Top 200 Keynote Speakers
- By Brendan Egan
- Oct 12, 2022
We put a lot of time and care into choosing our top 200 keynote speakers. What makes them the best? It doesn’t always come down to education or the number of degrees. It’s how well they capture the audience’s attention and kick off the overall theme of a conference, convention, or another major event.
It’s their personal experience, quality insights, and ability to be an engaging speaker that captures an audience’s emotional interest. If the keynote speaker fails at their job, the audience may not want to stick around and the lead orator knows this. Personal stories, good and bad, help drive storytelling in a way that the audience responds well to. Trust in these keynote speakers to be exactly what you need to kick off your event by providing an expert’s insight.
For a keynote speaker to succeed, a masterful blend of personal stories and knowledge in the field must be clear. Kevin O’Leary’s father passed away when he was still young, but his mother was a small business owner and remarried an economist. She always told him to save 33% of his money. He took that advice, received an MBA at Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario, and has become a successful Canadian entrepreneur and venture capital investor on ABC’s Shark Tank.
2. James Clear
James Clear is a former college athlete, weightlifter, writer, and keynote speaker. He’s an expert on decision-making, becoming motivated, breaking bad habits, and continually improving yourself, as is discussed in his bestselling book Atomic Habits.
3. Mel Robbins
The 5 Second Rule launched Mel Robbins into global recognition. She’s an international bestselling author, has the #1 podcast on Audible, and has a number of signature online courses that have impacted more than half a million students. She’s a specialist in changing your behavior and her TEDx talk “How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over” has more than 29 million views on YouTube.
4. Chris Voss
Chris Voss is the CEO of the Black Swan Group, an organization that uses hostage negotiation techniques to solve business communication problems. He’s also the author of Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It . He’s a former FBI agent skilled in high-stakes negotiations and crisis management.
5. Aly Raisman
Aly Raisman is a two-time Olympic gymnast who was one of the hundreds of victims of Larry Nassar, the former Olympic team physician who pled guilty to ten counts of sexual assault of minors, in addition to his guilty pleas for tampering with evidence and child pornography. Aly’s experience with sexual assault is just part of her story and is told in the Lifetime production Aly Raisman: Darkness to Light and her book Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything. She spent years in the Olympics and appeared on Dancing With the Stars where she finished 4th with Mark Ballas.
6. Josh Linkner
He’s the founder and CEO of five companies, including ePrize, which he sold for a combined $200 million. Josh Linkner’s keynote speeches focus on his roles in mentoring and investing in more than 100 startups as the founding partner of Detroit Venture Partners, a company that led to him working with basketball legend Magic Johnson. As if that’s not enough, Josh also received the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award and is a two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Many know of Cal Ripken Jr. through his 21 seasons as a shortstop and third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles. He was deservingly elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, with 19 All-Star appearances, 8 Silver Slugger awards, and 2 MVP awards. He’s also a member of the 3,000-hit club and holds the record for the most consecutive games played (2,632). Since his retirement, he’s remained active in helping others. He’s an amazing keynote speaker with a lot of insight to share about leadership and never giving up.
JB's achieved several firsts and many other honors making her a great keynote presenter. She’s the first African American woman to establish a multi-billion dollar company and the first BET Honors Entrepreneur of the Year. Look at some of her other achievements – there are many – like her appointments to the FCC’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment, President Obama’s Presidential Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the International Trade Advisory Committee. Her company, ActOne Group, achieved Silver Awarded Ecovadis Sustainable Corporation level in 2021 and is a member of the United Nations Global Compact.
9. Ed Mylett
From a young age, Ed Mylett decided that he’d be his own boss. He wasn’t about to work for someone else and help them achieve their dreams. He founded the Ed Mylett Show, a Laguna Beach management consulting firm specializing in showbiz. He’s all about the hustle and earning all that you have. As a keynote speaker, he shares his powerful stories on developing his own worth and not having it handed to him by his parents or others.
10. Bethany Hamilton
Most people know Bethany Hamilton’s story. As an up-and-coming surfer, a shark attack threatened her dreams. She lost her arm to a shark, but she didn’t let it stop her. She got back in the water within a month and started training. Within two years, she won her first national title. She turned that experience into a bestselling autobiography and award-winning movie, both titled Soul Surfer.
11. John C Maxwell
If you’re looking for a keynote speaker on leadership, take a closer look at John C. Maxwell. He’s the author ofThe 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,Developing the Leader Within You, and 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, all bestsellers. He’s been leading churches across the nation since the 1970s, and Inc. Magazine named him the “#1 Leadership and Management Expert” back in 2014.
12. Lisa Bloom
Lisa Bloom’s expertise as a keynote speaker comes from her role as founder of The Bloom Firm, one of the nation’s largest civil rights law firms. She advocates for victims of domestic violence, discrimination, racism, sexual harassment, and excessive force at the hands of the police. She holds a J.D. degree from Yale Law School and has also served as a legal analyst for CBS, CNN, and MSNBC.
13. Jake Olson
Retinoblastoma robbed Jake Olson of his left eye as a toddler. At the age of 12, he lost his other eye. Completely blind before he was even a teen may have slowed some kids, but he remained strong and determined to play football. He became the first completely blind Division 1 college football player and earned the Pac-12 special teams’ Player of the Week. He’s an effective keynote speaker when it comes to cancer, determination, grit, and never letting life stop you from achieving your dreams.
14. Trent Shelton
For a keynote speaker to build a relationship with an audience, you need to reach them on an emotional, personal level. Trent Shelton does just that. He’s the author of The Greatest You: Face Reality, Release Negativity, and Live Your Purpose . He shares personal experiences of growing up and making plenty of mistakes but shows how learned from them. He used his wrong turns to better himself. When his NFL career came to an end before he expected it to, he used it to better himself and carve a new path. His struggles have led to a following of more than 12 million people, and his inspirational videos and messages have helped others develop resilience and know that it's okay to fail and use that failure as feedback for improvement.
15. Erica Dhawan
Erica Dhawan is one of Thinkers50’s “Top 50 Management Thinkers.” She’s the author of two bestsellers: Get Big Things Done: The Power of Connectional Intelligence and Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connections. She’s an internationally recognized keynote speaker, specializing in collaboration, teamwork, and innovation.
16. Steve Young
For 13 years, Steve Young was the San Francisco 49ers’ star quarterback. He won the NFL MVP twice (1992 and 1994), was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, and led the 49ers to three championships, winning three Super Bowls. He was named the Super Bowl MVP for Super Bowl XXIX. Following his football career, he used his Juris Doctorate from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School to focus on private equity. He co-founded and is the managing director of Huntsman Gay Global Capital, a private equity buyout fund. He also remains cemented in the football world as an NFL Studio Analyst for ESPN.
17. Alan Stein Jr
Alan Stein, Jr. specializes in team collaboration and cohesion. He helps athletes develop winning routines, strategies, and mindsets. He’s spent 15 years helping NBA stars perform better than they expected. As a performance coach, he helped Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. He uses his expertise and experience to lead corporate keynotes and workshops designed to help others perform better than they could dream of.
18. Pat McAfee
What does keynote speaker Pat McAfee bring? A lot of humor thanks to his stand-up comedy experience. He’s a media personality with the WWE and host of the Pat McAfee Show. He founded and is the CEO of a self-named digital media company. All of this came after his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts. His former teammate, Matt Hasselback, joined him as a football analyst on ESPN. Sports isn’t his only area of expertise. He and his father operate The Pat McAfee Foundation to provide children of U.S. military personnel with scholarships.
19. Lewis Howes
As a keynote speaker, Lewis Howes can talk about playing professional football, his experience as a high-performance business coach, or his role as a lifestyle entrepreneur. On a more personal level, he’s also the survivor of sexual abuse and bullying and overcame a learning disability. He’s the author of The School of Greatness and has a top 100 podcast of the same name. “Greatness” is his specialty, and he enjoys sharing the lessons he’s learned with others to help them overcome obstacles.
20. Molly Bloom
Molly Bloom has an amazing story to tell, and her audience takes away a lot after listening to her. As an adolescent, she was diagnosed with severe scoliosis and had to undergo a corrective surgery that was going to end her dreams of being a world-class skier. With grit and determination, she was back on the slopes within a year and as a mogul skier ranked #3 in North America when she turned 21. Book her for a keynote speech on overcoming challenges and female empowerment.
21. Jay Shetty
Book Jay Shetty as your keynote speaker for health and wellness. He’s the co-founder of Sama Tea and is the host of On Purpose, the #1 health and wellness podcast. AdWeek calls him “an emanation of spiritual force, and the Strreamy’s named him “The Best Health & Wellness Creator of the Year." His videos have more than 10 billion views and he has more than 50 million followers on social media.
22. Ron Garan
Colonel Ron Garan is a decorated NASA astronaut, test and fighter pilot, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. In his missions on both the U.S. space shuttle and Russian Soyuz, he flew more than 71 million miles and completed more than 2,800 orbits of the earth. His experience with NASA is one reason he’s one of the best keynote speakers, but he is also the co-founder of Manna Energy Limited, the first organization in the entire world to register a UN Clean Development Mechanism carbon credit program for water treatment.
