Keynote speaker Archives - Keynote Speakers Experts

Sports Keynote Speakers

Magic Johnson

Known for his 13 year professional basketball career, which includes 12 NBA All-Star games, and Olympic gold medal win, Earvin “Magic” Johnson is also one of our most requested business speakers. After retiring from professional basketball, Magic turned his interest toward entrepreneurship and became a leading spokesperson for HIV education. After leaving the ballcourt, Magic turned to the board room. He established the Magic Johnson Development Corporation, which builds commercial property in long-neglected minority urban and suburban neighborhoods. Magic Johnson now runs his own company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, which is constantly evolving, acquiring and selling businesses frequently. It owns, or has owned, franchised branches of Starbucks, Burger King and T.G.I Friday’s. Johnson also stayed true to his sports roots by investing in both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Dominique Dawes

Dominique Dawes was a part of the 1992 bronze-winning women’s Olympic gymnastic team. She was the first African American gymnast to qualify and compete in an Olympic game. Dawes is also the most decorated gymnast on the U.S. women’s Olympic team. Since her Olympic glory, Dawes hasn’t rested on her laurels. Her dedication, determination, and desire have served her well as a positive role model to people across the nation. Appointed co-chair of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, she is a popular speaker who shares insights about leading a healthy, balanced life, and achieving confidence and self-esteem through both athleticism and citizenship. Dawes is also a sought after sports keynote speaker and a sports broadcaster who has commentated on the Olympic Games in both Beijing and Vancouver for Yahoo! Sports.

Bill Walton

Bill Walton has a prolific basketball career. He was a member of the 1977 Portland Trailblazers NBA Championship team. Walton was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 1978, on the NBA All-Star Team in 1977 and 1978, and won NBA Playoff’s MVP in 1977. Walton is one of only four players in the history of basketball to have won multiple NCAA and multiple NBA Championships. After retiring from basketball Bill began his broadcasting career in 1990 as an analyst for the then Prime Ticket Network. Walton worked for CBS Sports in the early 90’s and then for NBC for many years, including work on the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Summer Olympic Games. Walton has been nominated for numerous Emmy Awards and in 2001 won an Emmy for Best Live Sports Television Broadcast.

Amy Van Dyken

Amy is a six-time Olympic gold medal swimmer, who has the distinction of being one of the few Olympians whose medals are all gold. Some of her many accolades include being inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame as well as the International Swimming Hall of Fame, winning an EPSY for Female Athlete of the Year, and breaking several world swimming records. Amy has retired from swimming after an ATV accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. She continues to inspire through her public speaking about sports, leadership, and overcoming adversity. Amy is also a sports keynote speaker who speaks on peak performance, overcoming adversity, and work-life balance.

Peyton Manning

Legendary quarterback Peyton Manning is the NFL’s only five-time MVP and 14-time Pro Bowl selection. Most recently he led the Denver Broncos to win Super Bowl L making him the first starting quarterback in NFL football history to win more than one Super Bowl with two different teams. In 2012, after missing the entire 2011 campaign due to a neck injury, Manning finished as the Associated Press NFL Comeback Player of the Year and runner-up for the league’s MVP. Peyton is a sought after sports keynote speaker though he doesn’t speak much throughout the year.

Robyn Benincasa

Robyn Benincasa is a World Champion Eco-Challenge Adventure Racer, a CNN Hero, and a full-time firefighter with a background in corporate marketing who advises organizations on how to build a world class team of their own. She and her teammates have competed at the front of the pack in the most unique and compelling locations on earth–the jungles of Borneo, the Himalayan peaks of Tibet, the rivers of Fiji, the rainforests of Ecuador and the desert of Namibia–studying the good, the bad, and the not-so-pretty in extreme teamwork. Through these challenges, she has mastered the skills required to inspire a group of semi-exhausted people through a seemingly endless series of checkpoints, in pursuit of a seemingly impossible goal. Motivational business speaker Robyn Benincasa offers a refreshing and truly unique perspective on what it takes to build the kind of world class team that succeeds against all odds.

Bob Costas

Bob costas has been a significant part of sports broadcasting for the past three decades, from presenting Baseball Game of the Week with Bob Costas to hosting the Olympics. He is the only person to win Emmys in the three categories of news, sports, and entertainment, winning 26 Emmys in total–more than any other sports broadcaster. Bob is a seasoned sports keynote speaker and currently hosts Football Night in America on NBC and as well contributes to NBC News programs such as Nightly News, Rock Center, and The Today Show. He also continues to be the primetime host of NBC’s Olympic coverage.

