The 2024 Summer Olympics are here, so gear up with these olympian motivational speakers. They’re more than just athletes, they’re symbols of dedication, perseverance, and resilience. They have stories that can inspire us all – stories about overcoming adversity, achieving greatness, and never giving up. And it’s these stories that make them such compelling keynote speakers

Our Olympian keynote speakers include gold medalists, world record holders, and athletes who have represented their countries on the world’s biggest sporting stage. With our roster of Olympian keynote speakers, we are confident that we can find the perfect speaker for any event. 

For more information about The Mollie Plotkin Group’s Olympian keynote speakers, or to book a speaker for your next event, please contact us.

Top 15 Olympian Motivational Speakers

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Leslie Maxie

US Olympian, CEO, Media Consultant, Sportscaster

Leslie Maxie is a 1988 U.S. Olympian, trailblazing former Fox Sports and ESPN host and anchor, and an International Keynote Speaker. You can book Leslie today.

Keynote Topics:

• Business Speakers
• Athletes
• Communications

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Scott Hamilton

Olympic Gold Medalist, Best-Selling Author, Cancer Survivor

Olympic Gold Medalist, best-selling author, cancer survivor, and keynote speaker Scott Hamilton is the most recognized male figure skating star in the world.

Keynote Topics:

• Authors
• Athletes
• Celebrity

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Dominique Dawes

3-time Olympian, Olympic Gold Medalist, Health Advocate, & Keynote Speaker

Dominique Dawes is a groundbreaking American gymnast with four Olympic medals, three World Championship medals, and 15 U.S. National Championships.

Keynote Topics:

• Olympian
• Athletes
• Fitness

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Kerri Walsh Jennings

3x Olympic Gold Medal Winner, Beach Volleyball Legend

Kerri Walsh Jennings is a 5-time Olympian, 4-time Olympic medalist, and one-half of the beach volleyball duo that went undefeated for a remarkable 112 games.

Keynote Topics:

• Inspiration
• Athletes
• Olympian

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Chris Waddell

13X Paralympic Medalist, Motivational Speaker

13X Paralympic Medalist, named by the Dalai Lama as an Unsung Hero of Compassion, Chris Waddel holds the most medals of any male mono skier in Paralympic history and was the first ambassador of the International Paralympic Committee.

Keynote Topics:

• Athletes
• Business Speakers
• Corporate Culture

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Meb Keflezighi

Olympic Medalist, Inspirational Speaker

U.S. Olympic Medalist and Etrian-born All-American athlete Meb Keflezighi is an inspirational speaker who is the face of leading brands such as Sketchers, Oakley, and Sony.

Keynote Topics:

• Athletes
• Authors
• Corporate DEI

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Lou Nanne

Former NHL Player, Motivational Speaker

Minnesota hockey legend Lou Nanne is a former NHL player and general manager known for his massive influence on USA Hockey.

Keynote Topics:

• Coaching
• Inspiration
• Motivational Speakers

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Edwin Moses

Olympic Gold Medalist, Chairman Emeritus of the USADA

Olympic Gold Medalist, Chairman Emeritus of the USADA, and Business Consultant.

Keynote Topics:

• Athletes
• Business Speakers
• Civil Rights

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Johnny Quinn

Olympic Medalist, Bobsledding, Motivational Speaker

Hire Olympian Johnny Quinn, an in-demand keynote speaker that excels in both virtual and in-person events with an all-American message.

Keynote Topics:

• Business Speakers
• Athletes
• Authors

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Tamika Catchings

Olympic Medalist, WNBA Championship Winner

Tamika Catchings is an Olympic gold medalist, WNBA championship winner, and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.

Keynote Topics:

• Athletes
• Leadership
• Sports Speakers

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Mike Richter

NHL All-Star, Stanley Cup Champion, Brightcore Energy President

NHL All-Star, Stanley Cup Champion, and Olympic Medalist Mike Richter is a New York Rangers legend and current leader in clean energy and sustainability solutions.

Keynote Topics:

• Business Speakers
• Leadership
• NHL

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Quinn Buckner

Olympic Gold Medalist, NBA Championship Winner

Quinn Buckner is a U.S. Olympic gold medalist, NBA Championship winner with the Boston Celtics, and professional sportscaster.

