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The Top Motivational Speakers for 2025: On Grit, Resilience, and More

You’re looking for a motivational speaker: someone to inspire your audience, challenge them to overcome their goals, and spark real action in their lives. We can help. At The Lavin Agency, we’re proud to represent the world’s top motivational speakers. Our roster includes a civil rights icon, leading psychologists, renowned artists, dynamic business professors, and more. These speakers offer powerful keynotes that will motivate your audience to greater heights and forever change how they think, feel, and act. Read on to learn more about our leading motivational speakers, as well as why you should consider booking a speaker and how you can do that.

Angela Duckworth

Why do some people get (and stay) ahead? It’s not just about IQ, or even effort, says Angela Duckworth. The secret ingredient is grit. The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Grit and the pioneering scientist behind the concept, she reveals how to cultivate passion and perseverance for long-term goals—for ourselves and the people we lead.

Minnijean Brown-Trickey

At only 16, Minnijean Brown-Trickey walked into what had been a whites-only school and changed the course of American history. As one of the Little Rock Nine, she played a crucial role in desegregating public schools. Today, this fiery activist reminds us that the fight for justice is not over—and that all of us can play a role in making real change.

Heather McGhee

Injustice has a real cost for everyone—which means that when we fight it together, we free everyone to thrive, says Heather McGhee. The instant New York Times bestselling author of The Sum of Us, she offers stories of ordinary people coming together across division to make real change in their communities.

Dan Lerner

The best moments of your life don’t occur when things are easy, but when you’re tackling a challenge and pushing your limits—when you’re fully engaged. Dan Lerner, a powerfully dynamic speaker and the positive psychologist behind NYU’s massively popular “Science of Happiness” class, shows you how to lean into your strengths, tap into engagement, and get happier.

Modupe Akinola

Stress affects our performance at work. But the best leaders don’t buckle under it—they harness it to thrive. Columbia Business School prof Modupe Akinola blends her experience in the business world with cutting-edge research on the science of stress—and shows you how to put it to use for better decision-making and heightened creativity.

Laura Huang

What sets the most successful people apart? It’s not just hard work. It’s intuition. And Laura Huang can show you how to hone yours. This star business professor draws on her forthcoming book, You Already Know, to show how women can combine external data and unique personal experience to make the right decisions and gain an edge.

Danny Southwick

Do you want your teams to become more resilient and better at taking risks? Then stop using the word “talent,” says Danny Southwick. This NFL-player-turned-psychologist, a long-time protégé and collaborator of grit pioneer Angela Duckworth, offers a cutting-edge look into the science of performance and how to get the best out of your people.

Lori Gottlieb

What’s holding you back? And what if you could be rid of it? Lori Gottlieb is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and therapist who’s showing you how you can overcome the barriers you face. Her hour-long masterclass with Oprah Winfrey reveals why so many of us are carrying a heavy mental load, and what practical things we can do to ease it.

Candy Chang

What do you want to do before you die? What secrets are you keeping? What can you lend that your neighbors might need? World-renowned artist Candy Chang has spent her career exploring creative ways to ask and answer questions together. In talks, she shows how AAPI communities can foster spaces of belonging both at home and outside.

Vijay Gupta

Music has a unique power, says Vijay Gupta: it’s vital medicine for human wellbeing. A MacArthur Genius and TED mainstager, Vijay is the founder of Street Symphony, an organization bringing music and art to America’s most disadvantaged communities. He shows us creative ways to revitalize our sense of hope and belonging in the face of inequality.

Why Book a Motivational Speaker?

A motivational speaker does more than just inspire—they ignite action, resilience, and peak performance. Whether you’re looking to boost morale, drive innovation, or help your team overcome challenges, the right speaker can provide powerful insights and practical strategies to create lasting change. The best inspirational speakers speakers share personal success stories, science-backed mindset shifts, and proven techniques that help audiences break through limitations and achieve their full potential. If you want your event to leave a lasting impact, booking the right speaker is the key.

Do I Need a Motivational Speaker for My Conference?

If you want your conference to be energizing and transformative, then the answer is yes! A motivational speaker can set the tone for your event, engage your audience, inspire people to take action, and make sure your event stays in their memories long after it ends. Whether you’re hosting a corporate summit, leadership retreat, or industry conference, a top motivational speaker will tailor their message to align with your organization’s goals, helping teams redefine success and embrace change.

Who Should Consider Booking a Motivational Speaker?

Any business or organization that values growth, resilience, and engagement should consider booking a motivational speaker. If you’re a:

  • Business leader looking to ignite innovation and drive team performance;
  • HR professional seeking to improve company culture and employee engagement;
  • Event planner wanting to deliver a high-energy, inspiring keynote for your audience;
  • Educator or coach looking for motivational strategies to empower students or teams;
  • Sales team manager needing to boost confidence, resilience, and productivity…

Then you should consider booking a speaker for your event!

What Do Motivational Speakers Talk About?

The top motivational speakers cover a wide range of topics designed to inspire and drive results. Popular themes include:

  • Overcoming adversity: how to push through challenges and emerge stronger.
  • Peak performance: unlocking success through mindset and habits.
  • Innovation and creativity: breaking through limits to think outside the box.
  • Resilience and mental fitness: thriving in uncertain and high-pressure situations.
  • Leadership and personal growth: inspiring others and stepping into your full potential.
  • Inclusion: creating space for every voice to be heard and valued.

Whatever your event’s focus, we’ll help you find the perfect motivational speaker to deliver a message that resonates.

How Do I Book a Motivational Speaker?

