Trending Topics for 2025

Trending Topics for 2025
2025 brings with it trends that present new, exciting opportunities and challenges to overcome. These themes reflect the rapidly evolving landscape of business, technology, culture, and innovation, shaping how individuals and organizations adapt, grow, and thrive in the coming year.
It’s more important than ever for audiences to hear from experts who can delve into these trending topics, providing insights that help you stay ahead of the curve. In this blog, we’ll connect you to top speakers—visionaries, thought leaders, and practitioners—who bring deep expertise to these subjects.
7 Top Trending Speaker Topics for 2025
In 2025, these trending topics dominate conversations reshaping industries and society. From groundbreaking AI advancements to the evolving dynamics of leadership and innovation, these themes provide essential insights for navigating change, achieving growth, and inspiring progress.
- AI and Innovation
- Inspiration/Motivation
- Economic Outlook
- Female Leadership
- Cybersecurity
- Interactive Experiences
- Politics and Foreign Affairs
AI and Innovation
AI isn’t just a passing trend—it’s an unstoppable force driving transformation across nearly every sector and also influences other trending topics we cover. These speakers delve into the future of AI and offer insights into how it’s redefining the way we work, think, and create.
See more top AI and technology speakers here
Amy Webb
World-Renowned Futurist; Founder & CEO of the Future Today Institute and Professor, Strategic Foresight at New York University Stern School of Business
Drawing on her expertise as the founder and CEO of the Future Today Institute, Webb equips audiences with strategic foresight to navigate disruption and prepare for unprecedented innovation. With her dynamic storytelling and actionable insights, she inspires organizations to think like futurists, anticipate change, and harness AI to create purpose-driven success in a rapidly evolving world. LAI also represents other top experts from the Future Today Institute, including Melanie Subin, Sam Jordan, and Nick Bartlett.
Paul Zikopoulos
Future Trends Expert, and VP of Technology Group Skills Vitality & Enablement at IBM
As VP of Technology Unit Skills & Enablement at IBM, Paul drives innovative learning programs across IBM’s tech ecosystem, helping businesses harness the power of generative AI, cloud applications, and machine learning. He has an energetic and approachable style, delivering cutting-edge insights and real-world examples.
Noelle Russell
Leading AI Innovator & Practitioner, Founder & Chief AI Officer at AI Leadership Institute
Noelle Russell is an award-winning technologist and AI practitioner who helps organizations unlock the potential of emerging technologies like AI, Web3, and the Cloud to drive growth and innovation. As the founder of the AI Leadership Institute and a former leader at top companies like Microsoft, IBM, and AWS, she brings unparalleled expertise in guiding businesses through AI adoption and creating ethical, inclusive innovation strategies.
Inspiration/Motivation
Inspiration and motivation remain timeless and essential themes for driving real change within organizations. By fostering personal growth and building positive, resilient workplace cultures, these topics empower individuals and teams to overcome challenges, embrace opportunities, and achieve their full potential. Speakers in this category ignite transformative energy, offering actionable strategies to inspire lasting improvement and success.
See more top inspirational/motivational speakers
Lindsay Shookus
Legendary Saturday Night Live Producer
Lindsay Shookus has won multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award-winning for her work as a producer of Saturday Night Live. She captivates audiences with behind-the-scenes stories from the fast-paced world of live television and draws on these high-pressure experiences to deliver inspirational insights on overcoming obstacles, leading through challenges, and building meaningful relationships.
All-Star MLB First Baseman, AI and Sports Optimization Leader
Carlos Peña blends his passion for sports, technology, and personal growth to inspire audiences to pursue their dreams. Drawing from his impressive MLB career, Emmy-winning broadcasting expertise, and groundbreaking work in AI-driven sports analytics, Peña delivers powerful talks on perseverance, innovation, and the transformative power of a growth mindset.
