Top 10 Black Motivational Speakers for Your Corporate Event
The Black community is celebrated for their resilience and diverse experiences, hired as motivational speakers to inspire through unique perspectives and to foster empowerment.
Why Should I Hire a Black Motivational Speaker?
Black motivational speakers are often hired for corporate events due to their unique ability to address pressing social issues. With 43% of hate crimes in the UK being racially motivated and one in six people globally experiencing discrimination, their insights are invaluable. Additionally, 58% of those stopped by police believe it was due to racial profiling, which erodes trust in law enforcement. Furthermore, 30% have faced racist harassment, yet it's rarely reported. By sharing their experiences and resilience, Black motivational speakers foster understanding, inspire change and promote a more inclusive workplace culture, resonating deeply with diverse employees and audiences.
Sources: Stop Hate UK, United Nations & European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights
Who Are the Top Black Motivational Speakers to Hire?
This official selection of the Top 10 Black Motivational Speakers for Your Corporate Event was cultivated from a formal study that cross-examined 273 Black motivational speaker events, that took place between 2022 and 2024. The vetted analysis of the data is shared in this detailed examination by Chris Tompkins.
- John Barnes
- June Sarpong
- Maggie Alphonsi
- Derek Redmond
- Nicola Adams
- Makaziwe Mandela-Amuah
- Kanya King
- Michael Holding
- Michael Johnson
- David Olusoga
1. John Barnes
Despite a torrent of racist abuse, John Barnes, one of England’s greatest-ever footballers, continues to show a great desire to achieve when quitting may have been an easier option. The sporting icon won an FA Cup and League Cup, as well as the PFA Player’s Player of the Year Award. Now John is one of the most vocal voices in fighting for equality and challenging racism, not just in football but in society. John brings the passion he displays in his fight for equality into his speeches. He also uses his experience at the very top of English football to explain how to stay calm under pressure and continue to achieve at the highest level.
2. June Sarpong
Successful in whatever she has turned her hand to, June Sarpong is a prime example of how you can achieve your dreams no matter what they are. A businesswoman, social activist, author, presenter, and philanthropist, she has a varied CV that contains plenty of achievements. As a speaker, June provides an empowering speech, with plenty of personal stories of overcoming challenges and how she has succeeded in so many areas of her life, leaving audiences inspired to go out and succeed in their work.
3. Maggie Alphonsi
Maggie Alphonsi showed great drive and determination as a rugby player, remaining at the highest level of the women’s game for 11 years, winning seven consecutive Six Nations Championships and the World Cup. Not content, though, after retiring, she has gone on to smash the glass ceiling, becoming the first woman to commentate on a men’s international rugby game. Having spent her whole career motivated to chase greatness, Maggie is one of the top choices for any organisation looking to motivate its staff to achieve their goals.
4. Derek Redmond
A former World Champion, Derek Redmond knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level, but it is not winning that Derek is most known for but rather finishing. During the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992, he tore his hamstring with over 200 meters left but continued to run the race. With the help of his father, who had sprinted onto the track to support his son, he reached the finish line in one of the most inspiring moments in sporting history. A true example of achieving your goals no matter what you face, Derek is a fantastic choice for any organisation looking to inspire its employees.
5. Nicola Adams
As a Black female boxer from the LGBTQIA+ community, Nicola Adams serves as an inspiration to many. She made history in the boxing ring as she was the first female to win an Olympic Boxing event back in 2012, before becoming the first Brit to defend a boxing Gold in 92 years when she won again in 2016. Away from the ring, she has pushed for equality and inclusion and made history again as she was the first celebrity to appear on Dancing on Ice in a same-sex couple. Nicola is passionate and enthusiastic and can captivate any audience, making her a great motivational speaker.
6. Makaziwe Mandela-Amuah
The daughter of Nelson Mandela, Makaziwe Mandela-Amuah, has forged her path by holding senior roles at the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Industrial Development Group while also still being motivated to carry out real change. From campaigning to business advisory, she is looking to improve the lives of marginalised groups, and as a speaker, she comes ready to deliver a powerful speech. She will also provide strategies to encourage and support organisations and individuals to take steps to move forward both at work and in broader society.
7. Kanya King
The founder and CEO of the MOBO Awards, Kanya King, is one of the world’s leading entrepreneurs, but she had to risk it all to get there. Back before the MOBOs were one of the biggest events on the music calendar, it was a dream that Kanya risked everything for by re-mortgaging her home to pay for the first launch. Her inspirational story of risk and reward, paired with fantastic energy and presenting style, makes her a great motivational speaker for your event. Her story of resilience and determination is guaranteed to inspire your audience.
8. Michael Holding
Growing up in the West Indies, Michael Holding played cricket from a young age but studied alongside his playing career as he felt his financial prospects were limited. However, as one of the most talented players to play the game and with a lot of effort, he made it work. Now known as one of the best bowlers ever, a pundit and a powerful speaker, Michael is a great choice for a motivational speaker. His passion and enthusiasm when talking about his career, societal issues and how he overcame the struggles in his life will leave any audience inspired and ready to tackle their challenges.
9. Michael Johnson
Four Olympic Gold medals and eight World titles make Michael Johnson one of the world’s greatest-ever athletes. His longevity and success in the sport have been put down to his Olympic mindset and how he passes that down to the next generation with his agency, aimed at helping track and field athletes. As a speaker, Michael can bring that mindset to your organisation, letting any audience know what it takes to reach the very top of their respective fields. Audiences come away from Michael's speeches inspired to give 100% to their goals and aspirations.
10. David Olusoga
A leading historian, David Olusoga, used the racism he faced growing up in the UK to shape his career positively. His work has looked at shining a light on forgotten parts of history, focusing on race as well as aiming to tackle racial injustice happening in the modern world. As a speaker, David is eloquent and captures any audience’s attention, and his personal experience of turning a negative situation into an award-winning career can be a lesson for anyone to follow.
Hire a Black Motivational Speaker Today!
Get your workforce ready for their next big project, or just inspire them to hit their current targets by booking a motivational speaker today. Whether it is one listed in this blog, our vast list of diversity and inclusion speakers, or you have another inspirational person in mind, our agents can help you find the best speaker for your event. To hire a black motivational speaker, simply get in touch via our online form or call us on 0207 0787 876 to receive your free quote.
This official article on the Top 10 Black Motivational Speakers to Hire for Your Corporate Event was written by Chris Tompkins, using vetted data cross-examined from 273 Black motivational speaker events between 2022 and 2024.
