TOP LEADERSHIP KEYNOTE SPEAKERS IN 2023
Who are the top leadership keynote speakers in 2023? Each of the leadership keynote speakers in this list has been compiled from extensive research, popularity, audience feedback surveys, authority, authorship of books and quality of their content. All are widely regarded as thought leaders in their field and all help leaders lead more effectively.
Our rankings are based on living top leadership keynote speakers who are speaking at the highest level right now in 2023 and are ordered in no particular order.
SIMON SINEK
Simon Sinek is a leadership keynote speaker, renowned for his insight into leadership principles and management practices. He believes that successful organizations have leaders who are committed to inspiring their teams by creating strong relationships and trust. His leadership philosophy encourages individuals to ask the difficult questions and challenge convention in order to lead with greater clarity and purpose.
Simon has written multiple books on leadership, including Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action and Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together And Others Don’t. Additionally, he frequently delivers talks at conferences around the world that focus on leadership topics such as motivation, effective communication, and problem-solving strategies. By working closely with clients to understand their unique challenges, he helps them create leadership cultures that foster collaboration and creativity. Simon Sinek is an invaluable resource for any organization looking to transform leadership within their organization.
By utilizing Simon Sinek’s leadership principles and keynotes, leaders can create workplaces that promote collaboration and innovation while fostering meaningful relationships between teams. With leadership being such an important part of any organization’s success, it is essential for any leader or aspiring leader to draw on Simon’s insights when looking to grow as a professional. His leadership methodology has been proven time and time again to lead organizations to success, making him an invaluable leadership keynote speaker.
DUNCAN STEVENS
Global business leaders regularly recognise Duncan Stevens as one of the top leadership keynote speakers in the world today His ONE Question leadership model has been transforming teams globally and helping create higher performing leaders.
With a background in behavioural psychology and likened to the more well-known Simon Sinek, Duncan delivers highly interactive, inspiring keynotes that really help move the needle of performance. Duncan includes some live mentalism demonstrations that hang the bigger message of his keynote on to make it truly unique and highly memorable.
But Duncan is more than just an inspiring leadership keynote speaker who motivates and educates. You can be assured that all audience members will leave with actionable take-aways that they can apply and employ immediately that are small changes that make a BIG impact. His ONE Question Leadership Model is currently being employed by some of the worlds most recognisable organisations and teams and leaders. Duncan has established himself as one of the best leadership keynote speakers and a truly global speaker and whilst he was born in the UK, is regularly speaking in the middle east, America, South East Asia and South America and the occasional trip to Africa and Canada.
Duncan is the author of the best-selling book ‘Effective Influence’ and is the founder of the Influence Association. Alongside his successful entrepreneurial pursuits he delivers both keynotes and workshops both in-person and virtually and has spoken at over 1,500 events across the globe. To find out more you can read his speaking topics here.
BRIAN TRACEY
As Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International, a company dedicated to personal and organizational growth, Brian Tracy is devoted to helping you reach your objectives quicker and more easily than you ever imagined.
Over the last few decades, he’s assisted thousands of businesses through consultation services as well as addressed millions in talks around the world – including over 250,000 people annually! With his worldwide presence stretching from North America to 55 different countries worldwide, Mr.Tracy has become synonymous with success on an international scale.
For the past three decades, he has been a speaker and communicator in economics, history, business, philosophy and psychology. His works are so popular that over 45 of his books have become bestsellers internationally with translations into multiple languages. As if this were not enough success already – he has created more than 300 audio-visual learning programs such as Psychology of Achievement which is renowned worldwide having gone through 20 language translations!
Brian Tracy is an recognised public leadership keynote speaker who addresses audiences on issues related to professional and personal growth, including executives of some of the biggest companies in America.
His stimulating talks and workshops concerning leadership, salesmanship, self-esteem, goal setting, strategy formation, creativity enhancement and success psychology are known for yielding quick results as well as long-term improvements. Before establishing his own firm Brian Tracy International, he was chief operating officer of a $265 million development corporation.
SIR ALEX FERGUSON
An iconic figure of football history, Sir Alex Ferguson CBE is widely recognized as the greatest manager in the game’s history. His record-breaking tenure at Manchester United from 1986 to 2013 was marked by unprecedented success and a legacy that will likely never be matched again.
