Emotional intelligence (EI) is more than a buzzword – it’s a $6.84 billion industry as of 2024, transforming leadership, workplace culture, and personal development. Hiring a keynote speaker who specialises in EI can inspire teams, boost productivity, and enhance communication.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise, understand, and manage both your own and others’ emotions. Those with high EI tend to enjoy stronger relationships, better psychological wellbeing, and greater success in both personal and professional life. Companies prioritise EI in leadership, and universities offer courses to develop it, as mastering EI helps with managing stress, building supportive relationships, and improving performance. With key components including self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, social skills, and social awareness, EI enables individuals to navigate emotions effectively, fostering empathy, resilience, and meaningful connections with others.
Source: WebMD
Why is Emotional Intelligence Important in Leadership?
Emotional intelligence is essential in leadership as it shapes workplace culture, employee engagement, and overall team performance. Leaders set the tone within organisations, and those lacking EI may struggle with communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution – leading to disengaged employees and higher turnover rates. While technical expertise is valuable, the ability to manage interpersonal relationships, demonstrate empathy, and foster positive team dynamics is crucial for effective leadership. By mastering EI, leaders can inspire and motivate their teams, build strong relationships, and drive organisational success. Strong emotional intelligence enhances decision-making, resilience, and adaptability, ensuring long-term career and business growth.
Source: Harvard Business School Online
Who are the Top Emotional Intelligence Speakers to Hire?
Utilising exclusive event poll data from over 105 emotional intelligence-themed events between 2023 and 2025, our Director, Jack Hayes has provided his official selection of the Top Emotional Intelligence Speakers to Hire Ranked on Popularity!
1. Gina Battye
Official Client Rating: 9.9/10
Gina Battye is an expert in workplace psychological safety, as the pioneer of the 5 Pillars of Psychological Safety and revolutionising workplace culture. As Founder and CEO of the Psychological Safety Institute, she champions inclusion, belonging, and cultural transformation. Her expertise stems from personal experiences of workplace discrimination and working with high-risk individuals. A trending speaker, she delivers compelling, research-backed insights, partnering with Cambridge University to develop innovative diagnostic tools. With a global audience of over 10 million and a Speaker of the Year award, Gina inspires businesses to create psychologically safe and thriving work environments.
Official Testimonial for Gina Battye:
“Gina’s presentation in front of a room full of professional speakers was punchy, passionate and proficient.” Eilidh, Past President, The Professional Speaking Association
2. Travis Bradberry
Official Client Rating: 9.9/10
Travis Bradberry is a globally recognised expert in emotional intelligence, co-founding TalentSmart and co-authoring bestselling books that have sold over three million copies. With a Ph.D. in Clinical and Industrial/Organisational Psychology, he has shaped emotional intelligence training for Fortune 500 companies. His insights, featured in top publications, have earned him a vast LinkedIn following and recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice. As a compelling speaker, he captivates audiences at major organisations like Coca-Cola and Microsoft, offering transformative strategies for leadership and workplace success. His engaging presence sparks meaningful conversations, making him a popular speaker in the corporate world.
3. Daniel Lerner
Official Client Rating: 9.8/10
Daniel Lerner is acclaimed for his work in positive psychology, human emotion, and achieving excellence. With two decades of research, he emphasises the crucial role of a healthy psychological state in personal and professional success. His background in classical music, artist development, and psychology equips him with unique insights into peak performance. As a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania and New York University, his teachings are widely respected. An esteemed keynote speaker, he helps individuals and Fortune 500 companies manage stress, unlock potential, and enhance performance through his research-driven, motivational approach.
Official Testimonial for Dan Lerner:
"Outstanding. Wonderful. One of my former board members was in tears, came up to me, took my hands, and said 'Les, he changed my life’." - ACC New Jersey
4. Robert Holden
Official Client Rating: 9.8/10
Robert Holden is a thought leader in positive psychology, with over 30 years dedicated to developing and teaching its principles. As Director of The Happiness Project, he has shaped mental wellbeing strategies, including founding the NHS Stress Buster Clinic in 1989. His specialism, backed by a PhD, has influenced sectors globally, featuring in BBC documentaries and bestselling books. A sought-after speaker, he delivers actionable insights on stress, happiness, and resilience at major conferences and TED talks. With an engaging style and evidence-based strategies, Robert helps individuals and businesses achieve lasting transformation through workshops, seminars, and keynote speeches.
