The 15 Most Popular Keynote Speakers to Hire in 2024 - Official List

Keynote speakers offer a wealth of benefits when booked for events, including insight, knowledge and an empowering personal story. This has led to their incredible popularity on the speaking circuit, with corporate clients from across the globe requesting keynote engagements for their virtual and in-person events. These speakers are professional storytellers; audiences remember important facts and figures from their speeches long after the curtains close.

Source: Forbes

Leveraging his extensive expertise as a leading keynote speaker specialist agent, Mark Matthew has distilled insights from official data and customer surveys gathered from over 2,220 conferences and events across the United Kingdom (UK) over the past three years (2021-2024). This exclusive research blog post written by Mark Matthew, shares invaluable insights on the exclusive analysis of the 15 Most Popular Keynote Speakers to Hire in 2024.

15 Most Popular Keynote Speakers to Hire in 2024:

• Katie Piper
• Nick Bostrom
• Kriss Akabusi
• Michelle King
• Ant Middleton
• Ruby Wax
• Simon Sinek
• Toto Wolff
• James Cann
• Jo Malone
• Brené Brown
• Debra Searle
• Nicola Adams
• Karren Brady
• Bonita Norris

1.) Katie Piper

Official Speaker Rating - 9.9/10

Specialist Areas - Mental Health & Wellbeing

Katie Piper is an exceptional keynote speaker specialising in mental health, wellbeing, and body confidence, distinguished by her remarkable journey of overcoming adversity. Surviving a brutal acid attack that drastically altered her life, Katie transformed her harrowing experience into a powerful narrative of resilience and hope. Her advocacy for burn victims through the Katie Piper Foundation, coupled with her public speaking engagements and media appearances, underscores her commitment to challenging beauty standards and supporting those with scars and burns. Authoring bestselling books and hosting impactful podcasts, she inspires audiences by emphasising self-love, perseverance, and the transformation of negative experiences into positive ones. Katie's story of triumph over tragedy and her ongoing efforts to promote body confidence and mental health make her an influential and motivating keynote speaker.

2.) Nick Bostrom

Official Speaker Rating - 9.9/10

Specialist Areas - Technology & Artificial Intelligence

Nick Bostrom is a distinguished philosopher and leading authority in artificial intelligence and technology. With academic credentials in mathematics, logic, AI, philosophy and computational neuroscience from prestigious institutions, Nick combines deep theoretical knowledge with practical insights. As the founding Director of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford, he focuses on the existential challenges and future prospects of humanity in the context of emerging technologies. His influential book, "Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, and Strategies" has garnered acclaim from renowned figures like Stephen Hawking and Bill Gates, reflecting his significant impact in the field. Nick's work, which has earned him spots on FP’s Top 100 Global Thinkers and Prospect’s Top World Thinkers lists, makes him an ideal keynote speaker for discussions on technology and AI, providing a balanced perspective on both their promises and perils.

3.) Kriss Akabusi

Official Speaker Rating - 9.8/10

Specialist Areas - Sports & Performance

Kriss Akabusi, a British athletics legend and Olympic medallist, is a highly sought-after keynote speaker renowned for his expertise in sports and high-performance. His illustrious career includes gold medals in the 400m hurdles at the 1990 European Championships and in the 4x400m relay at the 1991 Tokyo World Championships. Recognised for his contributions to athletics with an MBE, Akabusi transitioned into television, enhancing his communication skills. As CEO of The Akabusi Company, he excels in corporate training and motivational speaking, known for his infectious personality and interactive approach. His ability to engage and entertain audiences, combined with his sports achievements, makes him an ideal choice for speaking on high performance and sports excellence.

4.) Michelle King

Official Speaker Rating - 9.8/10

Specialist Areas - Diversity, Inclusion & Workplace Culture

Michelle King is a distinguished expert in diversity and inclusion, renowned for her emphasis on gender equality and workplace culture. As the Founder of Equality Forward, she offers coaching and assessments to foster equal work environments. Her keynote speaking engagements, addressing topics like gender denial, intersectionality and challenges faced by working parents, demonstrate her depth of knowledge. Michelle's HR background, with roles in various leading corporations and as an author and podcast host, underpins her expertise. Her significant contributions to gender equality at organisations like UN Women and Netflix have garnered numerous accolades, including the 2019 Inspiring Innovator Award and LinkedIn's 2020 Top Voice for Equality. Holding a PhD and multiple degrees, Michelle's insights are not only highly respected but also widely influential, making her an exceptional keynote speaker on diversity, inclusion, and the future of work.