Diana Nyad

At the age of 64, Diana Nyad successfully fulfilled her lifelong dream of completing the 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida on September 2, 2013. Never one to quit, this marked her fifth and final attempt. It was in July of 2010, at the age of 60, when she first began her quest of swimming from Cuba to Florida, a task she had failed to finish thirty years prior that. Nyad was unsuccessful in 2010 and tried two more times 2011 and 2012 before completing her historic and victorious swim in 2013. When asked her motivation, she replied, “Because I’d like to prove to the other 60-year-olds that it is never too late to start your dreams.” If Diana’s story doesn’t motivate you to keep working towards your dreams, then nothing will.

J.B. Bernstein

J.B. Bernstein is one of the most respected marketing experts in the world of sports. His story was portrayed by Jon Hamm in the Disney movie Million Dollar Arm. A few years ago, inspired by the increasing popularity of reality television in the United States and the global phenomena that NBA player, Yao Ming generated, Bernstein saw an untapped opportunity to change the game. He then traveled to India, motivated to find the first Indian born player in professional baseball history and created a contest that would reward one lucky contestant with $1 million and a chance to play for a professional baseball team in the U.S. A talented sports keynote speaker, Bernstein captivates audiences with valuable insight on business, marketing, selling, and achieving success in unpredictable and unprecedented circumstances.

Danica Patrick

Danica Patrick is a professional racecar driver and one of the most recognizable female athlete in the United States. In 2013, she became the first female NASCAR driver to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole, turning in the fastest qualifying lap since 1990 and qualifying for the Daytona 500.Over the course of her career, Danica has earned respect in a male-dominated sport and has become an international sensation.

Peter Guber

Peter Guber is a vanguard in the sports and entertainment industries. He is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Mandalay Entertainment Group, the co-owner of the Golden State Warriors and owner of the L.A. Dodgers. He is an owner and and the Executive Chairman of Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC). He is also the author of the #1 New York Times Bestselling book “Tell to Win” and a professor at UCLA. Guber has transformed each company he’s been a part of. His management is credited with overhauling the Warriors and had a significant part in their Championship wins in 2015 and 2017. Guber is an expert sports keynote speaker who speaks on the topics of teambuilding, leadership, and innovation.

Email us to learn more about one of these sports keynote speakers or to book them for your next event.

Infrastructure and Smart City Keynote Speakers

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 62.7 percent of the population lives in cities and the population density in cities is more than 46 times higher than the territories outside of cities. As this number continues to increase, new city infrastructure, sustainability practices, and transportation systems will need to be engineered to accommodate the number of people living, working, and moving about the city. These infrastructure and smart city keynote speakers can help you plan the smart city and smart infrastructure of the future.

Chris Barker

Chris Barker is a smart city, connected car, and transportation technology consultant and Founder of CBC. /he is focused on advocating the role of technology in advancing the modernization of transportation and urban mobility. Chris provides business, communications and public policy consulting support to automakers, aerospace companies, suppliers, technology companies, investment firms and government organizations around the globe. He has worked with cities such as Las Vegas to improve autonomous shuttles and city-wide wi-fi connectivity, to deploy a vehicle/ green light tracking system, and launch vehicle/pedestrian detection and safety programs.

Parag Khanna

Parag Khanna is a geostrategist and CNN Global Contributor. His latest book “The Future of Globalization: Strategic Trends, Economic Competition & Technological Innovation” which looks at how biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, and the rise of smart cities will reshape city life as well as the global balance of innovation. As an infrastructure and smart city keynote speaker, Khanna frequently gives keynotes on the subjects of global trends and scenarios, systemic risks and technological disruptions.

Jeremy Rifkin

Jeremy Rifkin is an economic and social theorist and political advisor. He also advises on the building and scaling of the Internet of Things digital infrastructure to develop a sustainable low-carbon economy and ecological society. Rifkin is currently advising the European Commission on the development of Smart Cities in Europe. Rifkin is the author of three bestsellers including “The Third Industrial Revolution: How Lateral Power is Transforming Energy, The Economy, and The World” and “The Zero Marginal Cost Society: The Internet of Things, The Collaborative COmmons, and The Eclipse of Capitalism.”

Glen Hiemstra

Glen Hiemstra is an infrastructure and smart city keynote speaker who is dedicated to spreading knowledge about how technology can assist individuals, organizations, and industries in cities through effective strategic planning. He is the author of “Millennial City: How a New Generation Can Save the Future”. In his keynote’s, Hiemstra zeros in on emerging trends in economic demographics, energy, the environment, Internet and communication technology, housing, and transportation to offer solutions to many city and infrastructure problems.

Peter Zeihan

Peter Zeihan is a geopolitical strategist who specializes in global energy, demographics, and security. His worldview combines the realities of geography and populations to offer a deep understanding of how global politics impact markets and economic trends. Zeihan’s focus is geopolitics but his specializations of energy, demographics, and security are applicable to infrastructure and smart city planning. His clients represent a vast array of sectors including energy sectors, financial institutions, business associations, agricultural interests and city planners.

