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The Best 15 TED Talk Speakers of 2024
- Updated: August 28, 2024
Welcome to our list of the best TED speakers for corporate events.
TED speakers are individuals who are invited to share their ideas, experiences, and insights at TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conferences. These speakers come from a variety of fields such as science, art, technology, education, and business.
Our list includes:
- best-selling authors
- world-class entertainers
- accredited academics
- innovative business leaders
- and more…
Our TED speakers are known for delivering powerful, thought-provoking talks that spread innovative ideas and inspire audiences. An example of a TED speaker is Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, renowned neuroanatomist and bestselling author, famous for her talk My Stroke of Insight which is one of the most popular TED Talks of all time according to TED.com.
TED speakers are hired for events primarily because of their proven ability to engage and inspire audiences with their unique perspectives and compelling storytelling. Their talks provide new insights, provoke discussions, and motivate change and innovation. TED speakers are typically hired for various types of events including. Additionally, TED speakers are also known as TED Talk speakers or speakers at TED events.
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Jill Bolte Taylor
- New York Times Best-Selling Author
- Harvard-Trained Neuroanatomist
- Top Wellness and Mindfulness Speaker
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist and New York Times bestselling author. She is best known for her viral TED Talk, My Stroke of Insight, which has been viewed over 27.5 million times across all platforms. As a top neuroanatomist, Dr. Taylor was able to provide an incredibly thorough first-hand account of her stroke experience.
Millions around the globe revere Dr. Taylor’s story and insights into her recovery. Following her TED Talk, TIME Magazine named Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor among their 100 Most Influential People in the World. What’s more, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s memoir of the same name remained on the NYT bestseller list for 63 weeks after its release.
David Kwong
- New York Times Crossword Puzzle Constructor
- Renowned Magician
- Top Speaker on Illusion and Brain Science
David Kwong is a renowned magician and New York Times crossword puzzle constructor who has delighted and confounded audiences worldwide. He is best known for his TED Talk, Two Nerdy Obsessions Meet – and It’s Magic, which has captivated viewers by explaining why we can be fooled so easily. As a top magician, Kwong has pulled back the curtain on magic, demonstrating the principles of illusion and the science behind why your brain is fooled.
Millions around the globe are fascinated by Kwong’s unique blend of magic and puzzle construction. Following his TED Talk, David Kwong has become a sought-after speaker for corporations and associations around the world. His book, Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion to Captivate Audiences and Unlock the Secrets of Success, delves into how to increase powers of persuasion and influence.
Today, David Kwong continues to mesmerize audiences with his hit show The Enigmatist, which has enjoyed sold-out runs in New York City and Washington, DC. Critics rave about The Enigmatist, with the Washington Post calling it “a feat of cerebral sorcery.” Now bringing his show to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, tickets are expected to sell out fast!
David Kwong’s keynote speeches go far beyond magic. Cross-pollination is at the core of his presentations as he loves working with his audience to create entirely unique events. He remains an influential figure in both the worlds of magic and puzzle construction.
Dan Harris
- New York Times Best-Selling Author
- Former ABC News Anchor
- Top Meditation and Mindfulness Speaker
Dan Harris is a former ABC News anchor and New York Times bestselling author. He is best known for his viral TED Talk, which recounts his journey from experiencing a live on-air panic attack to embracing meditation and mindfulness. As a seasoned journalist, Harris has had one of the most prolific careers in broadcasting, having co-anchored Nightline and Good Morning America.
Millions around the globe resonate with Harris’s story and insights into mental health and self-compassion. Following his TED Talk, Harris’s memoir, 10% Happier, became a #1 New York Times bestseller. His candid account of overcoming anxiety through meditation has inspired countless individuals to explore mindfulness practices.
Today, Dan Harris is a premier speaker on meditation and mindfulness. He speaks on the topics of stress management, communication, and heart-centered productivity. His latest book continues to receive acclaim for its practical approach to mental well-being. Harris remains an influential figure in the wellness community, motivating audiences with his relatable and transformative experiences.
Mel Robbins
- New York Times Best-Selling Author
- Host of the #1 Education Podcast
- Top Keynote Speaker
Mel Robbins is a New York Times bestselling author, host of the #1 education podcast, and one of the most booked keynote speakers in the world. She is best known for her viral TED Talk, Stop Saying You’re Fine: Discover a More Powerful You, which has captivated audiences globally. As a former CNN correspondent, defense attorney, and TV host, Robbins brings a wealth of experience and insight to her presentations.
Millions around the globe revere Mel Robbins’ practical methods for leading a productive and satisfying life. Following her TED Talk, Robbins’ book, The 5 Second Rule, became a #1 bestseller and continues to inspire and transform lives every year. Her strategies have been adopted by Fortune 500 companies and CEOs to boost performance, motivation, and creativity within their organizations.
