker Dean Stott has done all three. After being deployed with special forces in a number of hostile situations, Dean started his own private security company, which gained notoriety in 2014 when he single-handedly coordinated the evacuation of 22 high-ranking Canadian officials from their embassy in Libya. In 2016, Dean broke two world records when he cycled the Pan American Highway. With a repository of incredible life experiences and stories, and insights about how to push yourself to your limits and perform to the best of your abilities, Dean is a can’t miss speaker.
Super Bowl Champion and 10-year NFL veteran Ryan Harris insists that it’s a human right to be extraordinary. He believes individuals begin to impact true change when they embrace their own extraordinary qualities and act on their passions, and he delivers motivational keynotes intended to inspire audiences to do just that. His customizable presentations are sprinkled with stories and wisdom from his time in the NFL, his experience as a practicing Muslim, his dual-degree education from the University of Notre Dame, and the years he’s spent traveling the world inspiring audiences to be extraordinary. Motivation, leadership, self-mastery, and peak performance are just a few of the topics that Ryan hits out of the park every time he steps on stage.
Jessica won gold and silver medals with the US Olympic Softball team in 2004 and 2008 and is a member of the US Softball Hall of Fame. Working for ESPN in 2015, she was the first woman to serve as an analyst for a nationally broadcasted MLB game. Today, the Stanford graduate is a leading voice for women in sports and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of athletes to use their platform to create positive change. Her experiences translate seamlessly to a corporate setting, where her speeches about the importance of inclusion, the value of hard work, and the willingness to take risks on new opportunities have received rave reviews.
Scout Bassett weighed 22 pounds when she was adopted at age eight from a Chinese orphanage. While her new life in America afforded her the opportunity to receive a prosthetic leg and nutrition, it also challenged her. She had to learn a new language, discover a new culture, and ask herself hard questions about identity, all while being the only non-white student in her class at her northern Michigan school. Running became a solaceful activity in the midst of this existence, although she didn’t commit to it fully until graduating from UCLA and sleeping in her car to pursue Olympic training. The successes that followed are too many to list here- how’s becoming the fastest American of her classification ever to run the 100 meters and a star of the ESPN Body Issue to start? Read her inspirational life story here , and come back when you’re ready to book her to motivate your audience!
As a NASA Astronaut, Ron spent 178 days in space and logged 71 million miles while orbiting Earth a staggering 2,842 times. After retiring from NASA, Ron became an active social entrepreneur, driven by his belief that a well-designed, well-executed social enterprise can solve many of the world's problems. Ron is nothing short of transformational as a keynote presenter. As one of the few individuals blessed enough to have a view of the world from outer space, he shares his “Orbital Perspective” from the stage. This entails looking skyward, earthward, and forward to imagine the possibilities of radical collaboration, understand the common journey of all citizens of the earth, and look beyond the status quo for new solutions and opportunities. Ron brings a nuanced, inspiring message perfect for any change management, leadership, STEM, social responsibility, or social innovation & entrepreneurship event.
Erica is one of the world’s leading experts on the subjects of teamwork and digital innovation. She is also the author of two best-selling books: Get Big Things Done: The Power of Connectional Intelligence and Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance . She’s been recognized by Thinkers50 as one of the top management thinkers in the world and writes regularly in the Harvard Business Review and the Wall Street Journal. Erica motivates teams to unlock their collective potential, build strong relationships with one another (regardless of distance or workplace format), and compete in a way that drives progress. Erica has changed the game when it comes to digital collaboration and teamwork; she’s simply a can’t-miss speaker.
Few people are lucky enough to have movies made about them, and even fewer have an entire movie named after them. Rudy, naturally, has both. Never one to dream small, Rudy aspired to play football for the University of Notre Dame, despite being undersized. After years of hard work, Rudy earned an opportunity to play in the final game of his senior season and made the most of it, recording a sack of Georgia Tech quarterback Rudy Allen. He was the first player in school history to be carried off the field by his teammates. Today, Rudy tells his story to audiences across the country and inspires them to dream big and work even bigger.
After earning an honorable discharge from Seal Team 5 in 2004 after tours in Iraq and Africa, Brent Gleeson returned to the United States to earn his MBA. He went on to found a marketing company and make appearances on multiple business reality TV shows like One Man Army and Stars Earn Stripes. He is now the CEO of TakingPoint Leadership, the company he created to promote positive teamwork, cultural, and leadership norms in the workplace. In this role, he delivers motivational keynotes and workshops designed to inspire engagement and leadership, drawing on both his experiences as a NAVY Seal and a businessman. He’s been described as up-tempo, active, and commanding, and his team-building exercises receive great reviews.
If you know basketball, then you know Doris Burke. A fixture on ESPN for the better part of three decades, she finally earned the opportunity to become a full-time analyst. While this was of course a huge career move for Burke, it was also a watershed moment for women in sports, as Burke became the first woman in an analyst role on a national NBA broadcast. As a speaker, she captivates audiences with the same voice that keeps them locked in on basketball games, but explores broader themes related to the role of women in society and the importance of involving women in sport. Burke shares a resonant message and implores women around the world to know their worth, demand equal opportunity, and shed the expectations society may have for them about where they can and can’t go in the world.
Retired Lieutenant General Reynold Hoover, who ended his military career as the Deputy Commander of the US Northern Command, is a sought-after motivator and subject expert. Hoover exudes expertise in leadership, crisis management, and national security topics from his time in the military and as a member of the Homeland Security Council. He approaches these topics in a motivational way, making him the perfect speaker to fire up the audience at your leadership seminar or crisis management conference.
Shelley Smith is a five-time Emmy award winning reporter for ESPN, winning her latest Emmy Award for ironically covering a name on this very list - Jake Olson. During her career with ESPN she has covered nearly every type of major sporting event. Shelley is a three-time cancer survivor and mother, and provides a wealth of inspiration and motivation when giving speeches to audiences. Her experience in the sports reporting world is second-to-none.
