In today’s unpredictable world, grit has emerged as one of the most important predictors of success—outperforming talent, resources, and even intelligence. Organizations everywhere are searching for keynote speakers who can inspire their people to persevere in the face of setbacks and embrace challenges with determination.
Our carefully curated roster of grit speakers blends groundbreaking research, real-world experience, and unforgettable personal stories. These speakers don’t just motivate—they give audiences the mindset and strategies to cultivate resilience and thrive, no matter what obstacles arise.
The Top Grit Speakers for 2025
Our roster of incredible grit speakers includes experts from varied backgrounds, industries, and expertise, each bringing unique insights to help transform your organization. Here are some of the top speakers on grit for 2025:
- Angela Duckworth, pioneering researcher on grit and author of Grit, the #1 New York Times bestseller
- Lauren Eskreis-Winkler, assistant professor at the Kellogg School of Management and a 40-Under-40 MBA Professor
- Danny Southwick, NFL player turned psychologist
- Mary C. Murphy, Indiana University professor and bestselling author of Cultures of Growth
- Ethan Kross, bestselling author of Chatter and Shift
- David Yeager, bestselling author of 10 to 25
- and many more!
Grit and Resilience Topics That Will Shape 2025
The most impactful presentations on grit are rooted in science, personal experience, and proven tools audiences can use right away. Based on today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities, these topics are defining the conversation around resilience:
- The Science of Grit
Understanding the psychology of perseverance—and how it can be strengthened in individuals and teams. - Resilience in Times of Change
Developing mental toughness to adapt quickly during layoffs, mergers, and rapid industry shifts. - Building a Growth Mindset Culture
Helping employees reframe failure as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone to mastery. - Overcoming Burnout with Purpose
Techniques for sustaining energy, protecting well-being, and staying engaged when times are hard. - Grit in Leadership
How resilient leaders inspire perseverance and model calm under pressure. - Entrepreneurial Endurance
Real-world lessons from founders and innovators who’ve weathered setbacks to build lasting success.
How to Choose the Right Grit Speaker for Your Event
Selecting the perfect grit speaker requires careful thought about your audience, your objectives, and the long-term impact you’re hoping to achieve.
Define the Purpose of Your Event
Is your organization looking to spark resilience during challenging times? Inspire teams after a reorganization? Equip leaders with evidence-based frameworks for fostering grit? Knowing your “why” makes it much easier to choose the right speaker.
Consider Your Audience’s Experience with Mental Fitness Programs
- Early-career professionals may benefit most from foundational concepts and practical exercises to build grit and self-discipline.
- Executives and managers often prefer advanced discussions about modeling resilience and embedding it into team culture.
- Educators or nonprofit teams may want actionable insights into teaching grit to children and communities.
Align the Speaker’s Style with Your Culture
Motivational speakers excel at energizing audiences through compelling personal stories. Academic experts can deliver evidence-based frameworks and cutting-edge research. Interactive facilitators guide participants through exercises and group reflection.
When reviewing speaker options, ask: Does their style resonate with how your organization prefers to learn and engage?
Prioritize Relevant Experience
Grit and resilience manifest differently across industries. A speaker who has overcome adversity in sports may use powerful metaphors about training and discipline, while a startup founder might share lessons about pivoting through failures. Look for examples that will feel relatable to your audience.
From Inspiration to Action: How Grit Talks Transform Organizations
The most effective grit speakers create impact that endures long after the standing ovation. At Lavin, we’ve seen countless examples of resilience talks sparking meaningful change.
After booking grit pioneer Angela Duckworth for their event, an organizer at Hilti North America wrote, “Angela was fantastic—her message landed perfectly as a wrap-up to our kick-off week. I heard feedback it was one of the highlights, and have heard people quoting her in various meetings since.”
At Workday, grit speaker Ethan Kross’s talk was hailed as “one of the best speaker sessions I have seen in a long time (in multiple conferences, TED Talks).” The organizer wrote, “Thank you so very much for bringing Dr. Kross to guide us with useful life tools that eventually flow into our work life & performance. Ethan was amazing and he was an absolute dream to work with. He’s so down to earth and collaborative, you’d never guess he’s a superstar in real life.”
How to Book a Grit Speaker
Step 1: Reach Out
Tell us about your event: who will attend, your goals, and any key themes you want addressed. Not sure yet? We’re happy to help you clarify your vision.
Step 2: Get Curated Recommendations
Based on your needs, we’ll suggest a shortlist of grit speakers—3-5 names whose expertise, experience, and presentation style are the right fit.
Step 3: Finalize Details
Once you’ve selected your speaker, we’ll handle the logistics, from contracts and travel to AV requirements and pre-event calls. Everything is transparent, documented, and stress-free.
Step 4: Post-Event Support
Need help with follow-up sessions or recaps? We’ll be in your corner after the event to keep the momentum going.
If you’re ready to make resilience part of your organization’s DNA, get in touch! We’d love to help you find the perfect speaker.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grit Speakers
What is a grit speaker?
A grit speaker is an expert in resilience and perseverance—someone who inspires audiences to stay committed in the face of challenges. Many grit speakers are psychologists, bestselling authors, entrepreneurs, or athletes who have firsthand experience overcoming adversity.
How much does it cost to hire a grit speaker?
Fees range widely depending on a speaker’s experience, credentials, and audience demand. Many grit speakers charge $10,000-$30,000, while bestselling authors or celebrity figures can command $75,000 or more. We’ll help you find options that match your goals and budget.
What makes a great grit speaker?
Exceptional grit speakers blend research with real-life experience. They use storytelling to create an emotional connection and offer clear, actionable tools to help audiences build resilience. The best speakers also adapt their content to your industry and culture.
Which industries can benefit from grit talks?
Any field where people face setbacks or high-stress conditions—tech, healthcare, education, finance, and nonprofits—can benefit. Grit is universal, and a compelling speaker can show your audience how to apply it in their own context.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking at least 3-6 months ahead to secure your preferred speaker, especially for major conferences or annual meetings. However, some speakers can accommodate shorter timelines, so don’t hesitate to ask.