Welcome to our list of the top California speakers of 2025.
California is home to some of the most inspiring thought leaders, innovators, and industry experts. Whether you’re looking for a motivational powerhouse, a tech visionary, or a storytelling maestro, these speakers will captivate your audience and elevate your event.
Top 15 California Speakers of 2025
Shola Richards
Shola Richards is an expert in workplace civility and leadership. As a bestselling author and renowned speaker, he delivers impactful messages on resilience, collaboration, and positive workplace culture. His engaging keynotes help organizations create environments where employees thrive, fostering productivity and engagement. Based in Los Angeles, Richards has worked with numerous California-based organizations to enhance workplace culture.
Shabnam Mogharabi
Shabnam Mogharabi is a New York Times bestselling author, media entrepreneur, and expert in purpose-driven storytelling. As the co-founder of SoulPancake, a media company dedicated to uplifting and inspiring content, she helped turn it into a platform that reached hundreds of millions of people before its acquisition by Participant Media. Her keynotes focus on the power of authentic storytelling, emotional intelligence, and leadership with purpose, offering invaluable insights to businesses and organizations seeking to connect with audiences on a deeper level. A dynamic speaker, she blends humor, heart, and research-backed strategies to inspire transformational change. Based in Los Angeles, Mogharabi continues to shape the media and entertainment landscape while helping leaders leverage storytelling for impact.
Jim Abbott
Jim Abbott is an inspiring athlete, philanthropist, and is among the top motivational California speakers on our roster of sports and resilience speakers. Born without a right hand, Abbott defied the odds to become a Major League Baseball pitcher, playing for teams like the New York Yankees and the California Angels. His career highlight came in 1993 when he threw a no-hitter for the Yankees, proving that perseverance and determination can overcome any limitation.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Abbott is a sought-after keynote speaker who shares powerful lessons on overcoming adversity, leadership, and mental toughness. His story resonates with athletes, business leaders, and anyone facing challenges, as he emphasizes the importance of adaptability and a relentless mindset. Through his heartfelt and engaging presentations, Abbott inspires audiences to embrace obstacles as opportunities and push beyond perceived limitations to achieve greatness.
Julie Wainwright
Julie Wainwright is a pioneering entrepreneur and one of the most influential California speakers in our roster, specializing on the topics of e-commerce and luxury retail. As the founder and former CEO of The RealReal, she revolutionized the luxury consignment industry, building a billion-dollar company that reshaped how consumers buy and sell authenticated designer goods. Her leadership in digital transformation and sustainability has made her a sought-after voice on innovation, branding, and business resilience.
Before launching The RealReal, Wainwright held executive positions at major tech companies, giving her deep insight into scaling businesses and leading through disruption. Her journey is also a testament to perseverance—after facing personal and professional setbacks, she reinvented herself and created one of the most successful e-commerce platforms in history. Today, Wainwright captivates audiences with her candid storytelling and expert strategies on leadership, entrepreneurship, and navigating the ever-changing business landscape.
Sekou Andrews
Sekou Andrews is an award-winning poetic voice and inspirational speaker who blends poetry with powerful messages on leadership and innovation. His dynamic presentations leave audiences energized, motivated, and ready to take action, making him a favorite among Fortune 500 companies and global organizations. Andrews is a California native, deeply involved in the Los Angeles performance arts and business communities.
John Roesch
John Roesch is a legendary Hollywood foley artist whose work has been featured in blockbuster films for over 40 years. His keynotes provide a behind-the-scenes look at sound design in the film industry, creativity, and the magic of storytelling, making him a fascinating speaker for entertainment and media-related events. Roesch has spent his career working at major Hollywood studios, making California the hub of his innovative work.
Joel Cohen
Joel Cohen, an Emmy-winning writer for The Simpsons, brings humor and insight into corporate creativity and innovation. His engaging speeches offer valuable lessons on teamwork, problem-solving, and thinking outside the box, making him an ideal speaker for companies looking to boost creativity and collaboration. Cohen resides in California, where he has been an integral part of the entertainment industry.
David Kwong
David Kwong is a magician and crossword puzzle creator who demonstrates the intersection of illusion, storytelling, and problem-solving. His unique perspective on creativity and lateral thinking makes his presentations both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. Based in Los Angeles, Kwong frequently performs at high-profile events throughout California.
AK Ikwuakor
AK Ikwuakor, widely known as “Coach AK,” is a former elite athlete turned leadership development coach, international speaker, and entrepreneur. His dynamic presentations focus on breaking through self-imposed barriers, embracing discomfort, and maximizing potential in both personal and professional life. Now based in California, Ikwuakor works with Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, and athletes, providing transformative coaching that drives success in high-pressure environments.
Daniel Kraft, M.D.
Dr. Daniel Kraft is a physician-scientist and health technology expert at the forefront of medical innovation. His keynotes explore cutting-edge advancements in healthcare, biotech, and digital medicine, providing audiences with a glimpse into the future of health and wellness. Kraft is based in Silicon Valley, where he is deeply engaged with the health tech community.
Matthew Emerzian
Matthew Emerzian is a social entrepreneur and mental well-being advocate, known for his work in redefining success and happiness. His keynotes focus on the importance of human connection, self-worth, and community-driven impact, making him an inspiring choice for personal and professional development events. Emerzian lives in Southern California, where he founded his company, Every Monday Matters.
Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins is a bestselling author and motivational powerhouse, famous for her 5 Second Rule that has transformed lives worldwide. Her talks empower audiences to take action, overcome self-doubt, and make meaningful changes in both their personal and professional lives. While she travels globally, she has had a significant impact on audiences across California.
Paul Epstein
Paul Epstein, a former sports executive, is an expert on purpose-driven leadership. With experience working with the NFL and NBA, he helps leaders unlock their potential by finding their “why” and creating cultures of high performance and resilience. Epstein has strong ties to California’s sports industry, having worked with the San Francisco 49ers.
Chris Barton
Chris Barton, the founder of Shazam, is an innovation strategist who shares lessons on perseverance, disruption, and creative problem-solving. His insights into launching a revolutionary product inspire audiences to think differently and embrace new ideas. Barton is based in Silicon Valley, where he continues to innovate in the tech space.
Alex Banayan
Alex Banayan is the bestselling author of The Third Door, a book about the unconventional paths to success. His captivating keynotes explore perseverance, networking, and the mindset needed to break through barriers and achieve career and personal goals. Banayan, a California native, has built a career speaking to audiences across the state.
Hire the Best California Keynote Speakers
Finding the right speaker can transform an ordinary event into an extraordinary one. The Mollie Plotkin Group simplifies the process of securing top-tier keynote speakers by leveraging deep industry connections and handling all event logistics. Contact us today to book one of these top California keynote speakers and make your next event unforgettable.