Keynote Topics:

• NBA
• Olympian
• Sports Speakers

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Pat LaFontaine

Hockey Hall of Famer, 5-time All-Star

5-time All-Star and Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner Pat LaFontaine is one of the best American-born hockey players ever.

Keynote Topics:

• Athletes
• Inspiration
• Motivational Speakers

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Steve Kerr

9X NBA Champion, Olympic Gold Winner

Nine-time NBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medal Winner Steve Kerr is the head coach of the Golden State Warriors and an accomplished sportscaster and sports journalist.

Keynote Topics:

• Athletes
• Business Speakers
• Coaching

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Laila Ali

Undefeated Boxing Champion, TV Host, Wellness Expert, & Keynote Speaker

Laila Ali is the most successful female boxer of all time, a fitness and wellness expert, TV host, author, businesswoman, and keynote speaker.

Keynote Topics:

• Sports Speakers
• Athletes
• Authors

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The Olympic Mindset: Becoming Disciplined

Leslie Maxie’s Story

The Beginning of a Life-long Journey in Sports and Broadcasting

Former Olympian and accomplished sports broadcaster, Leslie Maxie, had always shown extreme discipline with athletics. In 1984, Maxie set the World Youth Best of 55.20 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles. That record still stands today.

After high school, Maxie studied Public Policy and attended the University of Southern California. It was here where Maxie set another record as the best 400 hurdler of all time, a record that stood for thirteen years. Throughout her career, Maxie was ranked in the U.S. Top Ten four times!

Maxie started in Television at the age of 9, appearing on the program KidsWatch. Remarkably, Maxie also conducted the final interview with track and field star Jesse Owens at the age of thirteen.

Olympian Leslie Maxie

Leslie Maxie Broke Records and became an Olympian

Being a seasoned track and field athlete herself, Maxie tried out for the Olympic games in 1984 at the age of 17. Even though Leslie Maxie was one of the best runners in the world at the time, she just barely missed her time by two one-hundredths of a second. 

Unfortunately, Leslie would not make the team this time around, but it was this minor setback that would lead to a world of success for Maxie.

“I really think it was part of God’s plan that I wasn’t going to make the team that quickly,” says Maxie, “I still didn’t understand the level of work and sacrifice that was required, and more importantly I didn’t understand the process of getting to that level.”

It was this ‘process’ that Leslie used and applied to many other areas of her life. The process of consistently being motivated to give it your best shot, every day.

In this case, Leslie’s process was to train as hard as she could. Though she initially failed to make the Olympics (by less than a second, mind you), the sheer discipline and willpower it takes to compete with athletes at that level is unimaginable. 

To quote Leslie, “sometimes you have to fail in order to win.”

Falling in Love With the Process

Commitment and Dedication Equals Success

Though Leslie failed to make the Olympics on her first try, her second attempt in 1988 ended up landing her a spot on the track and field team. However, Maxie ended up running 56.10 seconds to finish fifth place in the 400 hurdles, which unfortunately placed her in the non-qualifying category. 

Olympian Leslie Maxie’s story does not end here though…

Maxie retired from track & field in 1991 and went on to have a distinguished career in sports journalism and broadcasting. Maxie has done work for broadcasting networks such as ESPN, CBS, NBC, and Fox Sports Network among many others.

In addition to this, Maxie has also explored a career in keynote speaking. With topics ranging from The Olympian Within all of us, Excellence is Not An Accident, and The Power of Pure Intention.

According to the Olympian keynote speaker, she attributes much of her drive for success to the discipline that she picked up from her athletic training. In other words, she used her Olympic mindset to propel her in other areas of her life. 

Maxie even says herself, “that’s the thing that has served me throughout my life, is being able to take that process and apply it to different areas of my life.”

Finding Your Own Process

The Olympian Keynote Speaker

Leslie Maxie unfortunately did not win any medals in the 1988 Olympics, but she definitely knows a lot about the level of dedication it takes to compete among the best. In order to get to that level, Maxie had to give it her best shot everyday.  