Today, Mel Robbins is a premier keynote speaker. She speaks on topics such as productivity, motivation, and mental health. Her latest work includes hosting the #1 education podcast and authoring six #1 Audible audiobooks. Robbins continues to motivate and inspire audiences with her presentations. Moreover, she remains an influential voice in health and wellness.
Mariana Atencio
- Peabody Award-Winning Journalist
- TEDx Speaker with Over 23 Million Views
- Top Keynote Speaker on Authenticity and Workplace Culture
Mariana Atencio is a Peabody Award-winning journalist and a TEDx speaker whose talk, What Makes YOU Special? has garnered over 23 million views. She is best known for her mission to help people supercharge their careers, workplace cultures, and happiness by embracing the power of authenticity. Mariana’s impactful storytelling and reporting have earned her numerous accolades, including an Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) Award and a Gracie Award for her documentary work.
Mariana’s career took off at Univision, where she anchored and reported for the Documentaries and Investigative Unit. Her groundbreaking work uncovering illegal weapons sales across the Mexican border earned her a Peabody Award. She also directed, wrote, and reported the award-winning documentary PRESSionados, which focused on press freedom in Latin America. Following these achievements, she hosted The Morning Show on Fusion and co-anchored the 2016 Democratic Presidential debate.Today, Mariana Atencio is a sought-after keynote speaker who inspires audiences with her insights on The Power of Authenticity. Her bestselling memoir, Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real, serves as a call to action for individuals and organizations to embrace authenticity to achieve personal and professional success. Moreover, Mariana continues to create immense impact through her speaking engagements, helping organizations foster positive change by building authentic workplace cultures.
Daryl Davis
- Renowned Musician and Activist
- Author of Klan-Destine Relationships
- Top Speaker on Race Relations and Conflict Resolution
Daryl Davis is a renowned musician and activist, best known for his extraordinary efforts in convincing 200 members of the Ku Klux Klan to give up their robes. Over the past 40 years, Daryl has used civil conversation to break down the barriers of racism. In fact, his highly acclaimed nonfiction book, Klan-Destine Relationships, made him the first Black author to write a book on the Klan from in-person interviews.
Millions around the globe have been inspired by Daryl’s story and his approach to combating racism. His journey is detailed in the award-winning documentary, Accidental Courtesy, which has been frequently shown on PBS. Furthermore, Daryl’s TEDx talk has garnered nearly 12 million views, solidifying his impact as a speaker.
Today, Daryl Davis is a premier speaker on race relations and conflict resolution. He delivers keynote speeches that draw from his extensive experience and unique perspective. Additionally, Daryl has traveled to 57 countries on 6 continents and is often selected by the U.S. State Department as a highly respected expert on race relations and conflict. He continues to motivate and inspire audiences worldwide with his presentations.
Mike Rowe
- TV Host, Writer, and Narrator
- Creator of Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs
- Top Keynote Speaker on Blue-Collar Work and Skilled Trades
Mike Rowe is a renowned TV host, writer, narrator, producer, actor, and spokesman, best known as the creator of Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs. His keynote speeches have gone viral and serve as a source of inspiration for mass movements aimed at celebrating blue-collar work. Mike’s TED Talk and speeches to organizations like SkillsUSA have reached millions of viewers worldwide.
Fortune 500 companies frequently hire Mike Rowe as a keynote speaker to instill confidence and gratitude in their workforce from a blue-collar perspective. Additionally, Mike has partnered with several iconic brands such as Ford, Walmart, and Lee. His ability to connect with audiences on the importance of skilled trades has made him a sought-after speaker.
Today, Mike runs the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, which awards scholarships to students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. His efforts to change perceptions and stereotypes around blue-collar work have led him to testify before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee and the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Mike Rowe continues to motivate and inspire audiences with his presentations on the value of hard work and skilled labor. His dedication to promoting the skilled trades has made a significant impact on both individuals and industries alike.
Laura Gassner Otting
- Author, Catalyst, and Executive Coach
- Strategic Thinker and Change Navigator
- Top Motivational Speaker
Laura Gassner Otting is an author, catalyst, and executive coach who inspires people to push past doubt and indecision. She delivers strategic thinking, well-honed wisdom, and perspective generated by decades of navigating change across start-up, corporate, nonprofit, political, and philanthropic landscapes.
Her TED Talk, Why Doesn’t Success Bring Happiness, released in 2022, has already garnered 1.8 million views. In this TED Talk, Laura explains that success isn’t just an endpoint but a waypoint. It shows you that you were made for even more—but only if you choose to embrace your ambition, conquer your fear, and learn to enjoy the ride. This talk throws down the gauntlet and dares audience members to dream even bigger.
