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Empowering Voices: The Best Corporate Keynote Speakers of 2024

Chad E. Foster

February 1, 2024

In the dynamic world of corporate events, the power of a compelling corporate keynote speaker to inspire, motivate, and instigate change cannot be overstated. As we navigate through 2024, the landscape of corporate leadership and employee engagement continues to evolve, making the role of a keynote speaker more crucial than ever. This year has seen a remarkable array of talented individuals stepping onto the stage, each bringing their unique blend of experience, insight, and inspiration to the forefront of the corporate arena.

From the pioneers in innovation and technology to the stalwarts of leadership and organizational change, the best corporate keynote speakers of 2024 have not only set the bar high but have also redefined the essence of impactful communication. These speakers have a special knack for resonating with their audience, leaving a lasting impression long after the applause dies down. Whether it’s through compelling storytelling, cutting-edge insights, or actionable strategies, they have empowered professionals across various industries to unlock their full potential and navigate the complexities of the modern business world.

Here, we explore their backgrounds, their most poignant messages, and the unique qualities that make them stand out in the crowded field of corporate oratory.

  • Alison Levine

    Journey & Background:

    Alison Levine is a history-making adventurer, team captain of the first American Women’s Everest Expedition, and a best-selling author. She has climbed the Seven Summits and skied to the North and South Poles, demonstrating exceptional courage and leadership in the most extreme environments on Earth. Her unique experiences as a mountaineer, combined with two decades of business expertise, offer powerful insights into leading teams through challenging situations and achieving success against all odds.

    Alison Levine portrait

    Unique Perspective:

    Levine’s unique perspective is shaped by her experiences in extreme environments where strong leadership, teamwork, and sound decision-making are not just principles but necessities for survival. Her insights into leadership and overcoming challenges are grounded in real-world experiences, making her a compelling voice on high-impact leadership and resilience.

    Accomplishments:

    Alison Levine is the author of the New York Times bestseller “On the Edge: Leadership Lessons from Everest and Other Extreme Environments.” She has served as a part-time faculty member at West Point, where she imparted her knowledge on leadership to future military leaders. As a sought-after speaker, she has inspired countless audiences with her stories of resilience and her ability to draw parallels between surviving in extreme conditions and thriving in the business world.

    Value as a Speaker:

    As a speaker, Alison Levine captivates audiences with her dynamic storytelling and breathtaking visuals from her expeditions. She delivers compelling presentations that not only educate and entertain but also inspire people to push their limits and scale new heights, both personally and professionally. Levine’s presentations are filled with practical, humorous, and often unorthodox advice about how to navigate and succeed in unpredictable environments.

    Speaker Fee Range:

    Live Event: $30,000 - $50,000​​​

    Virtual Event: $20,000 - $35,000

    Visuals and Videos:

    Alison Levine Explains the Importance of Failure Tolerance
  • Chad E. Foster

    Journey & Background:

    Chad E. Foster’s life is a story of resilience, innovation, and triumph over adversity. After losing his eyesight in his early twenties, Chad not only adapted but thrived, becoming a Harvard-educated executive and a driving force in the technology industry. His journey from a top consulting firm to directing financial strategies resulting in more than $45 billion in contracts throughout his career exemplifies his ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Foster’s relentless pursuit of excellence has made him a symbol of grit, success, and resilience.

    Chad E. Foster with a dog

    Unique Perspective:

    Foster’s unique perspective stems from his transformative approach to adversity. Embracing his blindness as a strength rather than a limitation, he has redefined the concepts of vision and insight, demonstrating that true vision comes from within. His approach to leadership, diversity, and innovation is rooted in the belief that embracing our unique challenges fuels growth and drives breakthrough performance. He empowers leaders and organizations with the mindset to excel amid disruption, drawing upon his own experience with post-traumatic growth to explain the anatomy of resilience—breaking down the tried and tested tools he used in his own life to emerge stronger, sleeker, and resolute to succeed.

