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As a leader, you have the responsibility to motivate, inspire and elevate your team. The right leadership speakers can help you achieve that goal. From renowned CEO’s, to bestselling authors and industry experts, there are countless leadership speakers with experience spanning across different sectors available to speak to your audience. They’ll help you identify and address the challenges facing your company, provide invaluable insights to help you navigate an ever-evolving landscape and share their success stories so you can learn to be a better leader. So, whether it’s a virtual conference or an on-site event, consider booking a leadership speaker to make your next meeting or team building event an unforgettable experience.

 

Our Top Leadership Speaker Picks

Bill Benjamin 

Bill Benjamin is a top emotional intelligence keynote speaker, leadership thought leader, culture expert, and contributor to the New York Times bestseller, Performing Under Pressure. He has a degree in Mathematics and has shared the brain science of emotions with discerning audiences including the U.S. Marines, NASA engineers and Surgeons, as well as leadership teams at Amazon, the Fed and Coca-Cola.

JP Pawliw-Fry

Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry is a high-performance culture keynote speaker, leadership thought leader, peak performance expert, and co-author of the New York Times bestseller, Performing Under Pressure. His work with leaders from Fortune 500 companies, U.S. Marines, Olympic athletes, NBA, and NFL teams has provided him with considerable opportunities to test his science-based tools in environments of high pressure.

Cassandra Worthy

Cassandra Worthy is a leadership speaker and Founder & CEO of Change Enthusiasm® Global, a well-respected Growth Enablement firm serving its client base through keynote speaking, training, and consulting. She is a former Fortune 100 Innovation Leader, highly dynamic speaker & presenter, chemical engineer, but above all else the world’s leading expert on Change Enthusiasm®.

Molly Bloom 

Legendary for running the world’s most exclusive high stakes poker game frequented by A-List Hollywood celebrities and sports figures, Molly Bloom is a top-booked inspirational speaker and one  of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women. She shares a life journey of triumph, ruin, and reinvention—from Olympic dreams crushed by a career-ending accident to seeing her multi-million-dollar business threatened by organized crime and shut down by the FBI. Her story of grit, resilience and self-determination has been called a “goosebump experience,” inspiring corporate audiences and winning stellar reviews.

Marc Randolph

Marc Randolph is a veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneur, advisor, and investor, whose career as an entrepreneur spans four decades. In addition to being the co-founder and first CEO of Netflix, Marc has founded or co-founded six other successful startups, mentored hundreds of early-stage entrepreneurs, and as an investor has helped seed dozens of successful tech ventures (and just as many unsuccessful ones). He is host of the top-10 Apple podcast That Will Never Work, where he works directly with entrepreneurs to provide 1-on-1 mentoring. He lives in Santa Cruz, California.

Natalie Nixon

Dr. Natalie Nixon is the Creativity Whisperer to the C-Suite, helping leaders achieve transformative business results by applying wonder, rigor and foresight. As CEO & Creativity Strategist at Figure 8 Thinking, Natalie is a highly sought after global keynote speaker & advisor, author of the award winning “The Creativity Leap” and editor of “Strategic Design Thinking”. Real Leaders named Natalie one of the “Top 50 Keynote Speakers in the World” and she’s been featured in Forbes, INC and Fast Company. As a magnetic keynote speaker, Natalie shares why creativity is not a ‘nice to have’ but a ‘must have’ and leaves audiences with practical tactics to upgrade their organizational and individual creative capacity in the midst of ubiquitous technology, hybrid work environments – always with an eye on the future of work.  She received her BA from Vassar College and her PhD from the University of Westminster.

Kwame Christian

A business attorney and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute (ANI), Kwame Christian took his place among the world’s top negotiation experts when his TEDx talk went viral, spurring his bestselling books, Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life and How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race: Practical Tools for Necessary Change in the Workplace and Beyond, as well as Negotiate Anything, the  #1 negotiation podcast in the world. Defining negotiation as “any conversation in which somebody in the conversation wants something,” Kwame has worked with the Fortune 500 to apply the fundamentals of negotiation to virtually all aspects of corporate success. He has also helped thousands, from all walks of life, acquire a negotiation mindset that can be applied to universal situations, conflicts, and difficult conversations. As Kwame is frequently quoted, “The best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations.”

Wema Hoover 

A transformational DEI leader at Google, Pfizer, Sanofi and Bristol-Myers Squibb, Wema Hoover has earned her reputation as an inspiring catalyst for change. Her expertise and thought leadership centers on diversity, equity, & inclusion, authentic leadership, women’s empowerment, and unlocking the true potential of individuals, teams, leaders and organizations. As a trusted C-Suite and board-level advisor to multinational companies, Ms. Hoover guides corporate leadership and drives systemic, organizational change across people, processes, and products on a global scale. Her deep experience spans global, market-leading consulting, pharmaceutical, and technology enterprises. Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Hoover has championed DEI as a competitive advantage—viewing it as a critical component of culture and community that brings out the best in individuals.

Gregory Robinson

Best-known as the turnaround leader of the James Webb Space Telescope (Webb), 33-year NASA veteran Gregory Robinson is credited with transforming a program that was billions over budget and years behind schedule into one of NASA’s greatest achievements of the 21st century. Robinson’s renowned leadership skills and soft-spoken management and communication style have earned him numerous awards and honors, including being named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022 (alongside Apple CEO Tim Cook and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky) and receiving the TIME100 Impact Award, which credited Robinson’s leadership on Webb as bringing us closer to understanding the universe.

Robyn Benincasa

Robyn Benincasa is a top teamwork and leadership speaker, author, and Adventure Racing World Champion. One of the highest-rated, female motivational speakers in the world, she regularly shares the stage with world leaders and business icons, her customers include many Fortune companies like Starbucks, Deloitte, Aflac, Boeing, and more.

