In today’s fast-paced and increasingly complex business landscape, where decision-making can consume up to 70% of an executive’s time, hiring a top expert speaker on the subject can be a game-changing investment for any organisation.
The Cost of Decision Making
If you've ever agonised over a work decision, you're not alone. McKinsey reports that executives spend nearly 40% of their time making decisions, much of it wasted. This inefficiency leads to decision fatigue, where constant choices drain our mental energy. But it gets worse: poor decision-making costs Fortune 500 companies an estimated 530,000 days annually – around $250 million in wages. That’s a staggering cost for simply choosing what’s next.
Source: McKinsey & Company
Who are the Best Decision-Making Expert Speakers to Hire for Your Next Event?
Here at Champions Speakers, our Director, Jack Hayes, has utilised exclusive event poll data from over 112 leadership and decision-making-themed events between 2023 and 2025 to compile this official selection of the Top Decision-Making Speakers to Hire for your next event!
Read on to discover the thought leaders who not only understand the high stakes and complexity of modern decision making but also have the ability to equip your team with the tools to make smarter, faster, and more effective decisions.
- Cassie Kozyrkov
- James Clear
- Jamil Qureshi
- Shawn Achor
- Garry Kasparov
- Amy Brann
- Dr. Tara Swart
- Julian Birkinshaw
- Herminia Ibarra
- Chris Voss
Cassie Kozyrkov
Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr and founder of Decision Intelligence, is a trailblazer in artificial intelligence. Formerly Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, she led its shift to an AI-first culture, training over 20,000 staff and shaping 500+ initiatives. Known for her engaging speaking style, Cassie advises major organisations like NASA, Meta, and GSK. She sits on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Innovation Advisory Council and is an active investor. A globally recognised thought leader, she has captivated audiences on all continents and published widely. Her academic background spans economics, statistics, psychology, and neuroscience, reflecting her passion for human potential.
Official Feedback for Cassie Kozrkov
"Loved the presentation today at Franklin Templeton and so grateful to have you here. All our folks were inspired. I had about 100 more questions! Sincere thanks for being here." - Barry, VP, Franklin Templeton Investments
James Clear
James Clear is one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the world of business. Known for his insights into habit formation and personal development, he has worked with leading companies across various sectors. As the bestselling author of “Atomic Habits”, James combines research, storytelling, and practical strategies to inspire change. His talks are engaging, informative, and tailored to suit both live and virtual audiences. James' influence is global, with millions reading his work annually. A supporter of the Against Malaria Foundation, he also gives back to causes he cares about. James Clear truly transforms the way people think and act.
Official Feedback for James Clear
"James is a strong, confident facilitator and his message was easily understood by the audience. He did a great job teaching and facilitating a conversation with our group about habits. It was a great experience and our team got a lot of valuable ideas from the time spent." - Laura, North America Training Manager, Lululemon
Jamil Qureshi
Jamil Qureshi is a world-renowned performance psychologist and speaker on decision-making, known for his work with elite athletes and leading global businesses. Drawing from a career spanning sports like Formula 1 and golf to Fortune 500 companies, Jamil uses performance psychology to drive high achievement and cultural transformation. As co-founder of We Do Things Differently and several other ventures, he empowers organisations to boost productivity, reduce procrastination, and lead their markets. His engaging talks blend insights from leadership, behaviour change, and peak performance, making him a powerful voice on how effective decisions shape success in both sport and business.
"Jamil went down brilliantly with the team and I've received great feedback from them, mostly around how inspired they felt after the talk. So thank you to Jamil and yourselves for arranging this for us." - Mairi-Claire, Business Operations Manager, Usaycompare
Shawn Achor
Shawn Achor is a charismatic and insightful speaker, known for championing the role of positive psychology in decision-making and workplace success. A Harvard-educated psychologist and motivational speaker, he argues that happiness fuels success – not the other way around. His research, including “The Happiness Advantage”, supports this view and has influenced global business thinking. Through his engaging and humorous delivery, Shawn inspires audiences to reframe challenges, practise gratitude, and adopt a growth mindset. With his TEDx talk among the most viewed ever, and his work featured in the “Harvard Business Review”, Shawn continues to shape organisational thinking with energy, clarity, and optimism.
