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Motivational Speakers

Energise, motivate, and inspire your audience with motivational stories that inspire peak performance. Our renowned motivational speakers list is comprised of motivational speakers 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.

The Importance of Motivational Speakers

Motivational speakers are important for any type of organization in any situation. Even if employee morale is high, a motivational speaker can encourage the audience to continue feeling that way. If employee morale is low, a motivational speaker can inspire your audience to boost themselves and increase productiveness and feelings of motivation. Motivational speakers are needed to:

Inspire, support, reassure, and uplift employees who may be in a rut by talking about relatable experiences and hardships. Poppy Jamie, founder of Happy Not Perfect, combines her own struggle with perfectionism and life purposes with cutting-edge science to help groups tackle today’s culture of anxiety and perfection.
Motivational speakers can provide energy and inspiration in the workplace by boosting employee morale and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Joan Higginbotham, a retired NASA astronaut and electrical engineer, inspires audiences with her trailblazing journey into space and beyond, sharing how to tackle any endeavor like a NASA astronaut for success.
Motivational speakers can change the way that audiences view themselves and the world around them. Darcy Gaechter, the first woman to kayak the Amazon River, takes audiences along her heart-pounding expeditions to demonstrate the power of self-belief and perseverance in overcoming even the most daunting challenges.
In a world full of negatives, a motivational speaker is the positive light that everyone needs to keep them moving forward. Sebastian Terry, the creator of 100 Things Philanthropic Movement, provides a tool kit that can transfer into anyone’s personal or professional lives as they set out with a structure to conquer any goal.

Our Motivational Speakers

Leading Authorities, Inc. speakers bureau represents the motivational speaker or the inspirational speaker who is 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. Some of our types of motivational speakers include, but are not limited to:

Let us know if you are interested in one of our speakers for your event.

Charlotte Pearce

Founder & CEO of Thriving Business Inkpact

Fees

Local: Under £10,000*
US East: £20,001 - £35,000*
US West: £20,001 - £35,000*
Europe: Under £10,000*
Asia: Please Inquire

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Charlotte Pearce

Millennial, award-winning entrepreneur, CEO of Inkpact and women-in-tech ambassador. Charlotte is an inspiring and motivational speaker whose mission is to bring delight and connection to the heart of business communications. Using innovative and disruptive tech, Inkpact, successfully transforms digital email campaigns into beautiful, handwritten notes at scale. The letters are written by hand, by a freelance community of scribes - The Scribe Tribe, who make up the heart of the business. The thriving community of over 100 UK and US based creative freelancers leverage the flexible working hours and equal opportunity employment to earn in their spare time whilst doing work they love. Inkpact has recently launched a successful salesforce app allowing businesses to scale thoughtfulness at the touch of a button. Charlotte is a passionate and energetic leader who leads with heart. She has built a flexible and collaborative culture internally, provides work to those who prefer flexibility and has revolutionized the depth of connection companies can experience with their customers, through the power of innovative tech and human heart. Expertise: Charlotte is on a mission to connect the head and the heart of business and to drive innovation in the way humans and technology co-create meaningful experiences and lasting business relationships.

Topics & Types

Innovation Inspiration & Motivation Marketing Technology Branding Business Strategy Customer Experience Entrepreneurship Generations & Demographics CEOs Female Business Leaders Female Speakers

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Cal Ripken, Jr.

Legendary "Iron Man" of Baseball

Fees

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*

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Cal Ripken, Jr.

One of the true legends of baseball, "Iron Man" Cal Ripken, Jr. broke several professional records during his 21 seasons, but none is as sacred as his consecutive-games-played record. Shattering Lou Gehrig's streak of 2,131 games by more than 500, Ripken displayed perseverance, endurance, and an everyday work ethic that endeared him to fans, transformed him into a national icon, and some argue, even saved baseball at its darkest moment. An inspirational speaker, philanthropist, businessman, and best-selling author, Cal Ripken, Jr. is the personification of leadership, commitment, and excellence. In warm and witty presentations filled with stories from his illustrious career, he shares how his keys to success apply to both the business world as well as the baseball field. "Loved the unique perspective his speech offered. Gives you a great perspective on how others succeeded and gives you the opportunity to relate it to your own motivations." - Agribusiness "He was awesome and the client was absolutely thrilled. Cal is a true pro and I continue to pitch him often to our other clients. Hopefully we land something else soon with him as well." - Sports Media Company

Topics & Types

Peak Performance Inspiration & Motivation Resilience & Overcoming Adversity Teamwork & Collaboration Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators

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Lisa Sun

Founder & CEO, GRAVITAS, Former McKinsey Associate Principal, National Bestselling Author

Fees

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*

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Lisa Sun

Lisa Sun, founder and CEO of GRAVITAS, seamlessly blends stories from her data-driven insights from 11 years at McKinsey & Company and from her experience as an entrepreneur launching an innovative retail brand to offer talks that encourage audiences to choose self-confidence, work to harness their “superpower,” and use gravitas to advance personally and professionally. Sun explores why it’s vital to push past your potential, how to transform an idea into a movement, and why you’ve got to bet on yourself every single day. With her dynamic presence on stage, data-driven insights, and deep personal resonance, Lisa Sun leaves individuals with the confidence and tools to step boldly into their own success. "Lisa was FREAKING AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The attendees absolutely LOVED her….everyone kept stopping me throughout the day mentioning the impact she had on them. And our college and high school girls were so moved by her." - Nonprofit "Lisa Sun is inspiring and authentic. She is relatable, warm, funny and insightful. Lisa has an immediate connection with the audience as she shares her personal story of how she found her passion and purpose. Lisa Sun is the speaker your attendees will talk about for years to come." - Banking Company

Topics & Types

Innovation Inspiration & Motivation Leadership Retail Business Strategy Change Management Consumer Behavior Corporate Culture Customer Experience Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Entrepreneurship Growth Mental Health, Happiness, & Wellness Authors CEOs Diverse Voices Female Business Leaders Female Speakers

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Daniel Hughes

Expert on Leadership and Decision-Making in High-Pressure Environments

Fees

Local: Under £10,000*
US East: Please Inquire
US West: Please Inquire
Europe: Please Inquire
Asia: Please Inquire

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Daniel Hughes

Daniel Hughes has spent the last 15 years leading and making decisions in high pressure and often environmentally hostile environments. He describes himself as a “determined problem solver, who builds teams to succeed”. He previously has been a Special Forces Instructor, Great Britain Athlete and in 2013 built a team of 268 for him to deliver the world’s highest video broadcast from the summit of Mt Everest to the BBC Newschannel. Hughes is a current 787 pilot and as the founder of Reignite Consulting, he globally delivers Management Development programmes to executive teams and helps organisations establish or reaffirm their vision and values.

Topics & Types

Adventure Inspiration & Motivation Leadership Resilience & Overcoming Adversity Teamwork & Collaboration Decision Making Change Management Crisis Management Entrepreneurship Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators

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Miguel Cervantes

Alexander Hamilton in Broadway’s “Hamilton,” Actor & Advocate

Fees

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*

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Miguel Cervantes

For years, Miguel Cervantes was the actor behind the most visible role in the world of the performing arts. Following his standout performances as Alexander Hamilton in the Chicago run of Hamilton: An American Musical, he was hand-picked by the show’s creator and original Alexander Hamilton actor Lin-Manuel Miranda to play the role of the title character in the Broadway run of the universally beloved production in 2020. He would stay in the role until 2024. Cervantes’ ascent to the stratosphere of theatrical excellence embodies the essence of creativity, resilience, and unwavering dedication to one’s purpose. He overcame setbacks and unthinkable personal tragedy to capture imaginations with his spellbinding portrayal of Alexander Hamilton and cement his legacy as one of the great performers of our time. He taps into the magic of story and performance to inspire audiences to write their own unique script to success.

Topics & Types

Inspiration & Motivation Creativity Diverse Voices Emcee & Master of Ceremonies Entertainment Acts Something Different

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Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall

Life Sciences Leader, Former EVP, Chief Medical Officer, & Chief Patient Officer at Pfizer, Inc.

Fees

Local: £20,001 - £35,000*
US East: £20,001 - £35,000*
US West: £20,001 - £35,000*
Europe: £35,001 - £55,000*
Asia: £55,001 - £75,000*

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Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall

A pioneer in medicine and leadership, Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall has been on the frontlines of healthcare for more than four decades as a clinician, researcher, and leader in the biopharmaceuticals and life sciences industries. Dr. Lewis-Hall is an incredible storyteller with a flair for well-timed humor who shares with audiences her powerful story and inspiring path to becoming a leader in the healthcare industry. Her talks motivate audience members to embrace pressure and determine their own destinations, just as she did on her path to being the first in her family to attend college, becoming a physician and, subsequently, a biopharmaceutical executive. Dr. Lewis-Hall’s message of perseverance, tenacity, equity, inclusion, and transparency is one that resonates with all audiences and diverse backgrounds.