Attention business leaders and innovative thinkers! The shortlist for the Thinkers50 Breakthrough Idea Award has just been announced. This award is all about celebrating those game-changing ideas in management—the ones that have the potential to completely disrupt the way we think about business.

The final winner of the award will be announced at the Thinkers50 Awards Gala in November, along with recipients of other distinguished awards and the new ranking.

Interested in hearing more from these thought leaders? Invite one to speak at your next meeting and inspire your audience to think outside the box!

 

Thinkers50 Breakthrough Idea Award Shortlist 

1) Eduardo Briceño for The Performance Paradox

Eduardo is a top growth mindset keynote speaker and regularly facilitates workshops for professionals and executives. His TED talks on growth mindset and improvement have been viewed over nine million times. He is a Pahara-Aspen Fellow, a member of the Aspen Institute’s Global Leadership Network, and an inductee in the Happiness Hall of Fame. He is the author of The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action.

 

2) April Rinne for The Flux Mindset 

April Rinne is a change navigator: she helps individuals and organizations rethink and reshape their relationships with change, uncertainty, and a world in flux. She’s a trusted advisor, speaker, investor, lawyer, global development executive, adventurer (100+ countries) and insatiable handstander. She is ranked one of the 50 leading female futurists in the word and is a Harvard Law School graduate, a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum, a member of the Silicon Guild and Thinkers50 Radar, and author of the international bestseller Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change.

 

3) Karen Dillon and Rob Cross for The Microstress Effect

Rob Cross has studied the underlying network dynamics of effective organizations and the collaborative practices of high performers for more than 20 years. Through research and writing, speaking and consulting, and courses and tools, Rob’s network insights are transforming the way people lead, work and live in a hyper-connected world. He is the Edward A. Madden Professor of Global Leadership, Babson College and co-founder and current research director of the Connected Commons, a consortium of over 100 leading organizations accelerating network research and practice.

Karen Dillon is the former editor of Harvard Business Review magazine and co-author of 3 books with Clayton Christensen, including New York Times best-seller “How Will You Measure Your Life?” She’s also co-author of The Microstress Effect: How Little Things Pile Up and Create Big Problem — and What to Do About It.Named one of the world’s most influential women as part of Ashoka’s ChangemakeHers inaugural list, she is currently the Editorial Director of BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors.

 

4) Brian Evergreen for Autonomous Transformation

Brian Evergreen is a tech visionary whose insights are sought after by the companies that are changing the world as they explore new ways to transform their own organizations. He is best known for advising Fortune 500 companies on emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence, and the ways in which these powerful tools and resources can be uniquely integrated into their business’ infrastructure, culture, and strategy. Previously, Evergreen served as the Global Head of Autonomous AI Co-Innovation at Microsoft Research. He held similar tech, AI, and engineering head of/lead roles at other top companies, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Accenture. He builds upon these experiences to introduce new ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible with AI in all aspects of how we work and live.

 

5) William D. Eggers and Donald F. Kettle for Bridgebuilders

William Eggers is the Executive Director of Deloitte’s Center for Government Insights where he is responsible for the firm’s public sector thought leadership. His latest book is Delivering on Digital: The Innovators and Technologies that are Transforming Government (Deloitte University Press, 2016).

Donald Kettl specializes in public management and public policy. He previously served as dean in the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, and is a nonresident senior fellow at the Volcker Alliance, the Brookings Institution and the Partnership for Public Service.

 

6) Martin Lindstrom for Engineering Our Dreams

Renowned branding expert Martin Lindstrom is leading an unprecedented study called Engineering Our Dreams. With a budget of $22 million, this project involves over 1,000 volunteers immersing themselves in the metaverse for six months. The goal? To gain insights into human behavior, the impact of businesses and brands, work environments, and ethical standards in virtual worlds. The findings will shape the future of life in the metaverse, particularly how brands and their influence on consumers will be transformed by VR and AI. Lindstrom, an accomplished author, has also founded successful companies like Yellowpages.com and Hitwise.

 

7) Tina Opie and Beth A. Livingston for Shared Sisterhood

Dr. Tina Opie is catalyzing organizational change through authentic, personal connections. Her unique approach and expertise provides strategic direction on how to effectively lead change management creating a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. She tackles tough subjects with high-energy, warmth, and humor. Her expertise is highly sought-out by top executives and Fortune 500 companies.

Beth A. Livingston is an Associate professor of Management and Entrepreneurship. Her research focuses on gender differences, diversity, and important topics in human resources. Beth teaches a range of HR courses for undergraduates, master’s students, and doctoral students.

 

8) Wendy K. Smith and Marianne W. Lewis for Both/And Thinking 

Wendy K. Smith is the Dana J. Johnson professor of management and faculty director of the Women’s Leadership Initiative at the Lerner College of Business and Economics, University of Delaware.

Marianne W. Lewis is dean and professor of management at the Lindner College of Business, University of Cincinnati. She previously served as dean of Cass Business School at City, University of London, and as a Fulbright scholar.

We are all facing a new and potentially challenging era, at home and in our businesses. With high-interest rates, growing geopolitical tensions, and the upcoming presidential campaign, it can be daunting to plan for the future.

Our experts offer insights on upcoming trends and how to best prepare your organization for success. Book now for your next business meeting to confidently navigate what’s ahead.

 

KEVIN O’LEARY

Top Business Speaker, Serial Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist and Investor, Star of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’

A frequent guest on CNBC, Fox Business, and CNN, Kevin O’Leary is a go-to expert on business topics and financial markets. He shares with the host and audience what is happening today with the economy, rising interest rates, the Presidential election, and how to better understand what’s happening in our political and economic worlds.

 

PETER ZEIHAN

Geopolitical Strategist and Global Affairs Expert

Peter Zeihan is a top keynote speaker in geopolitical strategy who specializes in energy, demographics, and security. With a lively non-partisan approach backed by a decade in private intelligence, Peter Zeihan customizes every keynote to show each audience exactly why their world is changing fast—and how they can get ahead of it.