23. Liz Wiseman
She’s the CEO of the Wiseman Group, a leadership research and development firm. Liz Wiseman is also the author of Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter, Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact , and several other bestsellers. In addition to her skills in leadership research and development, she’s also spent countless hours researching collective intelligence and has written for Fortune, Harvard Business Review, and many other business journals.
Cris Collinsworth is a big name in Sunday Night Football. He’s been the lead football analyst for Sunday Night Football for over 12 seasons alongside Al Michaels, and in 2020, they averaged 16.8 million television viewers. His work as a sports analyst has landed him 17 Sports Emmy Awards.
25. Michael Oher
He’s pretty well known due to the award-winning movie The Blind Side. His story impacts audiences and leads to emotional keynote presentations. Michael Oher’s mother was an addict and his father wasn’t part of his life and was murdered when Michael was a teen. Within nine years of schooling, he’d been in 11 different schools and bounced from one foster home to another. He spent far too much time homeless. Everything changed when Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy took him into their home and gave him the chance he needed. He went on to become a star college player and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2009.
26. Nastia Liukin
Nastia Liukin is a five-time medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She retired from gymnastics at 22, became a gymnastics analyst, and has been inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame, and International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. Her experience and impact as an influencer make her a popular keynote speaker for topics like empowerment and staying motivated.
27. Daymond John
Daymond John’s expertise as a keynote speaker dives deep into building a business and marketing effectively. He started a business in his mom’s basement and turned it into a lifestyle brand with more than $6 billion in sales. He’s the founder and CEO of FUBU and has won more than three dozen awards, including Ernst & Young’s New York Entrepreneur of the Year and Brand Week's Marketer of the Year.
28. Minda Harts
Minda Harts is the CEO of The Memo LLC and wrote a bestselling book, The Memo: What Women Of Color Need To Know To Secure A Seat At The Table . Her keynotes range from managing talent to developing strong leaders. She’s talked to college students and executives around the world.
29. Kyrie Irving
In eight seasons with the NBA, Kyrie Irving scored more than 11,290 points. He’s a six-time NBA All-Star and led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their very first NBA Championship. He was traded to the Boston Celtics in 2017 and the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, where he still plays.
30. Amanda Nguyen
Amanda Nguyen was raped when she was at Harvard and held off pressing charges after police officers told her there was a 15-year statute of limitations. While having the rape kit performed, she learned that if she didn’t file an extension, the collected evidence would be destroyed in six months. A year later, she founded the non-profit Rise, an organization that protects the rights of sexual assault and rape survivors. She’s responsible for working hard to champion the "Sexual Assault Survivors’ Right Act" that President Obama signed into law in 2016.
31. Jade Simmons
For three years running, Jade Simmons was named one of the nation’s "Best Keynote Speakers." She’s the CEO of Jade Media Global, a content distribution company that specializes in personal development and strategic transformation. Her keynotes include plenty of music as she’s a talented pianist, giving her the nickname “Classical Music’s #1 Maverick.”
32. Rudy Ruttiger
Rudy Ruettiger is one of the nation’s most popular motivational speakers. It was his dream to both play football for the Fighting Irish and attend Notre Dame, but he was the third of 14 children and that led to many obstacles. He succeeded and completed an amazing feat when he sacked the quarterback during the last half-minute of the only game he’d play in. His “Yes I Can” speeches and determination resonate with audiences small and large.
33. Joseph Herscher
Joseph Herscher started making chain-reaction machines at the young age of five. In his 20s, he used his apartment to build a machine with a three-minute course that ended with a hammer smashing an egg. “Crème That Egg” ended up being viewed more than three million times, which inspired him to build others, talk about his machines with audiences around the world, and establish workshops for children.
34. Dale Moss
After four years in the NFL, Dale Moss left the sport to establish a career in entertainment. He’s worked with several brands, including Cadillac, Gillette, HUGO BOSS, and Nike. He appeared on The Bachelorette in 2020, getting a final rose in the 4th episode, which had never happened before. His talent as a keynote speaker touches on his philanthropy. He’s a Global Ambassador for The Special Olympics and he works with The Wounded Warriors Project.
35. Joe Maddon
He’s managed several MLB teams over the decades. You may recognize Joe Maddon’s name as he was named 2015’s National League Manager of the Year while he was with the Cubs. A year later, he led the Cubs to their first World Series title in over 100 years. Determination, team building, organizational culture, and leadership are his keynote specialties.
36. Heather Monahan
Book Heather Monahan for a keynote on topics like confidence building, female empowerment, and leadership. Heather is the founder of Boss in Heels and has given several keynote speeches and TEDx talks, tapping into her experiences being one of the handfuls of women to reach the C-suite. She’s a Glass Ceiling Award winner and author of Confidence Creator.
37. Ryan Shazier
Ryan Shazier was a first-round draft pick in 2014. During a game, a tackle went wrong and left him with a severe spinal cord injury. He was told there was only a 20% chance that he’d ever walk again. He was determined to prove his doctors wrong. He entered the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Institute and started working hard to get back on his feet. After over a year of hard work, he went from being paralyzed to walking with the help of one cane. His determination, positivity, and inspirational story are reasons audiences love him.
38. Linda Bernardi
Linda Bernardi is the co-founder and CEO of XdMind Inc., an AI company that adapts music into video games. She’s an expert in technology disruption and innovation in all fields from video games and consumer goods to automotive and healthcare. If you remember IBM’s Watson, you’ll be fascinated to know Linda was the company’s Chief Innovation Officer and helped introduce Watson to the world. Her keynote speeches on technology are authentic, engaging, and packed with information leaders and employees can put to use.
39. Whitney Johnson
Are you looking for an expert in disruption, team building, and smart growth leadership for your event? Whitney Johnson is the CEO of Disruption Advisors. Thinkers50 named her one of the ten “Leading Business Thinkers in the World” in 2021. She’s the author of Build a Team and Disrupt Yourself, books where she teaches her “S Curve of Learning” and the “Seven Accelerants of Personal Disruption.”
In many homes, Jackie Joyner-Kersee is a recognizable name and her popularity makes her a popular keynote speaker. Sports Illustrated for Women named her the “Top Female Athlete of the 20th Century. She was the first American woman to win an Olympic Gold Medal in the long jump, and she was the first woman to get more than 7,000 points in the heptathlon. In four Olympic appearances, Jackie won three golds, a silver, and two bronze medals.
41. Bo Jackson
Usually, a sports professional focuses on one sport. Bo Jackson stood out from the crowd and was the first athlete to become an All-Star in two major league sports – NFL and MLB, establishing his “Bo Knows” campaign. He was a running back for the Oakland Raiders and a left fielder and designated hitter for the KC Royals. After a tornado hit Alabama in 2011, he took his brand and established “Bo Bikes Bama,” a five-day charity bike tour that raised more than $1.1 million for the Alabama Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund. Bo Knows a lot about life, achieving your goals, and going above and beyond, making him a solid choice for a keynote on never giving up.
42. Erik Qualman
It’s hard to deny that Erik Qualman stands out. He was voted the “Most Likable Author in the World,” and his Socialnomics program has been used by hundreds of colleges and universities and companies like NASA and NBCUniversal. As a keynote speaker, he’s spoken to audiences in 55 countries on topics like digital leadership. He’s the founder of Equalman Studios and is probably best known for "What Happens in Vegas Stays on YouTube."
43. Mick Ebeling
You might already recognize Mick Ebeling for his social innovation lab and production company Not Impossible. He was awarded a Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award for his work through Not Impossible, a group that inspires others to give rather than receive. His organization has created 3-D printed artificial limbs for Sudanese amputees and wearable technology that helps those with hearing impairments feel the music that’s playing.
44. Devon Harris
Devon Harris grew up in poverty, but he aimed for greater things. When British training officers said he’d never be a leader, he insisted he would. When winter sports experts said Jamaica would never have a shot at the Winter Olympics, he vowed to make it happen, and that’s exactly what he did. Devon is a skilled keynote speaker who shares his story of being told time and again that he couldn’t and responding and showing others that he most certainly could.
45. Scout Bassett
Scout Bassett was just a newborn when she lost her leg in a chemical fire and was left abandoned on the street. In her seven years in a government-run orphanage, she built herself a makeshift leg and used belts and tape to secure it so that she could walk. Just before her eighth birthday, she was adopted by an American family, but her peers bullied and excluded her. Despite this, she went on to become a star Paralympian and took home a gold medal in the 2019 Parapan American Games. She’s a picture of grit, power, and determination.
46. Harry Broadman
Harry Broadman is an expert speaker on topics like corporate governance, growing your business, innovation, and risk mitigation. He holds a doctorate in economics and has had a career as a strategic advisor for more than 35 years, working in more than 80 countries in that time.