Praised for his ability to instill a winning attitude into every player and squad he manages, Sir Alex has become renowned worldwide for sharing words of wisdom on how to foster and maintain success year after year through speaking engagements. Alex has Amassed an outrageous 38 trophies in his 27 year career at Manchester United.
He is a captivating speaker, having even lectured at Harvard University and renowned for his strict discipline that commanded the players’ respect. Sir Alex Ferguson led Manchester United to its first Champions League win of the Premier League era, and had a triumphant playing career with top Scottish clubs such as Rangers. In addition, he is widely credited for investing in youth during his time at Manchester United- particularly within “The Class of ’92”- helping make it one of the wealthiest and most successful teams in history.
Aside from being an ambassador for Manchester United and engaging in charity work, Sir Alex is a proud patron of his hometown team Harmony Row. He continues to support the club through public speaking engagements during his retirement.
DAVID GOGGINS
David Goggins is an ambitious American ultramarathon runner, ultra-distance cyclist, triathlete and public speaker who has authored two books – Can’t Hurt Me in 2019 and Never Finished which will be released in 2022. He spent over a decade as part of the United States Navy Seal team serving time during the Iraq War. His unwavering courage and strength have made him an inspiration to many around the world.
David Goggins is an extraordinary athlete and the only service member to have achieved honorable completion of each U.S. Armed Forces’ training program: Navy SEAL, Army Ranger School, and Air Force Tactics Air Controller Training. He has conquered various ultra-marathons, triathlons, ultra-triathlons in his athletic career – a feat that establishes him as one of the world’s most impressive endurance athletes!
David Goggins is an inspirational leadership keynote speaker who has overcome numerous challenges in his life, including physical and mental obstacles. His extraordinary story of resilience has inspired countless people to take on their own challenges and persevere despite the odds. He speaks with passion and conviction, delivering powerful messages that leave audiences motivated and energized. With a unique blend of humor and insight, David Goggins encourages listeners to pursue their goals relentlessly, strive for excellence in everything they do, and lead meaningful lives filled with purpose and fulfillment. As someone who has pushed himself beyond perceived limits time and time again, he provides invaluable guidance on how we can all unlock our individual potential by mastering our mindsets.
Whether you’re looking for leadership advice or inspiration to take on the next challenge, David Goggins is the keynote speaker you need. His leadership messages will inspire and empower your audience to reach their highest potential.
MEL ROBBINS
Mel Robbins is an internationally recognized leadership keynote speaker who has inspired millions of people around the world to take control of their lives and live with purpose.
In her riveting TEDx Talk, Mel Robbins has shared with millions of people a remarkably simple tool that only takes five seconds to use: The 5 Second Rule. By utilizing this rule you can become your greatest self and achieve boundless confidence. Indeed, it just takes five seconds to embody all these opportunities; simply take action in those first few moments before the fear or doubt sets in! Break your procrastination habit, say goodbye to doubt and fear. Stop stressing out and live a happier life! Unleash your ideas with courage using the “5 Second Rule,” an easy solution for the problem we all face – holding ourselves back from greatness.
She is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and the power of positive thinking. With her warmth and wisdom, Mel encourages audiences to reach higher levels of personal excellence by overcoming self-doubt, procrastination, and fear. Through her work, she gives people the courage to take risks and create lives that are authentic, meaningful and fulfilling. She has been featured in top publications such as Forbes, Fast Company and Harvard Business Review.
She is a five-time New York Times bestselling author who has written about success, resilience, entrepreneurship and leadership development. Her books have helped countless readers achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. She is also an acclaimed television personality, appearing on major networks like CNN, Fox News and MSNBC.
TONY ROBBINS
Tony Robbins is one of the world’s most sought-after top leadership keynote speakers. He has inspired millions of people around the world to reach their highest potential and become effective leaders in all aspects of life.
