Top 10 Leadership Speakers to Elevate Your 2025 Events
Published by Holly Ransom: Global leadership speaker, interviewer, event host and CEO of Emergent Leadership Development
Finding the right leadership speaker can be the key to transforming your event. Whether you’re planning a conference, a team workshop, or a major industry gathering, the right speaker can inspire, educate, and leave a lasting impression. Leadership keynote speakers bring more than just words to the stage—they share experiences, strategies, and insights that empower audiences to think differently and take action.
As someone who has shared the stage with incredible figures like Barack Obama, Brené Brown, and Sir Richard Branson, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of the right words at the right time. So, if you’re looking to elevate your next event, here are the top 10 leadership speakers to watch in 2024 and beyond.
Key Takeaways
Discover how leadership speakers like Brené Brown and Simon Sinek inspire teams to rethink purpose and connection.
Bringing in the right keynote speaker can supercharge your event and create an experience your audience will never forget.
Learn how leadership speakers drive innovation, resilience, and transformation.
Why Choose a Leadership Speaker?
Leadership isn’t confined to job titles or corner offices—it’s a mindset, a way of influencing others and driving change. That’s why leadership keynote speakers have such broad appeal: they share insights that resonate with anyone looking to make an impact—whether they’re leading a team, a project, or simply themselves.
Take Matthew McConaughey for example. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of interviewing him, and his perspectives on resilience, authenticity, and embracing life’s challenges were nothing short of inspiring. While he’s not a traditional leadership expert, his ability to connect with audiences through storytelling and lived experiences demonstrates how leadership can take many forms—on and off the stage.
Here’s why leadership speakers are uniquely valuable:
- They speak to human potential. Leadership keynote speakers don’t just focus on managing others—they inspire personal leadership. This includes leading your own growth, navigating challenges with resilience, and finding purpose in your work and life.
- They show us that leadership evolves. From Brené Brown’s focus on vulnerability to Adam Grant’s call to rethink assumptions, leadership speakers provide fresh perspectives that help audiences adapt and thrive in today’s complex environments.
- They remind us of the power of connection. Great leaders and speakers understand that leadership is fundamentally about relationships—connecting with others, creating shared purpose, and fostering collaboration. Their stories and insights help us deepen our connections at work and in life.
Having worked with many of the world’s top leadership speakers, I’ve seen how they guide teams and leaders to unlock their potential, transforming mindsets and creating lasting change.
Meet The Top 10 Global Leadership Speakers of 2024
The individuals below are my top 10 picks for leadership speakers—each a trailblazer in their field, celebrated for their groundbreaking contributions and their ability to deliver powerful, transformative messages that inspire positive change.
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of these remarkable figures, and it’s been nothing short of extraordinary to witness their wisdom in action. I’m thrilled to share their stories and insights with you, and I hope you’ll have the chance to experience their brilliance firsthand at your own events.
Brené Brown
Brené Brown, a thought leader on courage, trust, and connection, has reshaped how we think about leadership. Known for her best-selling books (Dare to Lead) and her viral TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability, Brown’s insights resonate deeply with leaders striving for authenticity.
Key Topics:
- Vulnerability and courage
- Shame and empathy
- Trust and belonging
Signature Quote: “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”
Adam Grant
Adam Grant, a renowned organisational psychologist and esteemed author, stands out as a beacon in the realm of leadership and workplace dynamics. What sets Grant apart is his unique knack for blending rigorous academic research with practical, real-world insights making his work not only intellectually enriching but also highly relevant and applicable in real-world settings.
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of joining my good friend Adam Grant on his Australian tour for his latest book, Hidden Potential. Having had the honour of interviewing him multiple times, I’ve come to admire not only his brilliance but also his generosity in sharing actionable insights that truly resonate.
Key Topics:
- Workplace motivation
- Championing new ideas
- Building resilience
Why You’ll Love Him: Grant’s talks are packed with actionable advice that sparks real change.
Watch the Interview: Check out my full interview with Adam Grant from Energy Disruptors 2022, where we discussed his groundbreaking book Think Again and explored the power of rethinking and challenging conventional beliefs.
Les Brown
Les Brown‘s powerful storytelling has motivated millions to break barriers and realise their potential. Named one of the Top Five Outstanding Speakers Worldwide by Toastmasters International, his energy is contagious.
Key Topics:
- Overcoming adversity
- Building strong teams
- Developing self-awareness
What to Expect: Engaging anecdotes, humour, and inspiration that sticks with you.
Jim Collins
As the author of Good to Great, Jim Collins has become a must-read for leaders navigating growth and sustainability. His keynotes combine rigorous research with practical strategies for achieving long-term success.
Key Topics:
- Thriving in tough times
- What makes a great leader
- How to be truly successful
Signature Quote: “Good is the enemy of great.”
Bozoma St. John
Bozoma St. John is a dynamic force in the business and marketing sectors, with an impressive career in the tech industry that includes roles such as Global CMO of Netflix, CM0 of Endeavor, CBO of Uber, and Head of Marketing for Apple Music and iTunes.
Her accolades speak volumes: she’s been inducted into the Marketing Hall of Fame, named one of Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women, and crowned the World’s Most Influential CMO. Her groundbreaking career was even featured in a Harvard Business School case study titled “Leading with Authenticity and Urgency.”