47. Natalie Stavas
Dr. Natalie Stavas was nearing the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon when she heard the explosions. She left the course and headed to the area to help work on the victims. Her actions led to honors from President Obama, Katie Couric, and Anderson Cooper. She was named the “2013 Bostonian of the Year” by The Boston Globe. She’s the Child Protection Pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego’s program director, and is currently researching the effects of the pandemic on children’s well-being.
48. Jia Jiang
After moving to the U.S. at the age of 16, Jia Jiang received a Bachelor of Computer Science from Brigham Young and a Master's of Business Administration from Duke. He entered the corporate world but risked it all to become an entrepreneur, where rejection could have stopped him. He grew from that rejection and launched Rejection Therapy, an online tool for helping individuals and organizations grow stronger by conquering their fear of rejection. His keynotes share the insight and experiences he’s developed along the way.
49. Lavinia Errico
Keynote topics like workplace wellness, entrepreneurship, and female empowerment are all Lavinia Errico’s strengths. She’s the co-founder of Equinox Fitness and The Inside Out Movement. She can talk to individuals and larger groups about taking a startup, business, or organization to a new level.
Author Amy Dubois Barnett moved from a position as senior VP and general manager at BET Digital to become the CCO at Outside Interactive. She’s been named one of the “Most Innovative and Influential Professionals in the Media Industry” by Folio 100 and “2012 Media Executive of the Year” by Target Market News.
51. Lamar Odom
Lamar Odom’s claim to fame started in the NBA, where he won two championships. He played on the Olympics Men’s Basketball team in 2004. When he married Khloe Kardashian and became part of the family’s reality TV show, his battle with addiction became what everyone knew of him. He’s now sober and an exceptional keynote speaker on addiction and fighting beat that demon.
52. Liz Kleinrock
The 2018 Teaching Tolerance Award for “Excellence in Teaching” went to Liz Kleinrock. She’s a Korean-American, Jewish, queer, antibias, and antiracism educator to all ages. As a keynote speaker, her TED Talk “How to Teach Kids to Talk About Taboo Topics” shows exactly how well she’s able to connect with her audience and share her insights.
53. Tessa White
Tessa White is the founder of The Job Doctor and helps with engagement in the workplace and assists people in building successful career strategies. She has 25 years in HR and was a Fortune 50 executive. USA Today calls her “One of the Top Speakers to Watch in 2022.”
54. Tom Rath
The bestselling How Full Is Your Bucket? is one of ten books written by Tom Rath. He excels in helping businesses and employees improve their well-being. He spent 13 years at Gallup specializing in leadership consulting and employee engagement.
55. Jonas Kjellberg
At Skype, Jonas Kjellberg was co-founder and managing director and responsible for generating 90% of the company’s revenue stream. He founded Player.io, a company he sold to Yahoo, and is the CEO and partner of Wyatt Media Group. Book him for keynotes on digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and product, sales, and profitability.
56. Mina Kimes
Mina Kimes is an award-winning journalist for her work with ESPN. She’s the host of The ESPN Daily and co-host of The Morning Roast on ESPN Radio. Since becoming a writer and now a senior writer for ESPN, she’s expanded her profile across radio, TV, and ESPN The Magazine, specializing in many topics including esports.
57. Rob Paylor
During the 2017 Collegiate Rugby National Championship, Rob Paylor broke his neck. Doctors told him he would never walk or gain use of his hands again. Going from a skilled athlete to a quadriplegic would break some, but Rob became determined to walk again. He graduated from UC Berkeley and works daily to regain his mobility. As a keynote speaker, he can talk to audiences about facing challenges, not letting them beat you down, and reaching your full potential.
58. David Ortiz
Big Papi spent 20 seasons playing in the MLB, mostly with the Boston Red Sox. During this time, he was named to the All-Star team ten times, was a Silver Slugger seven times, and won three World Series Championships. He holds the Red Sox’s single-season home runs record (54) and had 541 homers during his entire career. He’s won many awards, including two American League Hank Aaron awards. He founded the David Ortiz Children’s Fund in 2007 and raises awareness and funds to help children in his home country of the Dominican Republic, Boston, and other areas around the world. He’s a brand ambassador for UNICEF Kid Power and keynote speaker on sports, achieving greatness, and helping others.
59. Manny Montana
On the TV show Graceland, Manny Montana played Johnny Tuturro. He was Rio on Good Girls. He landed these roles after getting a degree in Broadcasting and Journalism from California State University Long Beach. He has expertise in both broadcasting and television and can help offer the advice needed to tackle challenges and outshine others who are competing for the same position, role, or even client.
Martin Luther King III is the oldest son of Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Like his father, he fights poverty, racism, and militarism. He stands for civil and human rights and talks to audiences around the world about standing up and taking measures to change the world for future generations.
61. Jamie Kern Lima
She’s the bestselling author of Believe IT: How to Go From Underestimated to Unstoppable. To get here, Jamie Kern Lima co-founded a makeup and skincare brand from her living room and grew it into a top-selling cosmetics company. L’Oreal purchased IT Cosmetics for $1.2 billion, making it the largest acquisition in L’Oreal’s history and making Jamie the first female CEO of a L’Oreal brand. Hire her to talk to your group or organization about determination, developing self-confidence, overcoming the fear of rejection, and believing in yourself.
62. Todd Buchholz
Todd Buchholz is a former White House director of economic policy. Successful Meetings Magazine put his name on the “21 Top Speakers for the 21st Century” list. If you’re looking for a keynote speaker on topics including the financial market and economics, Todd is an outstanding choice.
63. Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson played for the Detroit Lions from 2007 to 2015. He went to six Pro Bowls and was a First-Team All-Pro three years running. After retiring from the NFL, he founded a cannabis business with a former teammate. Primitiv focuses on high-quality products and hopes to end the negative stigma associated with marijuana, something he uses to manage pain.
64. Nate Boyer
In his time in the U.S. Army, Nate Boyer earned a Green Beret and completed several JCET Missions to Bulgaria, Greece, and Israel. He served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He went on to become a long snapper for the Texas Longhorns, leading to his Disney Spirit Awards at the ESPN College Football Awards. He mentors children with autism and is a volunteer in refugee camps in the Darfur region. One of his most recent accomplishments is climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for clean water in Tanzania. He's an excellent speaker on topics like helping others, finding your life’s passions, and living with purpose.
65. Grant Hill
Grant Hill is a co-owner of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. He’s an NBA analyst and sports broadcaster. His experience in the NBA with five teams led to him being chosen as Rookie of the Year, and he was a seven-time All-Star. If you need a basketball expert for a keynote speech, Grant’s a charismatic choice.
66. Tommy Spaulding
As the founder and president of Tommy Spaulding Companies, Tommy is an expert in leadership development. He’s the author o f It’s Not Who You Know: Transform Your Life and Your Organization by Turning Colleagues and Contacts Into Lasting, Genuine Relationships .
67. Dr. Yvonne Cagle
Female empowerment keynote speeches need Dr. Yvonne Cagle’s expertise in breaking through barriers. She’s an aerospace surgeon, member of the NASA Working Group, certified senior aviation medical examiner, and qualified advanced cardiac life support instructor. Dr. Cagle is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and recipient of several medals during her military service including the United States Air Force Staff Exceptional Physician Commendation.
68. Michael Hyatt
He’s the CEO and founder of Michael Hyatt & Company. Michael specializes in leadership development and has helped his company grow more than 60% each year for the past four years.
69. Kate Fagan
Kate Fagan has broken through several obstacles on her way to success as a sports reporter and commentator. Before that, she had to come out to her basketball team that was led by Born-Again Christians she was a gay woman experiencing a loss of identity as she tried to hide her true self from her classmates, coaches, professors, and teammates at a college led by Born-Again Christians that regularly prayed for those “living a sinful life.” Her keynote speeches cover being genuine and celebrating who you are.
70. Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh is an NCAA men’s coach for the University of Michigan who took the job after four years with the San Francisco 49ers. He’s one of four Big Ten Coaches and is one of two head coaches to win back-to-back ten-win seasons.
71. Arlene Dickinson
Arlene Dickinson is the general partner of District Ventures Capital, a firm that helps entrepreneurs market, fund, and grow their food and health businesses. She’s been on Dragons Den for more than 12 seasons, leading to her being recognized in Canada’s “Most Powerful Women Top 100 Hall of Fame.” As a keynote speaker, she can talk about her years on the award-winning Dragons Den, entrepreneurship, and venture capital funds.
72. Ryan Harris
Book Ryan Harris to talk about his experiences in the NFL with the Denver Broncos. He’s a Fantasy Football Hour host and he’s a color commentator for Notre Dame. As a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America volunteer and through his work with Wish of a Lifetime, his knowledge also delves into helping others and mentorship.
Dr. Travis Bradberry is the bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0. His company, TalentSmart, provides emotional intelligence tests and training services to Fortune 500 companies. He’s given several talks to large companies like Coca-Cola and Microsoft, and he’s comfortable in front of large audiences or smaller ones.
