10 Best Transformational Leadership Speakers to Hire in the UK

Transformational leadership is crucial in organisations as it fosters an environment of enthusiasm and commitment, pivotal to achieving set goals. Such leaders articulate a clear vision and inspire their teams to excel. Conversely, studies find that ineffective leadership can cost organisations over $126,000. 

What Qualities Make a Leader Truly Transformational?

A transformational leader’s approach is characterised by a focus on collective success and individual growth, leading to enhanced performance. By promoting mutual support and offering guidance and inspiration, they boost morale and foster loyalty, making employees more likely to commit fully to the organisation's objectives. 

Source: Very Well Mind

Who Are the Top 10 Transformational Leadership Speakers in the UK?

• Inga Beale
• Bianca Miller-Cole
• Scotty Mills
• Jo Salter
• Gina Buckney
• John Amaechi
• Mandy Hickson
• Nicky Moffat
• Jamil Qureshi
• Amy C Edmondson

1. Inga Beale

Dame Inga Beale stands out as a transformational leadership keynote speaker, drawing on her pioneering journey as the first female CEO of Lloyd's of London and her impactful roles in finance and insurance. Her speeches resonate deeply with corporate audiences, as she shares insights on diversity, inclusion, and modernising traditional sectors. Inga's firsthand experiences in reshaping corporate cultures and her advocacy for LGBT rights enrich her compelling presentations, making her a sought-after speaker for events aiming to inspire change and innovation.

Official Testimonial for Inga Beale:

"Thought Inga was great and I feel that the feeling was mutual so please thank her from all of us"- Cordelia, Operations Associate, Google

2. Bianca Miller-Cole

Bianca Miller-Cole is a renowned transformational leadership and business keynote speaker, celebrated for her entrepreneurial spirit and expertise in personal branding. As the founder of The Be Group and Bianca Miller London, she leverages her journey from The Apprentice finalist to a successful business owner to inspire and educate audiences. Bianca's speeches delve into the nuances of starting a business, effective leadership, and the importance of crafting a personal brand. Her engaging storytelling captivates corporate audiences, making her a sought-after speaker for enhancing workforce potential and leadership skills.

Official Testimonial for Bianca Miller-Cole:

"It was a truly inspirational keynote. Thanks for re-igniting my passion and determination to making sure that the fruits life has to offer are well and truly absorbed"- Jasmin, Accenture UK

3. Scotty Mills

Scotty Mills, a peak performance and leadership speaker, epitomizes resilience and leadership. With 32 years in the Royal Marines, rising to the highest-ranking Black Officer, Scotty mastered the art of performing under pressure. Post-retirement, he translates these invaluable experiences into compelling keynote speeches globally. As an Executive Coach and Advisory Board Member, Scotty inspires audiences with his insights on teamwork, drive, and resilience, aiming to embed a robust mindset in professionals worldwide.

Official Testimonial for Scotty Mills:

"Scotty Mills has inspired me as a Leader and had a big impact on what I’ve done over the last couple of years." - Gareth Southgate OBE England Football Manager

4. Jo Salter

Dr. Jo Salter MBE, Britain’s first female fast jet pilot and a transformative leader in technology and people management, stands out as a motivational and keynote speaker. Drawing on her experiences from flying Tornado GR1 jets to her influential roles at PwC, Jo is adept at energising and inspiring audiences. With her vibrant storytelling, personal anecdotes, and compassionate demeanour, she adeptly motivates diverse audiences, making her a sought-after speaker for events ranging from intimate workshops to large-scale conferences.

Official Testimonial for Jo Salter:

"I can tell you that Jo was excellent, everything she delivered hit the spot and I have been told the day was better because of her contribution, we really enjoyed her participation, thank you very much and I will be back for another speaker and possibly another one later in the month." - Michael, Learning Sourcing Manager, EDF Energy

5. Gina Buckney

Gina Buckney is a distinguished keynote speaker renowned for her expertise in corporate wellness, organisational behaviour, and transformational leadership. With over 15 years in high-pressure roles in banking and IT, Gina combines her real-world experiences and academic background to empower and motivate diverse audiences. Her presentations focus on cultivating happier, healthier work environments, promoting gender equality, and the strategic importance of diversity and inclusion. Gina's dynamic speaking style and profound insights make her an inspiring presence at various professional events.

