Leadership shapes how organizations perform, adapt, and create value through change. As businesses navigate AI, economic uncertainty, shifting workforce expectations, and rising competitive pressure, strong leadership has become even more central to long-term success.
McKinsey’s State of Organizations 2026 report notes that organizations are moving beyond short-term resilience and placing greater emphasis on sustained productivity, long-term impact, and technology-driven transformation.
Top Trending Leadership Speakers of 2026
The leadership keynote speakers on this list were selected based on current speaker research, recent major event activity, and the Mollie Plotkin Group’s 20+ years of experience booking keynote talent for organizations across industries. Each speaker brings a timely perspective on leadership, whether through executive decision-making, organizational change, innovation, culture, communication, or leading teams through uncertainty. We prioritized speakers who are active, relevant, and prepared to help 2026 audiences understand what effective leadership looks like now.
Adam Pacifico
Leaders facing uncertainty need practical ways to build trust, energy, and clarity across teams. Adam Pacifico brings that work to life through Human-Centered Leadership, The Leader’s Secret Code, and Give Leadership Back, drawing from more than 150,000 data points and his award-winning podcast, The Leadership Enigma. His Transform 2026 appearance reinforces his relevance for organizations focused on leadership, culture, and modern workforce change.
Book Adam Pacifico
Jody Carrington
Leadership cultures suffer when disconnection, burnout, and loneliness go unaddressed. Dr. Jody Carrington uses clinical experience, humor, and practical guidance to help audiences stay connected, motivated, and better equipped for difficult conversations. Her Toastmasters 2026 International Convention keynote presentation and Burnout Proof Teams workshop show how directly her work speaks to resilience and human connection.
Book Jody Carrington
Cory Richards
Teams under pressure need leaders who can build resilience without denying discomfort. Cory Richards, a world-renowned photographer and bestselling author, helps audiences reframe adversity through keynotes like The Edge Is Where We Begin, No Summit Solo, and The Inside-Out Leader. His Morning Speaker Series with Cory Richards engagement connects that message to audiences interested in resilience, storytelling, and leadership from the inside out.
Book Cory Richards
Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan
Leaders balancing employee engagement with business performance need a framework that improves both trust and results. Fortune 5 tech veteran Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan uses her Outsider’s Edge framework to help teams build psychological safety, deepen appreciation, and drive stronger profitability and returns. Her Women’s Foodservice Forum 2026 engagement shows how her message connects with leaders focused on high-performing teams and inclusive workplace growth.
Book Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan
David Burkus
Organizations trying to improve collaboration need leadership practices that make high performance easier to repeat. David Burkus focuses on teamwork, talent, and workplace connection, giving audiences practical tools for building better teams and strengthening the way people work together. His appearance at the SIOR Spring 2026 Conference connects his message to leaders focused on business relationships, organizational performance, and trusted networks.
Book David Burkus
Eric Termuende
Leaders preparing for the future of work need more than trend awareness. Eric Termuende gives audiences a research-backed blueprint for building teams that are more productive, engaged, creative, and innovative in a world still taking shape. His session, The Future of Work Is Here, at World Employment Conference 2026 makes his work especially relevant for organizations rethinking workforce strategy and culture.
Book Eric Termuende
Jeff Salzenstein
High-performing teams need tools for pressure, focus, and resilience that do not lead to burnout. Former Top 100 tennis player and performance coach Jeff Salzenstein teaches leaders how to Own Your Zone through emotional regulation, sustainable energy, and repeatable performance fundamentals. His LeadingAge Texas 2026 Annual Conference keynote connects that message to leaders responsible for care, culture, and long-term organizational stamina.
Book Jeff Salzenstein
John “Gucci” Foley
Teams that want stronger trust need leadership habits that turn accountability into shared momentum. Former Blue Angels lead solo pilot John “Gucci” Foley teaches audiences how his Glad to Be Here philosophy supports resilience, gratitude, vulnerability, and team connection under pressure. His Unite Leadership Conference appearance is a timely example of his relevance for leadership audiences focused on performance and culture.
Book John “Gucci” Foley
Josh Linkner
Leaders facing disruption need a repeatable way to solve problems and accelerate growth. New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, venture capital investor, and innovation expert Josh Linkner teaches the Find A Way framework, giving audiences practical tools for agility, creativity, and full-organization ingenuity. His AmplifyX Growth Summit appearance connects that message to business leaders focused on entrepreneurship, capital, innovation, and scalable growth.