5.) Ant Middleton

Official Speaker Rating - 9.7/10

Specialist Areas - Mindset & Resilience

Ant Middleton, with his extraordinary background as a UK Special Forces Soldier and a renowned television personality, is an exemplary keynote speaker on mindset, mental resilience and peak performance. His journey from a zealous soldier at 16 to a Special Boat Service member, earning prestigious medals like the General Service Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, showcases his dedication and resilience. Ant's transition from military service to a television icon, featuring in challenging shows like 'SAS: Who Dares Wins' and 'Extreme Everest', demonstrates his ability to adapt and excel under extreme conditions. As a bestselling author and motivational speaker, Ant draws from his rich experiences to inspire and teach audiences about overcoming adversity, achieving peak performance and maintaining a positive mindset, even in the most hostile environments. His captivating storytelling and authentic accounts from both his military and adventure expeditions make him a compelling and influential figure in promoting mental toughness and personal growth.

6.) Ruby Wax

Official Speaker Rating - 9.7/10

Specialist Areas - Mental Health & Wellbeing

Ruby Wax, an American actress, mental health campaigner and award-winning author, is highly sought-after as a keynote speaker on mental health and wellbeing. Her unique blend of entertainment skills, honed through a career in the Royal Shakespeare Company and BBC, and her in-depth knowledge of neuroscience and mental health, gained from a Master's in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy from Oxford, make her a compelling speaker. Ruby's ability to demystify and destigmatise mental health issues, using humour and relatable anecdotes, resonates deeply with audiences. Her bestselling books, such as Sane New World and How To Be Human, and her roles as an ambassador and professor further establish her as an authoritative and engaging figure in mental health advocacy.

7.) Simon Sinek

Official Speaker Rating - 9.6/10

Specialist Areas - Change Management & Leadership

Simon Sinek is a highly sought-after keynote speaker renowned for his visionary concepts, particularly the transformative power of 'Why'. His impactful ideas and innovative strategies are not only thought-provoking but also implementable, resonating deeply with corporate and individual audiences. Simon's popularity soared with his TED talk, "Why Great Leaders Inspire Action", which became the second most-watched TED talk ever. His expertise extends across various topics, from leadership to personal fulfillment, influencing global audiences, including the UN and US armed forces. Moreover, Simon is an accomplished author, with best-selling books like "Leaders Eat Last" underlining his expertise. Recognised globally, including being named the best motivational speaker by Global Gurus in 2021, Simon Sinek's ability to inspire actionable change and offer future-proofed strategies makes him an exemplary choice for a keynote speaker.

8.) Toto Wolff

Official Speaker Rating - 9.5/10

Specialist Areas - Motorsports & Leadership

Toto Wolff's hire as a keynote speaker on motorsports and leadership is highly justified by his extensive and successful career in Formula One, both as a driver and as a team principal. His journey, beginning from his triumphs in the 1992 Austrian Formula Ford Championship and culminating in his current role as Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, showcases a trajectory of resilience, strategic acumen and consistent success. His impressive record, including a 68% winning rate at Mercedes and multiple world championships, speaks to his expertise in high-performance team management and strategic decision-making. Toto's experience in diverse roles, from racing to corporate management, and his involvement in philanthropy, positions him uniquely to offer insights that resonate with a wide audience, including CEOs and general public. His talks cover various topics from risk management to mental health, making him an adaptable and engaging speaker for different event formats. Toto's natural presenting style, combined with his authentic and charismatic personality, ensures that his speeches are not only informative but also deeply engaging and inspirational.

9.) James Caan

Official Speaker Rating - 9.5/10

Specialist Areas - Business Management

James Caan is an ideal choice for a keynote speaker on business management due to his extensive and successful career spanning over 30 years in various sectors. As a former Dragon on "Dragons' Den" and Founder of Hamilton Bradshaw, he has demonstrated remarkable vision and entrepreneurial skills. His ability to connect personally with audiences and share his journey, including the challenges he faced, makes his talks motivational and relatable. His experience with prestigious companies like Google, Virgin and McDonald's, coupled with his capability to engage both large and intimate audiences, adds to his appeal as a speaker. James' background, including founding Alexander Mann recruitment and his involvement in public sector consulting, showcases his practical business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. As a recipient of prestigious accolades like the Chairman of the Year at the 2013 International Business Awards and a CBE in 2015, James' credibility as a dynamic and respected entrepreneur is indisputable. His talks offer transformative advice, making him a valuable resource for businesses and individuals seeking to learn from seasoned experts in the field.

10.) Jo Malone

Official Speaker Rating - 9.5/10

Specialist Areas - Business Management & Retail

Jo Malone, renowned in the perfume industry, is an exemplar of entrepreneurial success and business acumen, making her an ideal keynote speaker on retail, business management and consumer behaviour. Overcoming dyslexia and starting with no formal qualifications, Jo's journey from a small-scale beauty therapist to creating a global fragrance empire is a testament to her innovative spirit and resilience. Her ability to transform homemade fragrance experiments into a cult brand, and subsequent expansion overseas, showcases her exceptional understanding of market demands and consumer preferences. Selling her company to Estée Lauder and launching a new brand, Jo Loves, further highlights her expertise in brand building and market reinvention. Her experience in mentoring small businesses on TV and her approachable demeanor make her an inspirational and insightful speaker, capable of motivating and educating a wide range of audiences.

