Leadership speakers offer valuable insights into team dynamics, essential leadership skills, and creating a positive, growth-focused workplace culture. They help leaders understand and connect with their teams, enhancing communication, decision-making, and collaboration. Through keynote talks and interactive workshops, both employees and managers can develop vital leadership qualities such as empathy, resilience, and strategic thinking. These attributes are key to building a united, motivated team that drives business success. By focusing on the importance of positive leadership and teamwork, businesses can maintain competitiveness and adaptability in an ever-changing market.
Our exceptional Leadership speakers play a transformative role in shaping teams and organisations, whether at live or virtual events. They motivate, educate, and inspire attendees to rethink their approach to leadership and teamwork. In live sessions, speakers create engaging environments where employees can interact, ask questions, and practice new skills. Virtual events provide the flexibility to connect with remote teams and global audiences, extending the reach of valuable insights. Both settings ensure leaders and teams gain practical tools and strategies to improve performance, strengthen relationships, and lead with confidence.
Discover our Leadership Speakers below, or contact the team at Great Business Speakers to enquire or book. +44 1753 439 289
Allyson Stewart-Allen is an expert in leadership, development, and internationalisation. Allyson helps leaders, brands, and businesses successfully expand internationally by giving them the tools to be more effective globally.
Sky News once dubbed her the “Muse of Marketing”. She has collaborated with companies, media channels, and publications worldwide, including BBC News, CNN, and The Financial Times. She has also appeared on BBC1’s The Apprentice, and has created one of LinkedIn Learning’s most popular courses on leading international growth.
She has worked with over 260 organisations across 26 countries, including Burberry, Cadbury, Chanel, HSBC, and Shell. She is also one of the original mentors for the Mayor of London’s International Business Programme.
“You’re good with your hands, but your brother is more intelligent.” This is something Tom Flatau was frequently told as a child. Having failed his major exams and consigned to being ‘average’, Tom is living proof that you can be whoever you want and achieve whatever you want, exceeding the low expectations of others.
Training at the Neuroleadership Institute, Tom is an accredited brain and behaviour specialist, using neuroscience research and proven techniques to motivate and transform.
Tom is now a globally recognised keynote speaker, coach, innovative trainer, neuroscience specialist, and CEO of Teamworking International Ltd.
Steve Barnett is known as The Silent Conductor. Using only simple percussion instruments, boundless energy, and physical humour—without uttering a word—the Silent Conductor turns an audience of untrained, unrehearsed individuals into an orchestra that makes music in amazing harmony. The music they create together amazes and inspires.
He has led groups of thousands of novices, guiding them to create music that rivals professionals in its transcendental beauty. His unique approach knits teams together and fosters unity. Despite his silence, his music speaks volumes, unifying and inspiring diverse groups.
Whether his audience is 30 people in a conference room, 3000 in an auditorium, or 30,000 in a stadium, the outcome is always unity, creativity, collaboration, and joy.
Steve has been a ‘Non-Speaker’ on the Professional Speakers circuit for the past 22 years. He has shared his unique, nonverbal method of learning and leadership through musical metaphor in over 50 countries, performing at venues from the Royal Albert Hall to the MGM Grand.
Sir Vince Cable is a distinguished British politician, economist, and author. He is the former Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Member of Parliament for Twickenham.
Vince first became involved in politics in the 1970s as a Labour councillor. In 1982, however, he switched to the newly formed Social Democratic Party, which later amalgamated with the Liberal Party to form the Liberal Democrats.
Sir Vince’s influence within the Liberal Democrats was significant. He served as an MP from 1997 to 2015 and then again from 2017 to 2019. He was the party’s Treasury spokesperson and in 2006 was elected as Deputy Leader. In 2010, he was appointed as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills in the coalition government with the Conservative Party, a position he held for five years.
In 2017, Sir Vince became the Leader of the Liberal Democrats and two years later led them to their best national electoral performance since 2010. He stood down as Leader in 2019 and retired from Parliament at the 2019 general election.
Renowned for his critical stance on banks and his accurate prediction of the financial crisis, he is a leading voice in British and European economic affairs. His influence is further demonstrated through his several books and regular appearances in broadcast media and print, as well as his role as a columnist for the Economist and the Independent.
