The 10 best leadership keynote speakers for conferences, leadership summits and corporate events in 2027, compared by topic and estimated fee.
The best leadership keynote speakers of 2027 include Simon Sinek on purpose-driven leadership, James Taylor on leading with creativity and AI, John C. Maxwell on leadership development, Brené Brown on courageous leadership and Robin Sharma on personal mastery. Estimated fees on this list range from $15,000 to $400,000+, and some speakers quote on request.
| 1 | Simon Sinek | $125,000–$200,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | James Taylor | $15,000–$25,000 |
| 3 | John C. Maxwell | $50,000–$100,000+ |
| 4 | Brené Brown | $250,000–$400,000+ |
| 5 | Robin Sharma | $75,000–$150,000+ |
| 6 | Mel Robbins | $50,000–$100,000 |
| 7 | Tony Robbins | On request |
| 8 | Eric Thomas | $50,000–$100,000+ |
| 9 | Seth Godin | $75,000–$150,000+ |
| 10 | Gary Vaynerchuk | On request |
Fees are estimated ranges for an in-person keynote and vary with event length, travel and requirements. “On request” means the fee isn’t published or our sources disagree, so contact us for a current quote. See how much keynote speakers charge.
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Simon Sinek is an author and speaker best known for “Start With Why”, one of the most-watched TED talks. His books Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last and The Infinite Game help leaders build cultures of trust, purpose and long-term thinking.
Keynote topics
James Taylor is a keynote speaker on creativity, innovation and artificial intelligence and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He has delivered over 3,000 presentations in more than 30 countries for clients such as Apple, Cisco, Deloitte and Visa, and helps organisations use AI to unlock human potential.
Keynote topics
John C. Maxwell is one of the world’s best-known leadership authors, with books including The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 5 Levels of Leadership. His philosophy that “everything rises and falls on leadership” gives audiences practical frameworks for growth and influence.
Keynote topics
Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor who studies courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. Her book Dare to Lead and her TED talk “The Power of Vulnerability” give leaders practical tools for building brave, trusting cultures.
Keynote topics
Robin Sharma is the author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, The Leader Who Had No Title and The 5AM Club. His keynotes blend timeless wisdom with modern performance habits to help people lead at every level.
Keynote topics
Mel Robbins is a bestselling author and speaker known for The 5 Second Rule, The High 5 Habit and The Let Them Theory. Her high-energy keynotes give audiences simple, science-backed tools to beat self-doubt and take action.
Keynote topics
Tony Robbins is a personal-development author and coach known for large-scale, high-energy events such as Unleash the Power Within. His work on psychology, decision-making and peak performance has made him one of the world’s best-known motivational speakers.
Keynote topics
Eric Thomas, known as “ET the Hip Hop Preacher”, is a motivational speaker and author whose high-energy talks focus on discipline, resilience and an “all-in” mindset for teams that need to raise their game.
Keynote topics
Seth Godin is a bestselling author whose books include Tribes, Linchpin, This Is Marketing and This Is Strategy. He challenges leaders to build communities, take creative risks and “ship” work that matters.
Keynote topics
Gary Vaynerchuk is the chairman of VaynerX and CEO of VaynerMedia. His direct, no-excuses keynotes cover digital marketing, personal brands, entrepreneurship and leading in a social-first world.
Keynote topics
SpeakersU ranks speakers on their expertise, the research or experience behind their message, how they connect with audiences, and their record of giving people ideas they can act on. Each listing shows an estimated fee range so you can shortlist within budget.
Recognised authority on the topic, backed by books, research or practice.
Original frameworks or insight, not recycled content.
A speaking style that engages different audiences.
A record of practical takeaways and lasting change.
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Creativity, new ideas and staying ahead of disruption.
High-energy talks to open or close your event.
AI, technology trends and the future of work.
Our overall ranking of 12 top speakers.
What speakers charge in 2027.
Guides for 19 cities and regions.
Our 2027 list includes Simon Sinek, James Taylor, John C. Maxwell, Brené Brown, Robin Sharma, Mel Robbins, Tony Robbins, Eric Thomas, Seth Godin and Gary Vaynerchuk, chosen for their expertise, ideas, delivery and impact.
Most professional leadership speakers charge $10,000 to $50,000 for a keynote. On this list, estimated fees range from $15,000–$25,000 (James Taylor) to $250,000–$400,000+ (Brené Brown), and some speakers quote on request. See our keynote speaker fee guide.
Common topics include purpose and culture, trust and teamwork, leading through change, personal leadership and performance, and leading in a digital, AI-driven workplace.
James Taylor speaks on leading with creativity and AI, and Gary Vaynerchuk on digital leadership and marketing. See also our best futurist speakers of 2027.
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