Devon Harris made it out of Kingston’s Waterhouse Ghetto to become an Olympic icon. One of the original members of Jamaica’s 1988 Olympic Bobsled Team, and subject of the hit movie Cool Runnings, Harris is now a world-renowned motivational speaker and mindset coach. His signature presentation, “Keep on Pushing”, motivates listeners to never give up no matter what their circumstances are. Devon’s message resonates in part because of his own journey to overcome poverty, overcome racism to become a Captain of the Jamaican Defense Force, and beat the odds to represent a small Caribbean Island in the Winter Olympics not once, but three times. Harris will inspire your audience to dream big and equip them with the fortitude to persevere no matter what stands between them and their dreams.
David is on a mission to positively impact the lives of more than 1 billion people before he dies. Lofty goal, huh? Maybe so, but David is no stranger to delivering on big expectations. He is the co-founder of a successful sports marketing agency with NFL Hall of Famer Warren Moon, a three-time best-selling author, and the host of a top entrepreneurship podcast. As a motivational speaker, he shares his initial success story, his fall to bankruptcy, and his redemption path to become the businessman he is today. His motivational speeches, which are grounded in his core-life principles of accountability, effective communication, empathy, and gratitude, leave audiences inspired by David’s mission to help lots of people, make lots of money, and have lots of fun.
Heather Monahan wouldn’t have ended up in the C-Suite if she lacked confidence. Thankfully, she didn’t, and the world got to read her best-selling books Overcome Your Villains and Confidence Creator. Heather asks audiences a simple question: what would you do if you had more confidence? Then, she details a step-by-step program to help listeners develop confidence in themselves. Heather’s talk is always a hit because confidence is a trait that’s important in all aspects of life. The “Boss in Heels” is also a great speaker on the topics of leadership, professional development, and women in business.
After he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 15th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, Ryan Shazier played three strong seasons for them at inside linebacker. His life would change forever on December 4, 2017, during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. After a head-on tackle, Shazier lay on the field, seemingly unable to move his legs. Further testing would reveal that he suffered a spinal contusion, for which he underwent spinal stabilization surgery. Doctors told him he had a 20% chance of ever walking again. Shazier Beat the odds- he was walking within the year, and he danced at his wedding in May 2019. He has built a successful life away from football and remains a Steelers icon. His story- both his rise to fame in the NFL and his recovery from unthinkable injury- is inspiring, and audiences benefit from the levelheaded way Ryan talks about both the best and worst moments of his life.
Ryan Leaf has lived a life of highs and lows. Drafted with the second overall pick of the 1998 NFL Draft, directly after Peyton Manning, Leaf faced great expectations as he entered the league. Off-field behavior and on-field performance limited his career, and he was out of the league in four years. After his NFL career, he graduated from Washington State and explored different careers, but struggled to find his place and battled an addiction to prescription drugs. He ultimately went on to serve prison time. Today, Leaf is a voice for the addiction recovery community and hopes his message will reach anyone in need of hope. He seeks to inspire others to see that their path to renewed mental and physical health is always within reach. A moving speaker with an incredible life story, Ryan leaves audiences in awe everywhere he takes the stage.
Dara Torres is the owner of four gold medals, four silver medals, and four bronze medals, making her the most decorated American female Olympic athlete of all time. After breaking her first world record at the age of 15, she would represent the US on the international stage until the age of 41. Her motivational speeches are set on the backdrop of these incredible achievements and cover her fight to overcome obstacles like injuries, eating disorders, insecurities, being bullied, and handling newfound fame and spotlight. Audiences benefit from her insight as an elite athlete who opens up about how she performed at the highest level despite outside challenges and distractions.
Shaquem Griffin was born with amniotic band syndrome, which caused his left hand to be amputated at the age of four. Shaquem refused to allow this to interfere with his love of football. Not only did he star at the University of Central Florida, but he went on to play multiple seasons in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. Shaquem’s story is a testament to the fact that even though life may stack the deck against you, anything is possible if you play the hand you’re dealt well enough. He is an inspiration, not just to nontraditional athletes, but to everyone fighting to overcome something holding them back in life. An exceptional motivational speaker, Griffin inspires audiences with the way he tells his story, and he is known for humor and charisma on the stage.
Derek Fisher is a five-time NBA champion, former head coach of the New York Knicks, and current head coach and general manager of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. As one of the winningest players in NBA history, FIsher knows a thing or two about making winning plays. In his motivational speeches, he pumps up audiences and encourages them to define their goals and make consistent progress towards them. He shares anecdotes of his days with Kobe Bryant, the lessons he learned as president of the NBA Players Association while guiding the NBAPA through two different player lockouts, and more. Derek is a can’t miss speaker.
Get your popcorn ready! Terell Owens (TO) is one of the most transcendent players in the history of the National Football League. He ranks third all-time in league history in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, and was selected to six Pro Bowls. TO was known during his playing days for his stellar play and his antics, both of which earned him notoriety with fans around the world. As he proved in the NFL, TO is an incredible entertainer. He now brings this skill to the stage, captivating audiences around the world with stories from his time in the league, reflections on lessons learned during his career, and motivational insights about what it takes to sustain success as an athlete at the highest levels.
Mike is the first person who ever tweeted from space. Pretty cool, right? That’s far from the only accolade to his name. Mike is a former engineer at IBM and NASA, professor at Rice and Georgia Tech, and a veteran of two space flights. He is also the best-selling author of Spaceman: An Astronaut’s Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe. As if that’s not enough, he also has a recurring role as himself on the CBS hit show The Big Bang Theory. Mike consolidates his wide-ranging expertise into entertaining talks on a variety of science and leadership adjacent themes. Audiences walk away inspired by the endless potential of the universe and their own ability to contribute to human progress.
In 14 seasons with the Boston Red Sox, David Ortiz won three World Series titles and was selected to 10 All-Star games. During this time he became a Boston legend for both on-field achievements like leading the 2004 team that broke ‘The Curse of the Bambino’ and for off-field actions like his rousing address to Fenway Park in the wake of the tragic 2019 bombing of the Boston Marathon. Known affectionately as ‘Big Papi’, Ortiz is also an exceptional motivational speaker. He brings the same energy to the stage that he brought to the ballpark- loose, energetic, and humorous, but gritty and determined underneath the wide smile. Audiences will hang on the edge of their seats as Big Papi dispenses anecdotes from his playing days and intersperses nuggets of wisdom he learned along the way.