Hiring the Right Keynote Speaker

When hiring a keynote speaker, factors such as the event date, location, and your budget will play an important role in determining the pool of keynote speakers available to you.

Date, location, and budget

Your date, for example, will affect which keynote speakers are available, whereas your budget will limit who you can and can’t afford to hire. In order to save on the cost of the keynote speaker’s travel, you may want to consider the distance between where he or she resides and where your event will take place.

Sync up the type and time of the keynote

Determine the type of presentation you want and the time of day it will take place. Some speakers are skilled at delivering workshops, while others excel at providing keynotes. After-dinner speakers should incorporate humor into their talks, where morning speakers should be energizing.

Clarify why you want to hire a keynote speaker

Some common reasons include the desire to educate, motivate, shift behavior, and initiate a change, and entertain. Consider which keynote speakers have been successful in the past with your group or a group similar to yours.

Get references

Call your friends and associates. Asking for references can be a great way to narrow down your search. Establish who the core decision makers are regarding a keynote speaker and tap into their vision.

Consider the demographics of your audience

Do you need a keynote speaker who will appeal to a general audience or one who will interest a specific demographic group?

Consider all of these factors and reach out to the Keynote Speaker Experts, we’ll help you hire the perfect keynote speaker for your event

Why Work with a Keynote Speakers Bureau

If you’re going to book a keynote speaker you should do so through a keynote speakers bureau.

Finding the right keynote speaker involves a lot of time researching the right speaker, and energy spent wrestling with event dates, speaker fees, and contractual agreements. A keynote speaker bureau takes care of all of that for you. A bureau offers expert knowledge on a multitude of speakers and the industry itself. They also have an extensive network of connections, logistical know-how, and provide you with quality, and importantly, peace of mind.

Expertise

Bureaus have extensive experience pairing the needs of an event with a speaker, ensuring that the keynote always resonates with your audience. There are many talented keynote speakers in the world (you probably know a few), but each speaker excels in different settings. Just getting a famous speaker for an event doesn’t mean they can tap into the expectations and feelings of the audience. However, speakers bureaus know exactly how each business, motivational, and celebrity speaker works with any type of crowd.

Extensive Networks

The high caliber speakers you really want tend to be difficult to contact. Keynote speakers, especially celebrity speakers have jam-packed schedules and multiple gatekeepers. But the network at a keynote speakers bureau enables you to get timely responses and exact quotes on their fees. Regardless of price range, a bureau provides access to a wide array of speaking contacts.

Logistical Know-How

Preparing for a keynote address is surprisingly complicated. Aside from the proper audio equipment, planners need to coordinate travel, hotel, per diems, contract logistics, and more. Letting a bureau cover these details creates a hands-free experience for you, and ensures that no box will be left unchecked.

Quality

The quality that bureaus provide is often the most valuable thing when finding a speaker for your event. Professional assurances count — there’s no sense in risking it. Knowing a speaker is fully vetted and guaranteed to deliver a powerful keynote makes all the difference in the days leading to your event.

Peace of Mind

Working with a keynote speakers bureau lends you peace of mind that the results will be top notch, and that the event will go off without a hitch. There are hundreds of details that coordinators need to consider for an event, and the last thing you should have to worry about is the quality of your keynote speaker.

Celebrity Keynote Speakers

Celebrity speakers who have charm, magnetism, charisma are hard to come by; it’s that rare personal quality that gives an individual influence over large numbers of people and a presence that instantly illuminates a room. Whether a television celebrity speaker, world class athlete, bestselling author, or an award-winning entertainer, a celebrity motivational speaker can add a touch of class, cachet, or clout to any engagement. Have your people call our people and let one of our celebrity speakers deliver red carpet excitement to your next engagement.

Jay Leno

Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and philanthropist…it’s no wonder that Jay Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.” An indefatigable performer, Leno loves to test his humor live on audiences across the nation, performing over 100 live appearances in nightclubs, theaters, and stadiums each year. His “everyman”-style and personality have helped him earn millions of fans worldwide, especially in the regions where people relate to his personable style and work ethic. Lenno does keynotes as well as stand up routines.

Steve Wozniak

A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for more than thirty years, Steve Wozniak has helped shape the computing industry with his design of Apple’s first line of products the Apple I and II and influenced the popular Macintosh. In 1976, Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer Inc. with Wozniak’s Apple I personal computer. The following year, he introduced his Apple II personal computer, featuring a central processing unit, a keyboard, color graphics, and a floppy disk drive. The Apple II was integral in launching the personal computer industry. As a keynote speaker, Woz’s vibrant personality particularly shines during Q & A’s when he gets to connect with the audience and speak candidly.

