Selecting the right keynote speaker can define the success of an event. According to the Freeman Trends Report, 64% of event attendees identify keynote sessions as the most influential element of a conference, with meaningful content and insight valued more highly than production or entertainment alone.
In 2026, organisations are placing greater emphasis on measurable impact, verified audience feedback, and alignment with business objectives when selecting keynote speakers. The data referenced in this report is compiled from 2025 corporate events and summits, selected by our expert agents and analysed using a proprietary algorithm based on customer ratings, audience feedback, and performance scoring.
Using this official data, drawn from post-event surveys, repeat bookings, and verified client evaluations, we have identified the top-rated keynote speakers of 2025, individuals who consistently deliver exceptional value across leadership, resilience, performance, technology, wellbeing, and behavioural change.
Why Should I Hire a Keynote Speaker?
Hiring a keynote speaker is a strategic investment in engagement, alignment, and performance. Research from Gallup’s global meta-analysis shows that highly engaged teams are 21% more productive and 23% more profitable than those with low engagement, highlighting the tangible business value of impactful communication and shared purpose.
A professional keynote speaker brings an external perspective, credibility, and clarity that internal messaging alone often cannot achieve. Through lived experience and subject-matter expertise, keynote speakers help audiences reframe challenges, challenge assumptions, and translate ideas into action.
Beyond inspiration, high-quality keynote speakers improve knowledge retention, stimulate creativity, and encourage behavioural change. By setting the tone of an event and delivering a clear, compelling central message, a keynote speaker ensures audiences leave aligned, motivated, and better equipped to perform long after the event has concluded.
Who are the Top-Rated Keynote Speakers for 2026 by Official Data?
1.) Dr Jo Salter MBE – 5/5
Dr Jo Salter MBE tops the 2026 rankings with a perfect score of 5/5, reflecting her consistent ability to deliver high-impact, highly credible keynote presentations. As Britain’s first female fast jet pilot, Jo brings unparalleled authority to topics such as leadership under pressure, decision-making in high-risk environments, resilience, and accountability. Her keynotes translate lessons from elite military aviation into practical, commercially relevant insights for modern organisations. Audiences value Jo’s calm, authentic delivery and her ability to draw clear parallels between cockpit decision-making and boardroom leadership. She is particularly effective with senior leadership teams seeking to strengthen performance, trust, and accountability in complex environments.
2.) Derek Redmond – Rated 5/5
Derek Redmond also achieves a flawless 5/5 rating, cementing his position as one of the most powerful motivational keynote speakers globally. Best known for his unforgettable Olympic moment, Derek’s story resonates far beyond sport, offering universal lessons in perseverance, resilience, and mindset. His keynote presentations combine emotional storytelling with clear performance principles, helping audiences reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth. Derek’s authenticity and relatability allow him to connect with audiences at every level of an organisation, making his talks particularly impactful during periods of change, challenge, or uncertainty.
3.) Katie Piper – Rated 4.9/5
Katie Piper OBE receives a 4.9/5 rating for keynote presentations that are both deeply moving and strategically relevant. As an author, philanthropist, and wellbeing advocate, Katie speaks with credibility on resilience, confidence, mental health, and overcoming adversity. Her keynotes balance vulnerability with empowerment, creating a safe and engaging space for audiences to reflect on their own challenges. Organisations consistently praise Katie’s ability to inspire without sensationalism, making her an excellent choice for events focused on wellbeing, inclusion, and personal resilience within high-pressure environments.
4.) Jez Rose – Rated 4.9/5
Jez Rose, rated 4.9/5, is recognised for his expertise in behavioural change, habits, and sustainable performance. His keynote talks explore why people behave the way they do at work and how small, consistent changes can deliver significant long-term results. Blending behavioural science with engaging storytelling and humour, Jez delivers highly practical sessions that audiences can immediately apply. He is particularly valued by organisations seeking to embed culture change, improve performance, and move beyond short-term motivation towards lasting behavioural impact.
5.) Sarah Armstrong-Smith – Rated 4.8/5
Sarah Armstrong-Smith achieves a 4.8/5 rating for her authoritative and accessible insights into cybersecurity, risk, and organisational resilience. With extensive experience advising governments and global organisations, Sarah brings clarity to highly complex and evolving digital threats. Her keynote presentations focus on leadership decision-making in uncertain environments, resilience planning, and the human factors behind cyber risk. Senior leaders consistently rate her talks highly for their practicality, relevance, and strategic depth, particularly in sectors navigating digital transformation and regulatory pressure.
6.) Lauren Paton – Rated 4.7/5
Lauren Paton earns a 4.7/5 rating for her impactful work on inclusion, equity, and organisational culture. Her keynote presentations challenge audiences to rethink leadership norms, representation, and systemic barriers while remaining firmly grounded in real-world organisational dynamics. Lauren is particularly effective at translating inclusion from a values-based concept into a business-critical capability. Audiences value her direct and thoughtful approach, as well as her ability to engage leaders in constructive, solutions-focused conversations about culture, belonging, and performance.
7.) Cassie Kozyrkov – Rated 4.6/5
Cassie Kozyrkov receives a 4.6/5 rating as one of the world’s most influential voices on data-driven decision-making and artificial intelligence. Formerly Google’s Chief Decision Scientist, Cassie specialises in helping leaders understand how to make better decisions in an AI-enabled world. Her keynote talks demystify complex technical concepts, focusing on practical application, ethical decision-making, and strategic thinking. Cassie is highly valued by organisations seeking clarity, confidence, and competence in adopting AI and advanced analytics at the leadership level.
8.) Steven Bartlett – Rated 4.5/5
Steven Bartlett was rated 4.5/5 and continues to attract strong demand as a keynote speaker on entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth. As a founder, investor, and media personality, Steven brings current, real-world insight into building brands, scaling businesses, and navigating modern leadership challenges. His candid delivery style and willingness to share both success and failure resonate strongly with entrepreneurial audiences and emerging leaders. Steven is particularly effective at energising audiences and sparking ambition, making him a popular choice for innovation and growth-focused events.
9.) Mary Aiken – Rated 4.5/5
Mary Aiken also scores 4.5/5, recognised internationally for her expertise in cyberpsychology and the impact of technology on human behaviour. Her keynote presentations examine how digital environments influence decision-making, risk, and overall well-being. Mary’s evidence-based approach and authoritative delivery make her a trusted voice for organisations navigating online safety, digital ethics, and societal change. Her talks are especially valuable for leaders seeking to understand the human consequences of rapid technological advancement.
10.) Jamil Qureshi – Rated 4.4/5
Jamil Qureshi, completing the top ten with a 4.4/5 rating, is a highly respected performance psychologist with experience working across elite sport, business, and government. His keynote presentations focus on mindset, leadership under pressure, and sustaining high performance over time. Jamil’s strength lies in his ability to translate psychological theory into practical tools that leaders and teams can apply immediately. Audiences consistently rate his talks highly for clarity, relevance, and real-world impact.
Hire a Leading Keynote Speaker Today!
If you are interested in hiring an inspiring keynote speaker for your next conference or event, contact the London Keynote Speakers Agency today! Give one of our expert booking agents a call on 0203 9580428, or complete our contact form, and an expert will be in touch shortly.