- & 34. Shane and Hannah Burcaw
Hannah and Shane are an interabled couple on a mission to change the way the world understands disability. Shane lives with a variation of muscular dystrophy that requires he use a wheelchair, while Hannah is able-bodied and provides much of Shane’s daily care. As relationship bloggers, they’ve posted hundreds of hours of videos of them going on dates, cooking, and hanging out; the same things all couples do together. And yet, much of society has a hard time understanding their love. As advocates for the disability community, Shane and Hannah speak, both together and separately, about the importance of acceptance and inclusion. Audiences walk away from listening to one or both of them speak with a greater appreciation for the way society perceives disability, inspired to be part of positive change away from the status quo.
35. Lisa Bloom
Lisa is one of the most prominent civil and victim’s rights attorneys in the United States. After graduating from UCLA and Yale School of Law, she rose to prominence when she went after both the Boy Scouts of America and the Roman Catholic Church for sex discrimination. She then went on to a career as a cable TV news analyst before founding the Bloom Firm, her own practice, where she has taken on high-profile cases like the sexual harassment suit against former Fox News anchor Bill O’Reilly. Lisa speaks about women’s empowerment, leadership, and a variety of legal topics.
36. Fallon Taylor
Fallon Taylor is a rodeo star, known most widely as a world-champion barrel racer. After rising to fame on rodeo circuits in the late 1990s and 2000s, she suffered a shocking setback when a horse-related accident left her paralyzed for 3 days and with a fractured C2 vertebra in her neck. It took all she had to get back on her horse, but that she did, and slowly but surely she rose back up the rankings. In 2013, 4 years after the accident, Fallon qualified for the National Finals Rodeo, and then followed that up by doing so again in 2014 and 2015. In addition to her stellar rodeo career, Taylor owns “Ranch Dress’n,” an online western clothing retailer. She is a stellar speaker on themes related to overcoming adversity and entrepreneurship.
37. Chad Foster
With a well-rounded background, Chad Foster's interests and successes are sure to capture the audience's attention. The former pro tennis player turn entrepreneur created and marketed the soft, rubber surface used at McDonald's Playlands around the world. He's also a best-selling author and hosts his own ESPN show, Fly Fishing America. His expertise delves far beyond fishing, tennis, and playground surfaces, however. His resources for today's young adults focus on the importance of balancing education/knowledge and usable 21st-century skills and that without both, a person is destined to fail in the modern workplace. With his expert guidance, a younger audience gains the knowledge and empowerment needed to be a success.
38. Amy Trask
Amy Trask started her career as an intern for the Los Angeles Raiders before her admittance into the State Bar of California in 1985. After several years working for an L.A. legal firm, she returned to her beloved Raiders as the team's Chief Executive, a position she'd hold until 2013, and that led to her book, You Negotiate Like a Girl. Since then, she's been a sports analyst at CBS and even appeared on We Need to Talk, the first all-female sports talk show. Her perseverance in a male-dominated sport has helped her stand out and earned her a reputation and standing as one of the NFL's Greatest Game Changers with her team calling her tough, outspoken, and incredibly smart. She brings that same approach to her keynote speakers as she inspires women to stand out and stay strong.
39. Coach Rob Mendez
The best coaches motivate and inspire their teams by being tough and fair. Coach Rob Mendez's personal experience provides a whole other level of inspiration with his #WHOSAYSICANT motto. He was born with tetra-Amelia syndrome, an extremely rare congenital disorder where a person is missing both legs and arms. Despite his physical disability, he's embraced his passion for life and football and serves as a role model to many children as a school football coach. He loves inspiring and motivating others through his words and experiences, and it's that positivity that his audiences connect with him whether he's on TV, radio, or in person.
40. Charlene Li
Charline is an expert in change. When newspapers started the shift from print to online journalism, she helped offices make that change. She became a principal analyst for Forrester Research, specializing in search marketing and interactive advertising. In 2008, she founded Altimeter Group and helped hundreds of companies grow their businesses in a disruptive world. Today, she shares her expertise in embracing change to bring about transformation. She's an exceptional keynote speaker and best-selling author of six books, including the well-received The Engaged Leader: A Strategy for Your Digital Transformation. She connects with her audience and shares her secrets to finding order within all of the chaos.
41. Mick Ebeling
As the founder of Not Impossible Labs, Mick's message of using technology to solve life's "absurdities." His first project, and reason Not Impossible Labs came about, was an open-source device that allowed those with paralysis to use their eyes to create art. That invention, EyeWriter, was named one of TIME magazine's "50 Best Inventions of 2010." One of his recent creations was Bento, a technology for people experiencing food insecurity to get a pre-paid meal. Mick Ebeling holds a degree in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and is an impassioned speaker with several awards, including a 2009 Grammy for "Best Short Form Music Video" and Muhammad Ali Center "Humanitarian of the Year." Any audience would be invigorated by his powerful message.
42. Chef Andre Rush
Retired Master Sergeant Rush is one of the top chefs in the nation. He's competed in and won 150 trophies or medals as a member of the U.S. Culinary Arts Team. Throughout his culinary history, he's worked in the White House, the Presidential Guest House, and at West Point. He's also known as the Army's strongest chef with biceps measuring a whopping 24-inches around. While food is his passion, he's also an impressive speaker who advocates for suicide prevention, military service, and a healthy lifestyle. Few capture their audiences' attention as well as Chef Andre Rush does.
43. Merril Hoge
It's hard to not get taken in by Merril Hoge's story. His dream from a young age was to play for the NFL, but many told him it was a difficult path and would never happen. The eight-year-old boy vowed to "Find a Way." He's used those three words to become an NFL player, spending six years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and one with the Chicago Bears before post-concussion syndrome ended his career. Even today, he uses those three words to inspire others to face their challenges head-on and make their dreams come true.