And this is precisely the message that the Olympian keynote speaker is trying to communicate. Through her keynote speeches, Leslie Maxie can help give you the tools to find your own process, and become your own Olympian.

No matter what industry you work in, or whatever career path you are on, we can all learn something from Leslie Maxie’s story.

Want to Hear More of Leslie Maxie’s Story?

We can help you with that.

In addition to Leslie’s already extensive resume, she is also a prolific keynote speaker. Maxie focuses her presentations on many of the things she’s learned as an Olympic athlete, and how you can apply those things to your life. 

Leslie Maxie is a distinguished broadcaster who has worked for some of the top sports networks. Since Maxie has in-depth knowledge of the industry, she can certainly provide her expertise in this area of corporate communications.

To hire Leslie Maxie for your next event, contact Mollie Plotkin Group and achieve your Olympic mindset!

David Kwong delivered his latest TED Talk, “Magic and Wonder in the Age of AI” at TED@BCG: Flipside Futures in Paris, France. He asks “Has too much technology robbed us of wonder?” and stunned audiences with a compelling combination of mentalism and artificial intelligence.

This article outlines David Kwong’s background as a cruciverbalist (crossword puzzle constructor) for the New York Times, LA Times, and WSJ. Furthermore, his experience as a Hollywood magic consultant, nationally-renowned illusionist, and TED Talk alumnus will be covered as well. Then, we’ll break down his latest TED Talk, and the science behind his message. 

David Kwong’s TED Talk History

David Kwong has spoken at two previous TED events. His first speech, “Two nerdy obsessions meet – and it’s magic” amassed over 1.7 million views on TED.com. His next speech, “The science of illusion”analyzed the psychology and social science behind the performances of magicians. 

Since the break-out success of his first two TED Talks, David Kwong has since become a highly-sought-after keynote speaker and corporate entertainer.

David Kwong’s Background

David Kwong is an illusionist, magic consultant, and crossword puzzle constructor. With his special talents, David has entertained and puzzled audiences all over the world. He regularly designs puzzles for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Wall Street Journal. In addition, David was the main magic advisor for the popular movie Now You See Me.

He has also contributed to The Imitation Game, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and The Afterparty on Apple TV. His online performance, Inside the Box, received high praise from the New York Times. Furthermore, his live solo show, The Enigmatist, has sold out multiple runs in New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

David’s style of magic brings joy and challenges to audiences globally. His illusions and puzzles are not overly difficult but just enough to make his audience think!

Keynote Speaking

As a keynote speaker, David Kwong has captivated audiences by explaining and demonstrating “why we can be easily deceived”. During his keynote speeches, David has revealed the secrets behind magic, explaining the science of illusion.

Similarly, in his book Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion to Captivate Audiences and Unlock the Secrets of Success he explains how to enhance your abilities to persuade and influence. However, David’s speeches extend beyond magic.

David Kwong’s TED Talk Reception

Magic and Wonder in the Age of AI amassed over 200,000 views on TED.com in its first 3 days, after being published on July 3rd, 2024.

A seasoned entertainer and corporate magician, David Kwong received innumerable praise for his expert performance.

Magic and Wonder in the Age of AI Explained

Using chat GPT, and the help of a volunteer, David Kwong demonstrates how we can still elicit a sense of wonder and magic, even when using artificial intelligence.

Main Idea: What is the Sense of Wonder We Have Lost?

Kwong says that wonder is “questioning what’s possible.” Furthermore, he asks if technology has removed all of the wonder in the world. 

For example, there are many great technological wonders at our fingertips every day. Our laptops, computers, and smartphones are the gateways to limitless knowledge. Although, most people don’t even grasp the basic concepts of the circuitry that powers them. What’s more, many people don’t care to find out. 

There are many different phenomena and cognitive biases that affect us, such as the Dunning-Kruger effect, confirmation bias, and the bystander effect, that cause us to be uninquisitive, and ultimately uninformed. Some say that technology has hastened and further entrenched these biases. 

David Kwong’s TED Talk Conclusion

A sense of wonder is expressed through questions and curiosity. Whether we are able to find our answers quickly through a Google search, or all day at a library, our willingness to ask is what makes us human. 