Official Speaking Topics for Gina Buckney:

• The Skill of Being Agile to Change
• Workplace Wellbeing – Leaders
• Empowering Your Talent Pool
• The Importance of Emotional Intelligence for Leaders in Today’s Society
• Workplace Wellbeing
• Building Winning Teams Through D&I

6. John Amaechi

John Amaechi OBE combines his rich experience in professional basketball and organisational psychology to offer transformative insights as a keynote speaker on peak performance, teamwork, and leadership. His approach is deeply rooted in scientific principles, drawing from his tenure as a Chartered Scientist and Chartered Fellow of CIPD. John’s journey from NBA athlete to renowned organisational psychologist embodies the adaptability and resilience he promotes. His speeches not only motivate but also empower audiences with practical strategies for leadership and positive cultural change in any organisation.

Official Testimonial for John Amaechi:

"Easily the best of the diversity presentations I have attended ever since Diversity Week was launched. John was engaging, interesting, and very relevant. And he was more than simply a 'diversity candidate talking of his experiences, rather he addressed the topic in a thoughtful and thought-provoking way." - Global Leadership & Diversity team, Goldman Sachs

7. Mandy Hickson

Mandy Hickson excels as a transformational leadership keynote speaker, drawing on her remarkable experience as one of the few female pilots in the Royal Air Force's Frontline Tornado Squadron. Her presentations captivate audiences with personal stories of overcoming adversity, strategic risk-taking, and maintaining composure under pressure. With topics ranging from empowering teams to nurturing self-confidence, Mandy leverages her aviation insights to inspire and guide corporate and professional growth. Her enthusiastic style and practical advice make her an influential figure in leadership development.

Official Testimonial for Mandy Hickson:

"As managers we were left with a powerful impression of the importance of making decisions that actively empower our teams to step up and to learn, first on safe 'training ground' and ultimately in high stakes contexts" - Learning & Talent Development Manager, M&G Investments

8. Nicky Moffat

Nicky Moffat, drawing from an illustrious 27-year military career and crowned as the highest-ranked woman in the British Armed Forces, is an esteemed transformational leadership keynote speaker. With a rich background in diverse leadership roles—from training future Army commanders at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to pioneering training organisations and managing defence operations globally—Nicky leverages her profound expertise to inspire and guide organisations. As a speaker, she delivers powerful strategies for transformational change, enriching corporate events with her dynamic approach and practical insights across various sectors.

Official Speaking Topics for Nicky Moffat:

• Armed Forces
• Leadership & Teamwork
• People Development
• Transformational Change

9. Jamil Qureshi

Jamil Qureshi is celebrated as a transformative leadership and organisational psychology keynote speaker. His profound expertise in performance psychology has transitioned from coaching top athletes in golf, football, and Formula 1 to leading transformative programs in major corporations like Cisco Systems, Coca-Cola, and Emirates Airlines. With a dynamic stage presence, Jamil delivers impactful speeches that drive change and enhance performance across various sectors. His methods have been pivotal in helping individuals and teams achieve unparalleled success and operational excellence.

Official Testimonial for Jamil Qureshi:

"Jamil went down a storm – and was the top-rated session of the day with a fantastic 9.3/10. He absolutely captured the room, with many leaders saying he was one of/the best speakers they’d ever heard at a work event. He was also the topic of many discussions at the bar in the evening. Please do pass this on to Jamil, he probably gets it all the time – but safe to say, he challenged our belief system(s)!" - May, Head of Colleague Communications, British Gas Energy

10. Amy C Edmondson

Amy C. Edmondson, the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, is a renowned keynote speaker in management and transformational leadership. With her extensive research background and expertise in organisational behaviour, Amy highlights the critical importance of psychological safety and inclusive leadership in her speeches. As a leading voice in management thinking, Amy’s presentations offer transformative perspectives essential for contemporary leadership.

Official Testimonial for Amy C. Edmondson:

"Edmondson offers compelling new paradigms for team performance in the 21st century" - Doug, Former CEO, Campbel Soup Co.

Hire a Top Transformational Leadership Keynote Speaker Today!

You may now hire one of our esteemed leadership speakers by completing our online contact form or calling one of our dedicated booking agents on 0207 0787 876 today!

This blog post was written by Roxy Hayes, who draws from official data and customer feedback across 400 events and conferences held between 2022 and 2024.