Since I first stepped onto a stage as a professional speaker in 1994, I’ve had the privilege of delivering more than 1,000 keynote speeches across 52 countries, inspiring audiences that now total more than one million people worldwide. Over the years, I’ve also had the opportunity to share events, conferences and leadership summits with some truly exceptional speakers.
People often ask me who the best keynote speakers are that I’ve seen during my career. That’s never an easy question because speaking is so personal. Some speakers educate, some entertain, some challenge your thinking, and others leave a lasting emotional impact. The people on this list all do something special when they step onto a stage.
So here it is — my personal top 10 keynote speakers I’ve seen throughout my career.
1.) Sir Steve Redgrave – 10/10
Five-time Olympic gold medallist, sporting legend and one of Britain’s most respected athletes, Sir Steve Redgrave is the definition of resilience and longevity. Competing at the highest level for over two decades, his story of determination, discipline and leadership translates perfectly into the world of business and performance. Steve has an incredible ability to command a room without trying too hard. He doesn’t rely on gimmicks or theatrics. His authenticity is what makes him powerful. When he talks about sacrifice, commitment and mental toughness, people listen because he has lived every word.
Steve speaks with the authority of somebody who has conquered pressure at the very highest level. Every audience leaves understanding what true commitment looks like.
2.) Katy Leeson – 9.9/10
Katy Leeson is an award-winning business leader, author and mental health advocate known for her honest conversations around leadership, resilience and modern workplace culture. Her energy on stage is infectious and deeply relatable. Katy connects instantly with audiences because she speaks with vulnerability and honesty. She has the rare ability to combine business expertise with emotional intelligence, making her talks feel authentic rather than rehearsed.
Katy has one of the most genuine speaking styles I’ve ever seen. She makes leadership feel human and relatable.
3.) Dr Jo Salter MBE – 9.8/10
Dr Jo Salter MBE made history as Britain’s first female fast jet pilot. Her journey through the Royal Air Force broke barriers and challenged perceptions, making her one of the UK’s leading speakers on leadership, performance and diversity. Jo has an extraordinary calmness and authority when she speaks. Her experiences in high-pressure environments translate brilliantly into lessons for leadership teams and organisations navigating change.
Jo doesn’t just talk about courage — she embodies it. Her ability to inspire confidence in audiences is remarkable.
4.) Dr Derek Redmond – 9.7/10
Of course I had to include myself in this list! Over the years, I’ve learned that audiences connect most with honesty. I’ve never believed in pretending life is perfect because everybody faces setbacks. My goal has always been to leave people believing they can overcome theirs.
Former World and European Champion sprinter, Derek Redmond became part of Olympic history during the 1992 Barcelona Games when he famously finished his semi-final race injured with the support of his father. Since becoming a keynote speaker in 1994, Derek has delivered over 1,000 professional speeches around the world focused on resilience, teamwork and overcoming adversity.
The greatest keynote speeches don’t just motivate people for an hour — they change the way people think long after the event has ended.
5.) Kirsty Murphy MBE – 9.6/10
Kirsty Murphy MBE is known for her work around leadership, resilience and workplace performance. With a dynamic delivery style and practical insights, she has become a highly respected keynote speaker for organisations worldwide. Kirsty combines professionalism with real warmth. Audiences trust her quickly because she speaks with clarity, confidence and authenticity.
Kirsty has the ability to energise a room while still delivering meaningful and practical insights people can actually use.
6.) Jez Rose – 9.6/10
Jez Rose is a behavioural scientist, performance expert and internationally recognised keynote speaker who specialises in human behaviour, communication and workplace culture. Jez is incredibly engaging because he understands people so well. His sessions are packed with humour, intelligence and practical takeaways that audiences remember long after the conference ends.
Jez has mastered the art of making complex human behaviour simple, engaging and unforgettable.
7.) Brigadier Nicky Moffat CBE – 9.4/10
Brigadier Nicky Moffatt CBE is a former senior British Army officer and leadership expert who specialises in high-performance teams, organisational culture and inclusion. Nicky brings tremendous credibility to the stage. Her military background gives her leadership insights that audiences immediately respect, but it’s her ability to communicate with warmth and clarity that makes her exceptional.
Nicky delivers leadership lessons with authority, intelligence and humility — a combination every great speaker needs.
8.) Dr Asif Sadiq MBE – 9.3/10
Dr Asif Sadiq MBE is one of the UK’s leading voices on diversity, equity and inclusion. His work helping organisations build inclusive cultures has made him a highly sought-after international keynote speaker. Asif speaks about inclusion in a way that feels constructive, practical and inspiring. He challenges audiences without alienating them, which is a very difficult balance to achieve.
Asif has an incredible ability to create conversations that genuinely change the way organisations think about inclusion.
9.) Kate Muir – 9.2/10
Award-winning journalist and author, Kate Muir is widely respected for her work around women’s health, wellbeing and workplace performance. Her keynote speeches combine research, storytelling and real-world insight. Kate’s storytelling ability is outstanding. She has a way of taking complex topics and making them accessible, emotional and memorable for audiences of every background.
Kate speaks with intelligence, compassion and credibility. She leaves audiences both informed and inspired.
10.) Jenna Meek – 9.1/10
Jenna Meek is the Co-Founder and CEO of REFY, a guest Dragon on Dragons’ Den, Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, and EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. I really enjoyed hearing Jenna speak because she was authentic, honest, and inspiring, sharing practical lessons on leadership, resilience, and building a global brand.
Jenna speaks with real honesty and energy. She shares practical lessons people can genuinely apply, and you leave feeling motivated to push yourself further.
After more than three decades as a keynote speaker, I’ve learned that the very best speakers all share one thing in common: authenticity. Audiences today are incredibly smart. They know when somebody is genuine and when they’re simply performing.
Every speaker on this list brings something unique to the stage — whether it’s elite sporting experience, leadership expertise, emotional storytelling or transformational insight. But ultimately, the reason they stand out is because they connect with people.
That connection is what turns a keynote speech into something unforgettable.
For me personally, it’s been an incredible journey since I began speaking professionally in 1994. Delivering over 1,000 keynote speeches and inspiring more than one million people worldwide has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.