    Accomplishments:

    Chad E. Foster is not just the first blind executive to graduate from Harvard Business School’s Program for Leadership Development, or the first to do what Oracle said couldn’t be done—building Customer Relationship Management software for the visually-impaired; he is a beacon of resilience and innovation. His financial strategies and decisions have generated billions of dollars in revenue, industry-leading growth, and best-in-class margins despite hyper competitive market conditions. He is the author of the inspirational book “Blind Ambition: How to Go from Victim to Visionary,” and his life story has inspired an opera commissioned by the Atlanta Opera. Foster’s insights and experiences have been featured in major media outlets like NBC, CBS, Forbes, and USA Today, and his teachings are part of Harvard’s Lifelong Learning curriculum.

    Value as a Speaker:

    Chad E. Foster is more than a corporate keynote speaker; he is a catalyst for transformation, providing an unforgettable one-of-a-kind experience. His keynotes are a blend of captivating storytelling, authentic humor, no-fluff truth-telling, and actionable insights that inspire audiences to shift their mindset from victim to visionary™. Foster teaches how to cultivate resilient mindsets, adapt and thrive in change, and set ambitious goals with the right mindset to achieve them. His keynotes connect inspiration to implementation™, empowering individuals and teams to overcome their perceived limits and unlock their full potential.

    Speaker Fee Range:

    Inquire About Speaking

    Visuals and Videos:

    BLIND AMBITION™: CHAD FOSTER KEYNOTE SPEAKER REEL (FULL)
  • Daniel H. Pink

    Journey & Background:

    Daniel Pink is a prolific best-selling author and a profound voice in the realms of business, work, and behavior. His books have won multiple awards, been translated into 41 languages, and sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. With a background in politics and government, including serving as chief speechwriter to Vice President Al Gore, Pink has an extensive understanding of human behavior and the intricacies of the professional world. His role as host and co-executive producer of “Crowd Control,” a National Geographic Television series on behavioral science, further cements his expertise in understanding and driving human behavior.

    Dan Pink portrait

    Unique Perspective:

    Pink’s unique perspective lies at the intersection of behavioral science and practical application. His books, such as “When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing,” “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us,” and “To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others,” provide profound insights into human motivation and the new psychology of selling. Pink’s understanding of timing, motivation, and sales has reshaped how companies approach their teams, leadership, and customers.

    Accomplishments:

    Daniel Pink’s work has garnered global acclaim. “Drive” and “To Sell is Human” have been long-time bestsellers on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post lists. His latest book, “When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing,” was named Amazon’s Best Business Book of 2018. Pink has been named one of the top 15 business thinkers in the world by the London-based Thinkers50 and his TED talk on the science of motivation is one of the 10 most-watched TED talks of all time.

    Value as a Speaker:

    As a speaker, Daniel Pink draws on his rich experience and research to deliver speeches that are not just thought-provoking but also immensely actionable. His keynotes offer a blend of big ideas, compelling stories, and practical takeaways, providing audiences with a fresh set of strategies to navigate the complexities of the modern work environment and lead more satisfying personal and professional lives.

    Speaker Fee Range:

    Live Event: $50,000 - $100,000

    Virtual Event: $50,000 - $100,000​​​​​​​​

    Visuals and Videos:

    Daniel Pink - Motivation
  • Mel Robbins

    Journey & Background:

    Mel Robbins is a powerhouse of motivation and transformation, known for her practical, no-nonsense approach to life and business. As a best-selling author, speaker, and CNN commentator, Robbins has captured global attention with her relatable insights and actionable strategies. Her journey from a career in criminal defense to becoming one of the most sought-after corporate speakers is a testament to her ability to adapt, evolve, and inspire millions to do the same.