 

JESSICA YELLIN

Award-winning Journalist and Former CNN Chief White House Correspondent

Jessica Yellin is a top political keynote speaker and the former CNN Chief White House Correspondent. An astute political journalist, Jessica Yellin gives audiences an inside look at the issues and personalities shaping current events. Yellin has earned a reputation as an incisive and entertaining analyst of the politics and personalities that drive today’s news in Washington and beyond.

 

IAN BREMMER

President, Eurasia Group and GZERO Media

To navigate globalization’s choppy waters, every business leader analyzes economic risk when considering overseas investments or looking at market exposure. Acclaimed political analyst and entrepreneur Ian Bremmer explains that by blending political and economic risk analysis, you make savvier investment decisions–seizing valuable opportunities around the globe while avoiding danger zones.

 

AYESHA RASCOE

White House Correspondent NPR/Reuters, Energy Policy Reporter NPR

Ayesha Rascoe is the host of Weekend Edition Sunday and the Saturday episodes of Up First. As host of the morning news magazine, she interviews news makers, entertainers, politicians and more about the stories that everyone is talking about or that everyone should be talking about.

 

ASHLEY DAVIS

Former Special Assistant to the Director of Homeland Security in the Executive Office of the President of the United States, Former Deputy Director, Management and Administration, Executive Office of the President of the United States

Ashley’s expertise comes from years working in the Executive Branch. As Special Assistant to National Director (and then Secretary) of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, Ashley directed the daily operations and oversaw the staff at the newly created Office of Homeland Security.

 

If you want to stage an exciting event, hire a skilled Master of Ceremonies. Events that don’t have a great host tend to have lower energy and seem disorganized. This is because the person assigned to host the event often isn’t as exciting or engaging as the keynote speakers.

On the other hand, a skilled Master of Ceremonies (aka emcee or MC) can keep the excitement and engagement level of the audience very high throughout the event.

Here are three things an experienced emcee can do for you.

 

1) Represent Your Event and Organization

The MC serves as the face of your event. By being the spokesperson, the MC acts as the focal point for all interactions with the audience and transitions between different speakers or activities.

A good MC handles all the face-to-face activity. They introduce the event, make the audience feel welcome, state the agenda and goals for the event, and get the attendees excited for what comes next. A great MC can make an event feel effortless and fun, while a poor MC will leave the audience disengaged and confused.

2) Keep Everyone Informed and on Schedule

The MC is the one person who ties the event together. They introduce the speakers with polished introductions, lead thoughtful and moderated Q&As after the talks, and transition to new speakers or activities.

When the event is running behind or ahead, they know how to keep the audience engaged with stories, announcements, or entertainment. They can also change the timing on the fly so things run smoothly.

3) Energize the Audience

Finally, one of the most important tasks of the MC is to keep the energy level high for the audience. They know how to use humor, stories, and interactive exercises to keep the audience engaged before, between, and after events and speakers.

The best MCs can read the room. They know when an audience needs to have more energy or to calm them down.

 

Great Emcees for Your Next Event

If you’re looking for some great Emcees to handle your next event or conference, BigSpeak Speakers Bureau works with some of the top professional comedians, comedy groups, and expert Masters of Ceremonies who can make your event exciting every step of the way.

Adam Christing
Adam Christing is a clean comedian and emcee specialist. He works with organizations that want to experience how the magic of laughter can open doors and hearts in business and in life. ExxonMobil executive Mark Green dubbed him the “Tom Brady of emcees.” Adam has delighted corporate, association, and non-profit audiences in 49 of the 50 U.S. states, Canada, Europe, and China. And in 2021, he received the “Best of Los Angeles Award” as the #1 Event Master of Ceremonies.

Jeff Civillico
Jeff Civillico is a comedian and performer who has performed over 5000 shows on the Las Vegas Strip as a Headliner with Caesars Entertainment at The LINQ, The Flamingo, and The Paris. In his talks, Jeff enables a renewed sense of passion, purpose, and gratitude in attendees’ work and lives by challenging the audience to view where they are personally and professionally.

Scott Bloom
Scott Bloom is a top business keynote speaker, professional emcee, world-class awards host, and a former VH1 series host. He has hosted events for hundreds of companies, such as FedEx, Ford, IBM, and MetLife. Scott provides an insightful, interactive, and laughter-packed experience that energizes your audience and transforms your event.

The Passing Zone
Jon Wee and Owen Morse are The Passing Zone, a top innovation keynote duo and juggling team. They have appeared on The Tonight Show and The Today Show and were finalists on America’s Got Talent. They entertain groups while teaching them the principles of teamwork.

The Pinquelton Group
Andy Eninger and John Loos are a top entertainment-speaking duo, master facilitators, performers, and writers who love to help organizations flourish by building skills in collaboration, storytelling, and ideation. Between them, they have 50+ years of experience connecting to audiences with clients like Deloitte, Facebook, MetLife, Whirlpool, and many, many, many more.

 

Are you tasked with planning your organization’s next conference and worried you’ll put on a dud? Looking to motivate your team, but fear a regular presentation isn’t going to cut it? A top music keynote speaker takes your event to the next level, wedding education and entertainment seamlessly and ensuring higher levels of audience engagement, ensuring you, and your event, will succeed.

 

Acclaim Entertainment Group is a performing arts troupe that specializes in entertaining and motivating corporate audiences. From 45 minute educational musical journeys to instrumental extravaganzas performed by 27 piece orchestras, their offerings uplift and inspire.

 

Hip-Hop artist, activist and music keynote speaker Taylor Bennett is a rapper best known for his lyrical style. As one of the only openly bisexual hip-hop artists to receive widespread acceptance, he engages audiences regarding the pursuit of individuality through the arts.