Topics & Types

Leadership Resilience & Overcoming Adversity Healthcare Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion African American Speakers Diverse Voices Female Speakers

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Tim Peake

First British Astronaut to the International Space Station

Fees

Local: £20,001 - £35,000*
US East: £35,001 - £55,000*
US West: £35,001 - £55,000*
Europe: £35,001 - £55,000*
Asia: £35,001 - £55,000*

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Tim Peake

Tim Peake is a former Apache pilot, flight instructor, test pilot and current European Space Agency astronaut. A veteran of 18 years military service, Tim has flown over 3,000 hours on operations worldwide. In December 2015, Tim became the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station and conduct a spacewalk during his six-month mission, Principia, where he captured the hearts and minds of millions. Tim’s mission engaged more than two million students in outreach activities. He has a background as a test pilot and a British Army Air Corps officer, and he is also a best-selling author. In addition to his achievements, he ran the London marathon from space. He is an ambassador for STEM Education, The Prince’s Trust, and the Scout Association.

Topics & Types

Adventure Innovation Inspiration & Motivation Teamwork & Collaboration Authors

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Preet Chandi

Fastest Woman to Complete a Solo Expedition to the South Pole

Fees

Local: Under £10,000*
US East: £20,001 - £35,000*
US West: £20,001 - £35,000*
Europe: £10,001 - £20,000*
Asia: £20,001 - £35,000*

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Preet Chandi

Described as “a trailblazer, and the most determined, tenacious, and motivated woman,” Preet Chandi holds the record of being the fastest woman to complete a solo unsupported ski expedition to the South Pole, as well as the distinction of being the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition on the continent. Driven by an unending desire to push her mental and physical boundaries, Preet is any Army officer, physiotherapist, Nordic skier, ultramarathon runner, and endurance athlete with an iron will that has led to her making history and breaking barriers in the world of adventuring.

Topics & Types

Adventure Inspiration & Motivation Risk-Takers Diverse Voices Female Speakers Something Different

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Ranulph Fiennes

The World's Greatest Living Explorer

Fees

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*

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Ranulph Fiennes

Sir Ranulph Fiennes was, with Charles Burton, the first man to reach both poles by surface travel and, with Mike Stroud, the first to cross the Antarctic Continent unsupported.

Topics & Types

Adventure Peak Performance Inspiration & Motivation Leadership Resilience & Overcoming Adversity Risk-Takers

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Justin Michael Williams

Inspirational Powerhouse, Empowers Authentic Workplace Cultures; Grammy Nominated Musician and Author

Fees

Local: £10,001 - £20,000*
US East: £20,001 - £35,000*
US West: £20,001 - £35,000*
Europe: Please Inquire
Asia: Please Inquire

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Justin Michael Williams

Called an “Inspirational Powerhouse” by Grammy.com, Justin Michael Williams is a Grammy-nominated recording artist and author who is on a mission to empower everyone — regardless of age, ethnicity, background, or circumstance — to unlock their greatest potential in their professional and personal endeavors. His journey from a childhood marked by adversity — growing up with gunshot holes outside of his bedroom window — to sharing the stage with luminaries such as Marianne Williamson and Deepak Chopra is a testament to his unrelenting dedication to purpose and leaving a positive impact on people and the world.

Topics & Types

Inspiration & Motivation Leadership Risk-Takers African American Speakers Diverse Voices Entertainment Acts Something Different

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Evy Poumpouras

Former Secret Service Special Agent and Interrogator, NBC News Analyst

Fees

Local: £20,001 - £35,000*
US East: £20,001 - £35,000*
US West: £20,001 - £35,000*
Europe: £35,001 - £55,000*
Asia: £35,001 - £55,000*

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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,” MSNBC, and “Good Morning America” to share her sought-after expertise on national security, law enforcement, and crime. Currently, Poumpouras serves as NBC’s law enforcement and national security analyst, where she applies her deep expertise to breaking news and high-stakes global issues. Having mastered the arts of communication and psychology throughout her wide-ranging career—from the front lines of presidential protection to the national media stage—she offers unconventional strategies for tackling challenges and living fearlessly. "Here’s how I would describe Evy. I’ve heard hundreds of speakers. I don’t remember much from most of them. I will always remember Evy for personal brand = warmth + competence." -Nonprofit "Excellent speaker, she provided tools to deal with situations that are applicable to our industry. Way above my expectations!" - Financial Association