    Mel Robbins portrait

    Unique Perspective:

    Robbins’ unique perspective is rooted in the power of taking immediate action. Her internationally renowned 5 Second Rule has empowered individuals to beat procrastination, overcome fear, and become more productive by simply counting down from 5 and taking action. This simple yet profound principle reflects Robbins’ approach to personal development and change: straightforward, achievable, and transformative.

    Accomplishments:

    Mel Robbins is the author of the international bestseller “The 5 Second Rule,” which has been translated into 36 languages and is the basis of her top-rated TEDx talk, one of the most popular talks with over 20 million views. She has impacted millions through her books, talks, and her work as a CNN commentator. Robbins is also the host of the acclaimed Audible Original series “Kick Ass with Mel Robbins,” showcasing her dynamic and impactful approach to coaching and self-improvement.

    Value as a Speaker:

    Mel Robbins is an electrifying corporate speaker, known for her authenticity, humor, and transformative insights. Her keynotes are not just talks; they are life-altering experiences. She engages her audience with her dynamic energy, empowering them to overcome self-doubt, take control of their lives, and unlock their full potential. Robbins’ ability to connect with her audience and drive real change makes her a standout speaker for any event focusing on motivation, leadership, and personal growth.

    Speaker Fee Range:

    Live Event: $100,000 - $200,000

    Virtual Event: $50,000 - $100,000​​​​​​​​

    Visuals and Videos:

    Meet Mel Robbins
  • Adam Grant

    Journey & Background:

    Adam Grant is not only Wharton’s top-rated professor but also a leading organizational psychologist known for his influential work on how we can find motivation and meaning, and live more generous and creative lives. With a Ph.D. in organizational psychology from the University of Michigan, his pioneering research has been recognized worldwide, making him one of the most-cited, most prolific, and most influential researchers in business and economics. His work has significantly improved performance and reduced burnout across various professions by motivating safety behaviors and promoting a culture of knowledge sharing, help, and mentorship.

    Adam Grant portrait

    Unique Perspective:

    Grant’s unique perspective focuses on the interaction between individuals and organizations, the dynamics of proactivity, and the cultivation of creativity and generosity. He challenges traditional notions of motivation and intelligence, emphasizing the importance of character, structures, and systems that accelerate learning and foster an environment of excellence and resilience.

    Accomplishments:

    Adam Grant is an acclaimed author with multiple New York Times bestsellers, including “Give and Take,” “Originals,” “Option B,” and “Power Moves.” His books have been translated into 35 languages, reflecting his global impact on the understanding of workplace dynamics and the psychology of success. His TED talks have garnered millions of views, and he is a regular contributor to the New York Times, discussing work psychology and organizational behavior.

    Value as a Speaker:

    Adam Grant is a captivating speaker whose keynotes are not only insightful but also transformational. He engages audiences with his fresh perspectives on work and psychology, motivating them to think more creatively and live more generous lives. His speeches are backed by rigorous research and are rich with practical takeaways for personal and professional growth.

    Speaker Fee Range:

    Live Event: $50,000 - $150,000

    Virtual Event: $50,000 - $150,000​​​​​

    Visuals and Videos:

    Adam Grant: How to stop languishing and start finding flow
  • Ryan Estis

    Journey & Background:

    Ryan Estis stands as a towering figure in the domains of sales and leadership, having evolved from a high-performing sales leader to a C-suite executive and now a preeminent keynote speaker and performance consultant. His trajectory is a study in continuous personal and professional evolution, adapting seamlessly to the ever-changing contours of the business world.

    Ryan Estis portrait

    Unique Perspective:

    Estis’s approach is deeply anchored in his profound comprehension of the shifting business landscape. He advocates for cultivating a high-performance culture, championing adaptability, and nurturing customer-centricity. His insights resonate powerfully with modern sales teams, propelling them to thrive amidst intense competition and constant change.

    Accomplishments:

    Recognized as a vanguard of thought leadership, Estis has been instrumental in steering some of the world’s premier brands through periods of transformation and growth. His influence extends beyond sales, significantly enhancing organizational culture, employee engagement, and the overall customer experience.