 

Top experiential and music keynote speaker  Cameron Atlas is an artist blending music with insights on creativity and high performance. With a down to earth, approachable attitude, a piano, and a guitar, he delivers outstanding and empowering experiences that inspire his audiences.

 

Rockstar concert pianist  motivational powerhouse Jade Simmons is a music keynote speaker who captivates audiences around the world with her genre-bending performances. With impact spanning multiple industries and broad appeal, her presentations on leadership and creativity create boundless inspiration.

 

Hip-hop artist Ahmen Sivaloganathan is a social activist and music keynote speaker devoted to education, justice reform, and mental health. An orchestrator of sustainable transformation, he leverages the power of culture to educate and empower his audiences, encouraging them to focus on both compassion and excellence.

 

Musical director, pianist and vibraphonist Christian Tamburr is the CEO and lead facilitator of Sonic Leadership, an organization devoted to educating corporate audiences on matters of communication, teamwork, and reaching performance goals.

 

Butterscotch is a singer, empowerment activist and top music keynote speaker who uses her voice to defy gender and social constructs. She blends Hip-Hop, Jazz, Soul and Reggae and her shows are emotionally and physically invigorating with her trifecta fusion of singing, beatboxing, and playing either piano or guitar simultaneously.

 

Dana Leong is a two-time Grammy winning musician, composer and producer. A boundary-pushing performer, he combines storytelling and technology with his music to create interactive, mesmerizing experiences that provide exciting perspectives on music, entrepreneurship and success.

 

Renowned drummer and music keynote speaker Mark Schulman has performed with P!nk, Cher and Velvet Revolver. Using his real-word experience and top-tier drumming skills as educational tools, he’s worked with megacorps and individuals to help them unlock the “Rockstar Attitude” that lets them perform their very best.

 

Freddie Ravel is an acclaimed business expert and music keynote speaker who applies the communicative and scientific powers of music to ignite and inspire the hearts and minds of his audiences. A Grammy-nominated pianist, he has played with Madonna, Prince, and Carlos Santana, and his satisfied clients include NASA, IBM, and Apple.

From global leaders to industry pioneers, this list of top female keynote speakers captivate audiences across all sectors. These thought leaders use their experiences and insights to deliver powerful messages on innovation, leadership, and diversity, inspiring audiences to strive for excellence. Their bold perspectives challenge the status quo and ignite change, making them essential voices in the world of business and beyond. Whether they are sharing their stories on stage or virtually, top female keynote speakers leave a lasting impact on their audiences and shape the way we think about the world.

 

Top Female Keynote Speakers

Molly Bloom 
Legendary for running the world’s most exclusive high stakes poker game frequented by A-List Hollywood celebrities and sports figures, Molly Bloom is a top female keynote speaker and one  of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women. She shares a life journey of triumph, ruin, and reinvention—from Olympic dreams crushed by a career-ending accident to seeing her multi-million-dollar business threatened by organized crime and shut down by the FBI. Her story of grit, resilience and self-determination has been called a “goosebump experience,” inspiring corporate audiences and winning stellar reviews.

“Molly hit every note. She held the attention of the entire room for the whole hour as our players were in complete silence and full attention.” – Meg P., Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club

 

Cassandra Worthy 
Cassandra Worthy is a top change and transformation female keynote speaker and Founder & CEO of Change Enthusiasm® Global, a well-respected Growth Enablement firm serving its client base through keynote speaking, training, and consulting. She is a former Fortune 100 Innovation Leader, highly dynamic speaker & presenter, chemical engineer, but above all else the world’s leading expert on Change Enthusiasm®.

“I LOVED our keynote speaker Cassandra Worthy! Throughout her presentation, I would say that the overall engagement was through the roof. Personally, I found myself engaged from start to finish because she was able to use energy and humor in order to be relatable.” – Program Manager at Allstate

 

Robyn Benincasa
Robyn Benincasa is a top leadership and teamwork female keynote speaker, author, and Adventure Racing World Champion. One of the highest-rated, female motivational speakers in the world, she regularly shares the stage with world leaders and business icons, her customers include many Fortune companies like Starbucks, Deloitte, Aflac, Boeing, and more.

“Robyn knocked it out of the ballpark! What an inspiration. Engaging, on target, organized in presentation and fun! She definitely helped us strengthen the core of our leaders and made such a positive impact. We’re grateful for her contribution to our conference.” – Theresa M., Vice President of Training & Development, tastefully simple

 

Tiffani Bova 
Growth & innovation evangelist Tiffani Bova is a top expert and influencer on sales, customer experience, innovation, digital transformation, and the future of work. She is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestsellers, Growth IQ and The Experience Mindset: Changing the Way You Think About Growth (June 2023). Ranked in the Thinkers50 list of the world’s top management thinkers (twice!), Tiffani is a contributor to Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and Entrepreneur. She is also the host of the 5-Star-rated podcast, What’s Next! With Tiffani Bova.

“When Tiffani Bova speaks, leaders throughout the industry listen. She understands the challenges and opportunities inherent in our industry, identifies masterful strategies to leverage these trends, and helps leaders find the right approach for their business success.” – Janet S., VP Solution and Sales Channels, Verizon Business Market

 

Vernice “Flygirl” Armour 
FlyGirl is a top female keynote speaker, America’s first African-American female combat pilot, and the author of Zero to Breakthrough. FlyGirl’s fresh, edgy style, high, contagious energy and unique, gutsy essence jump off the stage, page, and screen and moves people to action.

“Flygirl was AMAZING! She grabbed my attention and kept it. I was able to relate to her story and apply her transition to my life!” – Attendee, 2017 NC Chamber Women > A Force in Business!