Fredrik Eklund

Fredrik Eklund, the energetic, high-kicking, top broker at Douglas Elliman has secured over two billion dollars in closed residential sales. Constantly rated as New York City’ “Top Luxury Broker,” he set record sales in 28 buildings in Manhattan last year alone and is often spotted showing apartments to top name celebrities including Sara Jessica Parker and Jennifer Lopez. His active listings amount to $540,000,000. As a keynote speaker, Fredrik speaks on the topics of sales, branding, real estate, and diversity.

Magic Johnson

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a Major League baseball owner, an NBA legend, a two-time Hall of Famer, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, an activist and a motivational keynote speaker. The business mogul has successfully parlayed his skills and tenacity on the court into the business world. Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), Mr. Johnson’s company provides products and services to ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities through strategic alliances, investments, consulting and endorsements.

Daymond John

Daymond John is the personification of the American Dream. From his humble beginning on the streets of New York, to a self-made multimillionaire with over $4 billion in global product sales, and a starring role on the ABC business reality TV show Shark Tank, Daymond John continues to set standards of excellence while expanding his interests in fashion, branding, marketing, consulting, entertainment and beyond. An industry leader, best-selling author and groundbreaking entrepreneur, he has evolved into a highly sought after business and motivational keynote speaker.

Celebrity speakers are highly sought after for their charismatic and engaging presentations that tell inspiring real-life stories of success.

Convention Speakers

Keynote Speakers come in all shapes and sizes, some are at their best in small intimate settings and others thrive on a big, brightly-lit stage with a large crowd in front of them.

If you’re looking for a speaker for your next big corporate convention, these speakers thrive on the energy of a large crowd and are seasoned pros when it comes to speaking at mega-size events.

Carey Lorhenz

Carey Lohrenz is a dynamic communicator with an incredible story. As the first female F-14 Tomcat pilot, she was a pioneer in military aviation. Having flown missions worldwide as a combat, mission-ready United States Navy pilot, Carey Lohrenz is used to working in fast moving, dynamic environments where inconsistent execution can generate catastrophic results. Carey is a seasoned convention speaker who speaks on topics like leadership, teamwork, and work/life balance.

Peter Diamandis

Peter Diamandis is the Chairman and CEO of the X PRIZE Foundation, which leads the world in designing and launching large incentive prizes to drive radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity.Diamandis is also an international leader in the commercial space arena, having founded and run many of the leading entrepreneurial companies in this sector. In his keynote presentations, Diamandis focuses on the importance of innovation and he looks to the future in explaining how exponentially advancing technologies will transform our companies, our industries, our governments and our lives over the next 5 to 10 years.

Peyton Manning

Legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, the NFL’s only five-time Most Valuable Player and a 14-time Pro Bowl selection, has earned his place among the greatest quarterbacks in league history as the active leader in nearly every statistical passing category. As a convention speaker, Manning shines in questions and answer sections where his personal appearance, words of wisdom, and good humor are a huge hit with audiences.

Daymond John

Over the last 20 years, Daymond John (The Shark) has evolved from one of the most successful fashion icons of his generation to a highly sought after branding expert, author, consultant and as a speaker in business and motivational genres. With business savvy and style to spare, speaker Daymond John entertains audiences every week as the go-to branding guru on ABC’s hit entrepreneurial business show, Shark Tank. Daymond brings business savvy wisdom and fun times to his speaking engagements–often bringing in a DJ with him–and is sure to delight any convention audience.

Steve Wozniak

A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for more than thirty years, Steve Wozniak has helped shape the computing industry with his design of Apple’s first line of products the Apple I and II and influenced the popular Macintosh. Wozniak speaks on a number of topics from telling the founding story of Apple to discussing creativity and innovation as well as how to build a successful startup. He is also a seasoned convention speaker who thrives during Q&A’s.

To bring these or any other convention speakers to your next event contact the keynote speaker experts–we’ll set you up with the right speaker for your conventions theme, message, and audience.

Public Speaking Podcasts for Keynote Speakers

Podcasts are the new broadcast radio. They are portable, downloadable audio shows that can be enjoyed on any mobile. There is also such a wide range of genres that are covered that any niche audience can find a podcast that pertains to them– including keynote speakers.

Here are a few podcasts that will be of particular interest to keynote speakers for the speaking tips they provide and the inspiring stories they tell.

The Public Speaker

These short and informative episodes address everything from building workplace relationships to introducing yourself effectively. The podcast also features interviews with authors and keynote speakers

Toastmasters Podcast

Produced by Toastmasters, a nonprofit educational organization devoted to communication skills, the Toastmasters Podcast gives listeners the inside scoop on the keynote speaker business. Guests often include reps from SpeakerHub, EasySpeak, and Mohammed Qahtani, the 2015 World Champion of Public Speaking.

