Motivational Speakers
Energize, motivate, and inspire your audience with motivational stories that inspire peak performance. Our renowned motivational speakers list is comprised of motivational speakers in the U.S.A. and around the world. They are leaders in sports, business, the military, and more, and they share standing-ovation-worthy stories about pushing past limits, overcoming adversity, and thriving in challenging environments. With our expansive roster of motivational keynote speakers, we'll find a speaker that fits your event like a glove.
Our Top Motivational Speakers
Leading Authorities, Inc. speakers bureau represents famous motivational speakers and great motivational speakers who are the right mix of entertaining and educational for your group. The insights and stories from these motivational celebrity speakers are so engaging that they stay with audiences long after the keynote is over. Here are popular types of motivational speakers, but we have much more:
Katie Ledecky
Most Decorated U.S. Female Olympian, 14x Olympic Medalist, 21x World Champion Swimmer, 16x World Record Breaker
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Please Inquire
Katie Ledecky
Cal Ripken, Jr.
Legendary "Iron Man" of Baseball
- Local: $35,001 - $55,000*
- US East: $75,001 and up*
- US West: $75,001 and up*
- Europe: $75,001 and up*
- Asia: $75,001 and up*
Cal Ripken, Jr.
Ben Saunders
Record-Breaking Explorer & Repeat TED Speaker
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
- US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Europe: $10,001 - $20,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Ben Saunders
Lisa Sun
Founder & CEO of GRAVITAS, National Bestselling Author of GRAVITAS (USA Today, No. 1 on Amazon)
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Lisa Sun
Erik Weihenmayer
World-Class Blind Adventurer
- Local: $55,001 - $75,000*
- US East: $55,001 - $75,000*
- US West: $55,001 - $75,000*
- Europe: $75,001 and up*
- Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*
Erik Weihenmayer
For the best motivation story, Erik Weihenmayer is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world. Despite losing his vision at age 14, he is an accomplished climber, paraglider, skier, and kayaker who never allows blindness interfere with his passion for pursuing an exhilarating and fulfilling life. Erik brings audiences a powerful message about harnessing the power of adversity as fuel for greatness, emphasizing the importance of building a strong “Rope Team,” and illuminating how to develop a “No Barriers Mindset.”
Miguel Cervantes
Alexander Hamilton in Broadway’s “Hamilton,” Actor & Advocate
- Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
- US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Asia: $75,001 and up*
Miguel Cervantes
Cassi Chandler
Motivational Leadership Expert, FBI’s First African American Female Special Agent Assistant Director
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: Please Inquire
- Asia: Please Inquire
Cassi Chandler
Hakeem Oluseyi
Astrophysicist, Former Space Science Education Lead for NASA, & Inspirational Speaker
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Please Inquire
Hakeem Oluseyi
Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, author the critically acclaimed memoir, A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Streets to the Stars, is an internationally-recognized astrophysicist, science TV personality, and global education advocate who has had a long, distinguished career in academia, scientific research, and motivational speaking.
Joan Higginbotham
Retired NASA Astronaut, Rocket Scientist, Electrical Engineer, & Third African American Woman in Space
- Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*
Joan Higginbotham
Chris Cassidy
NASA Astronaut, Navy SEAL, CEO and President of the National Medal of Honor Museum
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Chris Cassidy
Lindsay Shookus
Legendary Saturday Night Live Producer
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*
Lindsay Shookus
Justin Michael Williams
Inspirational Powerhouse; Grammy Nominated Musical Artist and Author
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: Please Inquire
- Asia: Please Inquire
Justin Michael Williams
Nadja West
First African American Army Surgeon General and Former Commanding General, US Army Medical Command
- Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Europe: $55,001 - $75,000*
- Asia: $75,001 and up*
Nadja West
Evy Poumpouras
Former Secret Service Special Agent and Interrogator, Co-Host of Bravo TV’s “Spy Games”
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Evy Poumpouras
For more than 12 years, Evy Poumpouras served as a Secret Service special agent in an action-packed career during which she was responsible for protecting the world’s most high-value assets. She was a member of the Presidential Protective Division for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and also protected Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush. Today, she is a widely recognized multimedia journalist, host, and producer who uses her skills in front of the camera and behind it to conduct headline-grabbing interviews and investigate the biggest stories in the media. She appears regularly on “TODAY,” NBC, MSNBC, and “Good Morning America” to share her sought-after expertise on national security, law enforcement, and crime, and is the host of Bravo TV’s competition series “Spy Games.” Having mastered the arts of communication and psychology in a wide-ranging career that has taken her from the Secret Service to the TV screen and everywhere in between, Poumpouras offers unconventional strategies for crushing any challenge and living life fearlessly.
