The 10 best motivational speakers for conferences, sales kick-offs and corporate events in 2027, compared by topic and estimated fee.
Updated 7 min read
At a glance
Who Are the Best Motivational Speakers of 2027?
The best motivational speakers of 2027 include Tony Robbins on peak performance, James Taylor on creativity and AI, Les Brown on discovering your potential, Simon Sinek on purpose and Amy Cuddy on confidence and presence. Estimated fees on this list range from $15,000 to $200,000, and some speakers quote 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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Showing all 10 speakers
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No. 1
Best for peak performance & transformation
Tony Robbins
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
Unleash the Power Within
Business Mastery
The Psychology of Leadership
No. 2
Best for creativity & AI
James Taylor
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
SuperCreativity: Accelerating Innovation in the Age of AI
SuperCollaboration: Human-AI Collaboration and Leadership
Ethical Futurism: Sustainability, AI and the Future of Business
No. 3LB
Best for discovering your greatness
Les Brown
Les Brown has spent more than five decades inspiring audiences to discover “the greatness within”. His powerful storytelling helps people overcome setbacks and reach their full potential.
Keynote topics
You Have Greatness Within You
Overcoming Adversity
Achieving Your Goals
No. 4
Best for purpose & inspiration
Simon Sinek
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
Start With Why
Leaders Eat Last
The Infinite Game
No. 5
Best for confidence & presence
Amy Cuddy
Dr. Amy Cuddy is a social psychologist and author of Presence. Her TED talk “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are” is one of the most viewed, and her keynotes help people show up with confidence under pressure.
Keynote topics
Presence and Confidence
Body Language and Influence
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
No. 6DP
Best for the science of motivation
Daniel Pink
Daniel Pink is the bestselling author of Drive, When, To Sell Is Human and The Power of Regret. He translates behavioural science into practical advice on motivation, timing and performance.
Keynote topics
Drive: What Really Motivates Us
When: The Science of Timing
The Power of Regret
No. 7MK
Best for science & the future of humanity
Dr. Michio Kaku
Dr. Michio Kaku is a theoretical physicist, co-founder of string field theory and bestselling author. His talks on AI, quantum computing, space and the future leave audiences inspired about what is possible.
Keynote topics
The Future of Humanity
Quantum Computing and AI
The Next Scientific Revolution
No. 8MB
Best for strengths & engagement
Marcus Buckingham
Marcus Buckingham is a former Gallup researcher and author of First, Break All the Rules. He helps people and teams discover and use their strengths to boost engagement and performance.
Keynote topics
Strengths-Based Leadership
Building Engaged Teams
Love and Work
No. 9CH
Best for career strategy & success
Carla Harris
Carla Harris is a senior Wall Street executive at Morgan Stanley, author of Expect to Win and Strategize to Win, and a gospel singer. She shares practical “pearls” for career success, sponsorship and authentic leadership.
Keynote topics
Expect to Win
Strategize to Win
Leading with Authenticity
No. 10MR
Best for action, confidence & habits
Mel Robbins
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
The 5 Second Rule
The High 5 Habit
Building Confidence and Courage
Methodology
How We Chose This List
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.
Expertise
Recognised authority on the topic, backed by books, research or practice.
Ideas
Original frameworks or insight, not recycled content.
Delivery
A speaking style that engages different audiences.
Impact
A record of practical takeaways and lasting change.
SpeakersU is run by the team behind keynote speaker James Taylor, who appears on this list. We may receive referral fees from some speakers or bureaus. Read how we make money and how we review speakers.
Our 2027 list includes Tony Robbins, James Taylor, Les Brown, Simon Sinek, Amy Cuddy, Daniel Pink, Dr. Michio Kaku, Marcus Buckingham, Carla Harris and Mel Robbins.
How much does it cost to book a motivational speaker?
Estimated fees on this list range from $15,000–$25,000 (James Taylor) and $30,000–$50,000 (Les Brown) to $125,000–$200,000 (Simon Sinek). Tony Robbins quotes on request. See our keynote speaker fee guide or ask us for a quote.
What topics do motivational speakers cover?
Confidence and mindset, purpose, resilience, performance and strengths, career success, and how technology is changing work and life.
Do motivational speakers offer virtual keynotes and workshops?
Many do. James Taylor, for example, offers workshops and can host virtual events. Tell us your format in your brief.
What is the difference between a motivational speaker and a keynote speaker?
A keynote speaker gives an event’s main address, which can be on any theme. A motivational speaker is a keynote speaker whose focus is inspiring action. See what is a keynote speaker.
How do I book a motivational speaker?
Shortlist speakers on this page and send us your event brief. We pass it to the speaker or their bureau, who confirms availability and a quote.
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