What the Speak

Here speaking industry professionals like Deanna Moffat and Rick Altman offer up their invaluable insider’s perspective on public speaking. The podcast is currently on hiatus but, What the Speak’s extensive archive will address every public speaking concern you’ve ever had.

The Moth

The Moth’s captivating storytelling podcast will teach you a thing or two about connecting with an audience. Each themed episode features recordings from live storytelling events, where people spin stories from their personal lives—without the aid of prepared notes. The best part of The Moth? The show’s storytellers are just regular people, proving that anyone can be a good public speaker with enough preparation (and confidence).

TED Radio Hour

Keynote Speakers, here’s your chance to learn from the best. NPR’s TED Radio Hour features your favorite TED speakers offering expertise on a variety of eclectic subjects. After listening to a few episodes, you’ll be inspired to make your upcoming keynote as engaging and entertaining as a TED Talk.

Podcasts can be a great resource to any keynote speaker looking to refine their public speaking skills and looking for a little inspiration.

Portions of this article originally appeared on Born2Invest, “5 Must-Listen Podcasts for Public Speakers”

Top Political Keynote Speakers

A political speaker can talk about a number of different topics ranging from healthcare, finance, the environment, education, and more. A political keynote speaker can include politicians, activists, former presidents, and judges. Political keynotes speakers are the smartest minds in Washington and around the world who analyze the decisions and debates from the campaign trail to the halls of Congress and the White House. Their research and experience color their insights with fascinating anecdotes and true insider information.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

The world first knew Arnold Schwarzenegger as a famous bodybuilder and a Hollywood action hero, and now as California’s 38th Governor, an environmental crusader, a successful businessman, and a generous philanthropist. Due to Arnold’s busy schedule, he does not book as many speaking engagements per year, but when he does, his political keynote speeches are among the best.

Bill Clinton

William Jefferson Clinton, a seasoned political keynote speaker, is the first Democratic president in six decades to be elected twice, led the U.S. to the longest economic expansion in American history, including the creation of more than 22 million jobs. He is the founder of the Clinton Foundation which focuses on tackling a number of the worlds’ greatest challenges.

Mitt Romney

Widely praised for his leadership as a public servant and businessman, former Governor Mitt Romney was the Republican nominee for president in 2012, running on a platform of creating jobs, reducing the debt, reforming tax law, and healthcare reform. One of Massachusetts’ most successful governors, he established a healthcare law that was the first of its kind in the nation and ensured coverage for all citizens of the state. As a political keynote speaker, Mitt speaks on a number of different topics

Al Gore

An environmental, business, and tech visionary recognized as one of the world’s leading activists and political keynote speakers, Vice President Al Gore offers a unique perspective on national and international issues, including the threats of climate change and the future of tech. Consistently an active leader in technology, Al Gore is uniquely in touch with the opportunities and challenges in charting a new digital society. Vice President Gore’s status as a leader in global politics, technology and business influences his positions as member of the Board of Directors of Apple and a Senior Partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Silicon Valley’s preeminent venture firm.

John Boehner

A former small businessman, John Boehner served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives for nearly five years during which he led the drive for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable federal government. Speaker Boehner focused on removing government barriers to private-sector job creation and economic growth, cutting government spending, reforming Congress, and rebuilding the bonds of trust between the American people and their representatives in Washington. As you might have guessed speaker of the house Boehner is one of the most sought after political keynote speakers.

Condoleezza Rice

From January 2005-2009, Rice served as the 66th Secretary of State of the United States, the second woman and first African American woman to hold the post. Political keynote speaker, Rice also served as President George W. Bush’s assistant to the President for national security affairs (National Security Advisor) from January 2001-2005, the first woman to hold the position. Rice served as Stanford University’s provost from 1993-1999, during which she was the institution’s chief budget and academic officer.

Madeleine Albright

Albright was the 64th Secretary of State of the United States. In 1997, she was named the first female Secretary of State and became, at that time, the highest ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government. As Secretary of State, Albright reinforced America’s alliances, advocated democracy and human rights and promoted American trade and business, labor and environmental standards abroad. Madeleine is a highly sought after political keynote speaker, whose keynotes are not to be missed.

Top Keynote Speakers Who Donate Their Speaking Fees to Charity

Who are the top keynote speakers that donate their speaking fees to charity? Below is a list of speakers who give back to non-profit and community organizations that strive to make the world a better place.