44. Angela Ruggiero
As the only Californian and second American woman to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Angela played in 256 games for Team USA and holds four Olympic medals. She's succeeded in many other "firsts" in her long career, including becoming the first female to play in a position other than goalie during a regular-season pro hockey game in North America. Since her retirement in 2011, she's maintained an active career as the CEO and co-founder of Sports Innovation Lab. She's also a host of "The Fluid Fan" podcast. As a motivational speaker, her powerful message on women in sports and the Olympics is one that listeners will not soon forget.
Amy Dubois Barnett is currently the senior VP and GM of BET Digital. Her path to this esteemed position has taken her through a role as the lifestyle editor for Essence magazine, managing editor of Teen People, and deputy editor for Harper's Bazaar. She became editor-in-chief for Ebony in 2010 before leaving that position to be the VP, digital, and chief content officer for The Grio. Amy is a published author of several short stories and the book Get Yours! How to Have Everything You Ever Dreamed of and More. Her bold, take-charge message is certain to captivate your audience and help them see that they can have everything they want from life if they have the drive and determination.
46. Whitney Johnson
Whitney Johnson is the CEO of Disruption Advisors. She's one of Thinkers50's Top Ten Business Thinkers in the World. Her expertise lies in smart growth leadership, something she shares with millions of followers on LinkedIn Top Voice, and the S Curve of Learning that she shares through keynote speeches and lectures at Harvard Business School's Corporate Learning program. Master the art of growing your business or organization by listening to her sage advice and learning what you should be doing differently.
47. Steve Young
Steve Young had a long career with the San Francisco 49ers, as their quarterback and MVP in 1992 and 1994. He led the team to Super Bowl victory in 1994 against the Chargers. That same year, he set an NFL record for passer rating (112.8) and had more than 1,500 passing attempts in his career. In his 15-year career, he played mostly for the 49ers, but he did spend a year with the Los Angeles Express and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The three-time Super Bowl champion retired from the NFL in 1999 due to repeat concussions. Since retirement, he's been busy as the National Advisor to ASCEND: A Humanitarian Alliance and his own Forever Young Foundation, where he helps children with emotional, financial, and physical challenges keeping them from embracing their dreams.
48. Nate Boyer
One of the many things that makes Nate Boyer stand out is that he'd never played organized football until he was asked to play a game for the University of Texas. He did well enough that he became the starting long snapper and played more than three dozen games for the Longhorns. the Seattle Seahawks signed him as an undrafted free agent. The U.S. Army Green Beret served six years before his football career. Most recently, he's appeared as Captain McCarthy in Madden NFL 18 and in movies like Den of Thieves and the FX show Mayans M.C. He's involved in Mission 6 Zero, MVP, and Waterboys.org. When he speaks to audiences, his message is strong and focuses on service, empowerment, and helping others.
49. James Lawrence
The Iron Cowboy is a family man who also happens to have made a name for himself by competing in 50 long-distance triathlons, in all 50 states, in just 50 days. While people couldn't believe he'd even attempt such a thing he proved them wrong by doing just that, breaking many Guinness World Records in the process. When he speaks, it's a message of power, grit, determination, and the most important message of all, "Redefine Impossible."
50. John Maxwell
John Maxwell is widely regarded as one of the planet's top experts on leadership. Heads of state, Fortune 500 CEOs, and entrepreneurs have all been influenced by John. John’s influence is truly global: he’s a New York Times No. 1 best-selling author, who has sold more than 33 million books in fifty languages, and his organizations — the John Maxwell Company, the John Maxwell Team, EQUIP, and the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation— have translated his teachings into 70 languages. That global reach is a testament to the fact that current and aspiring leaders - whether they’re in business or politics as well as teaching or coaching - have so much to gain from listening to John.
51. J.R. Martinez
J.R. Martinez is an Army veteran and burn survivor. What J.R. endured and the resilience J.R. developed is instantly noticeable. He’s spoken to troops at bases all over the world, as well as Fortune 500 companies, universities, and non-profits. Whether it’s a military or corporate or academic setting, J.R. is such an inspiring keynote speaker with the rare ability to truly connect with and unleash the always-needed optimism within any audience.
52. Simon T. Bailey
Simon Bailey is one of the top public speakers in the business world. As the creator of LinkedIn Learning and more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry - including as sales director of the Disney Institute - Simon has an ambitious, global perspective that he can instill in your audience. Simon was listed by SUCCESS Magazine as one of the top 25 individuals who will help you reach your business and life goals, and you’ll absolutely want to book him for a keynote on purpose-driven leadership.
53. Kerri Strug
At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the difference between getting gold and silver for what would be remembered as the “Magnificent 7” Team USA women’s gymnastics team came down to two vaults by Kerri Strug. When Strug injured her ankle on the first vault, it seemed like the team was doomed to fall short, yet Strug persevered and would stick the landing for the second vault to carry her country to glory. Strug was then carried to the podium by her coach in what was altogether one of the most iconic Olympic moments ever. At 14 years old, Strug had been the youngest member of the 1992 team, and few people can relate to the type of pressure to perform combined with resilience that her time as an Olympian demanded. Strug will leave your audience in absolute awe.
54. Tim Grover
Having worked with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and hundreds of other pro athletes and Olympians, Tim Grover is the preeminent authority on the science and art of physical and mental dominance and achieving excellence. Tim is the author of the bestseller RELENTLESS: From Good to Great to Unstoppable, a featured columnist for major media outlets like ESPN and Fox Sports, and the creator of the digital training platform The Relentless System. Tim is a consultant and keynote speaker for not just athletes, but business leaders and other elite achievers aiming to maximize their performance through an unmatched mentality. Want to know how the best of the best develop and maintain their drive? Tim can enlighten your audience like no other.
55. Jim Harbaugh
In both college football and the NFL, Jim Harbaugh is a proven leader and winner. Harbaugh turned around the Stanford program, his 44-19-1 record in four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers is the fourth-best start to an NFL coaching career in history, and now he’s brought back the University of Michigan to its winning ways. Jim is a brilliant football mind, and his enormous, electric impact on every organization he’s coached at is a testament to his tremendous leadership and culture-building skills. A Jim keynote will ignite your audience to maximize collective achievement.