11.) Brené Brown

Official Speaker Rating - 9.4/10

Specialist Areas - Emotional Intelligence

Dr. Brené Brown is a highly sought-after keynote speaker specialising in emotional intelligence due to her groundbreaking work in understanding and articulating emotions like vulnerability and courage. With over two decades of research experience, she has developed innovative insights into the interplay of emotions, making her an authority in the field. As an engaging speaker, Brené has the ability to resonate with diverse audiences, whether in corporate settings or individual growth forums. Her best-selling books and widely acclaimed TED talks, particularly on 'The Power of Vulnerability', underscore her expertise and influence. Her ability to translate complex emotional concepts into practical, actionable advice makes her an ideal choice for those seeking to inspire and educate their audience on emotional intelligence and its application in personal and professional development. Brené's appointments as an Endowed Chair and a research professor, combined with her recognition as an innovator, further solidify her credibility and impact as a speaker.

12.) Debra Searle

Official Speaker Rating - 9.4/10

Specialist Areas - Motivation, Adventure & EDI

Debra Searle is an exceptional choice for a keynote speaker on adventure and motivation due to her remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a renowned adventurer and entrepreneur. Her feat of solo rowing across the Atlantic demonstrates unparalleled resilience and determination. Debra's diverse achievements, including leading expeditions, securing athletic medals and establishing successful businesses, make her a living example of overcoming adversity and achieving goals. Recognised as a top motivational speaker globally, she adeptly translates her experiences into inspiring lessons on choosing attitudes for success and excelling during change. Her engaging speaking style, validated by her extensive media presence and accolades, ensures a transformative experience for her audience, making her an ideal keynote speaker for events aiming to motivate and empower.

13.) Nicola Adams

Official Speaker Rating - 9.3/10

Specialist Areas - Sports, EDI & LGBT+ Inclusion

Nicola Adams, an Olympic gold medallist and trailblazer in female boxing, is an exemplary keynote speaker on sports, female empowerment and LGBT+ inclusion. Her groundbreaking achievement as the first woman to win an Olympic boxing medal symbolises her role in shattering gender barriers in sports. Beyond the ring, Nicola's advocacy and visibility in the LGBT+ community, including making history on "Strictly Come Dancing" as part of the first same-sex couple, exemplify her commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Her compelling personal journey of overcoming adversity and her active participation in vital campaigns resonate deeply with audiences. Nicola's eloquence in addressing crucial topics, combined with her remarkable accomplishments in professional boxing and her recognition as a role model, make her a powerful and inspiring speaker.

14.) Karren Brady

Official Speaker Rating - 9.2/10

Specialist Areas - Business Management & Female Empowerment

Baroness Karren Brady is an exemplary choice as a keynote speaker on business management and female empowerment, embodying the essence of a self-made success and an influential leader. Her remarkable journey, from becoming the youngest ever Managing Director of a UK plc at 27 to revitalising Birmingham City and West Ham United football clubs, showcases her exceptional business acumen and transformative leadership. As one of Britain's 100 Most Powerful Women, Karren's speeches are enriched with firsthand experiences, offering insightful and practical advice on entrepreneurship, business turnaround and perseverance. Her extensive work in supporting women in business, coupled with her role on the BBC's The Apprentice, highlights her commitment to mentoring and empowering the next generation. Karren's influence, recognised through numerous accolades like the Revitalise Businesswoman of the Year, makes her an invaluable asset, inspiring audiences with her journey from a resilient worker to a globally recognised business leader and female empowerment advocate.

15.) Bonita Norris

Official Speaker Rating - 9.1/10

Specialist Areas - Adventure, Motivation & Female Empowerment

Bonita Norris, an accomplished UK adventurer and speaker, is an exceptional choice for keynote speeches on adventure, motivation, and female empowerment. Her remarkable achievements include being the youngest British woman to summit Mount Everest and the first British woman to conquer Mt. Lhotse. Bonita's journey from an amateur climber to a world-renowned adventurer in a short time is awe-inspiring. She skillfully combines storytelling with her experiences in extreme mountaineering, resonating deeply with diverse audiences. Her talks, enriched with stunning expedition photographs, are not only heartwarming and humorous but also immensely inspiring. Bonita's message emphasises perseverance, embracing challenges, and realising potential, making her an ideal speaker for any audience, from graduates to corporate executives.

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If you are interested in hiring one of the official top 20 keynote speakers for 2024, contact The Motivational Speakers Agency today by completing our online contact form or by calling a booking agent directly on 0207 0787 876!