Business Speakers

The world’s top business speakers bring bold ideas and actionable insights to corporate events, retreats, and conferences. Their high-impact keynotes on leadership, innovation, AI, resilience, and more equip audiences to navigate change and stay ahead of the curve. Our business speakers walk the walk as well as talk the talk: they combine real-world experience and research-backed strategies to help companies thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

21 Business
Speakers

Greg Hoffman

Nike's Former Chief Marketing Officer | Author of Emotion by Design

Great brands don’t simply reach customers: they create real emotional bonds with them.

Nicholas Thompson

CEO of The Atlantic | Author of The Running Ground | Former Editor-in-Chief of WIRED

Generative AI is changing what it means to be human, and that's just the beginning. You can find the opportunity in emerging AI technology today.

Angela Duckworth

Author of Grit, the #1 New York Times Bestseller | Pioneering Researcher on Grit, Perseverance, and the Science of Success

Grit, more than talent, IQ, looks, or wealth, is a powerful indicator of success.

Daron Acemoglu

2024 Nobel Prize Winner | 3rd Most Cited Economist in the World | MIT Institute Professor | Bestselling Co-Author of Why Nations Fail and Power and Progress

Technology is moving faster than ever before. If we take hold of it right now, we can use it to build a more just and democratic world.

Katy Milkman

Wharton Professor | Choiceology Podcast Host | Bestselling Author of How to Change | One of the Thinkers50

The world has changed overnight. Learn the science-based blueprint for how to change with it.

Laura Huang

Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University | Faculty Director of Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative | Author of Edge and You Already Know

Are you looking for an edge to help you succeed? Good news: You've already got one.

Ajay Agrawal

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Expert | Founder of the Creative Destruction Lab | Bestselling Co-Author of Prediction Machines and Power and Prediction

Being second in the AI race isn’t good enough. You have to get ahead now to gain a sustained edge over the competition.

Jeremy Gutsche

CEO of Trend Hunter | New York Times bestselling author of Create the Future

This is the year AI changes you. You can let the disruption derail you—or you can find the opportunity in chaos and gain an AI edge.

Sukhinder Singh Cassidy

Founder of theBoardlist | Former president of StubHub | CEO OF XERO | Author of Choose Possibility

In a volatile world, our biggest opportunity lies in revolutionizing our relationship with risk.

Neil Hoyne

Author of Converted | Chief Strategist at Google | Senior Fellow at Wharton

Most leaders strategize for times of certainty. To get ahead of the competition, you need strategies for times of change.

Jason Feifer

Editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine | Author of Build for Tomorrow

When we change in a way that is truly valuable, we won't want to go back to how things were before.

James Robinson

2024 Nobel Prize Winner in Economics | Famed Economist and Political Scientist | Co-author of Why Nations Fail

A nation's prosperity relies on its institutions: the more inclusive, the better.

Kristin Neff

Author of Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself | Co-founder of the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion

Self-compassion makes you strong.

Radhika Dirks

Global AI Advisor | CEO & Co-Founder of XLabs and Ribo | One of Forbes’ 30 Women in AI to Watch | Artificial Intelligence Pioneer

Generative AI is changing the tech infrastructure of the world. Your biggest dreams—your most ambitious moonshots—are closer than ever before.

Derek Thompson

#1 New York Times Bestselling Co-Author of Abundance | Host of thePlain English Podcast | Founder of the Substack Derek Thompson

We live in a world of scarcity. But there's a better way forward—into a future of abundant housing, energy, innovation, and progress on all fronts.

Stephanie Mehta

CEO and Chief Content Officer of Inc. and Fast Company

Any company can become a Fast Company by pushing their creative boundaries.

Adam Alter

NYU Marketing Professor | New York Times Bestselling Author of Irresistible and Anatomy of a Breakthrough

In an era of irresistible products and experiences, you can use the psychology of choice to command attention and stand out from the crowd.

Jay Van Bavel

Professor of Psychology & Neural Science at NYU | Award-Winning Author of The Power of Us

To build powerful teams, you need to harness the power of a shared team identity.