Simon Hartley is a globally respected performance coach and sport psychology consultant. For almost 30 years, he has worked with world records holders, gold medallists, top five world-ranked professional athletes, world champions, Olympians, and Championship winning sports teams.
In 2008, he founded Be World Class, where he coaches individuals, teams, and organisations to help maximise their performance, and work towards becoming world class in their field. Through his work, he has worked with international rugby teams, Formula 1, cricket, and NFL, as well as with organisations such as Proctor & Gamble, NatWest, and Sky.
He is also a successful writer, and co-host of The Podium Podcast and The Demon Charmers Podcast.
He has since applied the principles of sport psychology to the world of business, healthcare, education, charity, and military. Simon is now a very popular motivational keynote speaker.
Paddy Lowe is one of the most accomplished engineers and technical directors in Formula 1 history. He has a remarkable record of 158 Grand Prix victories and 12 World Championship titles. His career, spanning influential roles at Williams, McLaren, and Mercedes, has solidified his reputation as a leading force in engineering and team leadership within the sport.
Paddy’s illustrious career has seen him collaborate with some of Formula1’smost iconic drivers, including Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Mika Häkkinen, and Fernando Alonso.
As the Technical Director of Mercedes, Paddy was instrumental in guiding the team to 53 Grand Prix wins, working closely with seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and 2016 World Champion Nico Rosberg.
His strategic leadership was pivotal in Mercedes’ dominance, particularly between 2013 and 2015, where his focus on quality and reliability transformed the team into a powerhouse.
Nicole Bearne has been at the forefront of Formula 1 for over 25 years, contributing to the success of the Brawn Grand Prix and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 teams.
Her extensive motorsport experience includes executive and technical operations, internal communications, employee experience and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Nicole’s career achievements include nine Constructors’ World Championships and eight Drivers’ titles, which underscore her instrumental role in driving success both on and off the racetrack.
As a pivotal member of renowned teams such as Brawn GP and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One, her journey is a testament to excellence, leadership, and innovation in one of the most demanding industries.
In 2023, Nicole founded The Comms Exchange, a consultancy dedicated to enhancing internal communications, employee engagement, and leadership strategies for organisations across various industries. Armed with a master’s degree in Organisational Behaviour, as well as professional certifications from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and the Institute of Internal Communications, Nicole brings unparalleled expertise to her current role.
Nicole’s unique blend of real-world F1 business acumen and academic expertise makes her a compelling speaker for various audiences. She is frequently invited to speak at conferences in the UK, USA and Europe.
Matt Swain is the founder and CEO of Triangle, working with an exclusive group of UK and US leading founders, CEOs and entrepreneurs, helping to build their digital reputation to drive commercial outcomes.
He is also the founder of SOCIAL CLUB, an exclusive social media communications company where influencers and brands manage a following of over 328 million.
Matt is also a published author, and a popular inspirational speaker.
Matt Bishop is a former Chief Communications Officer of the McLaren and Aston Martin Formula 1 teams and one of the sport’s most influential communications professionals.
With a background in journalism, Matt made his mark as the Editor of F1 Racing magazine, one of the most popular and widely-read Formula 1 publications.
In 2008, Matt transitioned from journalism to a key role within Formula 1 teams, becoming the Head of Communications and Public Relations for McLaren Racing. Matt’s unique skills helped to transform McLaren’s public and media profile, including during some of the team’s most turbulent times.
He played a key role in helping Aston Martin establish itself as a credible force in Formula 1 in 2020. During his work with the famous British brand he worked closely with 4-times World Champion Sebastian Vettel, helping the German star to become one of the most popular and high profile ambassadors in the sport.
In 2023, Matt founded Diagonal Communications, a company that provides expert communications consulting to high-profile clients in automotive and motorsport. He is also the founder and ambassador of Racing Pride, which was established in 2019 in collaboration with Stonewall to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity within the motorsport industry.
Letty Gordon-Furse, CEO of The Spring Back Guide, offers a unique blend of passion, corporate acumen, and a global perspective on why supporting working mothers and parents in general in returning to work should be integral to all diversity programmes.
With a background in people and organisational change at Ernst & Young and a track record of leading large-scale transformation projects for national and international charities, Letty brings enormous enthusiasm and depth of knowledge and insight to her role as a trusted maternity coach – running her own business for the last five years as well as raising two small children.
