In a world saturated with information, the power of a captivating keynote speaker is more crucial than ever. These individuals don’t just share knowledge; they ignite inspiration, spark innovation, and leave audiences truly transformed.
This post dives into the realm of extraordinary thought leaders, showcasing the most sought-after keynote speakers from Harvard University. From renowned professors and groundbreaking researchers to celebrated alumni and industry pioneers, this list features individuals who are shaping the future of their fields.
Prepare to be inspired by their expertise, captivated by their stories, and motivated to achieve new heights. Read on to discover the top Harvard keynote speakers who will elevate your next event.
Top 12 Harvard Speakers of 2024
Charlene Li
Charlene Li is a Harvard alumnus, renowned thought leader on digital transformation, leadership, and customer experience. She is the author of several bestselling books, including The Disruption Mindset and Open Leadership. Li is a sought-after speaker and advisor, known for her insights on how businesses can navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. She helps leaders develop the strategies and skills needed to transform their organizations for the future. Li’s expertise has been featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Harvard Business Review.
Daniel Kraft
Daniel Kraft is a Harvard-trained physician-scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, and innovator. He chairs the XPRIZE Pandemic & Health Alliance and founded Exponential Medicine, a program that explores convergent, rapidly developing technologies and their potential in biomedicine and healthcare. Dr. Kraft holds faculty positions at Stanford University and Singularity University. He is an expert in fields such as stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and healthcare innovation. Dr. Kraft has given several TED and TEDx talks, sharing his vision for the future of health and medicine. He is a leading voice in the conversation about how technology can revolutionize healthcare.
Suneel Gupta
Suneel Gupta is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and popular speaker. He is the author of Backable: The Surprising Truth Behind What Makes People Take a Chance on You, a guide to building trust and achieving success. Gupta is the founder and CEO of Rise, a healthcare company focused on personalized wellness. He is also a visiting scholar at Harvard Medical School and a sought-after speaker on topics such as leadership, innovation, and healthcare. Gupta’s work has been featured in major publications, including the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.
David Kwong
David Kwong is a Harvard alumnus, illusionist and puzzle creator who blends sleight of hand with mind-bending puzzles. He has created and produced magic for film and television, including the movie Now You See Me. Kwong is also a New York Times crossword constructor. He is a popular speaker who explores the intersection of puzzles, magic, and the human mind. Kwong’s TED Talk, “Two Nerdy Obsessions Meet on Stage,” showcases his unique blend of magic and puzzles. He has also written a book, Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion to Captivate Audiences and Unlock the Secrets of Success.
Ashish Jha
Ashish Jha is a leading public health expert and physician who received his M.D. from Harvard Medical School. He is the Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health and a renowned figure in the fight against COVID-19. Dr. Jha has served as the White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator. He is a respected voice on public health issues. Dr. Jha has provided expert commentary for major media outlets. He is also a prolific writer and researcher. Dr. Jha has published extensively on topics such as pandemic preparedness and health policy.
Dany Bahar
Dany Bahar is a distinguished economist and professor at Brown University, specializing in international economics, public policy, and economic development. He is also a Senior Fellow at Harvard’s Growth Lab and a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. Dr. Bahar has consulted for organizations such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. He is a sought-after speaker on economic issues, with a focus on Latin America and the Middle East. Dr. Bahar is also the host of the podcast Economists on Zoom Getting Coffee.
Geoff Colvin
Geoff Colvin is a senior editor-at-large for Fortune magazine and a renowned author and speaker on the future of business and work. He is the author of several bestselling books, including Humans Are Underrated and Talent Is Overrated. Colvin is a sought-after speaker for his insights on the impact of technology on work, the changing nature of leadership, and the skills needed to succeed in the future. He is a frequent commentator on television and radio, and his work has been featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.
Erik Qualman
Erik Qualman is a former Harvard professor, digital transformation expert and keynote speaker who has reached millions of people with his message on digital leadership. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World for his best-selling books, including Socialnomics and Digital Leader. Qualman’s work has been featured on 60 Minutes and in the Wall Street Journal. His insights have been utilized by organizations ranging from the National Guard to NASA. Qualman is a professor of Digital Leadership at Northwestern University and the founder of Equalman Studios.
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a renowned neuroanatomist and bestselling author, whose stroke recovery and profound insights into the human brain have captivated audiences worldwide. Her personal experience of healing from a devastating stroke offers a unique view on neuroscience, mental health, and how our brain’s activities are intertwined with our overall well-being. Dr. Taylor is a sought-after speaker for her insights into how we can short-circuit emotional reactivity and find our way to peace. She is also an advocate for mental illness awareness and serves as the National Spokesperson for the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center.
Erica Dhawan
Erica Dhawan is a leading expert on 21st-century collaboration and connectional intelligence, as well as a Harvard alumnus and research fellow. She is the CEO and founder of Cotential and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Dhawan is a top-rated keynote speaker who has presented on global stages, including the World Economic Forum at Davos and TED. She helps leaders break down team silos, drive exponential growth, and innovate through teamwork. Dhawan’s work has been featured in publications such as the Harvard Business Review and Forbes.
Dr. Ayesha Khanna
Dr. Ayesha Khanna is a Harvard alumnus, and a leading expert in artificial intelligence and smart cities. She has advised major corporations and governments on AI and emerging technologies. Dr. Khanna is the Co-Founder and CEO of Addo, a global AI solutions firm. She is a sought-after keynote speaker for her insights into AI’s transformative role in industry and society.
Swan Sit
Swan Sit is a Harvard alumnus, marketing executive, digital thought leader, and popular speaker. She is the founder and CEO of Swan Sit, LLC, a marketing and consulting firm. Sit has held executive positions at major companies, including Nike and Estée Lauder. She is a sought-after speaker on topics such as digital transformation, marketing, and the future of work. Sit is also a popular creator on Clubhouse, where she has over 3.5 million followers.
Hire Harvard Speakers for Events
The individuals featured in this list represent the pinnacle of intellectual prowess, innovative thinking, and engaging communication. Their insights have the power to transform perspectives, ignite passions, and drive meaningful change. Whether you’re seeking to inspire your team, challenge conventional wisdom, or gain a fresh perspective on today’s most pressing issues, these Harvard keynote speakers are sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Ready to elevate your next event with a speaker who will truly captivate your audience? Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group today to discuss your specific needs and explore how these exceptional individuals can make your event a resounding success. Don’t forget to share this post with your colleagues and friends who are looking to book a dynamic and impactful speaker!
