Thought leadership is a strategic approach that establishes an individual or organisation as an authority in their field. It refers to experts whose ideas and opinions significantly influence others, particularly in the business world. By sharing unique insights and engaging with industry trends, thought leaders shape conversations, inspire change, and enhance their credibility, fostering trust among their audience.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Thought Leader?
Hiring a thought leader can have a significant impact on your audience. Studies show that embracing thought leadership to promote a learning culture can raise retention by 34%, boost productivity by 52%, and make teams 56% more likely to lead in launching new products. Additionally, experts estimate that organisations with strong leadership and talent optimisation strategies are 89% more likely to outperform their competition. By bringing in an experienced thought leader, you tap into the transformative power of sportsmanship, teamwork, and motivation, all of which can elevate your team’s performance and drive meaningful change.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Thought Leader?
The cost of hiring a thought leader can vary significantly based on the speaker’s profile and the nature of the event, with fees ranging from £1,000 to £60,000. This range allows you to select a speaker that aligns with your budget and objectives. With over 20 years of experience, our booking agents are your go-to resource for discovering the ideal keynote speakers for your needs. Our dedicated booking agents leverage their extensive expertise to ensure you find the perfect speaker for your event, all while staying within your budget. Contact Champions Speakers Agency today!
Who Are the Top 10 Thought Leaders in the UK to Hire?
By collecting official feedback scores and testimonials from event data at 627 client conferences and summits held between 2021 and 2024, Jack Hayes and Mark Matthews have compiled a vetted selection of the 'Top 10 UK Thought Leaders to Engage and Inspire Your Audience in 2024' to hire in 2024, aimed at inspiring and providing insights.
- James Clear - Author of 'Atomic Habits', global speaker on habit formation
- Jo Salter MBE - First female fast jet pilot, MBE, leadership expert
- Jo Malone - Fragrance entrepreneur, founder of Jo Malone London
- Julian Birkinshaw - Professor of strategy, innovation and management
- Chris Voss - Former FBI hostage negotiator, author on negotiation
- Nick Bostrom - Philosopher, director of Future of Humanity Institute
- Hannah Fry - Mathematician, broadcaster, expert in data science
- Rachel Botsman - Trust expert, author on digital age collaboration
- Dr. Tara Swart - Neuroscientist, leadership coach, author on human potential
- Simon Sinek - Author of 'Start With Why', influential leadership speaker
1 . James Clear
Official Client Rating: 8.6/10
James Clear is best known for his bestselling book Atomic Habits, which has transformed how people approach personal development. His expertise in habits, decision-making, and continuous improvement has made him one of the most sought-after speakers globally. James engages audiences with practical advice on how to build lasting habits for success, and his thought-provoking approach ensures that listeners leave with actionable insights. His work has been featured in The New York Times and Time Magazine, making him a thought leader for 2024.
Client Testimonials
"James delivered a compelling presentation about habit change and personal productivity that will influence how our students stretch themselves to pursue new opportunities. His work is clear and actionable in a way that breaks down some of the most challenging barriers that we all [must] overcome. I would highly recommend James to any organization seeking to accomplish great things.” - Dan, CEO, Trilogy Education Services
2 . Jo Salter MBE
Official Client Rating: 9.5/10
Jo Salter MBE is hired as a keynote speaker for leadership conferences due to her groundbreaking role as Britain’s first female fast jet pilot, extensive experience in leadership, technology, and people, and her high-level positions at PwC. Her career in the Royal Air Force, where she inspired future cadets and was awarded an MBE, showcases her leadership and dedication. Jo’s engaging communication skills, humour, and inspirational personal anecdotes make her a popular and impactful motivational speaker. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences, from small groups to large crowds, further enhances her appeal as a keynote speaker.
Client Testimonials
"We have received tons of positive feedback on Jo – she was amazing and did exactly what we wanted: she was inspirational, conveyed the right messaging on mindset, overcoming obstacles and energized the team after a heavy content-driven morning. I think many of the colleagues would have loved to spend more time with her afterwards for additional Q&A – so big thumbs up from our end and please send her from the entire IPB EMEA team a warmhearted thanks!" - Eva, Head of Marketing & Communications EMEA Deutsche Bank
3 . Jo Malone
Official Client Rating: 9.7/10
Jo Malone is a fragrance entrepreneur who built a global empire with her namesake brand, Jo Malone London. Known for her creativity, innovation, and business acumen, Jo inspires audiences with her journey of turning passion into a successful enterprise. Her speeches often focus on creativity in business, overcoming personal challenges, and maintaining resilience in competitive markets. Jo’s remarkable story makes her a captivating speaker for businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to achieve greatness.
