The Top-Rated Keynote Speakers to Work with in 2026
2026 is shaping up to be a decisive year for organisations that want sharper focus, stronger culture, and real momentum. Engagement remains the missing link in many organisations, with research showing that $9.6 trillion in productivity could be added to the global economy if the workforce were fully engaged.
A great way of enhancing employee engagement is to hire a leading keynote speaker. A good speaker does more than motivate; they shift thinking and reset priorities. Explore the top-rated keynote speakers to hire in 2026, per official data from 579 exclusive keynote events in 2025.
1. Jo Salter MBE
Dr Jo Salter MBE is hired as a keynote speaker due to the real authority she brings to conversations about disruption, transformation, and change mindset. As Britain’s first female fast jet pilot and a senior leader at PwC, she connects high-stakes decision-making with modern business reality. Audiences value her insight on adopting generative AI responsibly, building high-performing teams, and leading through uncertainty. She speaks with credibility on female leadership and inclusive cultures, shaped in demanding, male-dominated environments.
Official Client Feedback:
“Jo Salter was nothing short of phenomenal. She was entertaining, funny, and down to earth, while also deeply inspiring and relatable. Her stories were captivating, at times emotional, and always full of wisdom. She left us laughing, reflecting, and truly uplifted. Many said she was their favourite speaker of the day; Jo is a force of nature, and her keynote was an unforgettable highlight.” – Jas, Events and Partnerships Lead, Weareverve
2. Derek Redmond
Derek Redmond is a top-rated keynote speaker because he blends lived experience with sharp commercial insight. His journey from world-class athlete to high-performance coach gives real weight to his messages on resilience, change, and inclusion. Audiences connect instantly with his Olympic story, then stay engaged as he translates pressure, setback, and recovery into lessons for modern workplaces. He speaks with authority on diversity and inclusion, drawing on personal experience rather than theory. Derek ignites motivation, strengthens high-performance teams, and inspires people to act.
Official Client Feedback:
“Derek was professional, courteous, charming, and hit the relevant subject matter. He was good and from my perspective hit his brief, and he was exactly what we wanted and booked.” – Siemens Mobility Limited
3. Steven Bartlett
A keynote speaker who brings real, current experience of building and scaling modern businesses, Steven Bartlett is a top-rated choice for corporate events. He speaks with clarity on business growth, marketing, digital disruption, and entrepreneurship, grounded in his work across media, tech, and investment. As host of The Diary of a CEO, he understands what drives influence, trust, and audience attention. Audiences value his insight into Web3, wellness, and creator-led brands, shaped by hands-on investments and boardroom decisions. Audiences of his speeches frequently highlight how practical and motivating his sessions feel, especially for founders and senior teams.
Official Client Feedback:
“The event was everything and more than we hoped! Feedback immediately after and since has been that it was the best event they had attended. Steven and his team were absolutely fantastic, so accommodating, so friendly, and it really was a pleasure to host them at 25 Bank Street, and even better that we were able to make it happen in person – something I think we all agreed was absolutely worth it. For Steven himself, what can I say… he exceeded even the very highest expectations we had for him – so intelligent and inspiring with his wisdom, but also so generous with his time. He genuinely had a huge impact on the audience and I know people will be talking about this event for a long time! Thanks again for your partnership as always!” – Charlotte, Vice President Operations Control Management, J.P. Morgan
4. Brené Brown
Brené Brown is a top-rated speaker because her work goes beyond clichés to make real change in individuals and organisations. She’s spent more than two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, and uses that research to help audiences see how emotional bravery builds stronger teams and better leaders. Her TEDx talk, The Power of Vulnerability, is among the most viewed ever, and her Netflix special, The Call to Courage, brought her message to millions more, blending insight with engaging storytelling. She’s also authored multiple New York Times best-sellers and worked with major global brands, proving her ideas resonate across sectors.
5. Jez Rose
Jez Rose is top-rated because he blends behavioural science with real-world delivery that lands. His keynotes reset thinking, lift performance, and shift culture fast, with practical tools people actually use. Years on television mean he reads a room instinctively; energy stays high, messages stay human. Brands like Ford and Marriott trust him because outcomes follow. One example is his What if? work, which helps teams reframe pressure into progress. Add deep work on mindset and mental health, backed by research, and audiences leave clearer, calmer, and ready to change how they think and act.
Official Client Feedback:
“One of the best motivational speakers ever. Extremely funny and has that elusive ability to judge a corporate culture and understand how to work with it in the most effective way.” – MD, Legal & General
6. Sarah Armstrong-Smith
Sarah Armstrong-Smith is a top-rated cybersecurity keynote speaker, trusted for her clarity on responsible AI, transformational cyber leadership, and real-world threat awareness. Former Chief Security Advisor EMEA at Microsoft, she brings frontline experience from incidents including the Millennium Bug to today’s AI-driven risk landscape. A Fellow of the British Computer Society, Sarah translates complex cyber threats into practical leadership decisions. Her career spans Microsoft, Fujitsu, AXA, Ernst & Young, and the London Stock Exchange, blending technical depth with board-level insight. Audiences value her calm authority, credible case studies, and clear guidance on resilience, ethics, and secure innovation, with a worldwide impact.