74. Howie Long
Long before his career as a sports analyst and actor, Howie Long was a defensive end for the Oakland Raiders. He was with the Raiders for 13 years, during which he participated in the Pro Bowl eight times and won the Defensive Lineman of the Year. He’s a charismatic speaker who can talk about his experiences filming with John Travolta, Kevin Costner, and Kurt Russell or his charitable causes like the Boys & Girls Club.
75. Shama Hyder
Her expertise in digital marketing is one of the many reasons Shama Hyder is a sought-after keynote. She’s been honored at the White House and the U.N. as a young entrepreneur. She’s the CEO of Zen Media and excels at digital PR and marketing.
When your event or presentation covers topics like financial wellness, emerging technologies, and venture capital. Allison Baum Gates is a general partner at SemperVirens, a venture capital fund. She’s also the author of Breaking Into Venture and has shared her insight into venture capital and financial wellness with audiences around the world.
Lori Nishiura Mackenzie is the lead strategist for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Stanford Graduate School of Business. She’s also the co-founder of Stanford VMware Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab. She’s an excellent keynote speaker on topics like diversity, leadership, and inclusion.
78. Rowdy Gaines
During his swimming career, Rowdy Gaines broke 14 World Records and was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame and the International Swimming Hall of Fame. His knowledge and insights made him a broadcasting booth legend, and he’s covered the past seven Summer Olympics for that reason. His personable nature makes him a favorite speaker.
At one point Christine Hassler was a Hollywood agent, but she shares her insights on professional success and personal fulfillment in front of audiences at universities, corporate events, conferences, and public events. Keynote subjects like overcoming adversity, boosting productivity, diversity, and communication skills are all subjects in which she excels.
80. Mike Massimino
He’s a former NASA astronaut, but today he is a professor of mechanical engineering and senior advisor for Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum’s space programs. Mike Massimino has gone on two space flights (2002 and 2009) and set a team record for the number of hours spacewalking during a single mission. Mike was also the first person to Tweet from space. His adventures make for fascinating talks.
British-born Marcus Buckingham has a degree in social and political science and uses it as a keynote and motivational speaker on management training. He’s written nine books, including two bestsellers, and is the CEO of The Marcus Buckingham Company, which helps with leadership skills and management training.
82. Dion Leonard
A tough childhood, addictive behaviors), and emotional binge eating had Dion Leonard on the wrong path. Despite being overweight and unhappy with himself, Dion was doing well climbing the professional ladder in sales and marketing. He realized he needed more and started running, which led to frustration and new challenges, but he realized the more he ran, the easier it was to work through his obstacles. He shares his story of persevering and breaking through barriers to achieve happiness.
83. Tony Romo
Tony Romo’s football career is kind of a Cinderella story. He came from a blue-collar family and was an exceptional college football player. Yet, he went into the NFL undrafted. He went to Dallas as a third-string quarterback and slowly increased to a starting position after four years. When he was offered the chance to replace the veteran quarterback halfway through the season, he led the team to its first playoff appearance in three years. He shares his story of coming from a small town to becoming a star football player and that challenges at work and in your personal life shouldn’t stop you from trying your hardest.
84. Ben Nemtin
What’s on your bucket list? Ben Nemtin’s bestselling book, What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? and MTV show The Buried Life takes a closer look at achieving your dreams. His experiences accomplishing his own dreams with three of his buddies also led to them helping others along the way, whether it was reuniting a father and son after almost two decades apart or helping a girl get a bionic arm. He’s one of Global Guru’s “World’s Best Motivational Speakers” and an entertaining choice for your next event.
85. Fredrik Eklund
Fredrik Eklund is New York City’s “Top Luxury Broker,” securing more than $2 billion in closed residential transactions. He’s the broker to celebrities, showing homes to stars like Jennifer Lopez, and is regularly seen on Million Dollar Listing New York. Fredrik’s also the founder of the most high-end residential real estate brokerage in Scandinavia and established the top-producing team at Douglas Elliman on the East Coast. He’s a sensational speaker on topics like sales, real estate, and business leadership.
86. Wade Boggs
For 18 years, Wade Boggs was a well-known name in the world of baseball, first with the Boston Red Sox for 11 seasons and then with the rival team the New York Yankees until 1997. It was with the Yankees that he won the 1996 World Series. He finished his career in Florida, where he retired and runs The Wade Boggs Foundation for Youth Athletics. He’s won several awards and honors through the years, including his 2003 induction into the Ted Williams Hall of Fame.
87. Brent Gleeson
After Seal Team 5 tours in Africa, Iraq, and several other locations, Brent Gleeson was honorably discharged and attended the University of San Diego where he got his MBA. He became the co-founder of Internet Marketing Inc. and the founder and CEO of TakingPoint Leadership. As a keynote speaker, his work over the years helps him share his principles and tips for team building, corporate culture, workplace engagement, and leadership.
88. Todd Hewlin
Financial Times called Todd Hewlin’s book one of the “Top 30 Business Books of 2019.” He’s the managing director at TCG Advisors, a growth strategy firm. He’s an expert on popular keynote topics like innovation, digital disruption, and growth strategy.
89. Ram Charan
Professor Ram Charan is a leadership and business coach who has worked with Bank of America, Key Bank, Toyota, and many others. He’s helped over a dozen leaders climb the ladder to CEO roles. His teaching style had led to several awards, including “Best Teacher” at Northwestern. Business Week calls him one of the “Top Ten Resources for In-House Executive Development Programs.” Hire him for talks on leadership, career development, and personal growth.
90. Charlene Li
For more than 20 years, Charlene Li has been a keynote speaker and expert in leadership, digital transformation, customer experience, and the future of work. She’s the founder and senior fellow at Altimeter, a disruptive analyst firm. Inc. calls her one of the “Top 50 Leadership Innovators.”
91. Samantha Karlin
Samantha Karlin is the CEO of Empower Global, a firm that gives keynotes on diversity and inclusion. Empower Global also holds women’s leadership challenges for female leaders around the globe. She’s held keynote speeches at organizations like Amazon, Harvard, Legacy International, Tufts University, and Verizon and is always happy to add to that list.
92. Arvid Ali
If you’ve ever heard of the Wolf of Wall Street, you know a bit about the work Arvid Ali has done. He was the president of Jordan Belfort’s corporations, and he’s Shaun White’s global managing director. At the young age of 26, he retired and founded the largest non-profit in history that helps individuals with business and meditation training. Book him for keynotes on leadership, sales, motivation, business, technology, diversity, and investing.
93. Richard Verma
Richard Verma is a partner and vice chairman at The Asia Group and was the U.S. Ambassador to India in the 2010s, where he led more than 100 initiatives between India and the US. He’s an expert in trade, diplomacy, business, and law, and his keynotes share his experiences in his work with the government and his years spent in global law.
94. Alana Stott
She’s the founder and developer of Wolfraven Omnimedia, a firm that helps people share their inspirational stories while advocating for change. Alana Stott is a former Mrs. Scotland and helped Prince Harry raise $1.2 million for a mental health awareness campaign. She’s one of the first women to receive the designation of Company Security Officer and was the runner-up for Scottish Businesswoman of the Year in 2019 and won Fundraiser of the Year in 2018. Her experiences in business, private security, and mental health make for fascinating keynotes.
95. Annie Duke
Annie Duke uses the lessons she’s learned playing professional poker and her education in cognitive psychology in her public speaking engagements. Her skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional control help individuals and businesses alike.
Marcus Aurelius Anderson’s life changed when he suffered a severe spinal injury that paralyzed him from the neck down. He died twice on the operating table and was told he’d never walk or use his hands again. After some serious thought, he realized he could stop living or learn how to live life to the fullest in new ways. He opted for the second choice and uses his struggles to learn new life lessons. His keynotes share all that he’s learned and achieved.
97. Kathy Varol
Kathy Varol has honed her skills in brand marketing, innovation, and strategic planning and its impact with Adidas, Microsoft, and MillerCoors. She uses her insights as a keynote speaker helping clients stand out, find the best workers, and gain a loyal customer following.
98. Warren Moon
Playing in both the CFL and NFL, Warren Moon spent 23 years in professional football. During this time, he was a 9x Pro Bowl selection, passing yards leader, and 1989 NFL Man of the Year. He left football and became the co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing, a firm that helps find and cultivate business opportunities for athletes and corporate brands.
99. Natalie Nixon
She’s called the “Creativity Whisperer for the C-Suite.” Natalie Nixon is a creativity strategist and keynote speaker who’s talked to audiences around the world. Her knowledge of business transformation, creativity, innovation, and the future of work has put her on the “Top 50 Keynote Speakers in the World for 2022” Real Leaders list.
100. Michaela Onyenwere
Book a star WNBA player for your next event. Michaela Onyenwere was named “Rookie of the Year” in her first year with the New York Liberty. During that rookie year, she led all rookies in points, three pointers, and field goals. There seems to be little that she can’t accomplish both on and off the court.
