The Most Inspiring Motivational Speakers

Whether you’re looking to boost a workplace, sports team, or any other group, Evolve Talent and Speakers has a diverse range of motivational speakers to suit all. We’ve put together a selection of some of our most popular and inspiring speakers, and a brief background about them, to help you choose the perfect person for your event. 

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson

One of Britain’s most successful Paralympic athletes to date, Tanni Grey-Thompson is regarded as one of the most inspirational speakers on the circuit. From sporting success to politics and TV presenting, Tanni is an ideal candidate for showing what can be possible, despite limitations. 

Born with spina bifida and being a lifelong wheelchair user, Tanni struggled with her disability and turned to sport. Choosing wheelchair racing, she went on to win sixteen medals – eleven gold, four silver, and a bronze, as well as holding over 30 world records, and winning the London Marathon six times. Since retiring from the sport, Tanni has moved into both politics and keynote speaking.

If you’re looking for someone who can prove what can be possible by having a never-defeated attitude and passion towards something, Tanni Grey-Thompson is the ideal selection. 

Martin Johnson CBE

Retaining the title of one of the greatest sporting leaders of all time, Martin Johnson is an incredibly motivating speaker, discussing how he achieved his great successes. As a Rugby captain, Martin understands what it takes to drive a team, and the most effective tactics to achieve great results.

A legend for both club and country, Martin Johnson won five Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups with the Leicester Tigers in what is regarded as their best-ever era and captained England to their World Cup victory and Six Nations Grand Slam in 2003. He then went on to become England’s Head Coach and lead them to their Six Nations victory in 2011.

Having spent his entire club career at the Leicester Tigers, Martin is a prime example to showcase how loyalty and determination can evoke success. Being one of the few speakers available who played in both the amateur and professional eras of the sport, he is fantastic in motivating those craving to progress in their professions.

Dame Inga Beale

Looking for business motivation advocating equality and diversity? Dame Inga Beale was the first-ever female and openly bisexual CEO of Lloyd’s of London. Climbing the corporate ladder and breaking through the glass ceiling, Inga is the perfect person to inspire those wanting to advance in the business world, despite not fitting the stereotypical profile.

Having experienced significant sexism and gender inequality in the workplace, Inga maintained her determination for equitability and surpassed all odds in her career. She ended 328 years of male reign when becoming CEO of Lloyd’s of London and has won a multitude of awards for her achievements, including being named as number one in the OUTstanding & FT Leading LGBT executive power list.

To engage a room of people who have ambitions they are not certain they can achieve, Dame Inga Beale is the ideal person to inspire and drive them towards these aspirations. 

Richard Whitehead MBE

Paralympic and world champion athlete, Richard Whitehead, has overcome obstacles the majority thankfully never have to face. 

Having been born with only the top half of his legs, Richard’s determination, and drive to achieve success is an inspiration to all. He has set world records for double-amputee athletes in both half and full marathons, as well as shorter distances. Richard’s accomplishments include four World Championship gold medals in the 200m; two Paralympic gold medals in the 200m T42; two Paralympic silver medals; and three European Championship titles.

Working as an ambassador and patron for a variety of disability charities, Richard is fantastic at relating to and understanding the difficulties people face. He uses his experiences of how he overcame such obstacles to help others in society today.

Colin Maclachlan

Former SAS operative, TV star on Channel 4’s reality quasi-military training programme SAS: Who Dares Wins and motivational speaker, Colin Maclachlan’s experiences are like no other.

From being held hostage by the guerrilla gang in Sierra Leone whilst on the hunt for the West Side Boys, to being the first sniper on the scene when a hijacked plane landed at the Stansted airport, Colin immediately engages any audience with his unique and action-filled truths. He has worked in security for high-profile individuals, including the Saudi Royal Family, and now dedicates much of his time to charity work and speaking.

For optimal audience attention look no further than Colin Maclachlan. His ability to use his experiences to drive leadership, mental resilience, and teamwork to name a few, are one-of-a-kind and he never fails to amaze at events.