Watch the full TED Talk to see how David Kwong uses AI and mentalism to demonstrate that our sense of wonder is alive and well!

Sound is 50 percent of the moviegoing experience.

George Lucas, Director of Star Wars

Below is our interview with John Roesch, the foley artist behind Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, and countless other cultural touchstones of American media. Having retired as the Head Foley Artist of Skywalker Sound in early 2024, Roesch now performs live Foley demonstrations to inspire and educate audiences that may know very little about what a Foley artist is, and their importance in film and television.

What is a Foley Artist?

A foley artist produces incidental sound effects for film and television. Examples of incidental sound effects include footsteps, a kiss, or breaking glass. 

Foley artists are employed in the production of all major motion pictures and television series. Additionally, video games and narrative podcasts occasionally use Foley to provide a cinematic experience.

Foley art replaces production sound, or the audio that was recorded at the same time as the film. Why? Because the sounds captured on-set are often muffled or inaudible. 

What’s more, the post-production Foley can be used to convey greater meaning than the original sound. For instance, a Foley artist will make a villain’s footsteps loud and imposing, while a love interest’s footsteps will be light and elegant. 

Whether it’s Batman’s cape flowing in the wind, or the slam of a courtroom gavel, Foley artists make the scene come to life by drawing focus towards key aspects of the visuals.

Why are they Called Foley Artists? Because of Jack Foley

Why exactly is it called Foley? Well, this is because the art form was named after its creator, Jack Foley. 

Having just come back from the First World War, Jack Foley noticed that sound was starting to become commonplace in films. Foley began contacting people he knew in the industry, and it wasn’t long before he became involved with this new aspect of post-production in film. 

As time went on, Jack Foley became synonymous with sound effects in film. He would eventually go on to work on The Phantom of the Opera and the original Dracula movie.

It was around this time when Foley’s career really took off, leading to the name “Foley Effects”.

Really, it was the transition from the silent film era that allowed foley art to take off. This era spawned a whole new industry, and decades later, a young John Roesch would eventually stumble into a life-long career. 

John Roesch: The Man Behind the Sounds

You’ve all likely seen (or should I say heard) at least some of John’s work. John has a more than impressive resume, including foley credits for classics such as, E.T., The Empire Strikes Back, Back to the Future, and many more.

After learning more about John, I was a bit floored when I was able to secure an interview with him. However, I was glad I did because I learned more about Foley and the different projects John has worked on. 

With such success in this niche field, I had to ask John how he got started in the industry. John said, “ultimately it really comes down to having a lot of luck, but also meeting the right people.” 

John tells me that he never really intended to become a foley artist. Yet, in 1972 he was helping a friend make a film, and they asked John to assist in creating Foley effects. 

John agreed to this, and as he was making the sound effects, thought to himself “wow, this is really stupid.” Not knowing that this would inevitably be his career, John was initially uninterested in Foley and wanted to be a director. 

However, he got a call that night to help the following day with more Foley effects. His apartment manager got him a job at a small independent studio. It was here where John learned things that he would carry with him throughout the rest of his career. 

According to John, “I walked in, interviewed, started working that day and never stopped 45 years later.”

The Number One Rule of Foley? Go With What Feels Right

Interestingly, John told me that many Foley effects are not exact re-creations of real sounds. 

“It’s somewhat counterintuitive if you were to Foley every footstep you hear. Most likely, the end result is not going to feel convincing to the viewer.”

John says this is because certain sounds don’t “feel right” from the viewers perspective. We might not realize it, but we expect things to sound a certain way in TV and film. 

One example John brings up is that the sound of horses’ hooves in Western movies are not exactly accurate.

“In Western movies, you would normally hear a horse running and it would have a three-beat pattern. This is not actually what a horse would sound like.”

 John says that this goes back to the old radio days, especially on shows like The Lone Ranger. Back then, you would not only have actors and actresses in the studio, but also sound effects people. 

The Foley artists back then would use coconuts, and they would pioneer this “three-beat” pattern to impart the sound of a horse galloping. Foley artists still use this pattern today. Its widespread historic use conditioned us to expect it.