56. Joe Maddon
In 2016, Joe Maddon managed the storied Chicago Cubs franchise to their first World Series title since 1908. Maddon had led the Tampa Bay Rays from 2006 to 2014 - winning the American League pennant in 2008 - but he will be remembered forever as the manager who broke the curse in Chicago. Many coaches win championships, but few have also had to overcome a psychological hurdle for their team and city the way Maddon did. A Maddon keynote about his long journey and the leadership required to make Wrigleyville dreams come true is truly special for any audience to experience.
57. Daron K Roberts
With both a Master’s and JD from Harvard, NFL coach, community organizer, lecturer, author, and member of the Presidential Leadership Scholar inaugural class, Daron K. Roberts has taken a unique, impressive path to positively impacting the lives of others in multiple ways. Daron is the founding director of the Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation (CSLi) at the University of Texas, the first university-based institute dedicated to developing leadership and character curricula for high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. After coaching roles with multiple NFL teams, he started a nonprofit football camp to support at-risk youth. The transitions Daron has made in life inform his shaping of the attitudes of people of all ages, and whether it’s talking to them directly or the teaching figures in their lives, his keynote is always a touchdown.
58. Pandit Dasa
Pandit Dasa spent 15 years living as a monk in New York City. The title of his book, Urban Monk, hints at that juxtaposition he very much lived. That lifestyle allowed him to fully appreciate the value of breathing correctly, managing stress, elevating emotional intelligence, and appreciating and celebrating the achievements of others, and so much more. Pandit has spoken to many Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies as well as massive organizations like NASA and The World Bank. A motivational keynote from Pandit will help create a more mindful workplace culture, which increases productivity and improves retention. In an increasingly fast-paced and virtual world, Pandit’s expertise has never been more valuable.
Nick Santonastasso was born with a rare genetic condition - Hanhart Syndrome - that left him with no legs and one arm. But that did not stop Nick from becoming a high school athlete, bodybuilder, and fitness model. Nick rose to fame with a series of entertaining and inspirational videos, gaining a massive social media following that includes A-list stars like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Tony Robbins, and Gary Vaynerchuk. As a speaker, Nick brings an energy that allows him to connect with a range of people. From schools to Fortune 500 companies and any type of audience in between, Nick is a must-listen.
60. Chris Nikic
Chris Nikic is the first person with Down Syndrome to finish an Ironman triathlon, making history in 2020 as a 21-year-old. Chris had open-heart surgery when he was 5 months old, he couldn’t walk until he was 4 or eat solid foods until he was 5, and he had four major ear operations when he was 17. Chris’s story and resilience are unbelievably rare, and he was recognized at the 2021 ESPYS with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. A speech by Chris is an inspiring, heartwarming, and actionable way to close a conference.
61. Bethany Hamilton
Bethany lost her left arm to a 14-foot tiger shark when she was 13. She was a rising surfing star, and she would not be deterred by the attack. One month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water and within two years had won her first national title. In 2007, she realized her dream of surfing professionally and since then, her story has been told in a New York Times best-selling autobiography and in the 2011 film, Soul Surfer. Bethany is involved in numerous charitable efforts to support amputees and youth, she’s written a book (Body and Soul) promoting a fit and healthy lifestyle, and she’s passionate about helping young women be unstoppable in life and faith. She is an incredibly empowering and inspirational keynote for all audiences.
62. Susan Ershler
Susan Ershler climbed the Seven Summits - the highest mountains on every continent – while also climbing the corporate ladder through her work as a sales leader at some of the nation’s largest. She is a leader who “walks the talk” and, through her Project ∙ Prepare ∙ Persevere® methodology, can inspire people to meet goals both in sales and in their lives. Susan’s presentations are genuinely as impressive as they come, enhancing leadership and motivating the audience to maximize their own vision of success.
Shabnam Mogharabi went from young award-winning journalist and editor to co-founder (along with actor Rainn Wilson) and GM of an entertainment company that creates positive, socially conscious videos about human connection. Under Shabnam’s leadership, the company grew exponentially to nearly 10 million online fans and more than 1 billion video views. Shabnam’s book SoulPancake: Chew on Life’s Big Questions is a New York Times bestseller, and a speech by Shabnam on the importance of joy, positive psychology, and the power of storytelling profoundly impacts her audiences.
64. Victoria Garrick
Victoria Garrick walked onto the nation’s top-ranked USC volleyball team and shined as a four-year starter, but her legacy went beyond her digs and leadership in two years of captaincy. As a sophomore, Victoria delivered a TED Talk on mental health and body-image issues faced by student-athletes, which has since garnered over 180,000 views. Through her work advocating for mental health and body image, Victoria has been featured in The Players’ Tribune, USA Today College, and Popsugar magazine, and has amassed over 200,000 followers combined on her social media platforms where she’s known for her positive media campaign, #RealPost. It is essential for people of all ages to listen to Victoria, and let her infectious energy inspire them and imbue them with confidence.
65. Tony Romo
Tony Romo went from undrafted free agent to legendary quarterback of America’s Team. The former Dallas Cowboys leader made an instantly successful transition to lead game analyst for the NFL on CBS, bringing charisma and his trademark energetic-yet-meticulous style to coverage on Sundays. Tony’s rise to stardom, as well as his resilience during his NFL career, is as inspiring as it gets. Today, he’s one of the most engaging personalities in the football world, and a well-rounded, terrific choice for speaking engagements.
66. Chester Elton
Chester Elton is a renowned expert on leadership and organizational culture. Chester has over two decades of experience with clients around the world - big companies and research with over one million working adults - and his books have won awards from the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal. Chester is the co-founder of global assessment company FindMojo, and, as a speaker, he presents in an entertaining, refreshingly engaging way that your company definitely has to experience.
