Business mentoring has become a vital leadership tool, helping leaders navigate change, build resilience and develop high-performing teams. The most effective mentors offer more than inspiration. They bring real-world experience, practical insight and the ability to challenge thinking, giving audiences tools they can apply long after the event ends.
The right mentor can transform an event into a catalyst for real, lasting impact. Individuals are twice as likely to be engaged at work compared to those without mentoring, and organisations with highly engaged employees tend to achieve 18% higher productivity than those with less engaged staff.
Source: Chronus
What is a business mentor?
A business mentor is an experienced individual who shares insight, perspective and guidance to help others grow, make better decisions and accelerate development. In an event setting, mentors go beyond motivation by drawing on real-world experience to challenge thinking, offer practical frameworks and inspire long-term behavioural change across teams and organisations.
What makes a business mentor suitable for speaking events?
The most effective business mentors combine credibility, relevance and adaptability. They understand modern leadership challenges, from hybrid work and burnout to inclusion and rapid technological change, and can translate personal experience into actionable insights for diverse audiences.
The Top 20 Best Business Mentors to Hire for Your 2026 Event:
Based on official feedback from over 215 official events between 2022 and 2025, Roxanna Farthing has selected the top business mentors helping guide businesses through the realities of modern leadership. Check out the following list and get in touch with one of our agents to book a business mentor who will leave a positive impact on your next event!
- Brian McBride
- Piers Linney
- Dr Lydnda Gratton
- Gareth Davies
- Lauren Paton
- Gerald Ratner
- Jez Rose
- Jo Malone
- Tim Campbell
- Jenny Campbell
- Jo Fairley
- Justin King
- Keith Edelman
- Allan Leighton
- Brent Hoberman
- Sir Terry Leahy
- Simon Calver
- Kevin Gaskell
- Holly Tucker
- Tony Morris
1. Brian McBride
Former CEO of Amazon
Brian McBride is a highly respected business leader known for guiding organisations through digital disruption and large-scale transformation. Drawing on experience as CEO of Amazon UK, President of the CBI and Chair of ASOS, he mentors senior leaders on mindset, adaptability and long-term growth. Brian helps executives embrace change, build resilient cultures and turn technological disruption into sustained competitive advantage.
Official Feedback for Brian McBride:
"Brian’s talk was excellent and went down so well with our customers who have all commented on how much they enjoyed his talk on their feedback forms." - Logistex
2. Piers Linney
Former Dragons' Den Investor
Piers Linney is a British entrepreneur, investor and mentor specialising in artificial intelligence and the future of work. Drawing on experience as a City lawyer, investor and former Dragons’ Den panellist, he mentors leaders and founders through periods of change. As Co-Founder of Implement AI, Piers helps organisations adopt AI responsibly, combining commercial insight with practical guidance to develop confident, future-ready leadership and long-term growth.
Official Feedback for Piers Linney:
"An amazing person and speaker. So popular that we ran out of headphones and space on our exhibition stand! It was an incredible sight." - Sage (UK) Ltd
3. Dr Lynda Gratton
Professor at London Business School
Lynda Gratton is an internationally recognised academic, author on leadership, people strategy and the future of work. As Professor of Management Practice at London Business School, she mentors senior leaders using cutting-edge research to navigate change, workforce transformation and long-term careers. A Thinkers50 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Lynda helps organisations redesign work, build resilience and develop human-centred leadership for a rapidly evolving world.
Official Feedback for Dr Lynda Gratton:
“I had a chance to attend Lynda´s "HR Strategy in Transforming Organisations" at LBS, which turned out to be my best and most complete learning experience so far. The programme she runs brings out the best in people by blending the reflection on a strategic level with a here-and-now approach, showing you how certain trends and changes impact our workplace. Exceptionally inspiring thinker, fabulous teacher and absolutely fantastic person.” - Wojciech, VP People & Culture & Marketing, KYP.AI
4. Gareth Davies
Former CEO of Imperial Tobacco
Gareth Davis is an experienced business leader with over five decades of experience guiding global organisations. Former CEO of Imperial Tobacco, he now mentors boards and senior executives as Chairman of major UK businesses, including FTSE-listed companies. Gareth shares practical guidance on leadership, brand building and change management, helping leaders navigate complexity, scale sustainably and make confident, long-term decisions at the highest level.