Bert and John Jacobs, Life is Good

If ever there were a company that optimized the importance of giving back to the community, Life is Good would be it. The company was founded on the tenants of optimism, gratitude, and authenticity. Life is Good donates at least 10% of its annual net profits to the Life is Good Kids Foundation to positively impact over 120,000 kids daily facing poverty, violence, and illness. Bert and John Jacobs have lived and breathed “giving” at every stage of Life is Good’s growth and also donate all of their speaking fees to the Life is Good Kids Foundation.

James Curleigh, The Red Tab Foundation

James Curleigh, or “JC”, is the President of Levi. He donates all fees to the Red Tab Foundation which is affiliated with Levi Strauss & Co. The foundation aids employees by providing critical aid to employees who are suffering through unexpected emergencies. The Red Tab Foundation also provides education and proactive programs to help individuals maintain their financial health.

Steve Gross, Life is Good Kids Foundation

Steve is the co-founder and Chief Playmaker at the Life is Good Kids Foundation. The LIG Kids Foundation partners with leading childcare organizations to positively impact the quality of care delivered to the most vulnerable children Additionally, the foundation also supports child care providers, believing that “in order to better care for the most vulnerable children, we must better support those who care for them.” As a Playmaker Steve helps others discover the power of optimism so that they can build resilience and bring greater joy, connection, courage, and creativity to their lives. Steve’s fees also go to the LIG Kids Foundation. John Mackey, Whole Foods Market John Mackey is the co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods. He is a strong believer in free market principles, to boldly defend and reimagine capitalism, and encourage a way of doing business that is grounded in ethical consciousness. In 2001, driven by a passion to see the business realize its potential for a deeper purpose, and to answer the call to service that he feels in his heart, Mackey cut his pay to $1 a year and continues to work for Whole Foods. Mackey has created several philanthropic foundations at the core of Whole Foods Markets: The Whole Planet Foundation, which works to eradicate poverty in developing nations; the Local Producer Loan Program, which helps fund local farmers and food producers in business expansion; and, the Global Animal Partnership, which works to establish standards for the humane treatment of farm animals.

Matthew Beall, Hawai’i Life Charitable Fund

Matthew Beall is the Principal Broker and CEO of Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers. Hawaii Life is the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate for the neighbor islands of Hawaii (Kauai, Maui, Hawaii Island, Molokai, and Lanai). Matthew is also a television host of “Hawai’i Life” on HGTV. A portion of his speaking fees are donated to the Hawai’i Life Charitable Fund which works to preserve Hawaii’s beauty and culture by supporting its people.

Scott Harrison, charity:water

Scott Harrison is the founder and CEO of Charity:Water a non-profit organization that builds long-lasting public water installations and water sanitation services to communities in need around the world. When completed, those projects provide over 6.4 million people with clean, safe drinking water. Scott was inspired to start Charity:Water after volunteering on a hospital ship off the coast of Liberia as a photojournalist. He quite his job as a club promoter in NYC and turned his full attention to the global water crisis and the world’s 663 million people without clean water to drink. In ten years, with the help of more than one million donors worldwide, Charity:Water has raised over $225 million and funded over 21,000 water projects in 24 countries. Scott donates all of his speaking fees to Charity:Water.

Lauren Bush Lauren, FEED

Lauren Bush Lauren is the CEO, Creative Director, and Co-Founder of FEED Projects, she is also a fashion model and designer. FEED is a charitable company whose mission is to create good products that help feed the world. Many may recognize her first famous burlap tote bags with the word “FEED” printed on them–When purchased, the bag feeds one child in school for one year. FEED Projects has now expanded their product lines to include leather bags and clutches, and t-shirts with all profits funding children’s school lunches.

Doc Hendley, Wine to Water

While bartending to pay the bills, Doc Hendley noticed the men and women sitting on the stools seemed to want to be part of something bigger. Inspired from behind the bar, Hendley started Wine to Water with wine tasting and a humble donation jar. Hendley realized that just by using his ability to tend bars and create relationships with people, he might be able to help provide people with clean drinking water. So, at the bars where he worked, he started raising money to fight this water epidemic the best way he knew how, by pouring wine and playing music. Today Wine to Water not only raises money and brings awareness to the lack of clean drinking water in the developing world, but the organization (and also Doc himself) has dug, repaired, and sanitized drinking wells for nearly 25,000 people in five third world countries. Hendley donates all of his speaking fees back to Wine to Water. These top-notch keynote speakers not only bring hype, and engaging, meaningful content to your event, but in booking them you are also contributing to charitable organizations that work to help those in need and make the world a better place.

These top-notch keynote speakers not only bring hype, and engaging, meaningful content to your event, but in booking them you are also contributing to charitable organizations that work to help those in need and make the world a better place.

Who are the Top 10 Motivational Keynote Speakers?

Are you planning a motivational keynote event for your company or organization?

