Burnout, demotivation and anxiety are commonplace in British workplaces. As 21% of British adults have experienced some form of depression, it is clear that more needs to be done to improve wellbeing. For many, the start of a new year brings uncertainty and anxiety, especially considering Blue Monday takes place on the third Monday of January and is described as the “most depressing day of the year”.
Organising a kick-off event is the perfect way to reignite your employees. Keynote motivational speakers are resident experts on resilience and determination - valuable traits in the face of adversity, particularly for high-pressure sales departments.
Source
Start 2026 with Impact: Hire Vetted Keynote Speakers for Your Sales Kick-Off
Set the tone for 2026 with our exclusive selection of top keynote speakers, each vetted for excellence across over 300 corporate events between 2020 and 2024. From resilience and innovation to mental well-being, these speakers are proven to ignite productivity and inspire teams. Whether virtual or in-person, our roster includes experts like Katie Piper on perseverance and Simon Sinek on leadership, offering transformative insights tailored to today’s workplace. Contact us to book a speaker and energise your team for the year ahead.
- Derek Redmond
- Jez Rose
- Katie Piper
- Jason Fox
- Helen Sharman
- Tim Peake
- Duncan Wardle
- Simon Sinek
- Geoff Ramm
- Ollie Ollerton
- Mr Motivator
- Bernie de Souza
- BJ Cunningham
- Jo Fairley
- Jeremy Schwartz
- Jo Salter
- Samantha Clarke
- Tony Morris
- Nina Schick
- Vladimer Botsvadze
- Taz Thornton
- Jason Robinson
- Katy Leeson
Derek Redmond
Derek Redmond is an extraordinary choice for a Sales Kick Off speaker, combining the mindset of a world-class athlete with the insights of a high-performance business leader. A decorated Olympian and World Champion, Derek’s story of resilience, most memorably his iconic 1992 Olympic moment, embodies perseverance, determination, and the power of never giving up.
As a former Group Performance Director at Thomas International and bestselling author, Derek expertly bridges the gap between sport and business, teaching teams how to achieve peak performance under pressure. His passion for motivation, inclusion, and mental resilience inspires audiences to overcome challenges and perform at their absolute best.
Derek’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
High Performance Teams - Derek Redmond draws on his 1991 World Championship victory to demonstrate the power of teamwork and communication, inspiring workplace unity, improved performance, and well-being through his engaging motivational talks.
Jez Rose
Jez Rose is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, author, and broadcaster celebrated for his humour, energy, and transformative insights. With over 20 years of experience, he has delivered keynotes for global brands like Ford, Marriott, and Philips, helping teams embrace behavioural change, resilience, and leadership growth. A former BBC presenter and TEDx speaker, Jez blends storytelling with science to inspire lasting transformation.
As the founder of the global What if? movement and The Good Life Project, his work explores how mindset and environment shape success. For Sales Kick Off events, Jez energises audiences to think differently, challenge limitations, and create meaningful, results-driven change.
Jez’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Leading Change - Jez Rose speaks on leading change with energy and insight, helping audiences embrace transformation through curiosity, resilience, and behavioural science. He empowers leaders to inspire progress, adaptability, and lasting organisational growth.
Katie Piper
Since surviving an acid attack, Katie Piper has become the living embodiment of endurance. The author and television presenter has hosted such inspiring documentaries as Katie: My Beautiful Face and the podcast Katie Piper’s Extraordinary People, a testament to her confidence. She is now a leading speaker and uses her platform to promote self-empowerment.
Katie’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Endurance & Survival – Katie has experienced first-hand the power of persistence in the face of disaster. At events, she teaches audiences the mindset to survive life’s biggest challenges by harnessing mental resilience and perseverance.
Jason Fox
Following his extensive military career, Jason Fox found fame on SAS: Who Dares Wins. The former Special Forces Officer suffered PTSD, an experience he now discusses with audiences at events, to teach guests the importance of mental health support. Jason is a bestselling author and one of the circuit’s most popular speakers.