Tessa West

Author of Jerks at Work and Job Therapy | NYU Professor of Psychology

We all face uncomfortable situations at work. By learning how to navigate them, leaders can boost their teams' productivity, creativity, and innovation.

Yvonne Camus

Member of the First Rookie Team to Complete the Eco-Challenge | Grit Speaker

Resilience, commitment, teamwork. That’s how ordinary people achieve extraordinary successes.

John List

Economics Professor at the University of Chicago | Author of The Voltage Effect

Data is human: when we understand how people behave, we'll give our good ideas the voltage to be great.

What sets the best business keynote speakers apart? They combine real-world experience with research-backed strategies to help companies thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. These aren’t motivational cheerleaders—they’re seasoned executives, bestselling authors, and industry pioneers who’ve built companies, led transformations, and generated measurable results.

At The Lavin Agency, we represent business speakers who walk the walk as well as talk the talk. From Fortune 500 CEOs to disruptive entrepreneurs, our speakers deliver insights that translate directly into competitive advantage, improved performance, and sustainable growth.

Whether you’re planning a sales kickoff, leadership retreat, or industry conference, the right business motivational speakers can transform your event from another meeting into a catalyst for organizational change.

The Top Business Speakers for 2025

Our roster of business keynote speakers includes leaders who are defining the future of commerce and industry:

  • Greg Hoffman, author of Emotion by Design and former CMO of Nike
  • Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and former editor-in-chief of WIRED
  • Angela Duckworth, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Grit
  • Daron Acemoglu, Nobel Prize-winning economist
  • Katy Milkman, bestselling author of How to Change
  • Laura Huang, business professor and author of Edge
  • and many more!

Business Keynote Topics That Will Dominate 2025

The most in-demand top business speakers for 2025 are addressing the challenges that define competitive success:

AI-Powered Business Transformation
Moving beyond pilot projects to enterprise-wide AI implementation that drives revenue growth, operational efficiency, and competitive differentiation.

Resilient Leadership in Uncertain Times
Building organizational agility, managing through volatility, and maintaining team performance during economic and technological disruption.

The Future of Work and Talent Strategy
Adapting to hybrid workforces, attracting top talent, and developing the skills organizations need to compete in a digital-first economy.

Customer Experience Innovation
Creating differentiated experiences that build loyalty, drive growth, and leverage data and technology to exceed evolving customer expectations.

Sustainable Business Growth
Balancing profitability with environmental and social responsibility while meeting stakeholder expectations for corporate citizenship.

Digital Transformation Strategy
Moving beyond technology adoption to fundamental business model innovation that creates new revenue streams and market opportunities.

High-Performance Team Building
Developing psychological safety, inclusive leadership, and collaborative cultures that unleash organizational potential.

Strategic Innovation and Competitive Advantage
Identifying emerging opportunities, fostering innovation cultures, and building sustainable competitive moats in rapidly changing markets.

Data-Driven Decision Making
Leveraging analytics, metrics, and business intelligence to improve strategic decisions and operational performance.

Global Business and Market Expansion
Navigating international markets, cultural differences, and geopolitical complexities while scaling operations effectively.

These topics resonate because they address the real challenges business leaders face while providing practical frameworks for achieving measurable results.

How to Choose the Best Keynote Speaker for Your Business Event

Selecting the right business keynote speaker requires aligning expertise with your specific organizational needs and event goals:

Define Your Business Objectives
Are you launching a new strategy? Navigating a transformation? Boosting sales performance? The best business speakers align their message with your specific business challenges and opportunities.

Match Experience to Audience Level
C-suite executives need different insights than middle managers or frontline employees. Top business speakers adapt their content depth and examples to resonate with your specific audience.

Consider Industry Relevance
While many business principles are universal, the most impactful business motivational speakers can relate their insights to your industry’s unique challenges, regulations, and competitive dynamics.

Evaluate Track Record and Credibility
Look for speakers with proven business success—whether as executives, entrepreneurs, or advisors. Audiences connect with speakers who’ve faced similar challenges and achieved measurable results.