Official Testimonial for Robert Holden:
"Your work with us has been a complete tonic - the buzz you have created is terrific. We are uplifted and full of hope for the future." - The Body Shop
5. Katie Piper
Official Client Rating: 9.7/10
Katie Piper is an emotional intelligence leader due to her remarkable resilience and advocacy for empowerment following a life-changing acid attack. Through her charity, The Katie Piper Foundation, she supports burn survivors in rebuilding their confidence. Her expertise stems from personal experience, extensive charity work, and advocacy for domestic abuse victims. As a best-selling author, TV presenter, and in-demand speaker, she inspires audiences with her insights on overcoming adversity. Her impactful talks, including The Answer to Happiness, have made her a trusted voice at corporate and global events, cementing her as an icon of resilience and personal transformation.
Official Testimonial for Katie Piper:
"Katie was fantastic - incredibly engaging, kind, and open with the audience. During the Q&A, there were so many questions we had to cut it short! The attendees of the conference were delighted to have seen her speak and it was a pleasure working with her" - Emma, Event Producer, YOURgb Events Ltd
6. Brené Brown
Official Client Rating: 9.7/10
Dr Brené Brown is celebrated for her research on vulnerability, courage, and empathy. A professor at the University of Houston since 2001 and a Visiting Professor at The University of Texas, she has authored five New York Times bestsellers and delivered one of the most-watched TED Talks, The Power of Vulnerability. With a global speaking career, she has advised major organisations like NASA, Google, and Disney. Her insightful, transformative speeches help individuals and teams unlock their potential, making her a top keynote speaker in leadership, personal growth, and emotional resilience.
7. Amy C Edmondson
Official Client Rating: 9.6/10
Amy C. Edmondson is well-regarded for her research on psychological safety, leadership, and organisational behaviour. As the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, she educates on how human interactions drive business success. A best-selling author and award-winning thinker, she topped the Thinkers50 list of Most Influential Management Thinkers. Companies hire her as a speaker for her insightful talks on leadership, teaming, and collaboration, helping organisations foster innovation and adaptability. Her ability to translate complex concepts into actionable strategies makes her a go-to speaker for corporate events worldwide.
Official Testimonial for Amy C. Edmondson:
"Amy is astute, self-aware and focused on core leadership and development within a spectrum of management industries. She is a great mentor and leader" - Sakina, Administrative Management
8. Shawn Achor
Official Client Rating: 9.6/10
Shawn Achor is a leading figure in emotional intelligence, renowned for his work in positive psychology. A Harvard graduate, he has extensively researched the link between happiness and success, challenging conventional beliefs. As a former teaching assistant for Harvard’s happiness course and founder of GoodThinkInc, he has dedicated his career to workplace performance and wellbeing. His TEDx talk on happiness has garnered nearly 21 million views, solidifying his influence. A dynamic speaker, he is sought after for business events, using humour and passion to inspire audiences on gratitude, mindset shifts, and resilience, improving both morale and productivity.
Official Testimonial 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
9. Samantha Clarke
Official Client Rating: 9.6/10
Samantha Clarke is globally recognised for her work in wellbeing and workplace culture. As a Neuroaesthetician and Positive Psychologist, she advises top global brands like Nike, Samsung, and Unilever. Her knowledge is grounded in personal experience with chronic pain, making her keynote speeches deeply emotive and impactful. A faculty member at The School of Life and TEDx speaker, Samantha blends science and soul to inspire sustainable happiness. With features in Forbes and BBC, she is sought after for her powerful insights on leadership, innovation, and mental resilience, empowering audiences worldwide to embrace positive change.
Official Testimonial of Samantha Clarke:
"It was very obvious that Samantha loves what she does and cares about helping people. She genuinely cared about the problem we were having on our team and thought very critically about what could be done to help solve it. We appreciate Samantha’s hard work and dedication. She is a very talented woman and I, and my team, enjoyed working with her" - Alexandra, Shopify Studio Team
10. Owen O’Kane
Official Client Rating: 9.5/10
Owen O’Kane combines his medical and psychotherapy knowhow to pioneer a practical approach to mental wellbeing. As a trained therapist and NHS Clinical Lead, his work is backed by science, making him a trusted authority in stress management. His bestselling book, Ten to Zen, and his impactful speeches offer accessible strategies to help individuals and businesses navigate stress. Drawing from personal experiences, including time in palliative care, Owen’s talks blend real-life insights with proven techniques. Major organisations, including Virgin Atlantic and the BBC, hire him for his ability to inspire positive change.