Jason’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Mental Health in the Workplace – A key topic of 2026, support for employees’ mental health is vital. Jason is the perfect speaker to discuss this topic, as he has vast experience managing pressure and building psychological resilience.
Helen Sharman
Credited as the first British astronaut to travel to space, Helen Sharman understands the impact of isolation more than most. Loneliness can chip away at a person’s wellbeing; Helen’s experience orbiting the earth makes her a leading expert on self-motivation. She is a truly inspiring speaker and is guaranteed to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
Helen’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Isolation & Loneliness – Having spent multiple months on the Mir Space Station, Helen suffered homesickness and loneliness. The perfect speaker for staff working from home, she can teach employees techniques to motivate themselves through isolation.
Tim Peake
Former British Army Officer turned internationally renowned astronaut Tim Peake has inspired interest in space across the UK with his #CosmicClassroom series. As the second British astronaut in space, he quickly adapted to the physically and mentally challenging conditions aboard the station to complete his mission. Tim now captivates audiences with his career at events.
Tim’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Adapting to your Environment – Tim has adapted to several dangerous environments, from the military frontline to the dizzying heights of outer space. He teaches audiences the skills needed to adapt to help them manage change in their lives.
Duncan Wardle
As the former Head of Innovation & Creativity at Disney, Duncan Wardle is credited for some of history’s most adventurous marketing campaigns. He is an immensely popular webinar speaker, as Duncan’s Q&As and flip charts captivate audiences from start to finish. He reveals the secrets behind some of Disney’s most innovative experiments.
Duncan’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Innovation & Creativity – Duncan opens his audience’s eyes to the potential for innovation in their industry. With his inspiring mindset, he connects with professionals to inspire teamwork and creativity, which is essential for staying ahead of the curve.
Simon Sinek
As an internationally celebrated keynote speaker and leadership expert, Simon Sinek is the missing link your business needs. He is the ideal speaker for audiences of all ages, as he can both inspire university graduates and empower business leaders with his unique perspective. Including communication and teamwork, Simon’s leadership workshops are world-renowned.
Simon’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Leading Through a Crisis – In a crisis, leadership is essential. Simon will arm your workplace with the skills needed to manage change and adapt to whatever life may throw at them. In the wake of COVID-19, this ability is essential.
Geoff Ramm
Geoff Ramm is the mastermind behind ‘Celebrity Service’ and ‘OMG Marketing’, an approach to customer service that has produced outstanding results time and time again. As a speaker, Geoff teaches audiences the importance of “Consistency, Excitement, Love, Engagement, Bravado, Response, Independence, Thank You and You, Your Team”, his ground-breaking methodology.
Geoff’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Customer Experience – As commerce evolves, Geoff’s speaking topic supplies up-to-date insight into optimum customer service. Transform your sales team’s ability to connect with clients, and hire Geoff Ramm for your event.
Ollie Ollerton
From the front line to SAS: Who Dares Wins and now the speaking circuit, Ollie Ollerton’s diverse career makes him a top motivational speaker. He applies the lessons from the British military to a corporate environment, teaching business leaders and their employees the value of teamwork, leadership and mental resilience.
Ollie’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Conquering Self-Doubt – Self-doubt fuels demotivation, which leads to decreased workplace performance. Ollie teaches audiences how to cultivate confidence and face challenges head-on, with self-assurance instead of doubt. Surpass your mental and physical limits with this highly qualified expert in motivation.
Mr Motivator
Who better to attend your 2026 sales kick-off event than Mr Motivator? He is a master of motivation and so will reinvigorate your workplace team. Whether you require a high-energy workout routine or engagement in wellbeing, choose the UK’s favourite motivator for your event.
Mr Motivator’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Physical & Mental Wellbeing – Wellbeing is essential for productivity and performance in the workplace. Mr Motivator will guide your employees from demotivated to invigorated with his energetic public speaking engagements.
