Welcome to our list of the top international keynote speakers for 2025 events.
In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, the demand for impactful and inspiring keynote speakers has never been greater. As organizations strive to motivate their teams, foster innovation, and navigate the complexities of a global marketplace, the right speaker can make all the difference. With 2025 just around the corner, companies are increasingly seeking out thought leaders who not only possess a wealth of knowledge but also have the ability to engage and resonate with diverse audiences.
These are the top 13 international keynote speakers for corporate events in 2025. Each of these distinguished individuals brings a unique perspective and expertise that can elevate any event, whether it’s a large-scale conference or an intimate corporate gathering. From renowned authors and visionary entrepreneurs to groundbreaking scientists and influential activists, these speakers are poised to inspire change and drive success in organizations worldwide. Join us as we explore their remarkable backgrounds, key themes, and what makes them stand out in the crowded field of public speaking.
Top 13 International Keynote Speakers
Dany Bahar
Dany Bahar is a distinguished Israeli-Venezuelan economist and Brown University professor. He specializes in international economics, public policy, and economic development. As an Associate Professor at Brown’s Watson Institute and a Faculty Affiliate in Economics, Bahar also holds a Senior Fellow position at Harvard’s Growth Lab. His expertise extends to being a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Bahar has consulted for major organizations like the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank. Moreover, he holds four degrees, including a Ph.D. in public policy from Harvard University. His research explores technology diffusion, productivity, and the economic impact of migrants and refugees. Bahar contributes to top economic journals and media outlets globally, and hosts the podcast Economists on Zoom Getting Coffee. His work addresses critical issues like trade policies, immigrant integration, and globalization impacts, with a keen focus on Latin America and the Middle East.
Ayesha Khanna
International keynote speaker Dr. Ayesha Khanna is a renowned expert in artificial intelligence and smart cities. She holds a BA from Harvard and an MS from Columbia University. Additionally, she earned a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics, focusing on digital innovation in smart cities. As Co-Founder and CEO of Addo, based in Singapore, she leads a global AI solutions firm. Recognized by Forbes as a groundbreaking entrepreneur in Southeast Asia, Dr. Khanna advises top corporations and governments on AI, smart cities, and the metaverse. She has served on the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Councils, contributing her expertise to emerging technology governance. A sought-after keynote speaker, Dr. Khanna captivates global audiences with her insights into AI’s transformative role in industry and society.
Mark Millar
Mark Millar is a distinguished international keynote speaker, author, and expert in supply chain and logistics. With over 30 years of global business experience, he has spoken at over 500 events in 30 countries. His insights are published in more than 80 works across six languages. Mark’s book, Global Supply Chain Ecosystems, is highly acclaimed for its depth and practicality. Companies worldwide seek his advice for navigating complex supply networks. Each of his presentations is uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs of his audience, ensuring impactful and engaging sessions. Mark’s dynamic delivery inspires innovative thinking in addressing tomorrow’s supply chain challenges.
Leslie Maxie
Leslie Maxie, a 1988 US Olympian and renowned international keynote speaker, has excelled as an entrepreneur and interviewer of top figures in sports and entertainment. She addresses modern challenges in business such as ageism, advocating for inclusivity across all generations within the workplace. Her insights are especially relevant given today’s diverse workforce demographics, highlighting issues like the underestimation of young interns or the exclusion of older employees. Leslie’s powerful speeches also focus on empowering women in male-dominated industries, a topic that resonates deeply at major forums like the Women in Retail Leadership Summit and the Mississippi BAR Association in 2022.
Jim Carroll
Jim Carroll is a trusted futurist and international keynote speaker best-known for his tailored insights on industry trends and innovations. CEOs rely on him to provide motivational speeches that prepare organizations for a disruptive, fast-paced future. With 30 years of experience, Jim delivers deeply researched, customized presentations that address specific industry needs. He focuses on a limited number of events annually, ensuring each talk is uniquely crafted for its audience. His expertise spans multiple sectors including agriculture, finance, healthcare, and more, making each of his presentations distinct and impactful.
Henry Coutinho-Mason
Henry Coutinho-Mason is a top international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and expert on consumer trends. As the former managing director of TrendWatching, he’s recognized globally for his insights into consumer behavior. Moreover, Henry has authored influential books like Trend-Driven Innovation and The Future Normal, exploring innovative ideas and future business forces.
He has delivered over 100 keynotes and workshops in more than 30 countries, engaging with top corporations such as J&J and Mastercard. His presentations provide actionable insights on future trends, AI strategies, and innovation across industries. Each session is tailored to the audience, featuring practical case studies and tactics. Henry also serves as a guest lecturer at HEC Business School in Paris, shaping future business leaders.
Gil Baram
Dr. Gil Baram is a renowned cybersecurity expert and strategic policy designer. She excels in analyzing global cyber threats and shaping security strategies through detailed research and insights. Dr. Baram is sought after for her expertise at major cybersecurity conferences and by organizations like Cycon and the International Institute of Strategic Studies.