67. Mallory Brown
At the age of 33, Mallory Brown has traveled to over 50 countries, started two social impact companies, published over 40 humanitarian films, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight international poverty. She is a social entrepreneur, humanitarian, and storyteller on an incredible mission to promote empathy and empowerment and redefine what it means to be giving back in our globalized society. She has been recognized by the likes of The New York Times and USA Today, and there’s nothing like having a born storyteller with such a genuine purpose and energy to inspire your audience
68. Drew Robinson
Drew Robinson had his MLB career interrupted by Tommy John surgery, his depression deepened as the Covid-19 pandemic started, and Drew tried to kill himself. A gunshot wound to the head required 4 surgeries, left him without his right eye, and with seemingly no chance to play pro baseball again. Yet 13 months later, Drew hit a home run for the AAA Sacramento River Cats, an unforgettable exclamation point to such an inspiring comeback. Drew now works in the front office for the San Francisco Giants, and he’s a mental health advocate focused on spreading positivity and the power of vulnerability. To have Drew share his story and what he’s learned through his recovery and return to the world is a home-run keynote.
69. Pamela Barnum
As an undercover police officer interacting with criminals and drug dealers, Pamela Barnum gained an incredible real-world perspective on trust and body language. Pamela then became a federal prosecutor, mastering the nonverbal communication skills a courtroom requires. After 20 years in the criminal justice system, Pamela went to grad school to study corporate negotiations. The depth of Pamela’s expertise in communication, trust-building, and body language is so rare, and she shares that through the media as well as speaking. Her TEDx Talk, “What Drug Dealers Taught Me About Trust,” was viewed more than 400,000 times in the first year. In person or virtually, Pamela is a fascinating must-listen for any audience.
70. Arvid Ali
Arvid Ali graduated from UCLA at 19, was the youngest person ever admitted into Brown’s grad program, financially retired at 26, and is now creating the largest non-profit ever to provide free business and meditation training to millions of individuals around the world. The former President of “The Wolf of Wall Street” Jordan Belfort’s corporations and Global Managing Director for snowboarding legend Shaun White is now the CEO Hiring Strategy Group, with over 50 Silicon Valley clients. His resume doesn’t stop there, and it’s truly as impressive as one could imagine, never mind how young he still is. Ali serves as an advisor to celebrities, corporations, and governments across the world, and he’s a can’t-miss speaker on a range of topics: business, leadership, motivation, sales, tech, entertainment, entrepreneurship, diversity, investing, and much more.
71. Robyn Hatcher
Robyn Hatcher has blended her experience in entertainment as a former actress and writer with her Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner background to create corporate programs and interactive keynote presentations that have a unique impact on any audience. And Robyn’s versatile approach is equally effective in a virtual format, which has allowed her to train and coach thousands of Fortune 500 professionals. Robyn’s book - Standing Ovation Presentations - was named in the Forbes Top 100 coaching books of 2015. She has been cited in major magazines, and she has appeared on many podcasts. Robyn is the ideal speaker for an audience of any size, and her flexibility with format is perfect for the world we live in today.
72. Trent Shelton
Former NFL player Trent Shelton has developed into one of the most impactful and sought-after motivational speakers of his generation. Trent believes that everyone is capable of greatness, and that we begin to achieve it the second we take responsibility for where we are in life and acknowledge our own worth. Although he had some name recognition from his time in the NFL, Trent essentially built his own reputation and following through viral YouTube videos in which he encouraged listeners to capture their potential. Trent’s messaging resonates with millions of people and is sure to inspire your audience. Still not sure? Just watch this.
73. Devon Still
While former Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Penn State All-American Devon Still was trying to make the Cincinnati Bengals roster, his 4-year-old daughter, Leah, was diagnosed with high-risk pediatric neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. Leah survived, and Devon did play in the NFL, yet due to his daughter’s cancer experience he realized what was most important in life, and he was determined to help other families who suddenly found themselves in the same situation. Devon is the founder and CEO of the Still Strong Foundation, which raises childhood cancer awareness and provides resources and financial assistance to families. Devon is also an author, podcaster, and consultant, he earned his MBA from the University of Houston and is pursuing another Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Devon has spoken to many well-known organizations worldwide, and few people can impact and equip an audience to make a difference in business and life like Devon.
74. Eric the Trainer Fleishman
Top Hollywood celebrities and UFC fighters are guided by the methods of a physical trainer so legendary that his job has become his middle name. Eric ‘The Trainer’ Fleishman has appeared in major magazines, TV, and online shows, and he’s been an instrumental part of some of the highest-profile fitness stories of the past decade. Eric’s unique approach to health and fitness will enamor those enthusiastic about the subject, ensure others don’t miss out any longer, and motivate any audience.
Jen Bricker-Bauer was born without legs, yet her obsession with gymnastics motivated her to become a state champion in power tumbling competing against able-bodied athletes. If that didn’t defy the odds enough, Jen had been adopted and it turns out that the Olympic gold medalist gymnast Jen idolized as a child - Dominique Moceanu - was actually her biological sister! Everything Is Possible is the title of her autobiography and there’s really no other way to put what is a script that even Hollywood couldn’t write. Listening to Jen reflect on her journey is powerful for those facing adversity, yet it’s also such a warm, uplifting story from a life coach that every audience will appreciate.
76. Jami Marseilles
Jami Marseilles had both her legs amputated below the knee after narrowly escaping death when a snowstorm left her and a friend buried in a car and stranded for a week. Eventually, Jami not only relearned how to walk, but she became a Paralympian runner who would win gold medals and hold world records. She is the only “double below the knee amputee” woman in the world to have successfully completed a half marathon and full marathon. Jami’s near-death experience, road to recovery, and remarkable triumph have been shared in the book Up and Running: The Jami Goldman Story. Hearing Jamie herself discuss the lessons from her survival and all that followed will leave an audience as inspired as possible.
77. Alan Stein Jr
Alan Stein Jr. knows a thing or two about improving leadership, teamwork, and individual as well as collective performance. A veteran basketball performance coach who worked with household names like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry, Alan is also a business owner who can share how to apply his successful approach from sports performance to the corporate world. Through keynote speaking and workshops, Alan is ready to deliver actionable lessons that will allow your audience to develop a winning mentality and culture.