With his engaging, passionate, and inspirational presentations, Robbins helps leaders develop an understanding of how to empower their teams and unlock their own leadership potential. By providing tangible strategies for success, Robbins provides an invaluable service that not only helps organizations improve leadership performance but also increases individual productivity and team morale. He has a knack for motivating audiences by making them laugh while imparting meaningful leadership lessons that will leave a lasting impact on everyone who hears him speak. Attendees can expect to learn how to be more successful in both their personal and professional lives when attending a leadership keynote speech by Tony Robbins. Robbins will help them gain valuable leadership insights, develop an actionable plan for success, and become better equipped to lead their teams. Through his leadership keynote speeches, Tony Robbins has helped countless people achieve greater success in life.
At the tender age of 17, Robbins began to spread awareness about motivational speaker and author Jim Rohn’s seminars. In addition, he also incorporated firewalking into his own presentations. Fast forward to 2014 and we see Robbins joining a consortium of investors in order to acquire rights for establishing an LA-based Major League Soccer franchise called Los Angeles Football Club which kicked off its operations in 2018. In 2016, Robbins joined forces with Peter Guber of the Golden State Warriors and Ted Leonsis of the Washington Wizards to acquire Team Liquid – a professional eSports gaming organization.
JOHN C MAXWELL
John Calvin Maxwell, an American pastor and celebrated author who has sold millions of books globally, is internationally recognized for his expertise on leadership. His titles include The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader–both bestsellers that have graced the New York Times Best Seller List!
John C. Maxwell is an internationally renowned leadership keynote speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and coach who has sold over 30 million books in 50 different languages. He was named “the most influential leadership expert” by Inc. Magazine and recognized as one of the top leadership experts in the world by Business Insider. As a leadership speaker, Maxwell understands the importance of connecting with audiences through his storytelling and engaging talks that help people understand key leadership principles and apply them to their personal and professional lives. He has been hired by some of the world’s top companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Salesforce, PepsiCo., and many more to speak on leadership topics such as effective communication strategies, building strong teams, leadership development techniques and more.
With over three decades of leadership experience, Maxwell’s leadership talks provide audiences with the tools and resources to become better leaders in their fields. He believes that leadership starts from within and helps people understand how to create a leadership-focused culture that develops into a successful organization where everyone can thrive. Through his leadership keynotes, Maxwell provides audiences with the knowledge they need to become better leaders and build successful teams. His mission is to help others reach their full potential through leadership development and by inspiring them to take action on what matters most.
PIERLUIGI COLLINA
Pierluigi Collina is a leadership keynote speaker with extensive experience in leadership and management. He has spoken at numerous conferences, events, and leadership seminars to share his expertise in the field of leadership. His style of leadership inspires audiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding yourself and other people as well as how to communicate effectively within teams. In addition to speaking engagements, Pierluigi offers workshops focused on leadership fundamentals such as goal setting, problem solving and decision making, leadership styles and team dynamics. Through these experiences, he provides attendees with key insights into building strong leadership skills and developing successful teams that are able to accomplish their goals.
The distinguished Pierluigi Collina is a former Italian football referee who was recognized as “The World’s Best Referee” for six straight years from 1998-2003 by the acclaimed International Federation of Football History & Statistics. Even though he no longer officiates, Mr. Collina continues to be significantly involved in the sport due to his role as an unpaid consultant for Italian Football Referees.
Pierluigi Collina has achieved the pinnacle of his career, publishing his renowned book “The Rules of the Game”, in 2003 and since then translated into over 10 languages across 20 countries. He shares how he is able to stay motivated and lead with passion, while also providing audiences with a fascinating glimpse into being an Ambassador for Red Cross International and FIFA. His engaging presentations are sure to capture everyone’s attention as they learn from this celebrated sportsman-turned-icon!
Pierluigi Collina goes into great detail about his journey to becoming an official and what it takes to remain the best.
ROBIN SHARMA
Robin Sharma is a leadership keynote speaker and one of the world’s top 5 most influential leadership experts. He has helped millions of people achieve their goals with his books, lectures, and seminars. His mission is to inspire leadership excellence in both individuals and organizations around the world. Robin Sharma is an expert on leadership, culture transformation, personal mastery, employee engagement, high performance teams and innovation. He offers unique insights into how modern-day leadership can be practiced successfully within any organization or business. For over two decades he has worked with some of the greatest business leaders on the planet helping them lead their companies to even higher levels of success. Robin’s work has been featured by The New York Times, TIME Magazine, Inc., Forbes and Harvard.