Official Client Feedback:
“Sarah was very professional and spoke with ease and conviction on IT security, and it was evident that she is a subject matter expert. She delivered on the spec that was provided and discussed a detailed insight into her career and the future of the IT sector. She arrived with plenty of time and caught up with the team, then spent a good time afterwards in the networking session, talking and, I believe, enjoying the discussions. Please thank Sarah it was good to meet her and then see her over the weekend on Sky News!” – Gary, Chairman, IWFM
7. Katy Leeson
Katy Leeson is a top-rated keynote speaker because she blends deep leadership experience with honest, practical insight that resonates with audiences. As the former UK Managing Director of Social Chain, she helped scale the agency from a small 30-person team into a global leader, a journey she now shares with clarity and energy. Her talks focus on leadership, imposter syndrome, and building inclusive, purposeful cultures, grounded in her real-world successes and challenges. Rated 9.5 out of 10 for her 2025 speaking engagements and named a leading Imposter Syndrome speaker in the UK, Katy leaves audiences both inspired and equipped to take action.
8. Mary Aiken
Professor Mary Aiken is a world-leading cyberpsychologist specialising in cyber security, AI, trust, and safety. As Professor and Chair of Cyberpsychology at Capitol Technology University, she examines how intelligent systems shape human behaviour, risk, and resilience. Her bestselling book The Cyber Effect helped define how organisations understand online harm and digital behaviour. Mary advises governments, global tech firms, Europol, and INTERPOL, and serves as Chief Scientist, Safety Tech at Paladin Capital Group. A compelling keynote speaker, she translates complex research into clear, practical guidance, helping leaders anticipate AI-driven risk, strengthen governance, and build safer digital ecosystems.
Official Client Feedback:
“Mary is an outstanding leader, inspiring both subordinates and colleagues. She possesses that rare blend of analytical skills with outstanding creativity. Mary is also an exceptional marketer and business developer… I would very much welcome the opportunity to work with her again – she is a legitimate superstar. I unconditionally recommend Mary Aiken.” – Don, Executive Board Chair, Omelet
9. Katie Piper
Resilience sits at the heart of why Katie Piper is consistently hired as a keynote speaker. Her journey through trauma, recovery, and long-term mental health challenges gives her rare authority on overcoming adversity. She speaks with honesty about rebuilding confidence after life-changing events, grounded in her work supporting others through The Katie Piper Foundation. Audiences connect because her story is real, measured, and deeply human. Katie shares practical insights on self-acceptance, resilience, and hope, shaped by lived experience rather than theory. She leaves people feeling understood, empowered, and capable of facing their own challenges with greater strength.
Official Client Feedback:
“Hearing Katie’s story firsthand was deeply moving, but beyond that, the depth of her message and the impact it had on the team was something truly special. Meeting her in person was a pleasure – she is so down-to-earth and incredibly human, which made the experience even more powerful.” – Inditex 2025
10. Asif Sadiq
Asif Sadiq is now one of the most sought-after keynote speakers because he brings deep, real-world expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion to every stage he speaks on. He has held senior global roles at Adidas and Warner Bros Discovery, and led equality work for the City of London Police, giving him insight into both corporate and public-sector challenges. His talks guide leaders on creating truly inclusive workplaces and building cultures where everyone belongs, with clear, practical takeaways rooted in lived experience and strategic success. Asif’s work has earned him an MBE and inclusion honours, and his audiences consistently rate him highly for impact and relevance.
Official Client Feedback:
“Asif was excellent! I thoroughly enjoyed the session and have had really positive feedback from those who were able to join us too.” – Nicky, Head of Inclusion, Diversity & Culture, Urenco Limited
11. Kirsty Murphy
With more than 17 years in the RAF and senior leadership experience as former Chief of Staff at the UK Space Agency, Kirsty Murphy offers insight forged in high-stakes environments where precision and trust matter. She made history as the first female pilot with the Red Arrows, was appointed an Aviation Ambassador by the Department for Transport, and received an MBE for services to aviation. Her keynote speeches translate elite aviation teamwork into practical business lessons; for example, how clear communication at 400mph underpins performance, accountability, and innovation across any organisation.
12. Kate Muir
Kate Muir uses her voice and platform to shift how women’s health is understood, especially around menopause and hormone science. She is a writer, documentary maker, and campaigner who produced landmark Channel 4 films that sparked national conversations and helped many women access hormone replacement therapy. Her books on the menopause, midlife, and the contraceptive pill mix research with personal insight and practical guidance. She speaks with humour and clarity to corporate and academic audiences, explaining how hormone health affects wellbeing, performance, and inclusion. Her talks help organisations support diverse workforces and challenge stigma with evidence and honest storytelling.