78. Cassandra Worthy
People can be resistant to change, and even scared of it. But based on her experience as an executive for Procter & Gamble as well as Berkshire Hathaway, Cassandra Worthy believes in embracing change as a chance to grow. Cassandra’s career involved her in some of the biggest acquisitions ever recorded in the consumer packaged goods industry, and she gained a refreshing perspective on not just dealing with, but taking advantage of change: Change Enthusiasm®. Cassandra’s Change Enthusiasm Global consulting firm allows her to ignite that positive energy towards change in her clients, including some of the world’s biggest companies. Your audience is guaranteed to be dealing with change in some form, and hearing Cassandra will absolutely allow them to capitalize.
79. Angel McCoughtry
Growing up playing basketball was a family tradition for Angel McCoughtry, as her dad had played for Coppin State University in Maryland. She'd continue this legacy and go on to play for high school and college, the latter of which where she led the Big East Conference and break school records for steals, rebounding, and scoring. She would go on to play in the WNBA for Atlanta Dream from 2009 to 2019. While she's still active in the WNBA, she's also generous with her time and resources and helps communities by taking on projects like renovating community basketball courts. Audiences love her and learn a lot while hearing her speak about drive, determination, and willingness to try something new.
80. Chris Borland
Chris Borland is one of the first NFL players to retire early due to concerns about brain injury, he hasn’t been afraid to publicly discuss that once uncomfortable subject, and he’s making a difference as a mental health advocate, as well as a proponent of meditation. Chris led the first scientific study of meditation with NFL players at The Center for Healthy Minds in 2017, worked with The Carter Center Mental Health Program and founded T Mindful, a company integrating meditation into athletics. Chris was willing to challenge the status quo in order to improve the lives of football players and others, and an audience will gain so much from hearing Chris speak about mental well-being and the value of meditation.
81. Courtney Clark
Courtney Clark beat melanoma at age 26, but follow-up scans five years later discovered an aneurysm that was close to hemorrhaging. Courtney developed remarkable resilience, and she’s able to share how that can happen for anyone as quickly as possible. Courtney wrote two books - The Giving Prescription, and The Successful Struggle: Powerful Techniques to Achieve Accelerated Resilience - and as a speaker, her presentations are also focused on creating a culture of that Accelerated Resilience in order to maximize achievement. Courtney can help any audience respond to challenges in the most efficient, effective way possible.
82. John Foley
John Foley is one of the most in-demand speakers in the world for the past decade. John is the former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels, with whom he flew at speeds of more than 500 mph in formations as close to 18 inches apart. This high-pressure environment has enabled John to speak to the biggest companies and organizations in the world about trust, leadership, and teamwork. John’s energy and storytelling are unmatched, and he’s ready to help your team unlock its full potential.
83. Ryan Estis
Ryan Estis is a forward-thinking, innovative consultant for the world’s leading brands, as well as the author of a reputable business performance blog. As the former Chief Strategy Officer of the McCann Worldgroup ad agency, Ryan has over 20 years of experience as a leader in sales. Ryan’s sharpness and verve will provoke thought and light up your audience in an unbelievably beneficial way.
84. Jenn Donahue
As an engineer who served her country as a US Navy Captain and Regimental Commodore, Jenn Donahue has made a difference in some of the most intense environments in the world. Jenn was responsible for building infrastructure under the duress of war in Iraq as well as Afghanistan, where she commanded a battalion of nearly one thousand. She led natural disaster reconnaissance in places like Japan and Samoa. Jenn is the ideal speaker to discuss leadership and team-building. She also focuses on overcoming imposter syndrome, and she is adept at tailoring her message to any audience to inspire them to achieve greatness.
85. Austin Hatch
Austin Hatch survived two plane crashes that claimed the lives of his entire family. His mom, brother, and sister perished in the first one, then about eight years later, his father and stepmom were killed in another crash, and he nearly was, too. Nine days after committing to play basketball at Michigan, Austin was in a coma for two months and had to relearn how to function with his loved ones gone. Such tragedy striking the same person twice is almost impossible to believe, and hearing Austin - now a graduate of Michigan and full-time motivational speaker - discuss grit and overcoming adversity is as powerful as it gets. Austin will inspire your audience as well as help them appreciate their blessings and opportunities.
86. Dr. Saralyn Mark
Dr. Saralyn Mark is a globally recognized pioneer in women’s health and precision innovation. She is the founder, president, and CEO of SolaMed Solutions, LLC, a boutique consulting firm, as well as the founder and president of the iGIANT®, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the translation of research into gender/sex-specific design elements across all sectors. Dr. Mark also designed the first-ever women’s health fellowship in the US. Dr. Mark has empowered women in multiple ways, and she impacts any audience by speaking about her experience as well as her outlook for the future.
87. Mark Dacascos
As an actor, director, TV personality, and martial artist, Mark Dacascos blends together a fascinating background and professional life. Multi-lingual and a mix of Japanese, Filipino, Spanish, Irish, and Chinese heritage, Mark was a karate and kung fu star as a kid. He has featured in more than 40 full-length films and many TV shows as well, including as The Chairman on Iron Chef America and iconic villain Wo Fat on Hawaii 5-0. Mark and his experiences on the big screen as well as in martial arts are as interesting and diverse as you can imagine. For any audience, listening to Mark is an eye-opening experience on stage.
88. Jeremy Roenick
Jeremy Roenick is regarded as one of the greatest American hockey players in the history of the sport, and also one of the more colorful personalities around pro hockey. Roenick connected with fans in a way few athletes can, and the media always appreciated his honesty. Jeremy had an 18-year NHL career and represented Team USA at several major tournaments, then transitioned into TV as a hockey analyst following his retirement. Jeremy is a comfortable, open, and entertaining speaker who your company is certain to enjoy.
89. Lewis Howes
As a child, Lewis Howes had a learning disability, and he was bullied and sexually abused. He dreamt of playing in the NFL, but a devastating injury would end his arena football career. Not for the first time, Lewis was knocked down, and he would again rise in spectacular fashion to become a best-selling author, lifestyle and media entrepreneur, and even a member of the USA Handball Team! Lewis was recognized by President Obama as one of the top entrepreneurs in the nation under 30, and he’s the host of the renowned The School of Greatness podcast. He has overcome adversity in its many forms, and he’s a fantastic motivational speaker for any type of audience.