Client Testimonials
"Touching, realistic and full of determination – good insights from an entrepreneur at a late stage." - News International
4 . Julian Birkinshaw
Official Client Rating: 8.5/10
Julian Birkinshaw is a renowned professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at the London Business School. He is known for his groundbreaking work in innovation and management strategy. His insights help organisations stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Julian is frequently called upon to deliver talks on leadership, digital transformation, and organisational change, making him a highly sought-after thought leader in 2024.
5 . Chris Voss
Official Client Rating: 8.7/10
Chris Voss is a former FBI hostage negotiator and the author of the bestseller Never Split the Difference. With decades of experience in high-stakes negotiation, Chris brings powerful insights into the art of negotiation and conflict resolution. His practical advice has empowered businesses to improve their communication strategies and negotiate effectively. Chris’s unique background and captivating storytelling make him an extraordinary keynote speaker for any event focused on negotiation or leadership.
Client Testimonials
"Chris is a true master of communication, listening and negotiation. His techniques really work, and his coaching style is very patient and empowering to our team. He has had a huge impact on our negotiation outcomes. We look forward to continuing to work with him as our team continues to strengthen their negotiation and communication skills." - Chris, Founder & Partner, Mekong Capital Ltd
6 . Nick Bostrom
Official Client Rating: 8.5/10
Nick Bostrom is a leading philosopher known for his work on artificial intelligence and existential risk. As the director of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University, Nick has pioneered thinking in areas such as AI ethics and future technological advancements. He is a profound speaker, offering valuable insights on the ethical implications of technology and the future of humanity, making him a must-have speaker for 2024 tech-focused events.
Client Testimonials
"Incredibly interesting, he helped us to understand the positive possibilities of artificial intelligence" - Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association
7 . Hannah Fry
Official Client Rating: 9.1/10
Hannah Fry is a leading mathematician and broadcaster, known for making complex mathematical ideas accessible to the general public. Her unique ability to bridge the gap between academia and public speaking makes her an engaging speaker for science, education, and innovation events. Hannah’s work on algorithms, data science, and their societal impact has made her a thought leader in understanding how technology shapes our future.
8 . Rachel Botsman
Official Client Rating: 8.9/10
Rachel Botsman is an author and speaker renowned for her pioneering research on trust in the digital age. Her insights into how technology is transforming the way we trust – from platforms like Airbnb to blockchain – make her a vital voice in understanding the future of collaboration. Rachel’s ability to distil complex ideas into engaging presentations makes her a thought leader for organisations looking to navigate trust and innovation in 2024.
Client Testimonials
''Not one single day has gone by since the event without external & internal commendations on her engagement with our audience. Her message really connected and impacted the entire audience.''- Adobe
9 . Dr. Tara Swart
Official Client Rating: 8.6/10
Dr. Tara Swart is a neuroscientist, leadership coach, and author, with expertise in unlocking human potential through neuroscience. Her work focuses on brain optimization, resilience, and peak performance. Tara’s ability to bridge the gap between science and leadership makes her a dynamic speaker, perfect for audiences looking to improve their mental clarity and leadership skills in 2024.
10 . Simon Sinek
Official Client Rating: 9.2/10
Simon Sinek is a globally renowned speaker and author, best known for his book Start With Why. Simon has transformed how companies think about leadership, motivation, and innovation. His engaging talks focus on inspiring teams to take meaningful action and embrace their "why" to drive long-term success. His unique perspective on leadership and human connection has made him one of the most influential speakers of our time.
Hire a Thought Leader for Your Event Now!
Now is the perfect time to book a thought leader to inspire and engage your audience. Whether one of the speakers listed above has sparked your interest, or you would like to explore our full roster of thought leaders, our experienced booking agents are here to help you secure the perfect speaker for your event.
Call 02071010553 or fill in our online contact form to speak to an agent and confirm your booking today.
This exclusive article on the 'Top 10 UK Thought Leaders to Engage and Inspire Your Audience in 2024' was written by Jack Hayes and Mark Matthews, using official data from 627 events held between 2021 and 2024.