101. Frits Van Paasschen
For eight years, Frits Van Paasschen was the CEO of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, taking that position after years as Coors Brewing Company’s CEO. He brings more than 30 years of experience helping businesses thrive despite changing attitudes and environments. His expertise in business strategy, disruption, and leadership is invaluable to business events.
102. Eric LeGrand
While playing defensive tackle for Rutgers, Eric LeGrand severely injured himself during a tackle and became paralyzed. While that may have knocked even the toughest person down emotionally and mentally, Eric maintained a positive attitude saying, “It’s not even whether you keep breathing, it’s whether you keep breathing how you want to breathe.” He’s continued to work hard and has since regained movement in his shoulders and became an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His positive attitude and striving to persevere make him a popular keynote speaker.
103. Rudy Reyes
Force Blue is a non-profit that provides ocean conservation efforts with special force divers. It’s founded by Rudy Reyes, a Marine recon combat veteran who is also an actor, author, director, producer, and fitness expert. He’s been seen in HBO’s Generation Kill and Semper Fi. His experiences on sets and in combat make for unforgettable keynotes.
104. Bedros Keulian
He’s the founder and CEO of Fit Body Boot Camp, a two-time Entrepreneur Magazine “500 Fastest Growing Franchises in the World.” He’s also a four-time Inc. Magazine “Fastest Growing Privately-Owned Companies.” Bedros Keulian’s strengths in sales and marketing have helped thousands of entrepreneurs and digital marketers transform their businesses, and his stories of coming from a communist country to the success he holds today are inspiring.
105. Kit DesLauriers
She’s a 2x World Freeskiing Women’s Champion and has skied Aconcagua, Mount Aspiring, Mount Everest, and Vinson Massif. Kit DesLauriers was National Geographic’s “2015 Adventurer of the Year” and was inducted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2019. Her keynotes go beyond her experiences on the slopes. She’s a dedicated advocate for Protect Our Winters and the Alaskan Wilderness League.
106. Ashley Whillans
For keynotes on negations, innovation, and motivation, you want Dr. Ashley Whillans. She holds a Ph.D. in social psychology and teaches the Motivation and Incentives course at Harvard Business School. In 2018, she won the CAGS Distinguished Dissertation Award for the “Single Best Ph.D. Thesis in Canada.”
107. Dean Stott
Dean Stott spent 16 years in the British Special Forces, being one of the first Army members to join Special Boat Service, skills he used as a consultant to the movie Captain Phillips. Since retirement, he’s had a stellar career in private security where he has helped rescue diplomats and military personnel from the Canadian embassy in 2014 and helped evacuate more than 1,200 people from Afghanistan. He’s also a mental health advocate and fundraised more than $1.4 million biking from Argentina to Alaska.
108. James Holzhauer
He had a 32-game winning streak on Jeopardy and won over $2.4 million in his 33 appearances. After winning that money, he said he would be donating some of it. James Holzhauer also plays cards professionally. He’s donated to several Las Vegas children’s charities, including one that helps homeless teens. Back in his hometown in Illinois, he donated to the Naperville Pancreatic Cancer Reach Walk, in honor of Alex Trebek.
109. Dan Seewald
Dan Seewald is the co-founder of a women’s health and wellness startup, LiviWell, and the CEO of Deliberate Innovation, a corporate advisory firm. Before breaking out on his own, he was the head of the World Wide Innovation Group at Pfizer. As a keynote speaker, he taps into his training as a moderator, creative problem-solving facilitator, Design Thinking Coach, and CPA.
110. Rod Carew
Rod Carew was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. He earned that spot after being the Minnesota Twins’ “American League Rookie of the Year” in 1967, and American League MVP Award in 1977. He was in 18 straight All-Star Games and won seven batting titles. After retiring from the MLB, he became a philanthropist donating time and money to several children’s charities. After a heart transplant surgery, he became an advocate with the American Heart Association. His keynotes can talk about all of these experiences, but there’s something else people should know about him. He reached this point in his life after escaping an abusive father in Panama.
111. Mark Coopersmith
He’s a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and Fortune 500 global executive. He has more than 30 years helping launch, build, and fix organizations from startups to major corporations. As a keynote speaker, Mark Coopersmith is an energetic, entertaining speaker with expertise in e-commerce, team building, and leadership.
112. Sarah Spain
Spain and Company on ESPN Radio is hosted by Sarah Spain, a female voice in sports radio. That’s not all she does in sports journalism. She’s a columnist for espnW, a reporter for SportsCenter, and the host of That’s What She Said. Her knowledge of sports makes her a big name in sports news and reporting, but her keynotes go beyond that as she co-hosted ESPN’s first all-women program in 2016 and 2017.
113. Chris Mullin
Chris Mullin is a 2x Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, and former GM of the Sacramento Kings. He played in the NBA for 16 seasons, where he was a 5x All-Star. As a keynote speaker, he can talk about his experiences coaching, playing, and as a basketball analyst.
114. Amanda Kessel
Amanda Kessel played professional hockey for the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team and the National Women’s Hockey League. She won Silver in the 2014 and 2022 Olympics and Gold in the 2018 Olympics. She produces her own clothing line, too, and is a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins Executive Management Program.
115. Jeff Bloomfield
One of the key points Jeff Bloomfield shares during his talks and keynotes is that there’s a science to building trust. You need to be able to communicate well using power and purpose to make an impact. He’s a former sales and marketing executive, leadership expert, and cancer survivor with a great message to share in his engaging, interactive presentations.
116. David Horsager
David Horsager is the CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute and author of The Trust Edge. He’s talked on six continents and covers popular keynote topics like employee retention, increased sales, building relationships, and increasing revenues all by establishing trust.
117. Jessica Mendoza
In 2015, Jessica Mendoza became the first female analyst on a nationally televised MLB Postseason game. Months later, she was named a regular on Sunday Night Baseball, breaking barriers as one of the rare female sports analysts in baseball. She’s a 2x Olympian, winning Gold in the 2004 Olympics and Silver in the 2008 Olympics. She was also a 4x All-American for softball during her time at Stanford University.
118. Michael Rogers
Michael Rogers owns Practical Futurist, a consultancy firm that helps organizations and businesses around the world think about the future and plan accordingly. He’s helped companies like Boeing, Microsoft, and Pfizer, and he’s won several patents for his multimedia storytelling methods. His keynotes cover many important subjects like AI, innovation, and the use of technology in everything from healthcare to education.
119. John Lynch
John Lynch is a 6x Football Hall of Fame finalist, playing for teams like the Denver Bronchos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’s a 2x first-team All-Pro, 2x second-team All-Pro, and Super Bowl XXXVII champion. After a 15-year NFL career, he became an NFL analyst and commentator before taking the general manager position with the San Francisco 49ers where he was named the 2019 NFL Executive of the Year.
120. Dr. Rafael Grossmann
Dr. Rafael Grossmann is a patient advocate, educator, and surgeon known as being the first doctor to use Google Glass during live surgery. He’s an effective speaker on the partnership between AI, nanotechnology, and healthcare, and he advocates for Global Health and Digital Medicine.
121. Chester Elton
He’s the co-founder of FindMojo, a firm that helps assess businesses and help them with employee engagement, change management, innovation, organizational strategy, and work culture. Chester Elton’s books, including Anxiety at Work and Leading With Gratitude, are bestsellers and have been translated into 30 languages.The New York Times calls him “creative and refreshing,” and Global Gurus ranks him one of 2021’s “World’s Top Leadership and Organizational Culture Experts.”
122. Joe Buck
Since 1996, Joe Buck has been one of FOX Sports’ leading play-by-play announcers. He’s handled the play-by-play calls in six Super Bowls, 22 World Series, and 24 MLB League Championship Series. His talents have led him to seven Emmy Awards. Outside of his work, he’s also very active in charities and hosts the annual Joe Buck Classic golf tournament each year to benefit the St. Louis Children’s Hospital. He’s a skilled speaker on organizational skills and the attention to detail that’s needed to call sports on live TV.
123. Ichak Adizes
He’s the founder and CEO of the Adizes Institute and the developer of the Adizes Methodology for Organizational Therapy and Development. Ichak Adizes specializes in change management and leadership skills needed to avoid conflict while accelerating changes in businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits.
124. Juliet Funt
Juliet Funt is a well-known keynote speaker and founder and CEO of the Juliet Funt Group. Her boutique efficiency firm specializes in helping companies eliminate busy work to allow their workers to shine. She’s aided many businesses including Costco, National Geographic, and Spotify. Her friendly, engaging manner makes her one of the world’s highest-rated speakers at large events.
125. Robyn Hatcher
Robin Hatcher is a certified Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner following several years of writing and acting in daytime dramas. Her experience behind the camera helps her deliver fun, creative keynotes where the audience interacts rather than sits and listens. She’s the author of Standing Ovation Presentations, a book that Forbes called one of “2015’s Top 100 Coaching Books.”