 

Nancy Giordano 
Described as endlessly optimistic, Nancy is a strategic futurist, corporate strategist, and bestselling author who has consulted on a portfolio of $60+ billion well-known brands and given more than 100+ global keynotes. With a drive to help enterprise organizations and visionary leaders transform to meet the escalating expectations ahead, she is recognized as one of the world’s top female futurists, and founder of the Femme Futurists Society.  Her expertise and experiences range from A.I., to frozen foods, to reinventing the internet, and all of her projects have a key common denominator: transitioning away from the extractive operating systems and outdated business thinking that no longer holds up… to create the more sustainable, inclusive and dynamic solutions the future demands. Author of the Amazon bestselling book Leadering: The Ways Visionary Leaders Play Bigger, Nancy is a frequent panelist at South by Southwest, global keynote speaker, Singularity University guest lecture, and world’s first TEDx licensee. She advises leaders on the organizational structures and new mindsets necessary to effectively harness the significant technology innovations heading our way and ensure a safe and thriving future for us all.

“Thank you for taking the time to speak to our team last week about the important work that you do. It was both eye-opening and inspiring” – Kristen S., Vice President, HBOMax

 

Janelle Shane 
Janelle Shane’s AI humor blog, AIweirdness.com, looks at the strange side of artificial intelligence. She has been featured on the main TED stage, in the New York Times, The Atlantic, WIRED, Popular Science, All Things Considered, Science Friday, and Marketplace, as well as being Futurist in Residence at the Smithsonian.. Her book, “You Look Like a Thing and I Love You: How AI Works, Thinks, and Why It’s Making the World a Weirder Place” uses cartoons and humorous pop-culture experiments to look inside the minds of the algorithms that run our world, making artificial intelligence and machine learning both accessible and entertaining. Shane was named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, and an Adweek Young Influential.

“Janelle was brilliant! She had the audience cracking up with her quirky humour and fresh examples as she cut through the AI hype to deliver her clear-eyed perspective. Our audience had technical backgrounds that varied enormously, and she delivered a talk that worked for them all.” – Jeremy M., Curator, Better By Design CEO Summit 2019

 

Tan Le 
Recognized as one of the most influential women in technology, top business and innovation speaker Tan Le is the founder and CEO of Silicon Valley-based EMOTIV, the leader in EEG-Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology. Her work focuses on non-invasive “brainwear” that allows humans to interface with computers. This technology will transform our work environments, promote mental health and wellbeing, create radically personalized consumer experiences, accelerate how we learn, and transform the lives of people with physical limitations and cognitive differences. A captivating and authoritative speaker on what she calls the “NeuroGeneration,” three-time TED speaker Le takes audiences on a fascinating journey into current and future technologies that will forever transform not only how we live and work, but what it means to be human.

“Tan was AMAZING!  She exceeded our expectations. THANK YOU for listening to what the nuances were of our group, as well as taking the time to understand the personalities of our audience and decision makers. Homerun!” – Collaborative Business Communications

 

Crystal Washington 
Crystal Washington is a top social media female keynote speaker, author, and works with organizations that want to leverage technology to increase profits and productivity. Crystal is well known for her ability to take complex Web, app, and social media topics, and make them easy to understand and accessible for everyday people and small business owners.

“She recharged the audience, had them laughing, energized and engaged in a topic near and dear to all of us.” – David, Employee Communications, Corning

 

Colette Carlson 
Colette Carlson is a top human behavior female keynote speaker and author who inspires individuals to connect and communicate in real and relevant ways. How to create effective connections, and leverage them for greater success, is the thread that is woven into every one of Colette’s presentations.

“Colette was a huge hit at our Leadership Series, and people are still talking about it! We were all so impressed by the way she researched and got to know us. As a result, she nailed it, gained immediate credibility and connected with everyone! Colette was knowledgeable, relatable and down to earth… what more could you ask for.” – Donna S., People Development Mgr, Texas Roadhouse

Are you looking for a way to bring innovative and forward-thinking ideas to your next event or conference? Look no further than futurist speakers. These experts specialize in analyzing trends and projecting the future of various industries and technologies. Many businesses and organizations turn to futurist speakers to gain valuable insights and stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re interested in emerging technologies, social trends, or environmental sustainability, a futurist speaker can help you and your audience prepare for the future and navigate the ever-changing landscape of our world.

 

Adam Cheyer 
Adam Cheyer is a top technology speaker, AI expert, and entrepreneur. He co-founded Siri, which was acquired by Apple, and later co-founded Viv, which became the basis of the voice assistant Bixby on Samsung phones, TVs, watches, and more. He is also a founding member and first developer at Change.org, the world’s largest petition platform, with more than 300M members.

Tan Le
Recognized as one of the most influential women in technology, top business and innovation speaker Tan Le is the founder and CEO of Silicon Valley-based EMOTIV, the leader in EEG-Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology. Her work focuses on non-invasive “brainwear” that allows humans to interface with computers. This technology will transform our work environments, promote mental health and wellbeing, create radically personalized consumer experiences, accelerate how we learn, and transform the lives of people with physical limitations and cognitive differences. A captivating and authoritative speaker on what she calls the “NeuroGeneration,” three-time TED speaker Le takes audiences on a fascinating journey into current and future technologies that will forever transform not only how we live and work, but what it means to be human.

Kwame Christian 
A business attorney and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute (ANI), Kwame Christian took his place among the world’s top negotiation experts when his TEDx talk went viral, spurring his bestselling books, Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life and How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race: Practical Tools for Necessary Change in the Workplace and Beyond, as well as Negotiate Anything, the  #1 negotiation podcast in the world. Defining negotiation as “any conversation in which somebody in the conversation wants something,” Kwame has worked with the Fortune 500 to apply the fundamentals of negotiation to virtually all aspects of corporate success. He has also helped thousands, from all walks of life, acquire a negotiation mindset that can be applied to universal situations, conflicts, and difficult conversations. As Kwame is frequently quoted, “The best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations.”