Millions around the globe resonate with Laura’s message of ambition and fulfillment. Following her TED Talk, she has become a sought-after motivational speaker. Laura Gassner Otting continues to inspire audiences with her presentations on strategic thinking and personal growth. Her latest book has been praised for its insightful approach to achieving success and happiness. Moreover, she remains an active mentor in various professional development communities.
Priya Parker
- New York Times Podcast Host
- Top TED Talk Presenter
- Strategic Advisor
Priya Parker is a best-selling author, New York Times podcast host, and top TED Talk presenter. She is best known for her book, The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters, which has been recognized as the Best Business Book of the Year by Amazon, the Financial Times, and Bloomberg. Additionally, she hosts the New York Times podcast, Together Apart.
For over 15 years, Parker has facilitated negotiations and communications for leaders and communities. She specializes in advising groups through periods of disruption and has worked on race relations on American college campuses. Internationally, she has contributed to peace processes in the Arab world, southern Africa, and India.
Priya Parker’s TEDx talk on purpose has garnered over 1 million views. Her insights into gathering and community-building have been featured in numerous outlets including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, NPR, Forbes, Oprah.com, Bloomberg, the Today Show, and Morning Joe.
Today, Priya Parker continues to inspire audiences with her expertise in strategic advising and facilitation. Her work remains influential in helping groups navigate complex social dynamics and fostering meaningful connections.
Molly Fletcher
- Trailblazing Female Sports Agent
- World’s Top 50 Keynote Speaker
- Author and Podcast Host
Molly Fletcher, often hailed as the “female Jerry Maguire” by CNN, is a trailblazing sports agent who has transitioned her career into becoming a world-renowned keynote speaker, author, and podcast host. During her illustrious career as one of the first female sports agents, Molly negotiated over $500 million in contracts and represented more than 300 of sports’ biggest names.
After spending over 15 years in the sports industry, Molly felt compelled to share her story and insights with a broader audience. As a keynote speaker, she helps leaders, teams, and organizations unlock their drive to achieve next-level success. Recognized as one of the World’s Top 50 Keynote Speakers, Molly delivers customized presentations that resonate deeply with audiences around the globe.
Molly’s TED Talk, Secrets of a Champion Mindset, has garnered over one million views. In this talk, she emphasizes how top performers understand that complacency is the enemy of success. She reveals that true magic happens when individuals stop competing against others and start competing against themselves. This mindset shift unlocks potential by focusing on the process, the journey, and everyday discipline that separates the best from the rest.
In addition to her speaking engagements, Molly is an accomplished author of five books including The Energy Clock, Fearless at Work, and A Winner’s Guide to Negotiating. She also hosts the popular podcast Game Changers with Molly Fletcher, where she interviews experts and celebrities from various fields such as Arthur Blank, Dabo Swinney, John Mackey, Matthew McConaughey, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Simon Sinek.
Molly’s insights have been featured in prestigious media outlets including CNN, ESPN, Forbes, Fast Company, InStyle, and Sports Illustrated. Her mission remains to inspire and empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential through her dynamic presentations and thought-provoking content.
Book Molly Fletcher.
Keren Elazari
- International Security Analyst
- Founder of Israel’s Largest Security Community Event
- Author and TED Talk Speaker
Keren Elazari is a leading authority in cybersecurity, having served as a cyber security officer in the Israeli Defense Force intelligence arm, being a Certified Information Systems Security Professional, and currently as a senior researcher at the Tel Aviv University Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center. She is best known for her TED Talk on hackers, which has been viewed by millions and translated into 30 languages. As the first Israeli woman to give a TED talk at the official TED Conference, Keren Elazari has become a prominent voice in the field of cybersecurity.
Elazari’s insights and expertise have been featured by top media outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, Biztech Magazine, and Forbes, which named her one of the top 50 most influential women in Israel. Her contributions to the field have made her a sought-after speaker for major companies and events worldwide.
Today, Keren Elazari is a premier keynote and motivational speaker. She speaks on topics such as cybersecurity, technology, and women’s leadership in tech. Her presentations have captivated audiences at top organizations like Intel, Akamai, VMWare, and MIT. Moreover, she remains an active advocate for women in cybersecurity and tech.
Barbara Corcoran
- One of The Most Influential Entrepreneurs of All Time
- Founder of The Corcoran Group
- Shark on ABC’s Shark Tank
Barbara Corcoran is a renowned entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author. She is best known for her starring role on ABC’s Shark Tank, where she has gained international recognition. Leveraging her global television platform, Corcoran has catapulted her career as a highly sought-after media personality
Barbara Corcoran’s TED Talk, Rethinking Failure, has resonated with millions, emphasizing that resilience is key and that one good comeback can lead to years of successful business. In her talk, Corcoran shares how some of the most successful people have faced repeated failures and discusses the strategies she used to navigate her own setbacks.