90. Danny Crates
Danny Crates lost his right arm in a horrific car accident when he was 21, yet his phenomenal resilience propelled him to an illustrious career in international athletics. Danny won gold in the 800-meter at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games as well as every major title in the world. Since retiring, Danny has become a regular on TV as well as a personal performance coach, and he continues to build his reputation as a marvelous motivational speaker. Danny is able to tailor his presentations to a spectrum of audiences, and his powerful story plus the philosophy behind his five keys to success are a universal must-listen!
91. Bedros Keuilian
Bedros Keuilian is the founder and CEO of the rapidly-growing Fit Body Boot Camp, a renowned business consultant, and a best-selling author. Bedros was born in communist Armenia, and after immigrating to the US, he has become an inspiring example of what is possible when ideas are freely shared and brought to life. His sales and marketing mindset has helped thousands of digital marketers and entrepreneurs; and his clients include authors, celebrities, NFL players, and NAVY Seals. Bedros is a speaker always in demand: he can help unlock the imagination of an audience and guide them towards maximizing their potential.
92. Randy Hetrick
College athlete, 14-year NAVY Seal, entrepreneur, and inventor: Randy Hetrick is doing it all. Randy is best known as the creator of the Suspension Trainer ®, and he is the founder of TRX, one of the world’s leading training brands. Randy is also an operating partner of Equity38, a multi-brand holding company in the health and fitness industry, as well as an advisor and director on the boards of several other ventures outside the fitness industry. Randy talks to companies around the world about leadership, entrepreneurship, branding, and culture. Considering his experiences and his attacking approach to life, he’s the right person to engage and energize an audience.
93. Hector Guadalupe
Hector Guadalupe spent 10 years in federal prison, physically and mentally rebuilding himself for the incredibly hard-earned and fulfilling success that came in the next phase of his life. After he was released, Hector worked as a personal trainer for 17-hour days during the week as well as many hours on weekends. He didn’t take a day off for four years and he eventually founded a nonprofit dedicated to preparing formerly incarcerated people for careers in the wellness industry. After selling drugs since he was a teenager put him on the path to prison, Hector can reflect on how he ended up as the CEO of A Second U Foundation-having not only transformed himself but also made sure he helped others take advantage of another chance. Hector inspires people about what is possible in life, no matter the circumstances.
40 seasons: that’s how long Kathy Delaney-Smith was the head coach of the Harvard women’s basketball team. And above all else, her legacy in the fight for gender equity is what she will be remembered for. Just don’t forget her 630 wins with the Crimson, the most in conference history! Kathy’s longevity and success as a leader who relentlessly empowered women since the early phase of the Title IX era make her a remarkable speaker. Kathy has so much to share from an illustrious career that combined sporting excellence and advancing the status of women’s sports, at Harvard and beyond.
95. Nick Webb
Nick Webb is a futurist. He has over 40 patents for cutting-edge inventions, including one of the first wearable technologies as well as one of the world’s smallest medical implants. Nick is the founder and CEO of management consulting firm LeaderLogic, LLC, a best-selling author of several books, the producer of a documentary about health care, and an advisor to top healthcare brands. In terms of innovation - in health care and in general - Nick is a must-listen.
96. Rochelle Gapere
Attorney by trade, happiness coach by heart. That’s how the best-selling author of One Happy Thought at a Time: 30 Days to a Happier You Rochelle Gapere describes herself. In addition to her JD, Rochelle has an impressive educational background in psychology, and she aims to empower others with science-based tools and techniques as part of a unique approach to leading more fulfilling lives. Rochelle is a charismatic, uplifting speaker that is ready to innovatively activate the well-being of her audiences as well as readers.
97. Kit Deslaurier
If climbing Mt. Everest sounds so impressively far-fetched, how about a ski descent there as well? Kit DesLauriers is a pro skier and mountaineer who became the first person to climb and ski the “Seven Summits,” and the first woman to ski Mt. Everest. The 2015 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year is also a member of the US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. Having experienced the beauty of our planet in a way almost no one can understand, Kit is leveraging her legendary status toward environmental activism. A true trailblazer, Kit is absolutely fearless and an ideal motivational speaker as well as an advocate for protecting our planet.
98. Siya Kolisi
Siya Kolisi is the first black man to captain the South Africa Springboks, the National Rugby Union team of South Africa. Siya was raised by his grandmother and grew up in poverty. In 2019, he led South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory and became a unifying inspiration to not only his country but also the entire planet. Siya is more than an athlete, and the significance of his story is in a category of its own. The experiences and lessons that Siya can share regarding leadership, overcoming adversity, and uniting a country scarred by apartheid are incredibly valuable for any audience or event.
99. Juliet Funt
How can talent be unburdened from busy work so that its full potential is unleashed? Just ask Juliet Funt. Juliet is a renowned keynote speaker, tough love advisor to the Fortune 500, and author of A Minute To Think. The founder and CEO of the boutique efficiency firm Juliet Funt Group, Juliet has worked with some of the biggest companies in the world and has been recognized by top authors such as Daniel Pink and Malcolm Gladwell. Juliet has tremendous credibility in delivering a direct, actionable message while remaining refreshingly warm and personable.
100. JJ Birden
JJ Birden understands what it means to be a long shot yet, against all odds, earn success. He went to Oregon on a track scholarship, then he walked onto the football team. Although he was drafted, several injuries initially led to rejection by multiple NFL teams. But JJ persevered and - at 5’10” and 157 pounds - played nine seasons as a wide receiver in the National Football League. Today, JJ is a best-selling author capable of sharing stories and lessons in the most captivating way. A passionate speaker and entrepreneur, JJ brings incredible energy to encourage people to endure, persist, and take advantage of the opportunities life presents them.
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And there you have it – the top 100 motivational speakers. If you’re ready to be motivated or motivate your team, click here to contact Engage Concierge and we’ll help you find the perfect motivational speaker for your specific needs!