Favorite Effects to Make

John says his favorite effects are the classic “Western” sound effects. Sounds like spurs jingling, cowboy boots on wood, horse hooves and gunshots.

Roesch says that these sound effects are some of the most raw and original sounding. Many of the effects used in these Western films have become staples of the Foley artist sound library, and for good reason.

Besides this, John says that one of his favorite effects to do is properly re-creating the sound of footsteps. Roesch says this is, surprisingly, one of the hardest sounds to actually recreate.

“Getting the proper sound of a footstep that sounds correct is one of the hardest things to do in Foley. Actually creating footsteps that have feeling and soul is very difficult”

Most Challenging Film to Work On

One thing that I was curious about, was the more challenging projects that John has worked on. More specifically, I wanted to know if there were any sound effects that were particularly difficult to make.

John responded to this by saying, “yes, there are many times where you’re just not quite sure what’s going to work.” 

“In Back to the Future you’ve got Doc Brown reloading the plutonium into the DeLorean, what does that sound like?” John goes on to say, “my method to get around this is I try to hear things in my mind as I see them. Then I will figure out how to create that.”

Roesch explains how he eventually came up with this classic sound from Back to the Future. To make this sound, he re-created the sound of a glass tube sliding, as well as a sucking sound.

He did this by actually using a plunger to create a sucking sort of effect. John added that, “this just goes to show you that what you see isn’t always what you’re going to use for the sound. But our ears believe it, and hopefully yours will too.”

Another challenge for John was doing sound for the James Cameron movie, The Abyss. It was especially challenging, because so much of the film took place underwater.

Since everything was underwater, this made things sonically more challenging as well, since water just muffles everything. To compensate for this, Roesch and his team really had to think outside of the box to capture certain sounds.

For example, in the film there’s certain shots where a submarine is passing by underwater. To emulate this sound, they attached a microphone to a garden hose, took it underwater, and turned the hose on.

The end result was a convincing sound of a large object moving underwater. But, it was because of scenarios like this that the film was so difficult to do Foley for. 

In fact John says himself, “it was probably one of the hardest films I’ve had to do work on, or at least in the top five.”

Most Proud Accomplishments 

When asked what his proudest accomplishment was, he said it was the work he’s done on the movie Schindler’s List. 

John says that he is most proud of this, because it is a true account of the events of the Holocaust, and because “we are doomed to repeat history if we don’t understand it.”

Second to this, John says that he is immensely proud of all of the Disney feature films he has contributed to, including the Lion King. John elaborates, and says that doing Foley for animated films is much more difficult, since you’re in charge of bringing these characters to life. 

Also, as you could imagine, the sounds that come from cartoons and animated films are much more open to interpretation. 

One other thing John tries to do is to be a sounding board for younger people who want to get into the industry. 

He even hosts a meeting once a week where other Foley artists give advice and tips on how to navigate the industry, as well as a FB page that boasts over six thousand members.

Resources like this are incredibly helpful for younger people who are trying to learn more about Foley or other aspects of sound design.

The Importance of Sound Effects in Film and TV

Overall, I’ve come to realize that Foley artists are an incredibly overlooked aspect of the film and TV industry. Movies just wouldn’t be the same without sound designers and Foley artists.

They’re the ones that have to make the artistic decisions that make a film much more enjoyable. Every effect needs to sound right from the viewer’s perspective, and there is a painstaking amount of time that goes into getting it just right. 

Just think about all the movies you’ve seen, and how nuanced the sound effects are. Without this aspect of post-production, the movies that we know and love would be incredibly bland.

Like any art form, it is the details that make a truly astonishing piece of work stand out. After talking to John, I realize that Foley artists are no exception to this statement. 

John Roesch is also available as a keynote speaker, and if you’d like to hire him please contact the Mollie Plotkin Group!

The Power of Inspirational Keynote Speakers

Inspirational keynote speakers have the power to change lives. These speakers motivate, inspire, and empower individuals to achieve their goals and dreams. Whether it’s through their personal stories, motivational speeches, or practical advice, these speakers connect with their audience and leave a lasting impact. The best inspirational speakers leave their audiences with actionable advice on staying inspired that they can use day to day.