Bernie de Souza
Combining entertainment with fantastic takeaways, Bernie de Souza is the whole packet. He is perfect for sales conferences, where he reveals the secrets to increasing profits, securing clients and automating your business. With an experienced speaker like Bernie, your sales kick-off conference, webinar or event is in safe hands.
Bernie’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Increase Profits Quickly – After a year of financial turmoil, Bernie de Souza’s speaking topic, ‘Increase Profits Quickly’, is a welcome relief for business owners. He will teach you how to safely grow and develop your brand to secure long-term, sustainable profits.
BJ Cunningham
Brand consultant and consumer trends expert BJ Cunningham is a must-have at your sales kick-off event. If you want to disrupt your industry and outperform your competitors, choose a speaker famed for their controversial yet highly successful marketing techniques, like the Founder of DEATH Cigarettes. BJ excites audiences with his creative and innovative approach to marketing.
BJ’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Transformational Leadership – Corporate leaders must be disruptive. They need to challenge their team and push the company’s potential - this is where BJ comes in. He teaches corporate audiences how to lead with conviction.
Jo Fairley
Who better to book for your sales kick-off event than the powerhouse of commerce, Jo Fairley? As the co-founder of Green & Black’s, one of the world’s favourite chocolate companies, she shares her journey from a small business to a global brand with captivated audiences. Embrace sustainable business and corporate responsibility with Jo!
Jo’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Sustainable Business Models – Green & Black’s is well known for its sustainable business model, which includes organic products and ethically sourced ingredients. Jo teaches corporate audiences how to grow profits while following a sustainable business model.
Jeremy Schwartz
With senior roles in Pandora, L’Oréal, and Coca-Cola, Jeremy Schwartz is the perfect speaker for large-scale corporate events. He is the former CEO of The Body Shop, a role in which he employed purpose-driven business and leadership methods. As a speaker, Jeremy uses his 30 years of experience to leave audiences with actionable takeaways.
Jeremy’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Championing Innovation – The world of work is changing, and business leaders must change, too. Jeremy teaches audiences how to support their employees’ true creative potential and create a workplace team that champions innovation.
Jo Salter
Jo Salter’s groundbreaking career as the RAF's first female fast jet pilot and her current leadership role at PwC makes her an outstanding speaker for sales kick-off events. Jo engages audiences with captivating stories of resilience, determination, and leading all-male teams in high-stress environments, drawing parallels to the fast-paced sales world.
Jo’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Mental Resilience - Using her military experience, Jo shows audiences the power of a strong mindset, perseverance and determination. She leaves sales teams energised and equipped to overcome adversity.
Samantha Clarke
As a happiness and change consultant, Samantha Clarke empowers audiences to grab 2026 by the horns! The sales speaker combines digital technologies, wellbeing, corporate culture and more to produce a comprehensive approach to business. Samantha’s mindset will inspire your guests, who will apply her guidance to their daily lives.
Samantha’s Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Happiness at Work – If your audience is demotivated or burned out, Samantha is your speaker, ‘Happiness at Work’ is focused on workplace wellbeing and motivation, key traits of a successful workforce. Engage your team in 2026 with Samantha Clarke.
Tony Morris
A leading sales expert, Tony Morris is famed as the Founder of the TMI Training Academy, having formerly worked as a Senior Account Manager for Capscan, helping close over £7m worth of business. Focusing on making killer sales and excelling above other sales professionals, Tony offers comprehensive guides to succeeding in and dominating the sales industry. If you are looking for a sales kick-off speaker guaranteed to reignite that spark and passion in employees, hire Tony Morris today!
Tony’s Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Killer Sales: Inside the Mind of a Serial Seller – What do the top 1% of salespeople in the world do differently to have an unfair advantage over their peers?