Official Testimonial of Owen O’Kane:
“A highly competent, knowledgeable mental health professional with a substantial range of expertise that sets him apart in his field. He delivers with passion, enthusiasm and energy.” - Linda Hurst, NHS
11. Silvia Garcia
Official Client Rating: 9.5/10
Silvia Garcia is known for her savviness in workplace wellbeing, leadership, and branding. As Coca-Cola’s former Global Director of Happiness, she pioneered strategies to enhance employee engagement and company culture. With a background in behavioural science and futurism, Silvia has advised global organisations, using data-driven insights to improve workplace dynamics. Founder of Feel Logic and Happiest Places to Work, she transforms businesses through scientific consultancy. As a keynote speaker, Silvia delivers compelling talks on happiness, resilience, and leadership, drawing on her extensive experience and academic credentials to inspire positive change in workplaces worldwide.
Official Testimonial of Silvia Garcia:
"We loved Silvia’s pose. Super interesting content, featuring surprising and relevant stories for our audience. Silvia is one of those lecturers that everyone in the world loves to listen to. Your energy, optimism and vision are contagious and the audience is always filed with inspiration, ideas and practical examples." - Rosa, Head of External Communications, L’Oreal Spain & Portugal
12. Ruby Wax
Official Client Rating: 9.5/10
Ruby Wax is a leader in emotional intelligence, using her expertise in mental health and performance to break taboos and educate audiences. With a Master’s in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy from Oxford, she combines neuroscience with engaging storytelling to simplify complex topics. Her bestselling books, TEDGlobal talk, and ambassadorial roles further cement her authority. Drawing on her career in entertainment and academia, she delivers humorous yet insightful talks on mental wellbeing. Sought after by organisations like Google and Parliament, Ruby empowers audiences to manage stress and understand the mind, making her a highly respected and in-demand speaker.
Official Testimonial of Ruby Wax:
“Ruby Wax spoke with passion, amazing depth of knowledge and, of course, great humour about the pressures and pitfalls of the human mind. She was incredibly well-received by all who attended. I would definitely recommend Ruby for any event where mindfulness and mental health are a priority.” - HSBC
13. JP Pawliw-Fry
Official Client Rating: 9.5/10
JP Pawliw-Fry is an authority in emotional intelligence, blending science-backed insights with over 20 years of experience in leadership development. As Co-Founder and President of the Institute for Health & Human Potential (IHHP), he has built a vast database to refine leadership strategies, helping individuals and corporations achieve peak performance. His expertise has made him a favourite speaker for firms like Coca-Cola and Goldman Sachs, offering data-driven talks on emotional intelligence. A bestselling author and podcast host, JP’s engaging approach equips audiences with actionable tools to enhance leadership, resilience, and business success.
14. Ollie Ollerton
Official Client Rating: 9.4/10
Ollie Ollerton is an emotional intelligence leader, drawing on his military experiences to inspire resilience, teamwork, and mental strength. As a former Royal Marine Commando and Special Forces operative, he faced life-threatening missions, overcoming immense challenges. His personal battles with addiction and depression further shaped his expertise in mental resilience. As a PRISM-trained practitioner and founder of BreakPoint, he delivers high-impact corporate coaching. His gripping speeches, enriched by real-life experiences, empower audiences to overcome adversity. A bestselling author and SAS: Who Dares Wins star, Ollie approaches speaking in a way that is no-nonsense with empathetic leadership insights.
Official Testimonial for Ollie Ollerton:
"We were really happy with Ollie’s presentation. It was clear, honest, inspiring, and most of all, tangible. The tips and tricks he provided were the kind that you can actually practice easy and simple."- Tetra Pak
15. Neil Laybourn
Official Client Rating: 9.5/10
Neil Laybourn is an expert in health and wellbeing, known for his emotional intelligence and impactful mental health advocacy. His expertise stems from a life-changing suicide intervention in 2008, which shaped his career in mental health. As a speaker, he draws on his unique experience, from fitness coaching to founding mental health initiatives, including This Can Happen and Beyond Shame Beyond Stigma. His work has gained royal recognition and international acclaim, earning him an Honorary Doctorate. Having delivered over 250 keynotes, he is praised for his ability to inspire and educate organisations on mental wellbeing strategies.
Official Testimonial for Neil Laybourn:
"Just wanted to send a huge thank you for coming in to talk to our staff today. I know from verbal feedback that people found that hugely engaging, informative and inspiring. We couldn't have asked for more." - Dyson
Hire a Leading Emotional Intelligence Expert Speaker Today!
If you are interested in hiring an expert on emotional intelligence, contact Champions Speakers today! Give one of our booking agents a call on 0207 1010 553 or complete our online booking form to begin the booking process.
This exclusive article on the Top 15 Emotional Intelligence Speakers to Hire was authored by Jack Hayes, utilising official event poll data from over 105 emotional intelligence-themed events between 2023 and 2025, and vetted information from Web MD and Harvard Business School Online.
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