Key Topics:
- Personal branding
- Marketing strategies
- Diversity and inclusion
- Cultural trends and consumer behaviours
Why You’ll Love Her: I had the privilege of experiencing Bozoma’s powerful stage presence when I interviewed her at PCMA Convening Leaders in 2020 and it was evident to me, and everyone in the audience, that she is a force to be reckoned with, a true leader who inspires others with her passion, wisdom, and authenticity.
Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk, widely known as Gary Vee, is a pioneer in entrepreneurship and digital marketing. From scaling his family’s wine business to founding VaynerMedia, his innovative strategies have redefined how brands connect with audiences.
When I collaborated with Gary at the Mindset Matters conference in Australia in 2023, his raw energy and unfiltered wisdom electrified the audience. He has a unique ability to turn big-picture ideas into actionable insights, leaving attendees inspired and motivated.
Key Topics:
- Entrepreneurship
- Investing
- Self-awareness and personal growth
What To Expect: Expect candid advice, real-world examples, and yes—a few colourful words along the way. His unapologetic style will challenge your thinking, make you laugh, and most importantly, leave you inspired to take action.
David Goggins
David Goggins is not your average keynote speaker. As a former Navy SEAL, ultra-marathon runner, and best-selling author, he has become a global icon of grit, determination, and unrelenting resilience. Goggins inspires audiences to push past mental and physical barriers, proving that the limits we perceive are often self-imposed.
Having followed Goggins’ journey, I’m always struck by his raw authenticity and his ability to ignite a fire within people, challenging them to confront their excuses and aim higher.
Key Topics:
- Mental toughness
- Resilience
- Overcoming adversity and pushing out of your comfort zone
Signature Quote: “You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft that you will die without ever realizing your true potential.”
Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins is a celebrated motivational speaker and author, famed for her “5 Second Rule” that assists individuals in overcoming self-doubt, procrastination, and fear. Her straightforward and practical advice has made her one of the most sought-after voices in personal development and leadership.
Renowned for her expertise, Mel Robbins has been featured in prestigious publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and Harvard Business Review. She also hosts a highly successful podcast called ‘The Mel Robbins Podcast’.
Key Topics:
Transforming thought patterns and habits
Unlocking potential
Building resilience
Overcoming imposter syndrome
Did You Know? Mel’s 5 Second Rule was born out of a personal moment of struggle. Facing anxiety and depression, she invented the method to simply get out of bed one day. That small action snowballed into a life-changing tool that now helps millions worldwide.
Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek is one of the most influential voices in modern leadership. As a best-selling author and TED phenomenon, his groundbreaking concept of starting with “Why” has transformed how individuals and organisations think about purpose, leadership, and success.
Having the opportunity to share the stage with Simon and collaborate with him on various events has been a tremendous honour. His captivating and insightful presentations have earned him a well-deserved reputation in the realm of leadership, inspiring people all over the world to tap into their full potential.
His concept of discovering and embracing your “Why” has had a personal impact on me and has motivated thousands to live and lead with purpose.
Key Topics:
Purpose-driven leadership
Trust
Communication and influence
Understanding younger generations
Signature Quote: “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.”
Chris Voss
Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator and best-selling author of Never Split the Difference, has redefined the art of negotiation. His groundbreaking method, “tactical empathy,” combines emotional intelligence with practical strategies, enabling leaders to navigate high-stakes conversations and achieve successful outcomes.
Not long ago, I had the pleasure of talking with Chris Voss on the Energy Trailblazers podcast. During our discussion, he revealed some of his top negotiation tactics that can give anyone an edge in any form of negotiation.
Key Topics:
- Negotiation strategies
- Conflict resolution
- Tactical empathy
Did You Know? Chris once negotiated the release of multiple hostages from bank robbers in New York City without a single casualty. His ability to connect under pressure is at the heart of his negotiation philosophy.
Elevate Your Event with a Leadership Powerhouse
The magic of a great leadership speaker isn’t just in their words—it’s in the way they make you feel, think, and act. From Brené Brown’s vulnerability to Simon Sinek’s purpose-driven clarity, from the boldness of Bozoma St. John to the fire of Gary Vaynerchuk, these speakers bring more than expertise—they bring transformation.
If you’re planning an event or seeking to inspire your team, don’t underestimate the power of a great leadership speaker. The right voice in the room can shift mindsets, fuel momentum, and spark the kind of leadership that drives real change.
Looking for a speaker who sparks transformation and inspires action? Let’s connect and explore how we can create a lasting impact together.
Read more from Holly Ransom
- 7 Nuggets from 7 Conversations in 2024
- 5 Reflection Questions to Shape Your 2025 Goals
- Why Are the Finns So Darn Happy?
- Sleep Your Way to Better Leadership
- Top 10 Leadership Speakers to Elevate Your 2025 Events
Interested in booking Holly as a speaker, host or interviewer for your next event? We’d love to hear from you!
Holly has thoroughly impressed me with her knowledge, poise and new ideas. I suspect you’ll be hearing from her in the future as more and more female CEOs come to the fore, changing business for good.