Topics & Types

Inspiration & Motivation Leadership Negotiation Relationship Building Crisis Management Female Speakers

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Darcy Gaechter

Adventurer, Author, First & Only Woman to Kayak the Amazon River from Source to Sea

Fees

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*

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Darcy Gaechter

An adventurer, record-setter, and boundary-breaker, Darcy Gaechter is best known as the first woman - and member of the first team - to kayak the Amazon River from source to sea. The journey required her crew to paddle over 4,000 miles across the widest part of South America, a voyage that took 148 days to complete. She is also the author of The Kayaker’s Guide to Ecuador and Amazon Woman, an adventure memoir detailing her Amazon River expedition and the life challenges she faced to get there – the rights of which have been purchased to turn her story into a movie. Gaechter inspires audiences with her personal journey of overcoming obstacles and making the impossible possible – sharing useful tactics to take on even the most daunting of challenges and demonstrating how a strong belief in yourself and in your goal are key ingredients to any success. "Such an inspiration! Darcy is an amazing storyteller. Her presentation was perfect. It was so refreshing to hear her candor account of the journey, yet she finds the perfect opportunity to inject motivation and inspiration. Wishing her to keep her spirit and love for adventure for decades to come!!!" - Association "Darcy was phenomenal! I had the opportunity to hear her entire keynote and she was very inspiring!" - Software Company

Topics & Types

Adventure Inspiration & Motivation Resilience & Overcoming Adversity Risk-Takers Teamwork & Collaboration Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators College & University Speakers Female Speakers

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Alex Gregory

Double Olympic Gold Medalist and Motivational Speaker

Fees

Local: Under £10,000*
US East: £10,001 - £20,000*
US West: £10,001 - £20,000*
Europe: Under £10,000*
Asia: £10,001 - £20,000*

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Alex Gregory

Alex Gregory is an Olympic rowing gold medalist for Great Britain and world rowing championship winner. He is passionate about sharing his story and inspiring others to find the strength that lies within themselves. In 2013, he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to rowing.

Topics & Types

Adventure Peak Performance Inspiration & Motivation Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators Olympians

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John Volanthen

British Exploratory Diver Who Played A Leading Role In The 2018 Thailand Cave Rescue

Fees

Local: Under £10,000*
US East: £20,001 - £35,000*
US West: £20,001 - £35,000*
Europe: £10,001 - £20,000*
Asia: £20,001 - £35,000*

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John Volanthen

John Paul Volanthen is a world record-holding British exploratory cave diver who specialises in rescues through the Cave Rescue Organisation, South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue, and the British Cave Rescue Council. John hit the headlines in July 2018, when he was part of the multi-national team involved in the rescue of 12 young football players and their coach in the Tham Luang caves in Thailand. John and his co-diver, Rich Stanton, were the first to make contact with the missing youngsters when they had been lost for nine days. Both men were part of the team that successfully rescued all the boys and their coach and brought them to safety. In keynote talks, John gives audiences an astonishing account of the harrowing rescue effort. With heart-pounding anecdotes from the high-risk rescue mission, he hammers home the importance of perseverance, determination, and preparation, and explains why he believes success in life is rarely due to “luck.” John also shares his belief that anyone can rise to the occasion and achieve extraordinary things in the face of insurmountable odds. Using a combination of pictures and audio, he communicates what it was like to be there and the joy he felt when it was all over. Uplifting and inspiring, John’s story is one in a million. “John is an exceptional speaker/presenter!! Our team had more questions for him than we ever had for other speakers. I liked him a lot – genuine and kind.” - Holding Company “He was amazing. He blew everyone away and had everyone the edge of their seats, people spoke about his session for the rest of the day. His approach and character are amazing and that really came through in the session.” - Media Company

Topics & Types

Adventure Inspiration & Motivation Risk-Takers Teamwork & Collaboration Crisis Management

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Make a Difference with Motivational Speakers

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.

Learn More About Us

No matter the motivational speaker topics you’re interested in, Leading Authorities, one of the top motivational speaking agencies, can help and has the perfect motivational speaker list, whether you are looking for male motivational speakers 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 +44 20 3038 4689.

If you are looking for a specific popular speaker not listed above, we still encourage you to contact our team as we specialise in placing hard-to-find and in-demand keynote speakers from all around the world, which may not be listed on our website.

Dex Torricke-Barton

Greg Williams

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Motivational Speakers

The Importance of Motivational Speakers

Our Motivational Speakers

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