Official Feedback for Shawn Achor
"An amazing event! It was such fun and so stimulating to have Shawn at Facebook! As we strive to help the world become more open and connected, remaining positive and grateful for meaningful and productive relationships is essential! Shawn’s ideas and research is very insightful to us as we think about our mission. Thank you!" - Facebook
Garry Kasparov
Garry Kasparov, renowned chess grandmaster and human rights advocate, offers compelling insights as a decision-making speaker. Drawing from his record-breaking chess career - becoming the youngest world champion at 22 - Kasparov demonstrates strategic thinking under pressure. Beyond chess, he’s a vocal critic of authoritarianism, notably opposing Vladimir Putin, and champions democratic values through the United Civil Front. A TED speaker, author, and former World Chess Champion, Kasparov blends intellect, experience, and conviction to explore leadership, critical thinking, and resilience. His talks inspire audiences to approach decision-making with clarity, courage, and foresight. Kasparov is a truly impactful speaker for modern times.
Amy Brann
Amy Brann is a dynamic decision-making speaker who blends neuroscience and behavioural science to help audiences unlock their full potential. As the founder of Synaptic Potential and author of “Make Your Brain Work”, she empowers leaders to redesign how they work for sustainable high performance. Backed by collaborations with major organisations and academic institutions, Amy’s keynotes are both science-based and highly practical. With experience advising global companies and teaching on LinkedIn Learning, she inspires audiences to rethink mindsets, improve mental agility, and drive impactful change. Amy’s insights make her a powerful catalyst for innovation, leadership development, and high-performing teams.
Official Feedback for Amy Brann
"In the most lively and energetic way Amy has helped us understand how our brain can prevent us from reaching our full potential and has given us some practical ways to overcome this. Very insightful and stimulating." - Rob, MD, CEO, Recordati S.p.A
Dr. Tara Swart
Dr Tara Swart is a renowned neuroscientist, medical doctor, best-selling author, and leadership advisor. As Chief Science Officer at DIRTEA and Senior Advisor at MIT Sloan, she combines cutting-edge neuroscience with practical leadership tools. A compelling speaker on decision-making, Tara empowers audiences with insights from her book The Source and her podcast “Reinvent Yourself”. Her work with global brands and institutions – including TEDx and “The Diary of a CEO” – showcases her transformative influence. Tara’s deep understanding of cognitive performance, mental wellbeing, and behavioural science makes her a powerful voice in helping individuals and organisations make smarter decisions.
Julian Birkinshaw
Julian Birkinshaw is a distinguished decision-making speaker known for his expertise in innovation, strategy, and entrepreneurship. As Professor and Deputy Dean at London Business School, he blends academic insight with practical business experience. Julian is a sought-after keynote speaker, having addressed global audiences at top corporations like IBM, BMW, and Deloitte. His presentations focus on reinventing management, strategic agility, and leadership in complex environments. A prolific author and Co-Founder of the Management Innovation Lab, Julian empowers leaders to rethink decision-making and drive transformative change. His thought leadership leaves a lasting impact on executives seeking to navigate and lead in dynamic business landscapes.
Herminia Ibarra
Professor Herminia Ibarra is a globally recognised expert on leadership, workplace behaviour, and decision-making. With a PhD from Yale and past roles at Harvard and INSEAD, she now serves as Professor of Leadership and Learning and is a Fellow of the British Academy. Her work, including award-winning books like “Act Like a Leader”, “Think Like a Leader”, explores how habitual thinking can block innovation. A member of the World Economic Forum’s Expert Network and an experienced TEDx and HR Congress speaker, Herminia is an ideal choice to speak on decision-making. Her deep insights offer practical strategies to elevate leadership and transform organisations.
Official Feedback for Herminia Ibarra
"Herminia's presentation was very well received last week in Madrid and the feedback so far has been very positive." - PwC
Chris Voss
Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, is a compelling speaker on decision-making in high-pressure environments. Drawing on over 20 years with the FBI, including leading international kidnapping negotiations, Chris brings invaluable insights into communication, tactical empathy and negotiation. Now the founder of The Black Swan Group, he delivers impactful keynote speeches that translate frontline skills into practical strategies for business success. With academic ties to Harvard and USC, and media appearances on CNN and Fox News, Chris is a trusted expert. His engaging style and proven techniques make him an exceptional choice for corporate audiences seeking effective decision-making tools.
Official Feedback for Chris Voss
"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
Book a Decision-Making Expert Today
If you’re interested in hiring a decision-making expert, contact Champions Speakers today! Give our dedicated booking agent a call on 02071010553 or complete our online booking form to begin the booking process.
This exclusive article, authored by Jack Hayes, ranks the Official Top 10 Decision-Making Experts using event poll data from 112 leadership and decision-making-themed events between 2023 and 2025 and vetted information from McKinsey & Company.
An image of the top 10 Decision-Making Expert Speakers to Hire via Champions Speakers, as selected by the Managing Director, Jack Hayes.
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