Book Josh Linkner
Justin Forsett
Teams moving through change need leaders who can turn adversity into forward motion. Justin Forsett brings lessons from a nine-year NFL career and his work as CEO and co-founder of Hustle Clean, with keynotes on resilience, teamwork, ethical leadership, entrepreneurship, and growth through failure. His Ignite 2026 Leadership Conference appearance in Tupelo, Mississippi ties that message to audiences focused on leadership, opportunity, and community development.
Book Justin Forsett
Keren Tsuk
Organizations working to reduce burnout and improve engagement need leaders who can build performance through presence and trust. Dr. Keren Tsuk teaches Conscious Leadership and Mindfully Wise Leadership, showing how mindfulness can improve relationships, decision-making, productivity, innovation, and employee engagement. Her Women in Tech Global Conference 2026 appearance highlights the relevance of her work for leaders navigating technology, wellbeing, and inclusive growth.
Book Keren Tsuk
Margie Warrell
Leadership stalls when people know what is needed but hesitate to act. Dr. Margie Warrell helps audiences close the courage gap through Lead Bravely, guiding leaders to strengthen clarity, self-awareness, alignment, and collective courage. Her San Diego Women’s Week speaker listing reinforces why her work belongs in conversations about leadership, confidence, and courageous decision-making.
Book Margie Warrell
Matthew Emerzian
Culture improves when people understand why they matter and how their work contributes to others. Matthew Emerzian, bestselling author and founder of Every Monday Matters, gives audiences a human-centered framework through keynotes like Make It Matter and You Matter. His cityCURRENT Virtual Signature Speaker Series appearance reflects demand for practical culture work rooted in meaning, connection, and measurable human impact.
Book Matthew Emerzian
Michael Laidler
Leaders working under pressure need tools for resilience before pressure turns into burnout or disengagement. Michael Laidler, a former law enforcement leader and best-selling author, teaches the Failure F.U.E.L.S. Growth framework to help audiences turn setbacks into growth and strengthen self-leadership. His MASCA Keynote Speakers 2026 listing and 48th Annual TFPA Conference engagement connect his message to audiences focused on leadership, service, and resilience.
Book Michael Laidler
Michelle Stacy
Companies trying to scale innovation need leaders who can connect strategy, culture, and customer insight. Former Keurig President and P&G executive Michelle Stacy translates enterprise leadership into clear guidance for engagement, performance, and growth through topics like Full Engagement Leadership and innovation strategy. Her EDCO Annual Luncheon 2026 appearance points to the practical demand for her perspective on economic growth, leadership, and workforce performance.
Book Michelle Stacy
Mike Abrashoff
Organizations looking for breakthrough performance need leaders who can build trust and push ownership deeper into the team. Mike Abrashoff transformed the USS Benfold into the number-one performing naval ship by changing his own leadership style, empowering his crew, and asking, “What would you do?” His Responsible Care & Sustainability Conference & Expo appearance connects It’s Your Ship to leaders focused on safety, accountability, and organizational improvement.
Book Mike Abrashoff
Rachel DeAlto
Leaders who want better collaboration need communication that builds real trust. Rachel DeAlto, a connection catalyst and researcher, helps audiences improve relatability, customer experience, team connection, and leadership influence through keynotes like The Relatable Leader. Her Women in Tech Global Conference 2026 appearance highlights how relevant her work is for organizations focused on connection, leadership, and communication in technical environments.
Book Rachel DeAlto
Steve Farber
Leaders trying to improve engagement need a culture that makes people feel genuinely valued. Steve Farber, a bestselling author and leadership strategist, teaches Extreme Leadership and Love Is Just Damn Good Business, showing audiences how love can operate as a disciplined business practice that improves loyalty, service, and performance. His VRCA Construction Leadership Forum appearance connects that message to leaders focused on trust, accountability, and practical culture change.
Book Steve Farber
Tara Renze
Teams held back by self-doubt need leadership tools that build confidence, mental fitness, and emotional intelligence. Tara Renze helps audiences lead with clarity through science-backed mindset work, customized digital workbooks, and keynotes focused on showing up as their best selves. Her ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference appearance highlights continued demand for her message among leaders focused on confidence, performance, and personal growth.
Book Tara Renze
To book a leadership speaker through The Mollie Plotkin Group, contact The Mollie Plotkin Group at booking@mollieplotkingroup.com or call 215-995-0905 to connect with an agent.