Motivation in the workplace is crucial for both growth and productivity. Because of this, it is important to seek inspiration from those who have achieved success and overcome adversity. Indeed, studies have shown a significant link between motivation and performance at work. Inspirational speakers can provide the guidance and motivation teams need to stay focused and achieve their dreams.

The Top 11 Inspirational Keynote Speakers

Vernice Armour

Vernice Armour, also known as FlyGirl, is a trailblazer and motivational powerhouse. After making history as the first African American female combat pilot, Armour transitioned her high-octane energy from the battlefield to the business field. She is not only an entrepreneur and consultant but also the author of Zero to Breakthrough, a book that encapsulates her 7-Step Battle-Tested Method for accomplishing seemingly impossible goals.

She is the founder of VAI Consulting & Training, LLC, through which she propels individuals and organizations towards groundbreaking success by instilling in them a ‘Zero to Breakthrough‘ mindset—a mindset that not only accelerated her career but also ensured her safety during air combat. Book Vernice Armour.

Scott Hamilton

Scott Hamilton is an Olympic Gold Medalist, best-selling author, cancer survivor, and highly sought-after inspirational speaker. Known worldwide as a figure skating legend, Hamilton has inspired millions with his resilience and courage. Hamilton’s journey to fame began with his triumphant Olympic Gold medal win in 1984, which catapulted him into the spotlight. However, Hamilton’s life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Demonstrating unparalleled strength and determination, he not only overcame this challenge but also used his experience to help others. Fortune 500 companies frequently seek him out to inspire their teams with his story of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness against all odds. Book Scott Hamilton.

Jessica Yellin

Jessica Yellin is an inspirational speaker, trailblazing journalist, and the founder of News Not Noise, a news platform dedicated to cutting through the sensationalism rampant in today’s media landscape. As a former Chief White House Correspondent for CNN and an Emmy award-winning journalist, Yellin has become a prominent voice in discussions about Women in Leadership, Disruption in News Media, and the impact of Digital Media on society.

Through her innovative platform News Not Noise, Jessica Yellin is redefining how news is consumed by offering an alternative to the noise of traditional media. Her work empowers audiences to engage with news that matters, fostering a more informed and discerning public. Book Jessica Yellin.

Jon Dorenbos

Jon Dorenbos is an inspirational speaker and magician. Dorenbos experienced unimaginable tragedy in his childhood when his father murdered his mother. Living with his aunt, Dorenbos discovered his passion for magic. He practiced daily to perfect his skills. He inspires audiences as someone who overcame unimaginable hardship.

In his entertaining and touching keynote speeches, Dorenbos encourages audiences to find magic in their daily lives. His engaging presence makes him a sought-after inspirational speaker. He speaks to influential brands such as Marriott International, Kroger, and Hard Rock International, and is a frequent guest on Ellen. Book Jon Dorenbos.

IN-Q

IN-Q, also known as In Question, is an Emmy-nominated poet, a multi-platinum songwriter, and the best-selling author of Inquire Within. His profound impact on the creative arts is widely recognized.

As a celebrated spoken word artist, IN-Q was the first to perform with Cirque du Soleil and has graced stages from A&E to ESPN, and HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. He has captivated audiences including notable figures like Quincy Jones, Hillary Clinton, and former US President Barack Obama. His performances alongside artists like Mike Posner and Magic Giant have further solidified his status in the arts.

Top organizations like Nike, Instagram, and Google have enlisted IN-Q to lead keynote performances and storytelling workshops. These sessions are designed to foster vulnerability and authenticity within corporate teams.

IN-Q’s ultimate goal is to entertain and inspire, urging his audience to delve into the human experience and question their surroundings and themselves.

Leslie Maxie

Another inspirational speaker with athletic prowess is Leslie Maxie. Maxie is a U.S. Olympian who developed the Olympic Mindset while training for the 400-meter hurdles. Her inspirational story of beating the odds and breaking records resonates with audiences.

Maxie is also an advocate for diverse groups in the workplace. She encourages people who may not always feel that they fit in, such as women and older employees, to step up to the challenge. She encourages empathetic communication and mental toughness to reach success. She is a testament to how hard work and dedication can propel individuals and teams to the top. Book Leslie Maxie.