Janelle Shane 
Janelle Shane’s AI humor blog, AIweirdness.com, looks at the strange side of artificial intelligence. She has been featured on the main TED stage, in the New York Times, The Atlantic, WIRED, Popular Science, All Things Considered, Science Friday, and Marketplace, as well as being Futurist in Residence at the Smithsonian.. Her book, “You Look Like a Thing and I Love You: How AI Works, Thinks, and Why It’s Making the World a Weirder Place” uses cartoons and humorous pop-culture experiments to look inside the minds of the algorithms that run our world, making artificial intelligence and machine learning both accessible and entertaining. Shane was named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, and an Adweek Young Influential.

Eric O’Neill 
Renowned as the spy catcher who took down the most notorious traitor in U.S. espionage history, Eric O’Neill is a former FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative and authority on all aspects of cybersecurity. His story became the Hollywood thriller, Breach, starring Ryan Phillipe as O’Neill, his own bestselling book, Gray Day, and now, motivational keynotes that use the thrilling world of espionage as a captivating background. A top speaker on cybersecurity, O’Neill customizes his highly motivational and informative talks to educate, elevate awareness and inspire engagement in your organization’s cybersecurity goals. He also addresses the new SEC cybersecurity reporting requirements, the threat to U.S. security posed by terrorism, cyber threats to critical infrastructure, foreign intelligence, Neural Network AIs like ChatGPT, and the national conscience in a monitored society.

Tsedal Neeley
Tsedal Neeley is a top virtual work and organizational change expert, business thought leader, and a Professor at the Harvard Business School. Her 2022 co-authored book, The Digital Mindset: What It Really Takes to Thrive in the Age of Data, Algorithms, and AI helps companies and leaders see, think, and act in new ways.

Jose Morey
José Morey, M.D., is a top health and technology keynote speaker, bestselling author of Latinx Business Success, and a medical consultant for NASA, IBM, Hyperloop Transportation, and Liberty Bio Security. Morey consults with other companies and healthcare systems to help create and train their deep learning algorithms and neural networks to create intelligent systems in healthcare and aerospace.

Heather McGowan 
Heather McGowan is a top innovation keynote speaker, author, and strategic consultant. McGowan helps leaders prepare their people and organizations for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. McGowan’s clients range from start-ups to publicly traded Fortune 500 companies, including AMP Financial, Autodesk, Biogen, Citi, Accor Hotels, AARP, The World Bank, and BD Medical.

Steve Wozniak 
Steve Wozniak is a top technology keynote speaker and innovation expert, cult icon, co-founder of Apple Computer, and bestselling author of his autobiography iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon. He is responsible for designing the Apple II, the first personal computer that had the ability to display color graphics. For his contributions to technology, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame in 2000.

Marita Cheng 
Marita Cheng is a top technology keynote speaker, and the founder of global nonprofit Robogals, AI company Aipoly, and robotics company Aubot, impacting over 600,000 people around the world. Marita is an inspirational speaker who has given over 350 speeches since 2012 in 15 countries.  She has won numerous awards including 2019 Member of the Order of Australia, 2018 Forbes World’s Top 50 Women in Tech, 2016 Forbes 30 Under 30, and 2012 Young Australian of the Year.

If you’re looking for a way to ignite a fresh perspective in your team or organization, change management speakers might just be the answer. These experts guide companies through the often-painful process of organizational changes, such as adopting new technologies, restructuring teams, and expanding into new markets. They understand the psychological hurdles that prevent people from embracing change, and they offer practical advice on how to overcome them. Their insights can inspire your team to embrace change and see it as an exciting opportunity for growth. So why settle for the status quo when you can bring in a change management speaker to shake things up and inspire your team to achieve even greater things?

 

Top Change Management Speakers 

Cassandra Worthy 

Cassandra Worthy is a top transformation and change management keynote speaker and Founder & CEO of Change Enthusiasm® Global, a well-respected Growth Enablement firm serving its client base through keynote speaking, training, and consulting. She is a former Fortune 100 Innovation Leader, highly dynamic speaker & presenter, chemical engineer, but above all else the world’s leading expert on Change Enthusiasm®.

JP Pawliw-Fry and Bill Benjamin

Bill and JP are top change management speakers, leadership thought leaders, peak performance experts, and co-authors of the New York Times bestseller, Performing Under Pressure. Their work with leaders from Fortune 500 companies, U.S. Marines, Olympic athletes, NBA, and NFL teams have provided them with considerable opportunities to test their science-based tools in environments of high pressure.

Robyn Benincasa

Robyn Benincasa is a top leadership and change management keynote speaker, author, and Adventure Racing World Champion. One of the highest-rated, female motivational speakers in the world, she regularly shares the stage with world leaders and business icons, her customers include many Fortune companies like Starbucks, Deloitte, Aflac, Boeing, and more.

Kwame Christian 

A business attorney and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute (ANI), Kwame Christian took his place among the world’s top negotiation experts when his TEDx talk went viral, spurring his bestselling books, Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life and How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race: Practical Tools for Necessary Change in the Workplace and Beyond, as well as Negotiate Anything, the  #1 negotiation podcast in the world. Defining negotiation as “any conversation in which somebody in the conversation wants something,” Kwame has worked with the Fortune 500 to apply the fundamentals of negotiation to virtually all aspects of corporate success. He has also helped thousands, from all walks of life, acquire a negotiation mindset that can be applied to universal situations, conflicts, and difficult conversations. As Kwame is frequently quoted, “The best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations.”

Dr. Michelle Rozen 

Dr. Michelle Rozen is a top change management keynote speaker and author. She has been featured on NBC, ABC, CNN, FOX News, and other news outlets discussing change, motivation, and how the human mind works to become exceptional in every area of our lives, personally and professionally.