    Value as a Speaker:

    Ryan Estis infuses each speaking engagement with a dynamic blend of energy, insight, and actionable intelligence. His presentations are a synergistic combination of compelling narratives, rigorous research, and practical applications, equipping sales professionals with the tools and mindsets needed to navigate and excel in complex market dynamics.

    Speaker Fee Range:

    Live Event: $30,000 - $50,000

    Virtual Event: $20,000 - $35,000

    Visuals and Videos:

    Ryan Estis Speaking Preview
  • Seth Mattison

    Journey & Background:

    Seth Mattison is an internationally recognized authority on workforce trends, generational dynamics, and business strategy. His insights stem from a deep understanding of the ever-evolving marketplace and the forces shaping the future of work. As an advisor to some of the world’s most respected brands, Mattison bridges the gap between today’s leaders and the landscapes of tomorrow.

    Seth Mattison portrait

    Unique Perspective:

    Mattison’s approach to sales is informed by his comprehensive grasp of market trends and workforce shifts. He provides invaluable guidance on adapting sales strategies to resonate with a diverse, evolving customer base, emphasizing the importance of agility, empathy, and a forward-thinking mindset in staying ahead of the curve.

    Accomplishments:

    As a sought-after speaker, consultant, and thought leader, Seth Mattison’s influence extends beyond the stage. His contributions have been pivotal in transforming how businesses approach talent management, leadership, and sales, reshaping organizational cultures, and empowering sales teams to achieve new levels of success and innovation.

    Value as a Speaker:

    Seth Mattison is more than a speaker; he’s a luminary who illuminates the path ahead. His presentations are a masterful blend of in-depth analysis, strategic foresight, and practical solutions. He equips sales professionals and business leaders with the insights and tools needed to navigate the complexities of today’s market dynamics and emerge triumphant in the landscape of tomorrow.

    Speaker Fee Range:

    Live Event: $25,000 - $45,000

    Virtual Event: $20,000 - $35,000

    Visuals and Videos:

    Seth Mattison 2024 Programming Trailer
  • David Goggins

    Journey & Background:

    David Goggins’s life epitomizes the essence of resilience, mental toughness, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Known as “the toughest man alive,” his story of transformation from a struggling young man into a Navy SEAL, world-class ultra-athlete, and motivational powerhouse is nothing short of extraordinary. Goggins’s journey is a testament to the power of self-discipline, hard work, and mental fortitude in overcoming any obstacle and achieving the unimaginable.

    David Goggins portrait

    Unique Perspective:

    Goggins’s philosophy revolves around pushing beyond limits, embracing discomfort, and continuously striving for growth. His approach to personal and professional development challenges individuals to confront their fears, shatter their self-imposed limitations, and relentlessly pursue their highest aspirations with unwavering dedication and intensity.

    Accomplishments:

    Beyond his military and athletic achievements, Goggins has become an influential author and speaker. His best-selling book, “Can’t Hurt Me,” along with his impactful speaking engagements, have inspired millions to embrace the path of relentless self-improvement and to pursue excellence in every facet of their lives.

    Value as a Speaker:

    David Goggins’s speaking sessions are raw, powerful, and profoundly transformative. His authentic delivery, combined with his harrowing and inspirational life story, provides a compelling backdrop for his message of resilience, mental toughness, and the indomitable human spirit. Attendees leave his sessions empowered, motivated, and ready to confront their challenges head-on.

    Speaker Fee Range:

    Live Event: $60,000 - $120,000

    Virtual Event: $35,000 - $70,000

    Visuals and Videos:

    David Goggins - Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
  • Josh Linkner

    Journey & Background:

    Josh Linkner is a serial entrepreneur, author, and an expert in innovation and creativity. Starting his career as a jazz guitarist and later founding and leading five tech companies, Linkner has a unique blend of artistic creativity and business acumen. His ventures have collectively created over 10,000 jobs and sold for a combined value of over $200 million. As a venture capital investor, he has helped drive over $1 billion in investor returns, showcasing his deep understanding of business growth and innovation.