Assess Presentation Style and Energy
Some events call for high-energy motivation, others for thoughtful analysis. Review video content to ensure the speaker’s style matches your event’s tone and audience expectations.

Look for Customization Capabilities
Generic business advice falls flat. The best business keynote speakers research your company, industry, and current challenges to deliver relevant, actionable insights.

Consider Follow-Up Value
Great speakers provide resources, frameworks, and tools that extend their impact beyond the event. Look for speakers who offer practical materials your team can implement immediately.

Check Recent Relevance
Business moves fast. Ensure your speaker’s recent content reflects current market conditions, technological realities, and evolving best practices.

From Inspiration to Action: How Keynotes Drive Real Business Results

The top business speakers for 2025 leave an impression that doesn’t fade the next day, the next week, or even the next month. They offer frameworks and insights that audiences can implement the next day, which spark revolutionary change and long-term growth.

At a recent event at Worldwide Partners, business speaker Greg Hoffman, former CMO of Nike, ignited the passion for marketing through a talk that the organizer described as “one of the most compelling presentations we have ever witnessed at our events.” The organizer thanked both Greg and Lavin “for an experience our attendees will never forget.”

At Rockwell Automation, business speaker Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, left a lasting impression on the audience. “I received multiple compliments and positive feedback about Nick’s topic from our attendees, and I’ve seen numerous mentions of his topic on social media,” the organizer said.

How to Book a Top Business Speaker for Your Event

Step 1: Reach Out

Start by telling us a bit about your event—what kind of audience you’ll have, your goals for the session, and any themes you want the speaker to cover. Not sure yet? No problem. We’re here to help you refine your vision.

Step 2: Get Curated Recommendations

Based on your needs, we’ll suggest a short list of business speakers: just 3-5 names whose background, expertise, and presentation style match what you’re looking for. Whether you want someone deeply academic, inspirational, or with a wealth of business experience to draw from, we’ll find the right fit for your event.

Step 3: Finalize the Details

Once you’ve selected your speaker, we handle the logistics—from fee negotiation and scheduling to travel planning and AV requirements. We’ll ensure everything is clearly laid out in writing, with ongoing support all the way up to event day.

Step 4: Post-Event Support

Want to bring your speaker back for a follow-up session? Need materials for your event recap? We’re still in your corner after the curtain falls.

We’ve love to take some of the work off your plate. If that sounds like a dream, contact us today for help with your event!

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Speakers

What is a business keynote speaker?

A business keynote speaker is a professional presenter who specializes in topics related to leadership, strategy, innovation, and organizational performance. These speakers typically combine proven business experience with compelling communication skills to deliver insights that help companies improve results and navigate challenges.

How much does it cost to hire a business keynote speaker?

Business speaker fees vary significantly based on the individual’s profile, experience, and demand. You can find effective business speakers whose fee starts around $10,000, while top-tier executives and bestselling authors may command $100,000 or more. The investment often pays for itself through improved employee engagement, strategic insights, and organizational momentum.

Can business speakers customize their presentation for our company?

Absolutely. The most effective business keynote speakers tailor their content to your organization’s specific challenges, industry context, and strategic goals. They often conduct pre-event interviews with leadership teams to ensure their message resonates with your audience and supports your business objectives.

What makes a great business keynote speaker?

A great business speaker combines proven real-world experience with exceptional communication skills and actionable insights. They don’t just inspire—they provide practical frameworks, tools, and strategies that audiences can implement immediately. The best business motivational speakers understand current business challenges and offer evidence-based solutions delivered with authenticity and energy.

How do business keynotes drive measurable results?

Effective business speakers go beyond motivation to provide strategic frameworks, behavioral insights, and practical tools that translate into improved performance. Organizations often report increased employee engagement, clearer strategic direction, enhanced leadership capabilities, and stronger team cohesion following impactful business keynotes. The best speakers provide follow-up resources and measurement frameworks to track ongoing impact.