Official Client Feedback:
“The familiarity of what you describe, the knowledge that so many of us are going through this, the recognition that it’s not going away and our generation is going to shout from the rooftops about it, are all such a comfort and reassurance. So thank you, on behalf of women everywhere.” – Inspector Natalie, Force Menopause Project Lead, Thames Valley Police
13. Matthew Syed
Matthew Syed’s talks are rooted in a rare combination of elite sport, journalism, and business psychology that gives audiences fresh insight into peak performance and culture. As England’s top-ranked table tennis player for nearly a decade, Olympian and Commonwealth gold medallist, he knows first-hand the discipline of excellence. He went on to found Matthew Syed Consulting and write bestselling books such as Black Box Thinking and Rebel Ideas, making complex ideas about growth mindsets and cognitive diversity practical for teams and leaders. Organisations hire him to inspire continuous improvement, innovation, and resilience, with clear examples that shift thinking and behaviour.
Official Client Feedback:
“Matthew Syed is an extremely inspirational speaker. He succinctly and persuasively encapsulated the winning ethos during his presentation to Vodafone’s Global Heads of Marketing. We departed feeling highly motivated.” – Marcia, Head of Group Sponsorship PR, Vodafone
14. John Amaechi
John Amaechi combines elite sport, psychology, and business insight in a way that makes his keynotes powerful and practical. A former NBA player and the first British professional in the league, he went on to become a respected organisational psychologist and bestselling author. His talks focus on leadership, inclusion, high performance, and navigating complexity, all grounded in evidence and real experience. He has advised FTSE 100 firms, universities,s and public institutions, helping teams improve culture and productivity. Recognised as one of HR’s most influential thinkers and named a top speaker for National Inclusion Week, his sessions challenge audiences while giving clear tools to lead and grow.
Official Client Feedback:
“John has a great story. His talk stimulated lots of discussions and was clear and inspirational.” – Deutsche Bank
15. Jason Robinson
Jason Robinson has built a powerful reputation as a speaker by linking his sporting success with genuine life experience. The first Black British man to captain the England Rugby team and scorer of England’s only try in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, he brings elite performance and leadership to life with energy and insight. Growing up in Leeds and overcoming adversity has shaped his focus on resilience, mental health, social mobility, and inclusion. Through JR Talks, he shares honest stories that challenge assumptions and open difficult conversations, helping audiences understand the practical steps to build more inclusive, resilient teams and cultures.
Official Client Feedback:
“The event was really great, it has been our most engaged with D&I event so far. We had 100 colleagues in person and over 440 online. Jason’s talk went down extremely well and seemed to really resonate with our colleagues here. I’ve had colleagues go out of their way to come up to the team and thank us for putting it on. I’d like to thank him again for such an open and honest talk about mental health, and how that intersects with many different aspects of his life.” – Neil, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Clyde & Co LLP
16. Jamil Qureshi
Jamil Qureshi blends performance psychology with real-world insight that resonates across business and sport. He was the first official psychologist for the European Ryder Cup and has co-founded We Do Things Differently and The Growing Coaches, helping leaders and teams improve mindset, decision-making, and culture. He wrote The Mind Coach and is a TEDx speaker, bringing research to life with practical tools. In 2023, he delivered a keynote for the London Stock Exchange, receiving five-star feedback across 32 events and a 9.3/10 rating for humour and challenge. Organisations book him for engaging sessions that boost performance and sustained productivity.
Official Client Feedback:
“Very well received, so we were extremely happy. We had particularly great feedback about Jamil, he was engaging, entertaining, and managed to get the whole room thinking slightly differently. We would absolutely recommend Jamil for other big events!” – Sarah, UK & E Win Work Projects Lead, AtkinsRealis
17. Lauren Paton
Lauren Paton brings frontline corporate experience and sharp strategic thinking to her speaking. She spent over 20 years leading global marketing at brands like Amazon, Audible, and Disney before founding Scout + Circle, a leadership consultancy that helps women thrive in male-dominated environments. Her keynotes focus on visibility, emotional intelligence, leadership, and dismantling imposter syndrome, all delivered with humour and real-world clarity. As a LinkedIn Top Voice for Gender Equity, she blends insight with practical tools, helping audiences rethink leadership and belonging. Organisations book her for talks that spark honest conversations and give leaders tangible strategies to drive cultural change.
Hire a Top-Rated Keynote Speaker Today!
Choosing the right keynote speaker in 2026 is a commercial decision as much as a cultural one. When engagement drives performance at this scale, the speakers you bring into the room matter. The individuals featured in this list are trusted for a reason; they connect strategy to behaviour and leave audiences thinking differently about how they work. We have seen it first-hand at leadership conferences, sales kick-offs, and global town halls where one session reshapes the tone of the year ahead. If your goal is better focus, stronger alignment, and lasting impact, these keynote speakers are proven partners.
This article has been published in accordance with Socialanomics‘ disclosure policy.