Robin Sharma is a Canadian author, most renowned for his The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari book series. When he was only 25 years old, the former litigation lawyer self-published MegaLiving, a publication about stress management and spirituality. Soon after its release, one of Sharma’s titles–The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari – was picked up by HarperCollins for wider distribution. In addition to this success story, he has released 12 other books and set up the training company – Sharma Leadership International.
Sharma, born in India and holding a Master’s degree of law, initially pursued his career as an attorney. However, he found himself unable to find contentment or joy in such a profession. At the age of 25 Sharma began writing professionally; soon after the release of his second book – The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari- Sharma attained worldwide recognition and made the switch from lawyer to full-time writer. Subsequently, he began public speaking and swiftly gained acclaim.
BRENE BROWN
Brene Brown is another one of the best leadership keynote speakers and a New York Times best-selling author. She is renowned for her research on topics such as courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy.
Through her work, she has become one of the world’s most sought-after leadership thought leaders, speaking to audiences around the globe. Her talks often focus on how individuals can use leadership principles and tools to create meaningful change in their lives and those they lead.
Her messages are encouraging, inspiring people to take risks, be courageous and embrace their vulnerabilities in order to bring about positive transformation within themselves and their organizations. Brene Brown emphasizes that leadership starts with self-awareness – understanding our emotions and motivations can help us develop effective strategies for creating successful teams and organizations. She encourages leaders to focus on creating a culture of trust and inclusion in order to promote collaboration and innovation.
Brene’s leadership keynote speeches provide actionable advice that can help people become better versions of themselves and unlock their potential as they strive towards success.
Brene Brown is more than just a leadership keynote speaker – she’s an advocate for authenticity and connection. In her speeches and writing, she encourages us to embrace our vulnerabilities as strengths and cultivate deeper connections with ourselves and others. Through her messages of courage, empathy, inclusion, trustworthiness and purposeful leadership, Brene Brown has become one of the most influential leadership voices of our time
GARY VAYNERCHUK
Gary Vaynerchuk is another acclaimed leadership keynote speaker, renowned for his direct and no-nonsense approach to business leadership. He’s a New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur and investor with over 30 years of experience in the business world. His leadership style has been described as inspirational and motivating, encouraging businesses to take bold steps towards success. He draws upon his own personal experiences and those of other leading figures in the industry to offer advice on how to become successful in today’s challenging business environment. His speeches are often filled with energy, enthusiasm and confidence that inspire audiences to pursue their dreams. If you’re looking for a leadership keynote speaker who will challenge your thinking, look no further than Gary Vaynerchuk.
Gary Vaynerchuk, often referred to as “Gary Vee”, is a renowned Soviet-born American entrepreneur and author. He has revolutionized the hospitality industry with his co-founding of Resy and Empathy Wines. As an expert on digital communication platforms, he continues to inspire millions worldwide through his thought leadership in business, technology, marketing and personal development.Initially, Vaynerchuk built upon his family’s wine business by becoming a renowned wine critic. Nowadays however, he is more widely recognized for spearheading the rise of digital marketing and social media as the Chairman of New York-based communications company VaynerX, alongside acting as CEO at subsidiary firm VaynerMedia.
Gary Vaynerchuk co-founded the revolutionary restaurant reservation app Resy, which was snapped up by American Express in 2019. Later on, he also founded Empathy Wines and sold it to Constellation Brands 2020. In addition to his many successes with companies, Gary is also an innovator of non-fungible tokens – having created both VeeFriends1 and VeeFriend2 series!
Why Hire a Leadership Keynote Speaker?
A leadership speaker can inspire, motivate, educate and entertain your leadership team or management team moving their way into leadership.
A top leadership keynote speaker can draw from their experience and expertise to advise, and guide teams and leaders to fulfill their potential and change perspectives, attitudes and mindsets to bring out the best. Hiring a leadership keynote speaker should be seen as an investment as you can be sure that your team will perform at a higher level than before the conference or event. To learn more about any of the speakers above, navigate to their website and speak to either then direct or one of their assistants.