Britain’s first female fast-jet pilot Dr Jo Salter has been named the UK’s most inspirational business speaker, topping a major new ranking by the Motivational Speakers Agency.
The poll, compiled from data across more than 450 exclusive London events, reveals which keynote speakers have made the biggest impact on audiences in the past year — with names spanning entrepreneurship, elite sport, exploration, and public service.
Dr Salter, who became Britain’s first woman to fly a Tornado jet in the Royal Air Force, has built a reputation as a powerful advocate for leadership, risk-taking and inclusion. Her talks draw on experiences from the cockpit to the corporate boardroom, where she now advises global businesses on performance under pressure.
“There’s a diverse mix of names, but everyone on this list shares one thing in common — the ability to inspire, engage and spark change,” said Jack Hayes, Director of the Motivational Speakers Agency. “Their place in the top 20 underlines the impression they’ve left on audiences right across London.”
From F1 to the frontier of entrepreneurship
Among the top-ranked speakers was Susie Wolff, Managing Director of the F1 Academy and a trailblazer for women in motorsport. The former Formula One driver has become a powerful voice on leadership and gender equality, urging businesses to champion talent regardless of background.
Close behind is adventurer Bear Grylls, whose stories of survival and endurance have inspired millions around the world. His lessons on teamwork, courage and perseverance — drawn from military service and global expeditions — continue to resonate with corporate audiences seeking resilience in the face of uncertainty.
Jason Fox, the former Special Forces sergeant turned broadcaster, is also among the country’s most in-demand motivational speakers. Drawing on experiences from covert operations and his personal battles with mental health, Fox offers a raw and moving perspective on leadership, recovery and purpose.
In business circles, Steven Bartlett, the 32-year-old entrepreneur and host of The Diary of a CEO podcast, continues to command attention. Having founded the social media agency Social Chain in his early twenties, Bartlett has since become one of Britain’s most recognisable young business figures — and a new voice of entrepreneurial ambition on BBC’s Dragons’ Den. His talks combine insights on innovation, personal growth and the psychology of success, appealing to the next generation of founders and leaders.
Icons of innovation and endurance
Sir Richard Branson, the ever-charismatic founder of Virgin, also features prominently in the ranking. Renowned for his pioneering spirit and optimistic leadership, Branson remains one of the world’s most sought-after speakers, urging audiences to “think big” and embrace risk as a force for innovation.
He is joined by Dame Kelly Holmes, the double Olympic champion whose candid reflections on resilience, identity and mental health have inspired audiences beyond the track. Holmes, who overcame injury and self-doubt to win gold in Athens 2004, has become a passionate advocate for mental wellbeing in sport and business.
Former NBA player and psychologist John Amaechi stands out as one of Britain’s most thoughtful corporate thinkers. A leading voice on inclusion and authenticity, Amaechi challenges leaders to build cultures rooted in empathy and purpose, using insights from both professional sport and organisational psychology.
From the open ocean to the boardroom
The list also celebrates extraordinary personal stories. Roz Savage, the first woman to row solo across three oceans, shares powerful messages of environmental responsibility and inner strength. Her story — from leaving a corporate career to crossing 15,000 miles of open water — embodies the courage to embrace change and uncertainty.
Jamie McAnsh, who became paralysed in 2014 and later climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, continues to inspire with his account of rebuilding life through adversity. His message of determination and adaptability has resonated strongly with audiences facing business and personal challenges alike.
Meanwhile, Rachel Botsman, a globally recognised expert on trust and innovation, helps businesses navigate transformation in the digital age. Her work has influenced leaders at companies such as Google, Microsoft, and PwC, exploring how transparency and adaptability can drive long-term success.
Sporting legends and performance leaders
Sporting excellence remains a cornerstone of Britain’s motivational landscape. Sir Clive Woodward, the Rugby World Cup-winning England coach, continues to draw packed audiences for his insights on teamwork, marginal gains and leadership under pressure. Lord Sebastian Coe, the Olympic champion and architect of the London 2012 Games, similarly emphasises discipline, collaboration and legacy in his addresses.
Jason Robinson, another World Cup winner, shares lessons in perseverance from a career that took him from rugby league roots in Leeds to England captaincy and sporting history.
Performance psychologist Jamil Qureshi, who has worked with Ryder Cup golfers and Formula One teams, also appears on the list, advising leaders on unlocking world-class performance through mindset and motivation.
Completing the roll call of high-impact speakers are Mandy Hickson, a former RAF fast-jet pilot turned leadership consultant; Jim Lawless, the record-breaking freediver and performance strategist; Floella Benjamin, actress and peer who champions diversity and kindness; and Tracy Edwards MBE, the trailblazing sailor who led the first all-female crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race.
From business founders to Olympians, this year’s ranking paints a portrait of modern inspiration — where lessons from the cockpit, boardroom and playing field converge to help audiences lead with confidence, resilience and purpose.
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The UK’s top inspirational business speakers revealed in new poll