AK Ikwuakor

AK Ikwuakor, also known as Coach AK, is an inspirational keynote speaker, executive coach, and Master Faculty Trainer at Google. He believes in the power of self-awareness and motivation to enhance individual performance.

Coach AK’s extensive resume is a testament to the power of motivation and work ethic. In addition to serving at Google, Ikwuakor is a sought-after speaker. He speaks for a variety of audiences, including both nonprofit events and Fortune 100 businesses. He is an approachable yet larger-than-life presence as an inspirational keynote speaker. Book AK Ikwuakor.

Danni Brooke

Danni Brooke is an inspirational keynote and the single most deployed female operative in the history of the British police force. She seamlessly transitioned from her decade-long career in the force to consulting on cybersecurity. In her speeches, Brooke provides insights on the latest cybersecurity developments and resilience.

Brooke is an accomplished storyteller, authoring her book The Girl For The Job. The book describes her experience as a female undercover operative and the lessons she learned as a woman in the force. She encourages her audiences to take on challenges, especially in the case of women in male-dominated industries. Book Danni Brooke.

Robert Paylor

Robert Paylor is a motivational keynote speaker who inspires his audience through his stories of adversity. Paylor became paralyzed after breaking his neck and was told he would never be able to walk again. However, through hard work and patience, Paylor relearned to use his legs and walked across the stage when he graduated from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. While Paylor’s struggles are unique, believes that anyone can achieve success if they are willing to work hard and persevere through adversity.

Paylor’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Paylor is motivated not by the goal of a full recovery, but by using his story to inspire people to overcome their own challenges. He believes that success is not determined by talent or intelligence but by the willingness to put in the hard work and never give up. Book Robert Paylor.

Jean Oelwang

Jean Oelwang is a visionary leader, inspirational speaker, and the founding CEO & President of Virgin Unite. She has dedicated her career to fostering partnerships and collaborations that will transform the world. With a profound belief in the power of relationships to drive change, Oelwang has become a beacon of inspiration for those looking to make a meaningful impact.

In her compelling book, Partnering: Forge the Deep Connections That Make Great Things Happen, Oelwang explores the essence of impactful collaborations and how deep, meaningful connections can lead to extraordinary achievements. Her insights are not only drawn from her extensive experience at Virgin Unite but also from her personal journey and partnerships, including her life with her husband, Chris Waddell, who is also a renowned keynote speaker. Book Jean Oelwang.

Tara Schuster

Tara Schuster is an inspirational keynote speaker and best-selling author. Having navigated the high-pressure world of television as a former VP of talent and development at Comedy Central, Schuster shifted her focus to writing and public speaking, emphasizing mental health and self-care. Her books, Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies (2020) and Glow in the F*cking Dark (2023), have been celebrated by Cosmopolitan, Real Simple, Publishers Weekly, and more for their insightful take on personal wellness.

Before her pivot to writing and speaking, Schuster played a pivotal role in the success of Emmy Award-winning shows like Key & Peele. Her transition from television executive to a voice of empowerment in health & wellness has been featured in The New Yorker, Forbes, and InStyle.

Today, Tara Schuster offers transformative keynote speeches that blend her entertainment industry savvy with her expertise in self-care. She is renowned for her engaging talks that inspire audiences to embrace self-love and mental wellness. Schuster also takes pride in her Jewish heritage, offering specialized presentations for Jewish organizations and nonprofits. Her dynamic approach makes her a sought-after speaker for leading brands looking to inspire their teams. Book Tara Schuster for an unforgettable keynote experience.

Conclusion: The Power of Inspirational Keynote Speakers

In conclusion, inspirational keynote speakers have the power to change lives. Whether it’s through their personal stories, motivational speeches, or practical advice, they can provide the guidance and motivation we need to achieve our goals and dreams. By seeking inspiration from these 10 speakers, we can unlock our full potential.

The real power of inspirational keynote speakers is their ability to get teams excited to perform at their best. With so many options available, selecting the right inspirational keynote speaker for your event can be daunting. The Mollie Plotkin group can help you through the process. For more information on how to book the perfect inspirational keynote speaker, contact the Mollie Plotkin Group.