126. Eric 'The Trainer' Fleishman
He’s one of the top trainers in Hollywood. Some of his biggest success stories came from helping celebrities like Ethan Supplee, Michelle Branch, and Big Time Rush. Eric “The Trainer” Fleishman owns a fitness consulting business, hosts the Amazon Prime show Celebrity Sweat, and regularly contributes to Muscle and Fitness.
127. Peter Sheahan
As a keynote speaker, Peter Sheahan’s strengths lie in helping others accelerate growth and transform their business through strong leadership skills. He talks about being honest, taking smart risks, and taking ownership of the problems that must be resolved in order to enhance growth. His tips and insights have helped companies like Apple, AT&T, Chick-Fil-A, and DeBeers.
128. Jose Hernandez
Instill a message of never backing down and never giving up by arranging to have Jose Hernandez talk to your audience. Jose was one of four children to migrant farmers. He didn’t speak any English until the age of 12 and followed his family back and forth from Mexico to Stockton, California, harvesting crops from March to November. He wanted more and achieved his goals by getting an electrical engineering degree and working his way up to his dream of being chosen by NASA to travel to space.
129. Mitch Lowe
You have Mitch Lowe to thank for opening the door to streaming as we know it. He started as the founder of a movie rental business in the 1980s and became the VP of business development at Netflix. He left Netflix in 2003 and started Redbox, growing the company's revenues from $36,000 to $1.5 billion within eight years. He produced movies, including 1 0 Minutes Gone, American Traitor: The Trial of Axis Sally , and Gotti, and now travels the world talking about innovation, disruption, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
130. Tom Morris
He’s a pioneer in business thinking, disruptive change, and philosophy. Dr. Tom Morris has a Ph.D. in philosophy and religious studies from Yale and taught at Notre Dame for 15 years. Ask him about his popular keynote titled “Plato’s Lemonade Stand.”
131. Janet Evans
Determination and team building are Janet Evans’ strengths. She’s a three-time Olympian who’s won four Gold and one Silver. During her athletics career, she broke seven world records and is in the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Olympic Hall of Fame. She was instrumental in bringing the 2028 Olympics to Los Angeles.
132. Dara Torres
Conquering the unknown and trying new things has always been Dara Torres’ passion. She broke her first world record at 15 before spending an unheard-of number of years in Olympic competitions – 26! In more than two decades in the Olympics, she won four Gold, four Silver, and four Bronze. Her experiences with eating disorders, bullying, injuries, insecurities, and Olympic training and competitions, plus her work with Princess Charlene of Monaco, make her one of the most sought-after keynote speakers today.
133. Alicia Korten
Alicia Korten created the “Core Values & Culture Survey” that’s used to speed up workplace culture transformation. She’s helped businesses and organizations like the U.N., Levi’s, and the Ford Foundation change their culture. Her insight into culture, people, and business empowers her audiences to make tough but necessary changes.
134. Christina Qi
Databento is an on-demand market data platform run by CEO Christina Qi. Before this role, she founded Domeyard LP, a high-frequency trading hedge fund that traded $7.1 billion each day. All of this came from her failure to land a Wall Street internship. She’s proven that tremendous success can come from being told no and striving to prove that underdogs can have it all.
135. Gary Bradt
Dr. Gary Bradt’s first child was born with a damaged heart and had to undergo several open-heart surgeries before he was even six months of age. Watching his son conquer each challenge taught him what he shares with his audience. No matter what struggles you face, you have the power to overcome the odds and succeed. This led to his prolific career giving keynotes and talks about change.
136. Brian Solis
As a digital anthropologist and futurist, Brian Solis studies digital transformation, AI, Web3, and creative innovation. He’s been called “one of the more creative and brilliant business minds of our time” by Forbes. He’s spent 20 years studying Digital Darwinism on society, markets, and businesses and shares all that he’s learned to audiences around the globe.
137. Ron Kaufman
Speaker Magazine calls him one of the “Top 25 Who’s Hot.” For more than 30 years, Ron Kaufman has assisted organizations, businesses, and teams learn how to improve customer service and their service cultures in order to boost their value and build stronger customer relationships.
138. Jim Thome
For 22 seasons, Jim Thome played professional baseball for six teams. During that time, he was a first-ballot MLB Hall of Famer, a member of five All-Star teams, and a Silver Slugger Award winner. He’s also a dedicated philanthropist and has a Lou Gehrig Memorial Award and two Marvin Miller Man of the Year awards. His bold personality and positivity make him a delightful keynote speaker.
139. Sam Cushing
Sam Cushing’s work as a consultant didn’t leave him feeling satisfied. He did what others said never to do. He quit his job, packed a bag, and headed to South America on a one-way ticket. There he spent two years working for a startup in Argentina where he embraced the culture, language, and South American lifestyle. His keynotes share his message that life should focus on your passions. For him, that means supporting himself with four pillars: fitness, music, travel, and wellness.
140. Erik Weihenmayer
Life’s full of challenges, and Erik Weihenmayer knows that better than anyone. He was the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. In just 13 years, he completed the Seven Summits, something that is challenging for a sighted person. He’s shown audiences around the world that anything is possible if you want it badly enough.
141. Ian Khan
Ian Khan is writing Metaverse for Dummies, what’s considered the operating manual of the Metaverse. He’s a futurist, leadership expert, and filmmaker with a lot of relevant information to share with leaders in several industries ranging from retail and healthcare to transportation and manufacturing.
142. Jason Redman
Former Lieutenant Jason Redman suffered severe injuries in Iraq, but it was his bright orange sign that captured attention. It told visitors to be fun and optimistic or leave. After retirement, he founded a non-profit organization that supports injured military members and the families of the fallen. He also founded SOF Spoken, which is the firm he created to give talks to businesses, first responders, sports teams, and government agencies.
143. Chef Andre Rush
There’s little that Chef Andre Rush can’t do. He’s a master ice carver, chocolatier, sugar sculptor, sommelier, pastry chef, and executive chef. He’s hosted special dinners, banquets, and gatherings while in the military and at the White House. Beyond his amazing culinary skills, he’s also an advocate for suicide prevention and military service. As a keynote speaker, he travels around the U.S. talking to all ages about living a healthy lifestyle.
144. Jim McMahon
During his years at Brigham Young University, Jim McMahon was an All-American and Heisman Trophy candidate. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears and spent seven seasons with them, leading the team to their 1985 title. After moving to Green Bay, he became a Super Bowl champion. What people may not know is that he suffered an accident as a child and had to wear dark glasses to protect his right eye from light. As a keynote speaker, he can share his personal stories and experiences of succeeding in football despite his challenges with vision.
145. Eddie Pinero
Eddie Pinero’s keynote speeches draw fans from around the globe, but it’s his message that resonates with audiences. “Anything is possible in life if you believe in yourself and work toward your dreams.” He’s a former athlete and works as a producer and speaker now. His expertise covers developing and nurturing a competitive mindset, business leadership, and growth.
146. Zoltan Istvan
Some call him a young Al Gore and others refer to him as a modern-day Ayn Rand. Zoltan Istvan is his own person, and one who turned heads when he ran for President of the United States as a Transhumanist Party nominee. His keynotes can talk about AI, what the future holds, and what The Transhumanist Wager is all about.
147. April Ross
April Ross is a U.S. Olympic beach volleyball player. Along with her partner, Jennifer Kessy, she one Silver at the 2012 Olympics and a Bronze in the 2016 Olympics with Kerri Walsh-Jennings. Her drive and determination to succeed make her a popular keynote speaker on everything from her world adventures to her experiences in the Olympics.
148. Guy Kawasaki
He’s a social media expert and bestselling author. Guy Kawasaki is also a popular keynote speaker on innovation to create much-needed services and products, which in turn drives business growth. He was a brand ambassador for Mercedes Benz and chief evangelist at Apple before taking his current chief evangelist role at Canva.
149. Shaquem Griffin
When you think of a professional football player, you probably imagine two hands catching the ball and carrying it toward the goal line. Shaquem Griffin was born with a condition that stunted the growth of his left hand, and at the age of four, he had that hand amputated. He never let that slow him down and was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2018. He’s an accomplished player and a remarkable keynote speaker.
150. Cooper Manning
The Manning brothers are familiar names in the NFL. His brothers Eli and Peyton are Super Bowl champions. Cooper is their older brother and also an all-state football player in high school. In college, his football career came to an end after he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. While that stopped him from playing, it didn’t stop him from becoming a success. He’s a director at the energy firm Scotia Howard Weil and he’s a popular public speaker.
151. Michael Landsberg
He’s a huge name in Canadian Broadcasting, as he’s the host of Off the Record, Canada’s longest-running talk show. Michael Landsberg is opinionated and even too aggressive for some, but that changed during an interview with an athlete dealing with depression. He shared his own battles with mental health and connected with audiences who felt he understood them. He’s since become a well-known mental health advocate, using humor and honesty to support mental health and those suffering from it.