Her holistic approach combines cutting-edge technology with personalised coaching to support organisations in keeping this brilliant segment of the workforce using five years’ worth of maternity leave data. Letty also hosts a successful podcast, Returnity, which is rated 5.0 stars across all platforms and is listened to in 23 countries.
Letty is a popular speaker with an important message. She has recently spoken at Bloom PR, the Music Publisher’s Association and The Village.
Kenton Cool stands as a beacon of high-altitude climbing and adventure, with a staggering 18 successful ascents of Mount Everest and a multitude of other peaks under his belt. His conquests include the revered ‘seven summits’ – the tallest mountains on each continent. Notably, he is the only Briton to have skied down two peaks over 8,000 meters, a feat that sets him apart in the world of high-altitude climbing.
As an elite IFMGA guide, Kenton leads daring expeditions and shares his insights on leadership and team performance with corporate clients. His dynamic and inspirational speaking style makes him a sought-after motivational speaker, capable of captivating and energising audiences.
Kenton’s passion for climbing began with his first expedition to Pakistan at 19, sparking a lifelong love for the high mountains. He thrives on guiding clients up iconic routes and to the summits of some of the world’s most challenging peaks, from the Himalayas to the Alps and beyond.
Through innovative and pioneering experiences, he offers lessons that clients can apply in both their professional and personal lives.
With over 44 successful expeditions under his belt and many more planned, Kenton Cool is an enthusiastic keynote speaker, ideal for inspiring teams at kick-off meetings, entertaining as an after-dinner speaker, motivating conference attendees, or adding excitement to awards ceremonies.
John Turner is an expert in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, having recently acquired a Masters-equivalent qualification from Oxford University. Now becoming an Oxonian AI Alumni.
This builds on over ten years of award-winning experience and leadership in driving digital innovation in the travel and tourism sector.
John looks forward to educating and inspiring business leaders on the importance of AI integration, having the exemplary leadership and culture, and understanding the advantages of using AI and LLMs (Large Language Models) whilst preparing for a new normal and its implications.
John Turner is an insightful speaker who provides the WOW factor to his audiences in the area of AI, while also sharing actionable steps they can take away and implement.
Jason Leonard is a former professional rugby union player widely regarded as one of the greatest props in the history of the sport.
During his 14 year international rugby career, he won a then-record 114 caps for England, won four Six Nations Grand Slams and the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Part of the British & Irish Lions team, Jason went on three tours and was a member of the Lions squad that won the test series during their 1997 tour of South Africa. He played club rugby for Barking RFC, Saracens and Harlequins, making 290 appearances for his club, Harlequins, spanning both the amateur and professional game.
In 2002, Jason earned an MBE for services to sport, which became an OBE after England’s Rugby World Cup success. He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014.
Jason retired from Rugby in 2004 and since then has continued to play an integral part in global rugby and has become a sought-after corporate and entertainment speaker.
Jackie Handy is a renowned workforce culture specialist with over two decades of experience in executive recruitment, leadership development, and inclusion best practices. Her mission is clear and impactful: to create workplaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and understood.
Since delivering her thought-provoking TEDx talk in 2018, titled The Exclusive Nature of Inclusion, Jackie has become a sought-after expert in workplace inclusivity. She draws from her personal experiences of exclusion to help organisations across various sectors build more inclusive and supportive environments.
As an award-winning keynote speaker and panellist, Jackie has addressed global audiences and collaborated with organisations across a wide range of industries, delivering both in-person and virtual presentations. Her talks ignite imagination and inspire actionable change, equipping business leaders with the tools needed for sustainable cultural transformation in today’s workplace.
Honey Ogundeyi is a renowned technology entrepreneur, recognised as one of the luminaries at the forefront of shaping the UK’s tech sector.
She is the award-winning Founder and CEO of Edukoya, an AI-driven digital learning platform. Building the next frontier of education, Honey is disrupting the status quo as a pioneer to democratise education, making the £90bn education, tech, and AI sectors more inclusive and accessible to all.
Honey’s contributions to the tech and education industries have not only set new benchmarks for excellence but have also inspired a generation to dream bigger and break barriers. Her journey from a pioneering entrepreneur to an influential leader reflects her commitment to innovation, equity, and the transformative power of education.