Marcus Collins 

Considered America’s leading cultural translator since the success of his best-selling book, For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be, Dr. Marcus Collins is the recognized authority on leveraging the power of culture to influence behavior, inspire collective change, get people to share your vision, and most importantly, move them to take action. Dr. Collins is a professor of marketing at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, former head of strategy at Wieden + Kennedy, New York, and a regular contributor to Forbes. An inductee in the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement, he is the architect behind some of the most notable campaigns of the last decade for brands including Nike, Apple, Budweiser, and Beyoncé.

Tsedal Neeley 

Tsedal Neeley is a top virtual work and organizational change management speaker, business thought leader, and a Professor at the Harvard Business School. Her 2022 co-authored book, The Digital Mindset: What It Really Takes to Thrive in the Age of Data, Algorithms, and AI helps companies and leaders see, think, and act in new ways.

Thomas Kolditz 

A retired Brigadier General with three Master’s degrees and a Phd in psychology, Thomas Kolditz has spent more than 30 years at the helm of organizations, directed the Leader Development Program at Yale School of Management, and challenged the Pentagon to take on leadership development, founding the West Point Leadership Center. A recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal, the Army’s highest award for service, General Kolditz is a renowned expert on leading through crisis, turbulence and extreme conditions. He is the author of In Extremis Leadership: Leading As If Your Life Depended On It, an authoritative book based on more than 175 interviews taken on the ground in Iraq during combat operations. Considered a visionary in the field of leadership training and development, General Kolditz shares invaluable perspectives and a thrill ride of stories from a career on four continents, always leaving audiences with pragmatic, actionable takeaways that they can immediately apply.

Amy Cappellanti-Wolf 

Amy Cappellanti-Wolf is a top change management speaker, Chief Human Resources Officer at Cohesity, and the former SVP & CHRO at Symantec, the world’s largest cybersecurity software company, based in Mountain View, CA. In addition to serving on the executive team and managing Symantec’s global human resources function, she led Symantec’s Workplace/Workforce Strategy and Planning, Real Estate and Facilities organizations.

Jeff DeGraff 

Renowned for jumpstarting creativity and empowering innovation culture and ecosystems at over half of the Fortune 500, Professor Jeff DeGraff combines top B-School expertise and research with extensive consulting experience and a successful career taking Domino’s Pizza from $50M to $2B. Dubbed “The Dean of Innovation,” for his simultaneously creative and pragmatic approach, he is a bestselling author and long-established thought leader in the innovation space. His talks inspire audiences while providing a proven playbook for success.

Getting the sense your team is dragging its proverbial feet and fear regular inspiration won’t cut it? Inject a healthy dose of humor into your next conference and life with one of our top-rated and in-demand top comedian keynote speakers. Whether you prefer witticisms or broad comedy, the hilarious entertainers on this list are guaranteed to tickle your funny bone.

 

Mac King is a Las Vegas headliner and top 10 comedian keynote speaker who has performed on the Las Vegas Strip for the past 19 years, delighting over 2 million fans. A premier magician, he blends a down-to-earth sense of humor and inventiveness that has won him seven TV specials and a role consulting Penn & Teller and David Copperfield.

 

Marcus Monroe is an award-winning juggler and comedian who treats his audiences to a high-energy entertainment experience replete with innovative tricks and hilariously awkward banter. A frequent performer at comedy clubs, universities, festivals and arts centers, he is currently preparing for the release of his own comedy special.

 

Leadership speaker, educator and comedian Mo Barrett is one of the speaking circuit’s most successful failures. After almost flunking at the Air Force Academy, she leveraged hard work, humor and optimism to build a 25 year career as a pilot and then as an entertaining, inspiring keynote speaker.

 

Tripp Crosby is an entertainer and renowned comedian who started his career as part of the YouTube duo Tripp and Tyler, which has amassed over 30 million views on their channel. As a top 10 comedian keynote speaker, he hosts and headlines events for as many as 100,000 and as few as 100 attendees, teaching and engaging audiences.

 

Top comedian keynote speaker Avish Parashar is a humorist and author who weaves together hilarious interactive skits and improv comedy games  into practical business lessons that teach attendees how to adapt to sudden changes and overcome adversity.

 

With a signature blend of southern charm and housewife-inspired humor, top comedian keynote speaker Leanne Morgan is a hit with any type of audience. An actively touring entertainer and podcast host, she has appeared across the United States, is in frequent rotation on Sirius XM, and has racked up over 50 million views on her streamed content.

 

Vegas headliner and comedian keynote speaker Jeff Civilico has performed over 5000 shows on the Las Vegas Strip, and specializes in custom programs that meet his clients’ needs exactly. His contagious spirit and feel-good comedy entertain and inspire in equal measure.

 

Storytelling speaker Tom Nash is a mesmerizing emcee and entertainer with a taste of disruptive ideas and a dark sense of humor. A quadruple amputee, his unique perspectives into adversity, pragmatism, and self-reflection leave audiences both grounded and hooked.

 

Top booked emcee and comedian keynote speaker Adam Christing is a crowd-pleasing favorite who works with corporate, association, and non-profit audiences and has been ranked among the top five after-dinner speakers in North America for his ability to appeal to both leadership and employees.

 

Bertice Berry is a sociologist, best-selling author, and top comedian keynote speaker praised for her ability to entertain, inspire and educate. An award-winning comedienne and lecturer, she has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Tonight Show, and ABC’s 20/20.

 

This article was originally published by BigSpeak  Aug 9, 2023.

BigSpeak Speakers Bureau is fortunate to work with top keynote speakers of all types, from physicians to financial executives to inventors on the cutting edge of robotics. We also have a modest but no less impressive selection of musician speakers on our roster and speakers bureau would be proud to work with, with performers who dazzle and entertain even as they educate. If you’re looking to include an interactive portion or ditch the traditional keynote at your next conference, peruse this selection of musician speakers to make sure you hit the big note.

 

Powerhouse concert pianist Jade Simmons is a top musician speaker who creates transformational experiences designed to activate her audiences. With impact spanning multiple industries, she works with everyone from children to corporations helping people discover their creative identities.