Lisa Sun
Founder & CEO, GRAVITAS, Former McKinsey Associate Principal, National Bestselling Author
Lisa Sun, founder and CEO of GRAVITAS, inspires audiences to embrace confidence, uncover their unique strengths, and push past potential to achieve personal and professional success. Using her entrepreneurial journey and 11 years at McKinsey & Company, Sun blends personal stories with research-driven insights, offering transformative strategies for leadership, motivation, and resilience.
Cassi Chandler
Motivational Leadership Expert, FBI’s First African American Female Special Agent Assistant Director
Cassi Chandler, a trailblazing leader and former FBI assistant director, leverages her groundbreaking career to help organizations build high-performing, inclusive cultures. She shares actionable insights on leading with purpose, managing risk, and driving meaningful change. With engaging storytelling and proven strategies, Chandler empowers audiences to create diverse environments where people and organizations thrive.
Economic Outlook
As businesses and industries navigate the shifting landscape under the Trump administration’s new economic policies, understanding the implications for growth, trade, and financial markets is more critical than ever. These expert speakers break down complex economic trends and provide actionable insights that help leaders prepare for opportunities and challenges ahead.
See more top economic speakers
Marci Rossell
Expert Economic Forecaster, Former Chief Economist for CNBC and Co-Host of Squawk Box
Marci Rossell is celebrated for her engaging takes on complex economic issues. She has a unique ability to simplify global economic trends and provides actionable insights on the U.S. economy, market behavior, and key factors driving disruption in today’s financial landscape.
Dana Peterson
Chief Economist, The Conference Board
Dana Peterson offers clear and data-driven analysis on the forces shaping today’s economic environment. With over two decades of experience, she helps organizations navigate challenges like inflation, labor market trends, and policy shifts, providing practical strategies to adapt and thrive.
Matthew Slaughter
Dean of the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, Former Member of the White House Council of Economic Advisers
Matthew Slaughter is an expert in the economics and politics of globalization. Known for his practical insights, he guides audiences through current market trends and global projections, helping organizations identify opportunities and mitigate risks in a rapidly evolving economy.
Female Leadership
Female leaders are redefining industries with innovative ideas, bold strategies, and a commitment to inclusive success. As trendsetters and changemakers, women bring invaluable perspectives to leadership, inspiring organizations to embrace diversity, drive innovation, and foster transformative growth.
Katie Ledecky
Most Decorated U.S. Female Olympian, 14x Olympic Medalist, 21x World Champion Swimmer, 16x World Record Breaker
Katie Ledecky inspires audiences with her journey of breaking records and achieving excellence. Known for her discipline and determination, she shares strategies for developing a winner’s mindset, overcoming challenges, and achieving peak performance in any field.
Evy Poumpouras
Former Secret Service Special Agent and Interrogator, Co-Host of Bravo TV’s “Spy Games”, NBC News Analyst
Evy Poumpouras, a former Secret Service agent and member of the Presidential Protective Division, brings unparalleled insights on leadership, resilience, and communication. She tells high-stakes stories from her action-packed career, inspiring audiences to build confidence, overcome obstacles, and thrive under pressure.
Gretchan Evans
Decorated Military Veteran, Founder of Team UNBROKEN
Gretchen Evans' powerful, story-driven approach to speaking captivates audiences. After surviving a life-altering mortar blast during her military service, Gretchen channeled her resilience into empowering others to overcome adversity, embrace a life of purpose, and build a trusted "rope team" to navigate life’s most challenging times.
Cybersecurity
As technology advances, cybersecurity remains a critical concern for organizations in 2025, with threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread. Protecting data, mitigating risks, and preparing for potential breaches are top priorities, making expert insights essential for staying secure in an interconnected world.
See more top speakers in cybersecurity
Paul Nakasone
Former Commander, U.S. Cyber Command & Former Director of the National Security Agency, Four-Star Army General (Ret.)
General Paul Nakasone is a leading voice in cybersecurity and digital defense. Drawing from over three decades of service, he provides unparalleled insights into protecting critical systems, fostering innovation, and navigating the evolving cyber threat landscape.