Kellie Maloney

As one of the UK’s most famous transgender personalities, Kellie Maloney’s transition is one which drew major headlines. This is arguably due to the associated alpha-male profile associated with Boxing at the time.

Kellie Maloney, formerly known as ‘Frank Maloney’, was a Boxing promoter, responsible for managing the careers of various talented fighters, including Lennox Lewis. When she made the decision to undergo gender reassignment surgery, she naturally became one of the most inspirational diversity speakers on the circuit.

Openly speaking about her transition and the struggles she faced with it, Kellie is excellent at encouraging people to be themselves. She talks about how her experiences shaped who she is today, and how she overcame the negativity that was suppressed on her.

Martine Wright

In the wrong place at the wrong time, Martine Wright was a victim of the terrorist attacks which happened in London on 7th July 2005. Despite her injuries, she went on to represent her country at the Paralympics.

After spending 10 days in a coma, losing 80% of her blood, and being told she’d lost both legs, Martine remarkably overcame the tragedy which would have shattered even the strongest. Taking up sitting Volleyball, Martine progressed to be selected for her country forty times, being known for her versatility, playing in various positions. She was also awarded the BBC Sports Personality Helen Rollason Award, which is presented to an individual who has achieved outstanding things in the face of adversity. 

As a person who had their world turned upside-down, Martine is perfect for relating to and motivating audiences who are facing unexpected changes. Having got married, had a son, learned to ski, jumped out of a plane, and flown solo to South Africa since the attack; her story is inspirational to all.  

Bonita Norris

At the time of her conquering the summit of Mount Everest, Bonita Norris was just 22 years old, making her, at the time, the youngest British woman to ever achieve this height.

Despite being a novice, and seeing the expedition prove fatal to even the most experienced of climbers in the past, Bonita’s willpower and determination defied all odds. Since her success, she has also climbed five other Himalayan peaks, and skied to the North Pole. She has additionally won a whole host of individual accolades, including being named ‘Cosmopolitan Woman of the Year’. 

Bonita is an exceptional speaker to motivate leadership, self-belief, and how to step out of a comfort zone and achieve. Her skills apply to all walks of life, and careers, yet the nature of her individual experiences always portrays them in an engaging and enthralling manner.

Jeremy Snape

Sportsman turned psychologist and eminent business speaker, Jeremy Snape took his observations and learnings on the Cricket pitch to found Sporting Edge, helping corporate businesses tackle obstacles, instil winning mindsets, and encourage growth.

As a reliable all-rounder playing for both Northamptonshire and England, Jeremy maintained a strong interest in the psychological side of sport. Today Sporting Edge has spearheaded success in several high-profile brands and workplaces, including BMW, the MOD, Sky Sports, the NHS and KPMG. Jeremy offers his perspectives for the likes of Sky Sports, BBC and the country’s leading newspapers. He has also joined the LMA as a non-executive director and launched the podcast Inside the Mind of Champions.

If you’re looking for a unique viewpoint from someone with a wealth of success in the field, Jeremy Snape is the perfect suitor. His approach continually both intrigues and motivates audiences. 

Karen Carney MBE

One of the greatest female English footballers, Karen Carney has won medals for both club and country; played 114 times for England; and is now one of the most recognisable Football speakers there is.

Despite the stigma growing up that Football was a ‘men’s sport’ Karen continued her passion and eye for success. Her medal haul includes three league titles, five FA cups and the UEFA cup. She played at seven major tournaments for England and represented Team GB at the London Olympics in 2012. Since her retirement from playing, she has become an expert commentator, and pundit on Sky Sports, BBC Sport, and Amazon Prime.

Karen has suffered from sexist abuse, and she discusses how she handled and overcame this, inspiring both young girls and women in all areas.

If you’re looking for a speaker to inspire, drive and motivate an audience, Evolve can source the perfect person for your event. Be it displaying the possible, how to bounce back, or simply their experiences and how they pushed through barriers themselves, our speakers have the ultimate tips. Whether you’re sure of your choice or looking for suggestions, contact our friendly team of agents, who will be sure to match your requirements today.