Official Feedback for Gareth Davies:
"Gareth was highly motivating and was a pleasure working with him. His CV is the best I have ever come across as a speaker and I look forward to working with him again." - Andy, All About Tourism
5. Lauren Paton
Female Leadership Consultant
Lauren Paton is a globally recognised leadership strategist, mentor and speaker dedicated to advancing women into positions of influence. Drawing on senior leadership experience at Amazon, Audible and Disney, she mentors executives and high-potential talent on visibility, influence and strategic leadership. As founder of Scout + Circle, Lauren helps organisations build gender-diverse leadership pipelines, empowering women to lead authentically while navigating complex, male-dominated environments.
Official Feedback for Lauren Paton:
"Lauren organised a brilliant culture-building session for the BBC. Would highly recommend if you're looking for a custom session for your team." - BBC
6. Gerald Ratner
Former CEO of The Jewellery Company
Gerald Ratner is a British entrepreneur best known for leading the rapid global expansion of Ratner’s Jewellery and for his widely discussed corporate downfall and recovery. Today, he mentors leaders and founders on resilience, reputation management and learning from failure. Drawing on lived experience, Gerald offers candid guidance on leadership under pressure, business turnaround and the mindset required to rebuild credibility and long-term success after adversity.
Official Feedback for Gerald Ratner:
"Gerald was excellent. We have no hesitation in recommending him." - Toyota
7. Jez Rose
Founder of The Good Life Project
Jez Rose is an internationally renowned keynote speaker and author specialising in behavioural change and leadership. Through his “What if?” philosophy, he mentors leaders and teams to reframe thinking, unlock potential and lead change with confidence. Drawing on decades of broadcast and keynote experience, Jez combines insight, humour and practical tools to help organisations build high-performing cultures and individuals take meaningful, lasting action.
Official Feedback for Jez Rose:
"Absolutely brilliant, incredibly funny and extremely entertaining." - HSBC
8. Jo Malone CBE
Global Scent Maverick
Jo Malone CBE is a globally renowned entrepreneur, creative mentor and founder celebrated for redefining the fragrance industry. From building Jo Malone London to launching Jo Loves and her Creative Consultancy, she mentors founders and leaders on creativity, resilience and brand-building. Drawing on her lived experience of reinvention, Jo inspires audiences to trust instinct, embrace change and turn personal passion into globally successful, purpose-led businesses.
Official Feedback for Jo Malone CBE:
"Touching, realistic and full of determination – good insights from an entrepreneur at a late stage." - News International
9. Tim Campbell
First Winner of The Apprentice
Tim Campbell is an entrepreneur and strategic diversity and inclusion advisor. Best known as the first winner of The Apprentice, he now serves as an advisor to Lord Sugar. Drawing on experience across business, social enterprise and talent development, he mentors leaders and emerging entrepreneurs on strategy, inclusion and sustainable growth. Through advisory roles, authorship and public speaking, Tim helps organisations build opportunity-driven cultures and supports individuals to turn ideas into impactful ventures.
Official Feedback for Tim Campbell:
"Tim was an excellent speaker. Very interesting story and clearly very passionate about what he does" - Centre for Business
10. Jenny Campbell
Turnaround Entrepreneur Winner
Jenny Campbell is a businesswoman renowned for transforming Hanco ATM Systems into the market-leading YourCash. A former Dragon on Dragons’ Den, she mentors entrepreneurs and executives on turnaround strategy, leadership and commercial resilience. Drawing on three decades in banking and board-level experience, Jenny supports organisations and founders to spot opportunity, navigate change and build sustainable, high-performing businesses.
Official Feedback for Jenny Campbell:
"The event went brilliantly last night and Jenny was fantastic, thank you for your help in the run up." - Lily, eBay
11. Jo Fairley
Co-Founder of Green & Black's Chocolate
Josephine Fairley is a serial entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Green & Black’s. Drawing on experience building an ethical brand into a global success, she mentors founders and leaders on sustainable growth, purpose-led business and entrepreneurship. From start-up to acquisition, Josephine shares practical insight on scaling responsibly, staying values-driven and turning creative ideas into enduring, high-impact enterprises.
Official Feedback for Jo Fairley:
"Really enjoyed listening to Jo sharing her personal and business experiences with us and insights into her career journey." - Unilever
12. Justin King CBE
Former CEO of Sainsbury's
Justin King CBE is a highly respected business leader who transformed Sainsbury’s as CEO and tripled its profits. Drawing on decades of experience leading iconic consumer brands, he mentors executives on growth, customer focus and sustainable leadership. Now Chair of OVO Energy, Justin helps organisations scale responsibly, strengthen culture and deliver long-term value in competitive markets.