152. Amy Trask
Not only is Amy Trask a noted sports executive with close to 30 years with the Oakland Raiders. She’s also a great keynote speaker on female empowerment as she worked her way up to an executive role. She’s a WISE Woman of the Year Award winner and a Campanile Excellence in Achievement Award.
153. David Feherty
David Feherty is a former pro golfer who is now a golf broadcaster. He’s won five European Tour events and ten worldwide titles. For ten years, he had his own show on the Golf Channel and earned an Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Sports Personality" in that time. Golf is a passion, but he finds fulfillment supporting combat-wounded U.S. troops, which led him to become a U.S. citizen. Feherty's Troops First Foundation works with wounded soldiers. No matter what he’s talking about, humor is a big part of his keynote or speech.
154. Brianna Decker
For keynotes on women’s empowerment, hockey, and the tenacity that’s needed to win the Olympics, Brianna Decker is a great choice. She’s an American women’s ice hockey player and member of the U.S. women’s national ice hockey team, winning a medal in the 2018 Olympics.
155. John Coyle
There’s little that John Coyle hasn’t tried. He’s an Olympic medalist in speed skating and a world-ranked cyclist, he’s spent years as the head of customer experience and innovation for a Fortune 500 firm, and he’s a 4x TEDx speaker. He’s an NBC sports analyst and popular speaker on topics like innovation, design thinking, resiliency, flow, and time perception.
156. Bode Miller
Bode Miller is a 6x Olympic medalist in alpine skiing. He won Gold in 2010, three Silver in 2002 and 2010, and two Bronze in 2010 and 2014. He’s also won Gold four times and silver once in World Championships. During the 2002 Olympics, he missed a gate. He could have stopped, but he went back up the slope to retry the gate he missed, which showed exactly how dedicated he is to his sport. Through the ups and downs, he’s stayed true to himself and never stops working his hardest, something he shares in his keynotes.
157. Amanda Gore
In both the U.S. and Australia, Amanda Gore is a fan-favorite business keynote presenter. She talks about feelings being the key to business success. How do people feel about a company, person, or product? That’s what drives them to purchase and support businesses, and it’s something all business leaders need to prioritize.
158. Dave Crenshaw
Dave Crenshaw was diagnosed with ADHD, and he used that to build organization and productivity techniques that boost focus, productivity, and profitability. You can read about them in his bestselling The Myth of Multitasking. His lighthearted speeches focus on building productive leaders and teams through organization and time management.
159. Tom Koulopoulos
He’s the founder and chairman of Delphi Group, a business think tank that’s been around for 30 years. Tom Koulopoulos is also a founding partner of an investment firm in early-stage tech startups, Acrovantage Ventures. His keynote presentations cover what it takes to grow and nurture your business in an ever-changing world.
160. Dr. Kristen Lee
Dr. Kris is an award-winning behavioral science clinician who specializes in helping individuals and organizations become resilient and improve their well-being through behavioral change. Her presentations on burnout prevention and developing sustainable business practices are essential in today’s busy world.
161. Hollie Mckay
For more than 14 years, Hollie Mckay served as an investigative reporter and international affairs and war journalist for Fox News Digital. She’s been on the frontlines in several war zones including Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Russia. With more than a decade working closely with U.S. and foreign troops and survivors and victims of war, her talks are emotional, inspiring, and unforgettable.
162. Austin Hatch
During a Labor Day flight, the aircraft Austin Hatch and his family were in crashed and caught fire. His dad threw him out of the plane, but Austin’s mother and two siblings didn’t survive. His dad remarried and they formed a happy, blended family. Austin went on to get a full basketball scholarship. Just over a week later, Austin, his dad, and stepmother were in another plane crash. Only Austin survived, but he had severe injuries that left him unable to walk or talk. His will to live was strong and he recovered and attended college with that basketball scholarship. His story is both uplifting and emotional and has one clear message about thriving and achieving your dreams.
163. Victoria Garrick
Victoria Garrick’s talks delve into far more than her experiences as a semi-pro volleyball player. She’s a mental health and body positivity advocate who’s talked to audiences large and small about self-love and acceptance. From her TED Talk on mental health and body-image issues to her social media campaign on positivity, she delivers an impactful message that all audiences embrace.
164. Alvin Law
Have you ever had your perceptions challenged? Alvin Law shares that message through Attitude Revolution. He was born with no arms due to Thalidomide exposure. His family taught him to use his feet for hands and that helped him live a life of independence and happiness. His presentations as a keynote speaker show you to take your perceptions of yourself and those around you and change them to be happier, healthier, and more productive.
165. Lesley Murphy
Lesley Murphy is based in Los Angeles, but it’s not where you’ll find her. She travels a lot in her role as a TV personality and travel journalist. Born in Arkansas, she’d just earned a double major in broadcasting and psychology and taken a job helping run a national campaign when she was offered a place on ABC’s The Bachelor. She ended up in St. Croix where she kept accepting roses but ended up taking a job in luxury hospitality in Argentina. After testing positive for the gene mutation that leads to breast cancer, she had a preventative double mastectomy and focused on travel and breast cancer awareness. Her work with LimitLes showcases her strength, determination, and zest for life.
166. David Orban
He’s one of the first adopters of blockchain and Bitcoin. He was the first to buy into Ethereum. David Orban is an investor, thought leader, and popular keynote speaker on technology, blockchain, and cryptocurrency, especially when it comes to adopting these technologies as a startup. He’s given keynote presentations to many organizations including Cisco, the European Foundation for Management Development, and Oracle.
167. Vijay Govindarajan
He’s a Coxe Distinguished Professor at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and a faculty partner at Mach49. He’s a world expert in innovation and strategy. He’s also a pioneer in the realm of reverse innovation, which is defined as “innovation that is adopted first in the developing world.” Management International Review named him “One of the Top 20 North American Superstars for Research in Strategy” and he’s in the Academy of Management Journals’ Hall of Fame.
168. Colette Carlson
She holds a Master’s degree in human behavior and focuses her keynotes on personal development, communications, leadership, and team building. Colette Carlson has been in the personal development industry for more than two decades and uses humor to engage and connect with her audience.
169. Melissa Agnes
Melissa Agnes is the founder and CEO of Crisis Ready Institute, a corporation that offers training and certificate programs to professionals in order to help brands, companies, and people in moments of crisis. Among the agencies and organizations she’s helped are big names like the Pentagon’s Department of Defense, NATO, and many others. Her keynote subjects are varied and include brand building, exceeding stakeholder expectations, leadership skills, crisis control, and change management.
170. Sterling Hawkins
You cannot let life’s circumstances stop you, and that’s what Sterling Hawkins teaches in his #NoMatterWhat movement. He’s amassed more than 55,000 views on his TED talk on innovation, breaking past barriers, and developing strong leadership.
171. Michelle Poler
She’s given many keynotes over the years at Google, Microsoft, TEDx, and Toyota. Her work facing fear, building a social movement through Hello Fears, and expertise in strategic branding make her a popular speaker. If you’re ready for your organization to face fears and step out of your comfort zone, book Michelle Poler.
172. Milton Chen
Dr. Milton Chen is the executive director and senior fellow at The George Lucas Educational Foundation, a non-profit that produces Edutopia.org. His expertise comes from years as a director of research at Sesame Workshop and the founding director KQED Center for Education. His keynote presentations that bring up his experiences developing 3-2-1 Contact, Electric Company, and Sesame Street enchant audiences of all ages as the shows are instantly recognizable and get the audience reminiscing about their childhoods.
173. Mariana Atencio
Mariana Atencio escaped Venezuela and came to the U.S. where she became the only Latina correspondent for MSNBC at that time. Her 2017 TEDx talk went viral and is in YouTube’s top 10 most-watched videos with more than 17 million views. As a keynote speaker, she’s bilingual and can talk about overcoming challenges, embracing who you are, and leadership skills that help you succeed.
174. Pease Brothers
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was young, Kyle Pease grew up in an active household with two very athletic brothers. He didn’t let his condition stop him from being just as active as he could from his wheelchair. With his brothers’ support, he has gone to the top of Bridal Veil Falls, skied down the slopes in Colorado, and competed in the 2018 IRONMAN World Championships. The Pease Brothers are a dynamic trio to watch speak on inclusion, determination, and not letting naysayers keep you from achieving your dreams.
175. Charlie Engle
Charlie Engle is an extreme adventure athlete following years of addiction to alcohol and drugs. He took up running after becoming sober in 1992 and keeps running to this day. In 2007, he became the first person to run across the Sahara Desert. He’s the best speaker to talk about overcoming adversity and challenges like addiction, and that determination can change your life.
176. Sophia Kianni
After learning that 40% of adults around the world had never heard of climate change, Sophia Kianni set out to change that. At the age of 12, she became alarmed when she couldn’t see the stars due to pollution. She spent her middle school years in Iran raising awareness of global warming. That brought her to launch the non-profit Climate Cardinals and become the youngest advisor to the U.N. Secretary-General. She works with Greta Thunberg to inspire today’s youth to take action to take the necessary steps to stop global warming.
