Did you know that public speaking is considered one of the most effective ways to inspire change and spark innovation? Yet, only a select few captivate an audience while delivering actionable insights that shape industries and lives.
In 2024, the demand for visionary leaders who can both educate and empower is at an all-time high, with companies and individuals alike seeking voices that challenge norms and ignite progress. From trailblazing AI pioneers and celebrated authors to champions of leadership, innovation, and social impact, this year’s lineup of speakers represents the best of what the world has to offer.
Let’s introduce the top speakers to follow in 2024, each bringing their own unique blend of expertise, passion, and transformative ideas.
1. Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins is a globally respected expert on change and motivation, renowned for her ability to inspire individuals to embrace confidence, effectiveness, and fulfillment. A bestselling author with titles like The High 5 Habit, the 5 Second Rule, and The Let Them Theory, Mel’s books have sold millions, and she holds seven #1 audiobooks on Audible. Her podcast, The Mel Robbins Podcast, ranks as the #1 education podcast worldwide. With over 150 million video views in the last month alone, Mel reaches millions globally, sharing science-backed tools to drive personal transformation. A mother of three, Mel’s relatable, down-to-earth approach to success has resonated with people from all walks of life. Despite her impressive accomplishments, she remains grounded in the same values that have inspired so many to change their lives.
2. Shama Hyder
Shama Hyder is a visionary keynote speaker on AI, innovation, and customer experience, with over 15 years of experience speaking across 24+ countries. Known for her ability to bridge “what’s next” with “what’s now,” she has delivered transformative insights to top brands like NASA, Marriott, and Toyota. As the founder of Zen Media, a globally recognized B2B marketing and PR powerhouse, Shama turned challenges into opportunities, making her a sought-after expert in the digital age. A bestselling author of The Zen of Social Media Marketing and Momentum, Shama has earned recognition from the White House, United Nations, and LinkedIn, where she’s been named a “Top Voice” in Marketing for four consecutive years. A powerful speaker and thought leader, Shama’s ability to help organizations act in the present while staying ahead of the curve makes her a must-follow in 2024.
3. Joel Makower
Joel Makower, founder of Trellis Group and a leading voice in corporate sustainability, has captivated audiences worldwide with his engaging and insightful presentations. A professional speaker for more than 30 years, Makower specializes in the intersection of business, sustainability, and technology, delivering over 1,000 keynote speeches, including appearances at the World Economic Forum and UN climate conferences. His dynamic style—informational, inspiring, and personable—earns accolades from diverse global audiences. Makower’s expertise lies in helping organizations navigate the complexities of climate tech and corporate resilience, offering actionable insights on transforming products, operations, and business models to address pressing environmental challenges. From opening conferences with innovative formats, such as keynote rhymes, to hosting livelive events for industry leaders like Hitachi and Shell and Shell, Makower consistently pushes boundaries, creating memorable and impactful experiences. His advice to aspiring speakers? “If you love your topic, it will show as much or more than what you actually say.”
4. Bonnie Low-Kramen
Bonnie Low-Kramen, founder of Ultimate Assistant Training & Consulting Inc., is a globally recognized speaker and advocate for workplace transformation. With over two decades of international speaking and teaching experience, she empowers leaders and their teams to build respectful and collaborative workplaces. Her clients have included the Wharton School and British Parliament. Bonnie’s TEDx talk, “The Real Reasons People Quit,” and her best-selling book Staff Matters highlight her bold, honest approach to addressing what is broken in our workplace and exploring real solutions in collaboration with the staff. Known for her vulnerability and vivid storytelling, Bonnie shares personal experiences to inspire audiences to take confident, courageous action in their professional and personal lives. Her speeches resonate deeply, leading to transformational moments for attendees, such as finding their voice or making life-changing decisions. From keynote addresses to corporate partnerships, Bonnie’s mission is clear: to create workplaces where respect, empowerment, and inclusion thrive—for all genders and for this generation and the next.
5. Duncan Wardle
Duncan Wardle, former Head of Innovation & Creativity at The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s leading creativity and innovation keynote speakers. With 25 years at Disney, Wardle helped Imagineering, Lucas Film, Marvel, Pixar and Disney Parks to innovate, creating iconic storylines and immersive experiences that still captivate global audiences today. Through his consulting firm, id8 Studios he now works with industry giants like Ford, Coca-Cola, NBA, and Apple, helping them to embed a culture of innovation and creativity into everyone’s DNA. Wardle’s engaging presentations inspire audiences to embrace creativity in all aspects of business, unlocking potential and transforming organizations. His first ever book, the imagination emporium, is just out, making innovation accessible, creativity tangible and the process fun.