Honey has been named by Forbes as one of the Top 10 women emerging entrepreneurs to watch in Africa and by the World Economic Forum as one of the Top 10 Innovators in Africa. She has also been featured in the Independent, Techcrunch, Forbes, and Newsweek publications. She was recently invited to speak at Slush, the World’s Leading Startup Event.
Hayley Mulenda is one of the most inspiring young voices in the UK currently. An established keynote speaker, consultant, and change agent, Hayley has worked all over the world, from the Middle East to North America and Africa.
With over 180,000 social media followers, Hayley has her finger firmly on the pulse when it comes to helping Gen Z and millennials with their mental health and well-being.
Named as one of Black Business Show X HSBC’s ‘Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2024’, Hayley’s story is not short of difficulties.
After nearly taking her life when she was 18 years old, she had a profound realisation about the growing impact that mental health issues are having on millennials. This experience ignited her passion to make a difference to others. Her personal journey and insights have made her a credible advocate and speaker for mental health and wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion.
Hayley has spoken on stages such as Wembley Arena, and counts KFC, KPMG, META, Microsoft, Unilever, Wagamama amongst her clients. On top of this, she serves on the board of Wagamama to help the company engage young people from diverse backgrounds and is a Governor at St Angela’s Ursuline School.
With a CV described by The London Times as “takes some beating”, Hamish Taylor is a world leader in customer-led transformation, with unparalleled experience in inspiring audiences.
Hamish Taylor is a popular keynote speaker, offering practical and inspiring advice from real stories by someone who has succeeded at the highest level. As the former CEO of Eurostar and Sainsbury’s Bank, Hamish has presented to over 500 companies in 48 different countries.
Guenther Steiner is a celebrated motor racing engineer, team principle, as well as author and Netflix personality. He is one of motor racing’s biggest and most renowned characters.
Fluent in Italian, German and English Guenther – in his 37 year career – progressed from engineer to Team Principal within Formula One.
Joining forces with Gene Haas, Guenther Steiner was the driving force behind the creation of the Haas Formula One team. Under his leadership, Haas became the first American constructor in 30 years to compete in Formula 1, making a respectable debut at the 2016 Australian Grand Prix with a sixth-place finish.
Guenther was known for his straightforward management style, colourful language, and ability to handle team dynamics under pressure. His candid and passionate personality received global recognition in 2019 in the Netflix series Drive to Survive.
The Netflix series covered Formula One World Championship, showing exclusive access to the drivers and team principals.
In 2023, Guenther Steiner published his book Driving to Survive, which became a The Times bestseller.
Gabrielle Hase is an eCommerce, digital marketing and branding specialist known for her expertise in transforming businesses and driving growth.
She has established herself as a trusted advisor and leader, helping companies navigate the challenges of the digital economy and capitalise on new opportunities. Her work has had a significant impact on brands both in the UK and internationally, making her a sought-after consultant and speaker.
During her career spanning more than 20 years, Gabrielle has transformed brands, including Moonpig, The White Company, and Sweaty Betty, helping them to build their online presence and increase market share.
She also mentors start-ups in leading London incubators and is highly regarded for her ability to guide emerging businesses through the complexities of modern retail.
Gabrielle’s expertise is also in demand as a keynote speaker, panel moderator, and conference chair. She has recently shared her insights at events for major companies like GHD, Avado, and Tealium and has also moderated discussions for organisations such as Smart Pensions.
Felipe Calderón is a Mexican politician who was president from 2006 to 2012. He is now also a globally recognised leader in climate action and sustainability transformation.
As the Chair of the Global Commission on the Economy & Climate, he has been at the forefront of global efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development. His leadership in this area extends beyond policy, influencing international dialogue and driving innovation in environmental strategies.
During his presidency, Felipe’s policies elevated Mexico’s position in the global economy, turning the country into a powerful player on the world stage. His economic reforms and commitment to sustainable development have been widely praised, making him an influential figure in global politics.
Felipe is internationally admired for his role in strengthening the rule of law in Mexico, a key achievement that helped stabilise the country in a challenging period.
Felipe Calderón has received numerous accolades in recognition of his contributions, including being named Statesman of the Year by the World Economic Forum in 2012 and Champion of the Earth by the United Nations. TIME Magazine also listed him among the Top 100 Influential People in the World.