    Josh Linkner portrait

    Unique Perspective:

    Linkner brings a distinctive perspective to innovation and leadership, drawing parallels between the creativity required in jazz music and the ingenuity needed in business. His approach emphasizes small, everyday creative acts, known as “Big Little Breakthroughs,” to unlock massive rewards and drive significant results over time. Linkner believes that creativity is not just for the select few but can be cultivated and harnessed by anyone.

    Accomplishments:

    Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author and a respected voice in the field of innovation. His books and keynote speeches have reached a global audience, inspiring leaders and teams to embrace creativity and innovation as a path to success. He has been recognized for his entrepreneurial success, receiving awards such as the EY Entrepreneur of The Year and the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award.

    Value as a Speaker:

    As a speaker, Josh Linkner inspires and educates his audience with a blend of thought-provoking insights and practical strategies. He uses inspiring stories, interactive elements, and real-world examples to demonstrate how creativity and innovation can solve problems, drive growth, and lead to sustainable success. His keynotes are not only informative but also engaging and actionable, leaving the audience energized and equipped to embrace and apply innovative thinking in their roles and organizations.

    Speaker Fee Range:

    Live Event: $30,000 - $50,000

    Virtual Event: $20,000 - $35,000

    Visuals and Videos:

    Josh Linkner 2023 Demo Reel

Empower Your Organization With 2024’s Top Corporate Keynote Speakers

In a corporate world brimming with challenges and opportunities alike, the insights and experiences shared by the likes of CaSandra Worthy, Chad E Foster, Adam Grant, Mel Robbins, Ryan Estis, Josh Linkner, Seth Mattison, Dan Pink, Alison Levine, and David Goggins, serve as invaluable resources for any organization striving towards excellence. These speakers bring more than just motivational words to the table; they offer a blend of real-world experience, strategic foresight, and a deep understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics.

Choosing to bring one of these esteemed speakers into your corporate event is not just an investment in employee development, but a catalyst for transformation. Each, in their unique style, ignites creativity, drives innovation, and instills a sense of resilience and adaptability in the face of change. Their messages resonate beyond the conference room, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth that is important in every organization, regardless of its size.

Whether it’s CaSandra Worthy’s profound insights on embracing change, Chad E Foster’s remarkable story of turning adversity into an asset, Adam Grant’s groundbreaking approaches to organizational psychology, Mel Robbins’ compelling strategies for action, or David Goggins’ unparalleled perseverance and mental toughness, these speakers deliver more than just speeches; they spark a transformative journey. Each one, with their unique narrative and expertise, guides their audience through a path of self-discovery, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring that the impact of their words extends far beyond the stage, driving meaningful and lasting change.

Incorporating the wisdom and perspectives of these thought leaders can be a game-changer for any organization. It’s not just about the inspiration or the motivational surge in the moment; it’s about embedding a lasting drive towards innovation, collaboration, and excellence. As the corporate landscape continues to evolve, having the guidance of proven leaders and visionaries can be the difference between merely surviving and truly thriving in the competitive business world of tomorrow.

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Blind Ambition™

If you don’t feel like you’re reaching the levels of happiness that you see others enjoy, or your goals seem out of reach, you’re not alone. Life is too short for regrets. Learn how to use your mindset to reach your most daring dreams. Chad’s stories and lessons will inspire, empower, and prepare you to face uncertainty with hope and optimism. Want to be mentally tough, strong, resilient and prepared to adapt and thrive in changing circumstances? Self-confident to become your best you? It’s time to break free from the self-destructive thoughts that hold you back.

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To inquire about speaking, call 855-GET-CHAD and press Option 1 to connect with Brandy Gibson at Executive Speakers Bureau.

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