 

Emmanuel Kelly is a musician speaker known as the first different abled popstar. A media sensation disrupting the music industry, he has reached over one billion people with his performances, entertaining and inspiring youth around the globe.

 

Dana Leong is a two-time Grammy winning musician, composer and producer. A boundary-pushing performer, he combines storytelling and technology with his music to create interactive, mesmerizing experiences that provide exciting perspectives on music, entrepreneurship and success.

 

Empowerment speaker, activist and musician Butterscotch is a vocal percussionist virtuosa using her voice to defy social constructs. Starting her career in the male-doninated beatboxing scene, she now tours the world performing at both prestigious jazz festivals and for corporate audiences looking to develop resilient attitudes and achieve empowerment.

 

Renowned drummer Mark Schulman is an expert motivator showing people how to harness their doubt and anxiety and turn it into power. With a 3 decade long career spanning performing with the Los Angeles Junior Philharmonic and P!NK, he’s an active educator helping others achieve fulfillment and confidence.

 

Experiential and musician speaker Cameron Atlas is an artist blending music with insights on creativity and high performance. With a down to earth, approachable attitude, a piano and a guitar, he delivers outstanding and empowering experiences that inspire his audiences.

 

Hip-Hop artist, activist and musician speaker Taylor Bennett is a rapper best known for his lyrical style. As one of the only openly bisexual hip-hop artists to receive widespread acceptance, he engages audiences regarding the pursuit of individuality through the arts.

 

Entertainment duo Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear perform together spinning tales that command audience attention. Known for their soulful sound, they are solemn and electrifying in turn, creating the kind of music that touches hearts and demands full attention from its listeners.

 

Employee engagement and peak performance expert Diane Allen is an award-winning musician speaker specializing in finding and increasing joy and fulfillment in life. Known for her experiential keynotes and coaching programs, she uses her three-step Flow Strategy™ to  empower others to find meaning in their work and personal lives.

 

Musical director, pianist and vibraphonist Christian Tamburr is the CEO and lead facilitator of Sonic Leadership, an organization devoted to educating corporate audiences on matters of communication, teamwork, and reaching performance goals.

 

This article was originally published by BigSpeak Jul 7, 2023

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” — Charlie Chaplin

Audiences remember keynote speakers who use humor. Humor not only boosts our ability to recall information, but it also increases energy levels, reduces negative emotions, and creates a sense of community among attendees. This is why some of the best conferences and workshops are hosted by comedians.

If you want a funny speaker who can impact your event, BigSpeak Speakers Bureau works with the Top Funny Keynote Speakers and Comedian Groups. Some of these public speakers are expert entertainers, hosts, and workshop leaders, while others are funny thought leaders who can make your audience laugh while learning about important topics.

 

Jeff Civillico

Jeff Civillico is a comedian and performer who has performed over 5000 shows on the Las Vegas Strip as a Headliner with Caesars Entertainment at The LINQ, The Flamingo, and The Paris. In his talks, Jeff enables a renewed sense of passion, purpose, and gratitude in attendees’ work and lives by challenging the audience to view where they are personally and professionally.

Janelle Shane

Janelle Shane is an artificial intelligence humorist who was named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business and a Young Influential by Adweek. In her talks, Janelle uses cartoons and humorous pop-culture experiments to look inside the minds of the algorithms that run our world, making artificial intelligence and machine learning both accessible and entertaining.

Bill Benjamin

Bill Benjamin is a funny emotional intelligence expert and a contributor to the New York Times bestselling book Performing Under Pressure. In his talks, Benjamin uses research and humor to teach audiences practical strategies for managing their emotions during pressure moments.

Judy Carter

Judy Carter is a top leadership keynote speaker, transformational communication expert, and international humorist. Wielding the “power of the punch line,” Carter gets results both nationally and internationally with hilarious and empowering keynotes. She uplifts and entertains while sharing practical information that attendees can apply to their jobs as well as their daily lives.

Kamau Bell

Kamau Bell is a top humor keynote speaker, sociopolitical comedian, and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning CNN docu-series United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell. Kamau has been nominated for multiple NAACP Image Awards and a GLAAD award, and he was featured on Conde Nast’s ‘Daring 25’ list for 2016.

Bertice Berry

Dr. Bertice Berry is a top change management speaker, sociologist, and the best-selling author of an inspirational memoir, I’m On My Way, But Your Foot Is On My Head. She entertains and educates about the importance of humor in the workplace.

Avish Parashar

Avish Parashar is a top motivational keynote speaker, humorist, and author who transforms his hilarious comedy skits into practical business lessons. Weaving together humorous stories, jokes, audience interaction, and improv comedy games, Parashar keeps the audience engaged while providing a key lesson: planning is important, but improvising is essential.

 

Comedy Groups

Comedy teams and comedy groups are great workshop hosts and entertainers. They can make your event funny, experiential, and memorable.

The Passing Zone

Jon Wee and Owen Morse are The Passing Zone, a top innovation keynote duo and juggling team. They have appeared on The Tonight Show and The Today Show and were finalists on America’s Got Talent. They entertain groups while teaching them the principles of teamwork.

The Pinquelton Group

Andy Eninger and John Loos are a top entertainment-speaking duo, master facilitators, performers, and writers who love to help organizations flourish by building skills in collaboration, storytelling, and ideation. Between them, they have 50+ years of experience connecting to audiences with clients like Deloitte, Facebook, MetLife, Whirlpool, and many, many, many more.

The Second City

From the world-famous Second City Theater that gave us such famous comedic actors as Dan Ackroyd, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Steve Carell, and Steven Colbert comes a proven and innovative training methodology that builds the skills necessary to make companies successful. They help groups with collaborative communication, leadership, and creative thinking.

 

This article was originally published by BigSpeak Jun 28, 2023.