Corporations and consulting firms, including Citadel and Kazuar, frequently engage her for keynotes and consultations. Moreover, her talks often focus on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and promoting gender equality within IT and cybersecurity sectors.
Frederik G. Pferdt
Frederik G. Pferdt, former Chief Innovation Evangelist at Google, and leading international keynote speaker and innovation consultant. He has worked with global entities like the United Nations, Adidas, NASA, SAP, and the FBI. Dr. Pferdt’s mission is to inspire audiences to invent their future.
At Google, he led the development of an innovative mindset among employees. His work helped shape Google’s celebrated innovation culture. Dr. Pferdt also founded Google’s first Innovation Laboratory and The Garage.
He has trained over 500 Innovation Evangelists and influenced countless Googlers during his tenure. Beyond Google, he has built communities of innovation catalysts for major organizations worldwide.
Dr. Pferdt is also an Adjunct Professor at Stanford University’s d.school. There, he teaches courses on innovation and design thinking. His academic work empowers students to create impactful solutions.
Known as the Pope of Creativity, Dr. Pferdt has been featured in over 300 international publications. His insights continue to influence leaders and teams globally in embracing innovative approaches to problem-solving.
Jack Shaw
Jack Shaw is a renowned business and technology keynote speaker and futurist. With a Yale degree and a Kellogg MBA, he’s recognized globally among the top technology futurists. Jack has decades of experience in emerging technologies like AI, helping leaders transform their organizations. He simplifies complex topics such as Blockchain, 5G, and the Metaverse in his keynotes. Moreover, as voted one of the Top 25 Speakers, Jack Shaw prepares businesses for constant change. His career began in the 1980s, exploring AI’s potential in business operations. Jack authored three pivotal technology books in the 1990s and led an AI software company in the 2000s. His programs blend executive and technological expertise, offering invaluable insights into managing disruptive change.
Keren Elazari
Keren Elazari, a prominent advocate for women in tech and cybersecurity, is celebrated globally. Forbes recognized her as one of Israel’s top 50 influential women. She founded Israel’s largest security community event, marking significant strides in the industry. Born in Tel Aviv, Elazari was drawn to computers from a young age. She served ten years in the Israeli Defence Forces as a cybersecurity officer. Following her acclaimed TED Talk, she embarked on a career as a keynote and motivational speaker. Today, she is among the leading female voices in tech and cybersecurity worldwide.
Priya Parker
Priya Parker, a strategic advisor and best-selling author, excels as a facilitator and international keynote speaker. She authored The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters, acclaimed as a top business book by Amazon, the Financial Times, and Bloomberg. As host of the New York Times podcast Together Apart, Parker explores themes of community and connection. Her expertise in facilitating complex negotiations has guided leaders and communities for over 15 years. Moreover, Parker’s work extends globally, from improving race relations on U.S. college campuses to aiding peace processes in the Arab world, southern Africa, and India. Her insights are regularly featured in major media outlets like the New York Times, NPR, and Forbes. Parker’s TEDx talk on purpose has captivated over a million viewers, underscoring her impact as a thought leader in gathering and purposeful communication.
Yossi Sheffi
Dr. Yossi Sheffi is a top international keynote speaker and MIT professor specializing in systems optimization, risk analysis, and supply chain management. He is the Elisha Gray II Professor of Engineering Systems at MIT and has authored several best-selling books. His works are frequently featured in the Wall Street Journal and Supply Chain Management Review. Dr. Sheffi’s latest book, Balancing Green: When to Embrace Sustainability in Business (and When Not to), offers a fresh perspective on sustainability in business. Globally, leading companies engage him for business consultations and impactful keynote speeches. Additionally, Dr. Sheffi is a successful entrepreneur, having founded or co-founded five innovative companies in technology and logistics.
Ashish Jha
Dr. Ashish Jha is a renowned global leader in public health and a dynamic keynote speaker. As the former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator and current Dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his speeches. Moreover, organizations worldwide engage Dr. Jha for his insightful and evidence-based keynotes on health, medicine, and business. Additionally, his presentations are tailored to meet the specific needs of diverse audiences, ensuring relevant and impactful takeaways. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group to book Dr. Jha for your next event.
Hiring Top International Keynote Speakers
At the Mollie Plotkin Group, we understand the transformative power of a great keynote speaker. We have a carefully curated roster of top international keynote speakers who are leaders in their respective fields. These individuals are not just speakers; they are thought leaders, change-makers, and innovators with a proven track record of success.
We believe that every event is unique and requires a tailored approach. That’s why we work closely with our clients to understand their specific needs and objectives. We then match them with the perfect speaker who can deliver a powerful, impactful message that resonates with their audience.
So if you’re looking for an international keynote speaker who can inspire your team and drive your business forward, look no further than the Mollie Plotkin Group. Contact us today to discuss your needs and let us help you create an unforgettable event.