Research shows that a boost in employee engagement and morale will also boost company productivity and profit. Motivation comes in many forms and goes by many names–motivational speakers have overcome adversity, beat the odds, and invested insurmountable amounts of time and effort to reach for their dreams.

A motivational speaker can inspire, engage, empower, and, of course, motivate your team. But, “Who are the top motivational keynote speakers,” you may ask?

Fear not, we’ve compiled this list for you.

1. Jack Canfield

The originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and a prolific self development author, Jack is recognized as America’s number one motivational speaker. From Jack’s motivational keynote audiences will be inspired to participate more fully in life, show more compassion and caring in their professional relationships, dream bigger, replace blaming and complaining with responsibility, and how to persevere in the face of fear, obstacles, and setbacks. A keynote presentation from motivational speaker Jack Canfield is a once and a lifetime experience not to be missed.

2. Leon Logothetis

Leon is a global adventurer, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. Uninspired at this broker job in London, Leon set out for life on the road. Inspired by the movie The Motorcycle Diaries, Leon traveled across the country in a vintage yellow motorbike relying solely on the kindness of strangers to find food, gas and lodgings, while simultaneously giving life-changing gifts to good Samaritans along the way. Leon’s motivational keynote speech teaches you how to listen to that inner voice that tells you life is yours, that anything you dream is possible, and that the power for harnessing all of this potential has been right in front of you all along through kindness and human connection. Leon has an inspiring and fun story to tell, one that will surely motivate all in attendance.

3. Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins is best known for her TEDxTalk: “How To Stop Screwing Yourself Over.” Mel is a powerful motivational keynote speaker who jumps into your audience (literally); creating motivational experiences with surprising research, vivid imagery, original videos, and music. In her keynote, “The 5 Second Rule”, based off her bestselling book of the same name, Mel points out that as we grow up we have parents, coaches, teachers, mentors, etc. who push us to be better and work harder. But as adults, we often don’t have anyone to push and motivate us but ourselves. Using scientific research on the nature of habits, and drawing on facts from some of the most famous moments in history, art, and business, Mel explains the power of a “push moment” to break the habit of procrastination and self-doubt and become a more confident and productive individual.

4. Brian Holloway

Former offensive tackle for the New England Patriots, Brian Holloway, is the most requested motivational team builder. He understands how to transform thinking within organizations and challenge the competitive spirit of diverse teams. Brian grew up to face and overcome many challenges—he spent much of his youth adjusting to life in 12 different states, even being labeled a “slow learner.” Persistence and an unstoppable spirit propelled Brian through his early struggles and on to academic and athletic success throughout high his school, college, and professional football years. As an international motivational speaker, Brian’s speaking engagements move and inspire audiences to positive change.

5. Tan Le

Tan Le is an innovator, entrepreneur, and the co-founder and CEO of the bioinformatics company EMOTIV. In her motivational keynote speech, “My Immigration Story,” Tan recounts her childhood experiences fleeing from war-torn Communist Vietnam with her mother, and sister at the age of 4, to their life in Australia as refugees. Despite immense financial and emotional hardships, Tan explains how her single mother was able to support Tan and her sister and provide them with a good education. Audiences will be motivated by the tenacity of this young entrepreneur and inspired by her courage and grace in any situation.

6. Magic Johnson

Universally known for his 13 year professional basketball career, which includes 12 NBA All-Star games, an Olympic gold medal win, and a very public diagnosis and battle with HIV, Earvin “Magic” Johnson is also one of our most requested motivational speakers. After retiring from professional basketball, Magic turned his interest toward entrepreneurship and became a leading spokesperson for HIV education. After leaving the ballcourt, Magic turned to the board room. He established the Magic Johnson Development Corporation, which builds commercial property in long-neglected minority urban and suburban neighborhoods. In his keynote address Johnson delivers a passionate message about his life story and how we can all make a difference in our community. Magic is dedicated to developing programs and supporting services that address the educational, health, and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities.

7. Diana Nyad

At the age of 64, Diana Nyad successfully fulfilled her lifelong dream of completing the 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida on September 2, 2013. Never one to quit, this marked her fifth and final attempt. It was in July of 2010, at the age of 60, when she first began her quest of swimming from Cuba to Florida, a task she had failed to finish thirty years prior that. Nyad was unsuccessful in 2010 and tried two more times 2011 and 2012 before completing her historic and victorious swim in 2013. When asked her motivation, she replied, “Because I’d like to prove to the other 60-year-olds that it is never too late to start your dreams.” If Diana’s story doesn’t inspire you to never give up and never stop working towards your dreams, then nothing will.