Finding the right motivational speaker can take your event to the next level. You can reach out to speakers directly, or let us handle the entire process for you. We specialize in connecting organizations with top motivational speakers who bring high-energy keynotes, game-changing insights, and unforgettable stories to the stage. Whether you’re looking for a bestselling author, an elite athlete, a business mogul, or a resilience expert, we’ll help you find the perfect speaker to inspire your audience. Contact us today to get started!

Angela Duckworth

Why do some people get (and stay) ahead? It's not just about IQ, or even effort, says Angela Duckworth. The secret ingredient is grit. The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Grit and the pioneering scientist behind the concept, she reveals how to cultivate passion and perseverance for long-term goals—for ourselves and the people we lead.

Minnijean Brown-Trickey

At only 16, Minnijean Brown-Trickey walked into what had been a whites-only school and changed the course of American history. As one of the Little Rock Nine, she played a crucial role in desegregating public schools. Today, this fiery activist reminds us that the fight for justice is not over—and that all of us can play a role in making real change.

Heather McGhee

Injustice has a real cost for everyone—which means that when we fight it together, we free everyone to thrive, says Heather McGhee. The instant New York Times bestselling author of The Sum of Us, she offers stories of ordinary people coming together across division to make real change in their communities.

Dan Lerner

The best moments of your life don't occur when things are easy, but when you're tackling a challenge and pushing your limits—when you're fully engaged. Dan Lerner, a powerfully dynamic speaker and the positive psychologist behind NYU's massively popular "Science of Happiness" class, shows you how to lean into your strengths, tap into engagement, and get happier.

Modupe Akinola

Stress affects our performance at work. But the best leaders don't buckle under it—they harness it to thrive. Columbia Business School prof Modupe Akinola blends her experience in the business world with cutting-edge research on the science of stress—and shows you how to put it to use for better decision-making and heightened creativity.

Laura Huang

What sets the most successful people apart? It's not just hard work. It's intuition. And Laura Huang can show you how to hone yours. This star business professor draws on her forthcoming book, You Already Know, to show how women can combine external data and unique personal experience to make the right decisions and gain an edge.

Danny Southwick

Do you want your teams to become more resilient and better at taking risks? Then stop using the word "talent," says Danny Southwick. This NFL-player-turned-psychologist, a long-time protégé and collaborator of grit pioneer Angela Duckworth, offers a cutting-edge look into the science of performance and how to get the best out of your people.

Lori Gottlieb

What's holding you back? And what if you could be rid of it? Lori Gottlieb is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and therapist who's showing you how you can overcome the barriers you face. Her hour-long masterclass with Oprah Winfrey reveals why so many of us are carrying a heavy mental load, and what practical things we can do to ease it.

Candy Chang

What do you want to do before you die? What secrets are you keeping? What can you lend that your neighbors might need? World-renowned artist Candy Chang has spent her career exploring creative ways to ask and answer questions together. In talks, she shows how AAPI communities can foster spaces of belonging both at home and outside.

Vijay Gupta

Music has a unique power, says Vijay Gupta: it's vital medicine for human wellbeing. A MacArthur Genius and TED mainstager, Vijay is the founder of Street Symphony, an organization bringing music and art to America's most disadvantaged communities. He shows us creative ways to revitalize our sense of hope and belonging in the face of inequality.

Why Book a Motivational Speaker?

A motivational speaker does more than just inspire—they ignite action, resilience, and peak performance. Whether you’re looking to boost morale, drive innovation, or help your team overcome challenges, the right speaker can provide powerful insights and practical strategies to create lasting change. The best inspirational speakers speakers share personal success stories, science-backed mindset shifts, and proven techniques that help audiences break through limitations and achieve their full potential. If you want your event to leave a lasting impact, booking the right speaker is the key.

Do I Need a Motivational Speaker for My Conference?

If you want your conference to be energizing and transformative, then the answer is yes! A motivational speaker can set the tone for your event, engage your audience, inspire people to take action, and make sure your event stays in their memories long after it ends. Whether you're hosting a corporate summit, leadership retreat, or industry conference, a top motivational speaker will tailor their message to align with your organization’s goals, helping teams redefine success and embrace change.

Who Should Consider Booking a Motivational Speaker?

Any business or organization that values growth, resilience, and engagement should consider booking a motivational speaker. If you're a:
  • Business leader looking to ignite innovation and drive team performance;
  • HR professional seeking to improve company culture and employee engagement;
  • Event planner wanting to deliver a high-energy, inspiring keynote for your audience;
  • Educator or coach looking for motivational strategies to empower students or teams;
  • Sales team manager needing to boost confidence, resilience, and productivity...
Then you should consider booking a speaker for your event!

What Do Motivational Speakers Talk About?

The top motivational speakers cover a wide range of topics designed to inspire and drive results. Popular themes include:
  • Overcoming adversity: how to push through challenges and emerge stronger.
  • Peak performance: unlocking success through mindset and habits.
  • Innovation and creativity: breaking through limits to think outside the box.
  • Resilience and mental fitness: thriving in uncertain and high-pressure situations.
  • Leadership and personal growth: inspiring others and stepping into your full potential.
  • Inclusion: creating space for every voice to be heard and valued.
Whatever your event’s focus, we’ll help you find the perfect motivational speaker to deliver a message that resonates.

How Do I Book a Motivational Speaker?

Finding the right motivational speaker can take your event to the next level. You can reach out to speakers directly, or let us handle the entire process for you. We specialize in connecting organizations with top motivational speakers who bring high-energy keynotes, game-changing insights, and unforgettable stories to the stage. Whether you're looking for a bestselling author, an elite athlete, a business mogul, or a resilience expert, we’ll help you find the perfect speaker to inspire your audience. Contact us today to get started!

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