Kemba Walden
Cybersecurity & Emerging Technology Policy Leader, Former Acting U.S. National Cyber Director, President of the Paladin Global Institute
Kemba Walden blends government and private sector expertise to help organizations fortify their cybersecurity strategies. Known for her clarity and collaborative approach, she empowers audiences with actionable guidance to secure critical infrastructure and stay ahead of cyber threats.
Robert Joyce
NSA Cybersecurity Director (2021-2024), Former Special Assistant to the President & Acting Homeland Security Advisor
Rob Joyce, former head of the NSA’s Cybersecurity Directorate, brings a wealth of expertise from his 34-year career in national security. With a focus on modern hacking threats, AI’s role in cybersecurity, and global digital defense strategies, he equips organizations with practical tools to protect their operations and data.
Interactive Experiences
In 2025, interactive experiences are set to revolutionize engagement by seamlessly blending speaking with audience participation. This approach transforms passive listening into dynamic involvement, ensuring memorable takeaways and fostering deeper connections between presenters and attendees.
Jennifer Shahade
Professional Poker Player and US Champion Chess Player
Jennifer Shahade is a two-time U.S. Women's Chess Champion, author, and speaker who uses her expertise to inspire audiences in strategic thinking and decision-making. She engages participants through interactive sessions that blend chess strategies with real-world applications, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Justin Michael Williams
Inspirational Powerhouse, Empowers Authentic Workplace Cultures Through Music; Grammy Nominated Musician and Author
Combining evidence-based principles, music, and humor, Justin delivers an unforgettable experience that empowers individuals to cultivate their best selves and foster evolved, inclusive work cultures. With a journey rooted in resilience and purpose, he equips audiences with actionable tools to create meaningful change from day one.
Miguel Cervantes
Alexander Hamilton in Broadway’s “Hamilton,” Actor & Advocate
Miguel Cervantes shares personal stories of hardship and triumph, offering a powerful testament to resilience and determination. Through a blend of engaging performances and heartfelt narratives about his journey on and off the stage, Miguel creates an inspiring and immersive experience that encourages participants to pursue their passions with purpose and tenacity.
Politics and Foreign Affairs
The new administration's policies will influence both domestic and international landscapes, and audiences want answers on what to expect. Our featured speakers are well-positioned to address policies that can help organizations predict economic shifts, geopolitical trends, and their potential impact on business and society.
See more top political speakers
Co-Campaign Manager for Donald Trump’s 2024 Campaign, Chief of Staff for Republican National Committee
Drawing from his insider knowledge and experience with high-profile campaigns, Chris LaCivita’s analyzes the state of the country, interprets polling data, and predicts future political shifts.
CNN Contributor, Conservative Columnist, & Former Presidential Advisor
Renowned CNN commentator Scott Jennings captivates audiences with sharp insights and a candid perspective on the evolving landscape of American governance. His decades of experience in political strategy and media commentary equips audiences with a fresh understanding of what’s next in politics.
CEO & Editor, The Dispatch; NBC News Contributor and Author
A conservative commentator who combines fact-based analysis, deep knowledge of global trends, and daily discussions with the worlds top leaders, to offer nuanced insights on the forces shaping the political landscape.
Former Presidential Intelligence Briefer, Former Deputy Director of National Intelligence
Beth Sanner, who served as President Trump’s intelligence briefer during his first term, provides expert analysis of his current administration’s foreign and economic policies. With deep insight into Trump’s decision-making process, she offers actionable perspectives on how these policies impact U.S. stability, global influence, and business strategy.
Paul Ryan
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2015-2019)
Paul Ryan draws on decades of leadership to share insights on tax reform, economic opportunity, and public policy. Now focused on expanding economic mobility through the American Idea Foundation, he inspires audiences to address today’s challenges with innovative, evidence-based solutions.
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If you need a reputable partner to help you identify what current topic and speaker is ideal for your event, contact Leading Authorities speakers bureau. We’re a dedicated partner to your event needs—we'll work with you to find a speaker who fits your needs.
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