Official Feedback for Justin King:
"We asked him to be motivational and personal and he did not disappoint." - Confederation of British Industry
13. Keith Edelman
Former CEO at Arsenal Football Club
Keith Edelman is a highly experienced board-level leader and mentor who oversaw Arsenal FC’s move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium. Drawing on a 30-year career across finance, retail, media and sport, he mentors executives and boards on delivery, governance and leading through complexity. Keith shares practical lessons on decision-making, resilience and getting major projects done under pressure.
14. Allan Leighton
Former CEO of ASDA & Pandora
Allan Leighton is a highly respected business leader renowned for transforming some of the UK’s best-known brands, including Asda and Royal Mail. Drawing on over 40 years of leadership experience, he mentors executives on turnaround strategy, culture and customer focus. Allan shares practical insight on leading change, simplifying management and driving sustainable growth in complex, competitive environments.
Official Feedback for Allan Leighton:
"A superb communicator, inspirational and witty!" - The Home Office
15. Brent Hoberman CBE
Co-Chair of the Prime Minister's Business Sector Council
Brent Hoberman CBE is the founder Lastminute.com and has backed some of Europe’s most successful technology ventures. Drawing on decades of experience building and scaling high-growth businesses, he mentors founders on innovation, funding and responsible growth. Through Founder Factory, Founders Forum and Firstminute Capital, Brent supports the next generation of entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into globally impactful companies.
Official Feedback for Brent Hoberman:
"One of the great stories of the past 4/5 years. Thoroughly enjoyable." - Vantis
16. Sir Terry Leahy
Former CEO of Tesco
Sir Terry Leahy is globally respected as the man who transformed Tesco into one of the world’s largest retailers. Drawing on over three decades at the helm, he mentors leaders on growth strategy, customer focus and long-term value creation. Terry shares practical guidance on scaling organisations, leading through change and building resilient, high-performing cultures in competitive markets.
17. Simon Calver
Former CEO of LOVEFiLM
Simon Calver is recognised for his role in scaling LOVEFiLM and leading the turnaround of Mothercare. Drawing on decades of global executive experience, he mentors boards and senior leaders on growth, transformation and M&A. Simon shares practical insight on taking businesses from start-up to scale, fixing underperforming brands and leading change in complex, competitive markets.
18. Kevin Gaskell
Former CEO of Porsche, Lamborghini & BMW
Kevin Gaskell is celebrated for transforming global brands including Porsche, BMW and Lamborghini. Drawing on CEO experience across automotive and technology sectors, he mentors leaders on turnaround strategy, high performance and resilient leadership. Combining boardroom insight with lessons from extreme expeditions, Kevin helps organisations and executives push limits, lead under pressure and achieve sustained, exceptional results.
Official Feedback for Kevin Gaskell:
“Kevin’s ability to explain the achievement of exceptional business outcomes in such a down to earthly and inspiring manner was highly motivational.” - Paul, Managing Director, Brilliant Red Ltd
19. Holly Tucker MBE
Co-Founder of Not On The High Street
Holly Tucker MBE is the co-founder of Not On The High Street and founder of Holly & Co. Dedicated to championing small businesses, she mentors founders on creativity, confidence and sustainable growth. Drawing on first-hand experience building purpose-led platforms, Holly empowers entrepreneurs to back themselves, navigate change and turn passion into commercially successful, values-driven ventures.
Official Feedback for Holly Tucker:
"Holly was fantastic and the feedback, especially on social media, has been overwhelming. We're super pleased with how the event went." - Unlocking Potential Eden Project
20. Tony Morris
Host of the Confessions of a Serial Killer Podcast
Tony Morris is a leading sales mentor and trainer, widely known as “The Sales Doctor.” Founder of the TMI Training Academy, he has mentored over 36,000 sales professionals across multiple industries. Drawing on hands-on experience and bestselling sales books, Tony helps individuals and teams sharpen their mindset, improve conversion and build sustainable, high-performing sales cultures through practical, results-driven coaching.
Official Feedback for Tony Morris:
"I was absolutely blown away with Tony's charisma, his ability to hold an audience and his attention to detail" - Will, Evolve Mastermind
Book a Top Business Mentor for your 2026 Event Today!
If you are interested in booking one of our leading business mentors in 2026, get in touch with one of our dedicated booking agents today! Either complete our online contact form, or call directly on 0207 1010 553 to secure your speaker today.
This exclusive article on the top trending business mentors to hire in 2026 was authored by Roxanna Farthing, utilising data gathered from 215 events between 2022 and 2025.
An image of the top 20 business mentors for your 2026 event.
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