12 Best Entrepreneur Speakers
Discover 12 of the best entrepreneur speakers with Evolve Speakers & Talent. This includes Deborah Meaden, Steven Bartlett and Gary Neville.
26 Feb 2025
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Motivation
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Entrepreneurs are some of the most inspiring individuals in the country, whose business success can also make them an excellent choice for a keynote speaker. Able to offer real-world insights into a wide range of topics, often their experiences of navigating the ups and downs of the business world provide valuable lessons for people in any industry.
From building global brands to pioneering new markets, at Evolve we’re home to a whole host of entrepreneurs turned business speakers who can share practical advice and engaging stories that always leave a lasting impact.
Let’s take a look at 12 of the best entrepreneur speakers who you should consider hiring for your next event.
Deborah Meaden
Deborah Meaden is best known for being one of the formidable investors on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, but her business acumen extends far beyond the screen. She has built a multi-million pound amusement and holiday park business before becoming famous as a savvy entrepreneur.
Deborah’s expertise spans a wide range of areas including leadership and building an investment portfolio. When hired as a keynote speaker, she always captivates audiences with her no-nonsense approach and can share lessons on decision-making, resilience and staying ahead in competitive markets.
Gary Neville
While to many he is known for being a former Manchester United footballer and Sky Sports pundit, Gary Neville is also a successful businessman who has transitioned from sport to entrepreneurship.
He currently co-owns a hotel business, League Two football club Salford City and multiple hospitality ventures.
As one of the best entrepreneur speakers, he can discuss topics including teamwork, leadership and explain the importance of adapting to change – all lessons that have been drawn from both his sporting and business careers.
Tim Campbell
Tim Campbell first rose to fame as the first winner of The Apprentice, and he has since gone full circle now appearing on the show as one of Lord Sugar’s most trusted advisors. He has also built a thriving business career, starting as a Project Director at Sugar’s Amstrad before moving onto numerous ventures including social mobility organisations, property investment firms and a digital marketing agency.
Tim’s speeches are always engaging and inspiring, he can cover topics including leadership and the importance of diversity in business.
Jo Fairley
Jo Fairley is the co-founder of Green & Black’s, one of the most successful chocolate firms in the world. Her journey from journalist to entrepreneur is truly fascinating and at her talks she can inspire audiences with her insights into branding, sustainability and leadership.
Her engaging storytelling style always leaves a lasting impression on aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.
Deirdre Bounds
A self-made entrepreneur and founder of i-to-i, Deirdre Bounds is an award-winning businesswoman who has achieved huge success. After creating her own travel company that hit the niche of offering consumers with meaningful and ethical travel experiences, she became a millionaire when the brand was sold to TUI.
Since then, she has become a passionate advocate for entrepreneurs everywhere offering inspiring and motivational keynote speeches that detail her journey starting from humble beginnings to achieving global success.
At all of her events, she can cover a range of topics including motivation and overcoming adversity.
Steven Bartlett
A dynamic entrepreneur, TV star and the host of one of the world’s most successful podcasts, The Diary of a CEO, Steven Bartlett’s business journey is extremely inspiring. As the founder of Social Chain, he singlehandedly built one of Europe’s most influential marketing agencies before stepping into the worlds of investment and media. Currently, he is a director of the popular Huel brand and can be seen offering his business insights, and financial investments, on Dragons’ Den.
At all of his events, Steven can offer invaluable insights into digital marketing and building a brand as well as explaining the mindset required to achieve success.
Rob Law
Business success is not easy. And one businessman who knows this better than most is Rob Law, the inventor of Trunki, the iconic children’s ride-on suitcase. Despite early rejection on Dragons’ Den, Rob didn’t let this stop him building a globally recognised brand – and it’s this experience that makes him one of the best entrepreneur speakers around.
At his events he can discuss his early setback and focus on how he overcame this adversity and develop his unique products. His story of turning challenges into opportunity resonates with business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
Brad Burton
Brad Burton is perhaps one of the most motivational entrepreneurs in the country, whose journey from unemployment to building a successful networking business is nothing short of inspirational.
Also, an Amazon best-selling author, he is known for his high-energy and no nonsense events where he always delivers powerful messages that focus on topics including taking control of your own destiny and perseverance.
Alison Edgar
Alison Edgar, or ‘The Entrepreneur’s Godmother’ as she is often referred to, is an expert speaker who has coached countless business owners on boosting motivation, improving communication and many more corporate lessons. Also, an author of two-smash hit books, her expertise has even seen her advise the government on business legislation.
At her keynote speaking events she can focus on a range of topics including resilience and business growth, making her an invaluable personality if you’re seeking someone to help drive performance or encourage motivation.
Piers Linney
A former Dragons’ Den investor, entrepreneur and advocate for diversity in business, Piers Linney has launched and scaled multiple companies in his career, specialising in the tech and finance sectors. In particular, he is the founder and CEO of Moblox – a next-generation technology and business tools platform.
As an entrepreneur speaker, he can explore innovation and leadership at his events and his experience in navigating a number of complex industries helps to provide his audiences with unique insights.
Kanya King
Kanya King is the founder of the world famous MOBO Awards – an annual British music awards event that celebrates the achievements of black and ethnic minority musicians. Her personal entrepreneurial journey showcases the power of perseverance and passion in creating a global impact.
As a speaker, Kanya always delivers powerful messages on how to break down barriers, the importance of diversity and her own personal vision as a successful businesswoman. Her own inspiring story is a must-hear for anyone looking to make an impact in their own industry and career.
Gerald Ratner
The name Gerald Ratner is synonymous with one of the greatest business comebacks of all time. After his infamous speech led to the downfall of the jewellery empire he oversaw, he fought back, rebuilt his career and turned his fortunes around.
His journey demonstrates resilience and adaptability, and at all his speaking events he can provide a fascinating insight into crisis management and how he rebuilt his reputation. Your audience is sure to appreciate his honesty and wit as well as the invaluable lessons his experiences have taught him.
Hire the best entrepreneur speakers with Evolve
At Evolve, we can connect you with some of the best entrepreneur speakers in the industry who can inspire and entertain your guests. Whether you’re looking for insights from our motivational speakers or leadership advice from our business speakers take some time to check out our roster of top talent.
To find the perfect speaker for your next corporate or private occasion, contact one of our agents today by calling 0115 778 8131 or emailing agent@evolve-agency.co.uk
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