177. Chad Foster
Chad Foster lost his vision, but he didn’t let it stop him. He went on to become the first blind executive to graduate from Harvard Business School’s Program for Leadership Development. He used his insight to become a leader in sales at Red Hat/IBM, the world’s largest open-source software company. He did what Oracle said was impossible and built a CRM software solution. That led to his role as Senior Director of Worldwide Deal Management within the company, landing billions in contracts and showing others that anything is possible with hard work and motivation.
178. Mark Henick
Mark Henick’s story resonates with audiences of all ages. He’d lost his will to live and was preparing to jump when a stranger stopped him and showed him different options. He went on to become a mental health advocate, but he never stopped thinking about that stranger and gave a TEDx talk about it. That talk went viral and led to him getting to meet the man who saved his life. He’s the author of So-Called Normal: A Memoir of Family, Depression, and Resilience and a fascinating keynote for mental health advocacy and awareness.
179. Kellie McElhaney
Kellie McElhaney is a keynote speaker who impacts her audience through storytelling, positivity, and a deep understanding of the barriers many face in the working world. She’s spoken at Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Fortune Most Powerful Women, and TED events. As the founder and executive director of the Center for Equity, Gender, and Leadership (EGAL), she’s a strong choice for your next event or conference.
180. Jim Furyk
Jim Furyk is a well-known PGA Tour golfer, winning both the PGA Player of the Year and PGA Tour Player of the Year in 2010. His father taught him how to play, and he took his skills to the University of Tucson where he was a 2x All-American and helped the Wildcats win their first NCAA title in 1992. While his swing isn’t the typical motion, it’s one that has proven time and time again that sometimes it’s better to follow your instincts and stick to things that feel comfortable and not conform to society’s expectations. As a keynote speaker, he can talk about strengthening communities, helping others, and the benefits of following your instincts.
181. Summer Sanders
Summer Sanders won two Gold, one Silver, and one Bronze during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. After retiring from swimming, she became a sports correspondent for NBC, host of Fox’s The Sports List, and co-hosted NBA Inside Stuff. She also was the first female host of Nickelodeon’s Figure It Out. She’s also a skin cancer survivor and is a spokesperson for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. Whether she’s talking about sports or her battles with cancer, she’s a dynamic keynote speaker.
182. Anne Bremner
She’s a well-recognized attorney, specializing in civil rights, criminal law, and catastrophic loss. Anne Bremner held a 10 AVVO rating and has been AVVO rated for close to three decades, and tried more than 200 cases while with the King County Prosecutor’s Office. Book her for keynote speeches on criminal law and civil rights.
183. Mark Mulder
Mark Mulder played for the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals. His 21 wins led the American League in 2001, and he came in second for the Cy Young Award. Due to shoulder injuries and rotator cuff issues, he retired in 2010. Today, he talks about his experiences in the MLB and his work as a sports analyst.
184. Morgan Simon
As a holistic nutritionist and wellness expert, Morgan Simon helps others develop approaches to nutrition that match their bodies’ needs and helps keep the immune system healthy. Her company, Well Thymed, specializes in personalized healthy living and nutrition plans for businesses, families, and individuals. She’s also an expert in establishing healthy workplaces and shares her insights as a keynote speaker.
185. Anthony Frasier
Anthony Frasier is the founder and CEO of ABF Creative, a podcast network and production company that’s a Webby award-winner and aims to bridge the cultural divide. CNN Money named him one of “Eight Minorities Diversifying the Tech Scene.” He launched Phat Startup, a methodology using Lean Startup blended into hip-hop culture. His keynotes on technology, entrepreneurship, and diversity are immensely popular for good reason.
186. JJ Birden
JJ Birden earned a University of Oregon scholarship for track and field, but he was also a talented football player. He landed a walk-on spot with the university’s football team during his sophomore year. After hard work bouncing back from several injuries, he went on to the NFL Combine and the NFL draft where he ended up being rejected by four teams. He never let that stop him. He played nine seasons in the NFL and is now a popular keynote speaker on determination, facing adversity head-on, and tackling challenges in order to achieve your goals.
187. Dr. Armando González
He’s the founder of the Cheatcode Foundation, a company that helps professional athletes and entertainers with mental health coaching. Dr. Armando González talks with ease and expertise about mental health, vulnerability, and compassion.
188. Danny Crates
Before spending 20 years helping businesses around the world, Danny Crates spent 12 years as an athlete. While the loss of his arm at 21 could have ended his athletic career, he was determined to get back to the game and was back playing in six months. He entered the Paralympics and won Gold in the 800-meter during the 2004 Paralympic Games. His keynote specialties include teamwork, rising from failure, overcoming challenges, change management, and personal improvement.
189. Frank Bucaro
Just over 200 speakers around the world have been awarded a CPAE, and Frank Bucaro is one of them. He’s a Certified Speaking Professional with the National Speakers Association and is animated with topics like ethics, compliance, and company and individual success.
190. Shannon Miller
Shannon Miller is a seven-time Olympic medalist and the only female to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame two times. In the 1992 Olympics, she took home two Silver and three Bronze, which was the most medals won by a U.S. athlete. Beyond the Olympics, she’s also won 59 International and 49 National competition medals. After retiring, she didn’t slow down. She launched a business that empowers women to make health a priority. Her keynotes cover the power of positive thinking, setting goals, creating strong leadership frameworks, and working as a team.
191. Ryan Stream
He’s a powerful motivational speaker, and his keynotes will evoke emotion from the audience. Ryan Stream passed through foster homes after his mother’s suicide, and he spent time in homeless shelters. He faced addiction and jail time, but he entered the Army, where some of his fellow soldiers were killed by an IED during his deployment in Afghanistan. Today, he has one clear message to present in his keynotes. “Always believe in yourself.”
192. Eric Termuende
Eric Termuende is the author of the bestselling Rethink Work and co-founder of NoW of Work, a company that helps business leaders build trust and work cultures that thrive on experimentation. He’s been a keynote speaker on stages around the world, helping companies learn how to build strong, resilient, innovative teams who are ready for challenges, which is vital when it comes to the latest employment trends.
193. Lonnie Mayne
He’s an award-winning keynote speaker on customer service, leadership, and work culture. When you book Lonnie Mayne to talk to your organization, you’re getting expert knowledge from the author of Red Shoes Living – Stand Out For the Positive in How Your Work and How You Live , a book focusing on the framework and philosophies that Lonnie's company Red Shoes Living uses to help others reach their full potential.
194. Brian Bogert
Brian Bogert is a human behavior and performance coach who excels at helping people navigate their feelings and emotions. His keynote specialties include helping individuals and business leaders understand how to find their authentic selves by embracing the challenges they face.
195. Jim Knight
Culture That Rocks: How to Revolutionize Your Company’s Culture showcases Jim Knight’s keynote expertise in organizational culture, team building, customer service, and leadership. He started at the Gatorland Zoo in Florida before entering into hospitality training and global training at Hard Rock International.
196. Adam Bremen
He was born with cerebral palsy and has spent his life in his wheelchair. Adam Bremen wasn’t happy about his weight gain and decided to change himself through a keto-based diet. As he wasn’t thrilled with the keto snack bars he found in stores, he established the Keto Krisp and founded his company CanDo. His keynote topics include overcoming obstacles, building a company, and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
197. Dr. Jessica Kriegel
Dr. Jessica Kriegel is a Fortune 100 thought leader. She excels at helping workers and companies create workplace cultures to accelerate performance and build solid strategies. Her skills as a workplace culture strategist make her one of the most dynamic business keynote speakers you’ll find.
198. Pandit Dasa
After living as a monk in NYC for 15 years, Pandit Dasa uses that experience to share the leadership and life skills he picked up during that time. He’s a great choice for keynotes on leadership, trust, teamwork, and stress management. From sharing breathing techniques to reduce anxiety to tips for boosting productivity, Pandit has a lot to offer.
199. Tahl Raz
Tahl Raz is an expert keynote speaker on negotiations, networking, and leadership. He’s the author of Never Split the Difference, a peek at the FBI’s negotiation techniques, and Never Eat Alone, a bestselling book on networking in today’s world. He’s knowledgeable in areas like business, social sciences, and technology.
200. Ali Maffucci
Around the country, employees are walking away from jobs that leave them feeling unappreciated, unmotivated, or exhausted. Ali Maffucci understands that sentiment. Her role as a keynote speaker started when she quit her corporate job. Just a day later, she went into Starbucks and bought Inspiralized.com, a site where she’d share her stories along with low-carb, vegetable-laden recipes. That small step led to her becoming a bestselling cookbook author and well-known name in healthy eating with her self-designed vegetable spiralizer helping her solidify that role.
With the best keynote speaker , your audience walks away with incredible memories and stories to tell. Whether you need a motivational speaker to encourage your graduating class or a savvy business keynote speaker to boost employee engagement, our top 200 keynote speakers deliver.