Nina Schick
Nina Schick is a renowned expert in generative AI, leading advancements in emerging technologies. As the Creator of the Era of Generative AI and author of the first generative AI book, "DEEPFAKES: The Coming Infocalypse," she expertly analyzes the potential benefits and impact of generative AI on humanity. Nina will teach your sales team the value that generative AI will bring to their working lives.
Nina's Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
AI in Business – At events, Nina explores the practical applications of AI in business. She provides actionable strategies for generative technologies and focuses on the importance of ethics in AI. With a long and successful career in technology industries, Nina is a leading expert.
Vladimer Botsvadze
Elevate your event with Vladimer Botsvadze, the transformative digital marketing guru recognized globally for his expertise. As the leading voice in predictive analytics and education thought leadership, Vladimer brings a treasure trove of knowledge from his roles at prestigious award panels like the Webby and Stevie Awards. His speeches enlighten and are grounded in practical strategies tailored for business growth.
Vladimer's Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Build Your World-Class Personal Brand – As a speaker, Vladimer reveals how business professionals can create their own personal branding. He explores the benefits of branding, particularly for sales agents, and best practices for personal branding strategies and social media.
Taz Thornton
Taz Thornton is a dynamic UK-based keynote speaker renowned for her transformative approach to personal empowerment and sales motivation. With extensive experience in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), coaching, and mindset development, Taz delivers compelling presentations that equip sales teams with practical tools to overcome challenges and achieve peak performance. Her unique methods, including extreme empowerment activities such as firewalking and glasswalking, inspire individuals to break through mental barriers and embrace success.
Taz's Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Whose Dreams Are You Chasing? - Taz explores how to be yourself in business, using examples from her career and industry insight to inspire audiences. Taz offers actionable strategies for personal and professional growth, making her a sought-after speaker for all organisations.
Jason Robinson
Jason Robinson is a legendary dual-code rugby player and the first Black British man to captain England Rugby. Throughout his remarkable career, he played for Wigan, Sale Sharks, Bath, and the British & Irish Lions, earning MBE and OBE honours for his achievements. Overcoming a challenging childhood marked by poverty and abuse, Jason has become one of the world’s leading motivational and social mobility speakers.
Through his company, JR Talks, he shares powerful lessons on resilience, teamwork, diversity, and inclusion. His authenticity, lived experience, and leadership make him an exceptional choice for Sales Kick Off events, inspiring audiences to overcome adversity and perform at their best.
Jason's Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Social Mobility and Inclusion - Jason Robinson powerfully speaks on social mobility and inclusion, sharing his journey from humble beginnings to world champion. He inspires audiences to break barriers, embrace diversity, and create opportunities for all.
Katy Leeson
Katy Leeson is an acclaimed keynote speaker, growth coach, and marketing leader best known as the former Managing Director of Social Chain, where she helped scale the agency from 30 to over 700 employees globally. With an impressive career spanning leadership at MediaCom North and Relentless Group, Katy has shaped the success of major brands and media ventures.
Her talks focus on mental health, imposter syndrome, female leadership, and purpose-driven growth—delivered with honesty, warmth, and authenticity. As a Sales Kick Off speaker, Katy inspires teams to embrace change, overcome self-doubt, and lead with confidence, purpose, and emotional intelligence to achieve sustainable success.
Katy's Top Speaking Topics for 2026 Include:
Leadership and Business Growth - Katy Leeson speaks powerfully on leadership and business growth, sharing real-world lessons from scaling global brands. She inspires teams to lead with purpose, embrace change, and drive sustainable, people-focused success.
Book a Keynote Speaker for your 2026 Sales Kick-Off Event
If you would like to book a keynote speaker for your webinar or in-person event, contact us via our online form or call us at 0207 1010 553.
An image of the top 19 speakers to inspire your workforce, as selected by Director, Jack Hayes, and Celebrity Content & Outreach Executive, Tabish Ali.
Champions Speakers' Standards: Champions Speakers Principles of Trust