Samuel Ramsey
Inspirational Changemaker in Science & Society; Cutting-Edge Communicator; Founder & Director of the Ramsey Research Foundation
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Samuel Ramsey
Darcy Gaechter
Adventurer, Author, First & Only Woman to Kayak the Amazon River from Source to Sea
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US West: $10,001 - $20,000*
- Europe: $10,001 - $20,000*
- Asia: $20,001 - $35,000*
Darcy Gaechter
Jon Dorenbos
Keynote Speaker, World Class Magician, TV Personality, Former NFL Pro Bowler
- Local: $75,001 and up*
- US East: $75,001 and up*
- US West: $75,001 and up*
- Europe: $75,001 and up*
- Asia: $75,001 and up*
Jon Dorenbos
Sekou Andrews
Grammy-Nominated Creator of "Poetic Voice" & Inspirational Speaker
- Local: $55,001 - $75,000*
- US East: $55,001 - $75,000*
- US West: $55,001 - $75,000*
- Europe: $55,001 - $75,000*
- Asia: $75,001 and up*
Sekou Andrews
A school teacher turned actor, musician, two-time national poetry slam champion, entrepreneur, and award-winning poetic voice, any given day may now find Sekou keynoting at a leadership conference, helping a Fortune 500 company with brand messaging, or even performing pieces for Barack Obama in Oprah’s backyard. Sekou is the creator of Poetic Voice, a new, cutting-edge speaking category that seamlessly fuses inspirational speaking with spoken word poetry to make messages more moving and memorable. For over 15 years, Sekou Andrews has been helping the world’s largest organizations deliver relevant information with riveting inspiration through an innovative, unconventional category of speaking called “Poetic Voice.”
As one of the largest motivational speaking agencies, we represent the best motivational speakers ever — and we’re not just saying that. They offer inspiring, one-of-a-kind experiences that captivate audiences around the globe. Their unique experiences — and natural knack for speaking in front of crowds — allow them to deliver moving stories.
With our expansive roster of motivational keynote speakers, we’ll find a speaker that fits your event like a glove. Looking for a motivational speaker who’s an Olympic medalist to talk about the limits they pushed past to stand on the podium? Check. Looking for a motivational speaker who is also a blind adventurer? Check. How about a motivational celebrity speaker to discuss the adversity they overcame in the industry? Or an adventurer who’s been to the farthest reaches of the globe? Check and check.
Whether you are seeking top business speakers, corporate speakers, an American motivational speaker, a Black motivational speaker, a life coach, youth motivational speakers, female motivational speakers, influential motivational speakers, national speakers, sales motivational speakers, business motivational speakers, or a motivational author, we have you covered. Our corporate motivational speakers cover topics such as public speaking, inspiring people, inspirational stories, public influence, how to unleash the power, the pursuit of happiness, provide pep talks, and share powerful and motivational speaker quotes. LAI’s popular motivational speakers share inspirational stories through a motivated seminar or any other in-person, hybrid, or virtual format.
Leading Authorities speakers bureau provides access to inspirational, motivational, and exciting keynote speakers who are sure to catch the attention of audiences while encouraging and supporting them as well. It’s also important to note that motivational speakers accomplish more than just moving and inspiring — they have the potential to change perspectives and outlooks as well.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Speaker for Your Event
Motivational and inspirational speakers captivate audience members, tell stories that speak directly to them, and inspire peak performance. Choosing the right speaker for your event is vital for ensuring they add value and help you achieve your goals.
With so many outstanding motivational speakers on our list, how do you make the right choice? Consider these five factors:
- Event goal: Establishing your event's primary goal helps you narrow down your options and select a speaker who can help you achieve the objective. For instance, if you’re hosting a charity event, it's best to work with a speaker who shares ideals aligned with the charity. If the aim is to inspire individual development, a speaker who can connect with the audience on a personal level would be more fitting.
- Audience: Understanding your audience is essential for determining the type of speaker who will appeal to them. Consider your audience’s demographics and interests. Then, choose an inspirational speaker with the personality and knowledge to keep your audience engaged throughout the event.
- Speaker experience: Motivational speakers with extensive expertise and experience in the field know how to deliver high-quality presentations that leave a lasting impression. They are also well-equipped to handle any mishaps or unexpected questions with ease.
- Availability and flexibility: Once you have narrowed down your list of potential speakers, check their availability on the date of the event and their flexibility in case any changes occur.
- Budget: The fees for inspirational speakers can vary based on experience, popularity, and other factors. You need to choose a speaker whose fees align with your budget. Plus, you have to consider additional costs, such as accommodations and travel for the speaker.
Qualities of Great Inspirational Speakers
Our motivational and inspirational speakers come from all backgrounds and walks of life and specialize in a wide range of topics and presentations. While they can be vastly different, they share a number of qualities that make them exceptional, world-class speakers. Some of those qualities include:
- Authenticity
- Confidence
- Expertise
- Dedication
- Empathy
- Dynamism
- Eloquence
Our Process
At Leading Authorities speakers bureau, we make choosing motivational and inspirational speakers easy. Once you have an idea of the type of speaker you need for your event, we will provide you with a list of potential options.
To help you narrow down your search, we will allow you to examine each speaker’s profile in depth, including their accomplishments, topics, and sample speaking footage. Once you’ve made your decision, you can also count on us to handle travel logistics, speaker headshots, and bios for marketing. We will help every step of the way to ensure your event's success.
Learn More About Us
No matter the motivational speaker topics you’re interested in, Leading Authorities speakers bureau, one of the top motivational speaking agencies, can help and has the perfect motivational speaker list — whether you are looking for male or female motivational speakers.
For more information about our expansive roster of elite keynote speakers or to book one of these talented speakers for hire for your next event or meeting, contact our team today.
To get in touch with a member of our team right away about a professional speaker or famous motivational speakers, you can also email us at Contact@lauthorities.com, fill out the form below, live chat with a member of our team online, or call us at 855-827-9635.
If you are looking for a specific popular speaker not listed above, we still encourage you to contact our team, as we specialize in placing hard-to-find and in-demand keynote speakers from all around the world who may not be listed on our website.