As one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country, Barbara Corcoran inspires audiences with her message: “There is always an upside to staying in the game.” Her insights into entrepreneurship and resilience continue to motivate aspiring business leaders around the world.
Lisa Bodell
- Global Leader in Simplification and Innovation
- Among The Top 50 Speakers Worldwide
- Board Advisor for Prestigious Organizations such as the NSA and WEF
Lisa Bodell is a global leader in simplification, collaboration, and innovation. She is best known for her expertise in showing organizations how to eliminate complexity and leverage simplicity, thereby unleashing creativity and sparking the energy essential to innovate and compete in a rapidly changing world. Lisa has delivered a TED Talk on the topic of innovation, captivating audiences with her energy and humor.
Lisa’s compelling perspective on simplification and innovation reaches over 100,000 people each year. She has served on the board of advisors for several prestigious organizations, including the Global Agenda Council for the World Economic Forum, the United States National Security Agency, the Association of Professional Futurists, and the Novartis board of Diversity & Inclusion.
A thought leader and serial entrepreneur, Lisa ranks among the Top 50 Speakers Worldwide. She has taught innovation at both American University and Fordham University. Her keynotes leave audiences inspired to change and arm them with radically simple tools to get to the work that matters.
Henna Pryor
- Award-Winning TEDx and Global Keynote Speaker
- Professional Executive Coach
- Dynamic Workplace Performance Expert
Henna Pryor is an award-winning TEDx and global keynote speaker, professional executive coach, and dynamic workplace performance expert. She is best known for her engaging TEDx talks, which have collectively garnered over 200 thousand views. Henna’s presentations blend two decades of work experience with a playful style and high-impact takeaways, making her a sought-after speaker in the realm of workplace success.
Millions around the globe appreciate Henna Pryor’s insights into emotional intelligence, social skills, and teamwork. Her TEDx talk, Why awkwardness is your secret weapon for risk-taking at work, has been particularly influential in helping individuals overcome mental barriers to foster growth and collaboration. Additionally, her best-selling book, Good Awkward, endorsed by NFL Quarterback Russell Wilson and former HBR editor Karen Dillon, has won numerous prestigious awards including Kirkus Reviews’ “Best Book of the Year.”
Today, Henna Pryor is a premier workplace performance expert. She speaks on topics such as strategic risk management and workplace success, using a science-based approach to deliver impactful keynotes and workshops. Moreover, Henna continues to motivate and inspire audiences with her dynamic presentations and remains an active contributor to the field of professional development.
Will Guidara
- New York Times Best-Selling Author
- Renowned Restaurateur and Hospitality Expert
- Top Speaker on Service and Leadership
Will Guidara is a renowned restaurateur and New York Times bestselling author. He is best known for his transformative leadership at Eleven Madison Park, which was named the best restaurant in the world under his co-ownership. As a top hospitality expert, Will has shared invaluable lessons in service and leadership through his keynotes and writings.
In addition to his success with Eleven Madison Park, Will co-founded NoMad New York and NoMad Bar, both of which received critical acclaim, including a Michelin star and a James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program. His innovative approach to hospitality earned him the Wall Street Journal’s Innovator Award in 2016 and a spot on Crain’s New York Business’s 40 Under 40 list in 2018.
Will Guidara’s TED Talk “The Secret Ingredients of Great Hospitality,” has amassed over 2 million views across all platforms. Within the talk, Guidara tells the origin story of his philosophy: Unreasonable Hospitality.
Today, Will Guidara is a premier speaker on service and leadership. Will continues to inspire audiences with his insights into exceptional hospitality and business excellence. He also hosts the Welcome Conference, an annual symposium that fosters community and idea-sharing among hospitality professionals.
How to Hire TED Speakers for Corporate Events
With our extensive experience and deep connections within the TED community, we can help you identify the right speakers who align with your event’s theme and objectives. We handle all the logistics involved in securing these esteemed speakers for your event, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish.
We understand that every corporate event is unique and requires a tailored approach. That’s why we work closely with you to understand your specific needs and expectations. Whether you’re looking for a speaker to ignite innovative thinking, drive social change or inspire personal growth, we can connect you with a TED speaker who can deliver just that.
Remember, the right speaker can transform an ordinary corporate event into an extraordinary one. So don’t settle for anything less than a TED speaker. Contact us today at the Mollie Plotkin Group to start planning your next inspiring corporate event.