6. David S. Kidder
David S. Kidder stands out as a must-follow speaker in 2024 for his transformative insights on growth and innovation. As the co-founder and CEO of Bionic, he has developed the Growth Operating System®, a revolutionary framework that helps global enterprises unlock new opportunities and achieve lasting competitiveness. A two-time New York Times best-selling author of New to Big and The Startup Playbook, Kidder delivers actionable strategies that inspire organizations to adopt a growth mindset and embrace transformation. With over a decade of global speaking experience and a track record as a four-time entrepreneur and angel investor in more than 40 companies, Kidder is a trusted authority on innovation and enterprise growth. His dynamic presentations challenge audiences to reimagine their potential and tackle the future with confidence, making him an essential voice in business leadership for the coming year.
7. Jim Beach
Jim Beach, host of the award-winning School for Startups Radio, is a dynamic speaker known for blending education with entertainment. With a global presence spanning Dubai, Egypt, Korea, Japan, China, and India, where he’s been invited to speak at top universities for seven consecutive years, Jim’s expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation captivates audiences worldwide. His engaging style, rooted in the belief that “great education starts with great theater,” has earned him accolades, including the SBA Media Award. Jim’s talks cover diverse topics, from exporting strategies—developed during his collaboration with UPS—to his groundbreaking concept, Personality by Decision, which teaches individuals to reshape their mindset for greater success and happiness. In 2025, Jim will debut a new topic, The Real Environmentalists, further showcasing his commitment to delivering fresh, impactful insights. With humor, energy, and thought-provoking content, Jim Beach is a speaker who leaves audiences inspired and empowered.
8. Garima Gupta
Garima Gupta is a passionate leader and data enthusiast who has emerged as a thought leader on LinkedIn, sharing insights on life lessons, leadership, and the role of analytics in driving success. Through her Public Mentoring Initiative, she has mentored over 90 aspiring data professionals, nurturing emerging talent in Data Science and Analytics. Garima is also the founder of the Curious Connect LinkedIn newsletter, which engages a broader audience on topics related to life, leadership, and data. Her speaking engagements have evolved from transactional conversations to motivational and inspirational discourse, empowering others with her unique perspectives. Garima’s authentic approach, combined with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after speaker for data and analytics events. Her contributions continue to inspire both individuals and organizations to leverage data for impactful decision-making and leadership.
9. Lisa Bodell
Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink, is a globally recognized thought leader and best-selling author of Kill the Company and Why Simple Wins. Ranked among the Top 50 Speakers Worldwide, she is an expert on simplification and innovation, helping executives at leading organizations like Google, Citigroup, and LinkedIn eliminate unnecessary complexity to achieve greater results. Bodell’s provocative, actionable approach empowers teams to embrace simplicity as a competitive advantage. A frequent contributor to Forbes and Fast Company, her insights have been featured in The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and more. Bodell’s TED talk on simplification and her advisory roles with organizations such as the World Economic Forum and the NSA further cement her influence in shaping the future of business. With her transformative message and proven expertise, Bodell is a must-follow speaker for 2024.
10. Adam Cheyer
Adam Cheyer is a visionary AI pioneer and the creator of Siri, Apple’s iconic voice assistant, as well as Samsung’s Bixby. With a career spanning over 30 years, Cheyer has co-founded five successful startups, including Viv Labs, Sentient, and Gameplanner.AI, all of which were acquired for their groundbreaking AI technologies. Currently VP of AI Experience at Airbnb, he is transforming the platform with generative AI. An inventor with 39 patents, Cheyer is an authoritative speaker on AI, entrepreneurship, and technology, captivating audiences at companies like Cisco, Google, and Visa. He has also co-founded Change.org, empowering millions to drive social change. In addition to his tech achievements, Cheyer is an award-winning magician, blending magic with technology in his engaging keynotes. With a unique blend of innovation and creativity, Cheyer is a must-follow speaker for 2024, offering profound insights into the future of AI and entrepreneurship.