In addition to his work in climate and sustainability, Felipe serves as President of the Environment & Sustainability Commission for the International Automobile Federation, where he continues to drive environmental progress across industries.
DanRam is a dynamic and inspiring speaker, known for his ability to ignite audiences with his energy and insight.
As a six-time TEDx speaker, successful entrepreneur, and accomplished event MC and moderator, DanRam brings a wealth of experience and passion to every stage. He has a diverse client base that ranges from individual entrepreneurs to national governments, all benefiting from his unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm.
DanRam is a global presence, travelling the world to speak and MC at over 100 events annually. He has hosted conversations with some of the most influential figures of our time, including President Barack Obama, billionaire entrepreneurs Sir Richard Branson and Reid Hoffman and Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg.
His work spans a wide range of venues, from college campuses and parliaments to corporate innovation days for Fortune 500 companies and the world’s largest tech conferences.
DanRam’s credentials, network and passion at the intersection of technology, innovation, and the future have seen him be part of some of the most notable global conferences and events on four continents, from startup, fintech, blockchain, health tech, smart mobility, and smart city sectors.
DanRam’s mission is to inspire others to take action, guided by his personal motto: Start Now, Start Simple. Through his work, he empowers individuals and organizations to create the future they want to live in, one simple step at a time.
Courtney Holm is an award-winning senior leader in sustainable business development, and a climate change adaptation specialist with a vast network and 20+ years’ experience bringing global strategic agendas to life. Driven by innovation and a passion for a sustainable and equitable world, she is an influential voice across sectors, with significant experience in consumer goods, financial services, and retail.
She has worked as a Trustee for the IAMTHECODE Foundation, which aims to get 1 million young women and girls coding by 2030; as a Chair of the Board of Trustees for The Orchard Project, as a brand ambassador for Sustainability Squared Ltd, and as an Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter Business School in the Faculty of Environment, Science, and Economy.
Courtney Holm regularly speaks to international audiences at events and summits on topics including enabling sustainable choices along the value chain, focused strategies for scaled impact, and supply chain transparency.
Courtney’s work in the sustainability industry has seen her win numerous awards and accolades, including being named one of the top 10 women in sustainability 2024, in the top 100 global women in Sustainability 2024, and one of the top 25 sustainability consultants and leaders in 2023.
Courtney Holm has recently been appointed an Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter.
Cassie Kozyrkov is a pioneering figure in artificial intelligence and is known for the creation of the Decision Intelligence field. As Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, where she spearheaded Google’s transformation into an AI-first company.
Her influence on Google’s culture is legendary; no matter how big the auditorium, Google had to use lotteries to manage the demand to participate in one of her live workshops. Her work, which included personally training over 20,000 Googlers in AI and data-driven decision-making, impacted more than 500 company initiatives.
What sets her apart is her ability to demystify complex concepts, combining technical depth with an engaging, theatre-trained style makes AI accessible and fascinating to diverse audiences. Her talks resonate with diverse audiences, ensuring that CEOs, technical teams, and creative professionals leave inspired and equipped to drive innovation.
Her expertise has been sought by global organizations like NASA, Gucci, Meta, and GSK, and her insights have captivated audiences at high-profile events such as the United Nations, World Economic Forum, and SXSW.
With speaking engagements across over 40 countries and all seven continents, Cassie Kozyrkov is recognized not just for her knowledge but for her ability to inspire leaders to embrace AI with confidence and creativity.
Cassie Kozyrkov has been featured on the cover of Forbes AI and been prominently featured in top publications like Harvard Business Review, Fortune, Fast Company, WIRED, Success, and Entrepreneur. Her influence extends beyond print, with her participation in a recent documentary exploring the AI revolution.
Anna-Joy Rickard is a thought leader, podcaster, and speaker who specializes in world affairs, leadership, and personal development.
As the host and producer of The Great British Foreign Affairs Podcast, she explores geopolitical trends, international affairs and travel inspiration, offering listeners unique insights into global issues.
Previous clients include The University of Cambridge, The Fabian Society, Tony Blair Institute, Sahel Alliance, Brussels, Halo Trust, SID-Washington.
Anna-Joy speaks on the dual themes of world-shaping ideas and world-shaping leadership. Her expertise spanning a broad range of geopolitical topics, makes her an ideal speaker for events focused on global trends and international relations.