8. JP Pawliw-Fry

What is it that most often stops us from performing at our best and accomplishing our goals? Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry suggests that it is pressure moments when we feel, overwhelmed and unsure. Using the research and brain science of emotional intelligence Pawliw-Fry explains how your brain works under pressure and how that affects your decision making and your impact on others. JP offers actionable tips on how to view pressure situations as opportunities, instead of obstacles, and provides strategies to manage your emotions so you can be at your best even in your most difficult moments.

9. Allison Massari

In 1998, Allison survived a devastating near head-on car crash where she was trapped in her burning car, conscious the entire time. A selfless onlooker, who was a Vietnam veteran, ran into the fiery scene, kicked the glass out, and saved her life. Just three years later she was hit again at 60 mph and sustained a closed-head brain injury. Allison’s profound journey of overcoming these two life-altering injuries gives her a genuine and direct approach to transcending life’s difficulties. By sharing her story she motivates change in people and in organizations. Her motivational keynote focuses on success, adversity, and personal development to equip audiences with tools they need to effectively manage change and challenges. Alison is also a successful entrepreneur who has built four businesses in 25 years and has been voted top ten motivational speakers in North America for the past three years.

10. Bert Jacobs and John Jacobs

Motivational speakers, Bert and John Jacobs have an inspirational story of turning their dream into a socially conscious business. Bert and his brother John launched their retail company, Life is Good, with $78 in their pockets, by selling T-shirts on the streets of Boston. Today, Life is Good is a $100 million positive lifestyle brand sold by over 2,000 retailers across the US and Canada. The brand developed 10 “superpowers” (gratitude, authenticity, creativity, love, courage, compassion, simplicity, humor, fun, openness) that they not only run their company by, but also live by. These superpowers were inspired by customers’ stories which illustrated the power of optimism in the darkest of times.

With the top ten motivational speakers (or perhaps 11?) in mind, you’re well on your way to planning the most motivational and inspiring keynote event your organization has ever seen!

Why Book a Keynote Speaker?

A keynote speaker is certainly is an investment, but it will prove to be a valuable one. A keynote speaker can bring excitement and notoriety to your event. They also provide expertise on the topic your event centers around, and sometimes an outsider is just the person to really drive a particular message home. A keynote speaker will help set the tone of your event, bring thought leadership and expertise to your organization, and inspire audiences.

To set the tone

This is the very name sake and role of a keynote speaker, to set the tone of the entire event. A keynote speaker can bring it all together and make all of the varies workshops and presentations a cohesive element.

To create buzz around the event

A keynote speaker, especially a well established one, carries a certain level of notoriety and can draw media attention to your event. Usually speakers are also bestselling authors, and in some sense have developed a following. The notoriety that the speaker possesses will bring a sense of buzz and excitement to your event a well. This attention can put your event and company on the map.

To bring thought leadership to your organization

The purpose of a keynote speaker at an event is not solely for entertainment purposes, though a keynote speaker should be entertaining. The main purpose through of a keynote speaker is to inform an audience and make them think about a subject in a new way. A keynote speaker should provide audiences with actionable insights that they can take away from the event and implement into their daily and/or work lives that will help to make them more productive, energetic, happier, healthier, or something along the lines of keynote topic.

To inspire your audience

While the audience should walk away from the keynote having learned something, if they are not simultaneously inspired by the keynote speaker and his/her message, then they will not be inspired to actually implement what they have learned into their lives of work. So a keynote speaker will also inspire your audience and provide them with the reassurance that they are capable of making the change the keynote speaker speaks of.

As you can see the keynote speaker plays many roles at an event, and thus there are many reasons why you would want to hire a keynote speaker at your event–plus, your event attendees will thank you if you do!

The Importance of a Keynote Speaker at a Corporate Event

Event and meeting planners are faced with numerous difficult decisions but the choice to book a keynote speaker is not be one of them. Keynote speakers are an event staple.

Whether it’s a celebrity speaker or a popular business speaker, a good keynote speaker will provide relevant content that engages and educates audience members and provides them with an experience unique to your function. Here’s why you should consider one for your next event:

Increased event hype and registration numbers

Good keynote speakers, especially popular public figures, can bring their own audience to an event. And it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that higher registration numbers mean higher revenue.

Increased event credibility and recognition

Picking a keynote speaker with relevant expertise can make your event seem more important and more worthwhile for guests to attend. Make your event the one to attend this year by booking a great storyteller who can provide insightful information attendees won’t find elsewhere.

Increased attendee engagement

Good keynote speakers with a strong message can captivate an audience, no matter how large. Make sure the content is useful and interesting to guests by asking potential keynote speakers the right questions ahead of the event to determine if they will be a good fit for your demographic.

Although they can be pricey, a keynote speaker can provide a great return on investment, and they will make your event unique and memorable for all in attendance.