When event planners book a speaker for an event, there are several factors they take into consideration; audience demographics, pain points the company may need help with, location, the preferences of their bosses and hot topics on the circuit. Here at BigSpeak, we’ve also found that a lot of audiences are extra eager to hear from speakers with the sort of reputations that precede them. To be fair, there are very few among us who aren’t dazzled by celebrity, but fame alone does not an amazing presenter make.

The celebrity speakers highlighted below are so much more than just recognizable names. They’re tried and tested motivators and presenters with polished skills and applicable narratives that guarantee they do more than make appearances at a booking: they make a change.

These speakers don’t come cheap, but when it comes to impact coupled with expertise, you get what you pay for. Those looking to work with a household name must be aware that said people command high prices for their clout and expertise. They may not be the right choice for everyday events, but truly shine when a company is looking to make a splash and awe attendees.

Recognizable from his role on ABC’s Shark Tank, entrepreneur and fashion titan Daymond John is an award winning marketing keynote speaker with over 20 years of proven business experience. A highly dynamic speaker, he shares his secrets for marketing and financial success with both industry leaders and enterprising hopefuls around the globe.

Hailed as one of the world’s greatest tastemakers and lifestyle experts, Martha Stewart is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and media mogul producing magazines, TV programs, and home goods.  An expert in all facets of everyday living, she’s an educator and trendsetter in the friends of cooking, entertaining, home renovations, crafting, and healthy living.

Iconic athlete Lance Armstrong offers both name recognition and a moving story of growth and redemption that audiences have rated as life changing. Charting his riveting arc from record-setting cyclist  to a disgraced athlete banned from professional cycling for life, Lance shares the tale of personal renewal and transformation that took him from his lowest point to his current resilient, accountable self as a successful investor, philanthropist, and content creator.

NBA legend and celebrity  keynote speaker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar spent 50 years as an athlete and activist, and now shares his insights into teambuilding, leadership, and success with audiences. A regular contributor to major media publications, he has also written 17 books, many of which are bestsellers, and is an award winning documentary producer.

Cult icon and top celebrity keynote speaker Steve Wozniak designed the Apple II, and has been inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame for his contributions to technology. As an innovator and bestselling author, he has helped businesses around the globe learn about fostering creativity, automation, and breeding entrepreneurial mindsets.

Entrepreneur and Reality TV personality Bethenny Frankel is bestselling New York Times author and creator of the Skinnygirl Cocktails brand. The most successful business mogul to emerge from the Real Housewives franchise, she has both business chops and star power. 

Best known for his star-studded sports career, motivational celebrity speaker Alex Rodriguez is the founder and CEO of A-Rod Corp, a world-class investment firm partnering with leading companies across several industries. With 25 years of business experience, he’s equipped to talk about what it takes to foster a championship mindset on the diamond and in the office.

Iconic boxer and celebrity speaker Laila Ali is heralded as the most successful athlete in the history of women’s boxing, having never lost a match. A fitness expert, author and TV host, she’s a sought after and acclaimed  speaker specializing in inspiration and motivation.

Top entertainment speaker Mike Rowe is an author, TV host, and documentary narrator devoted to educating the public and scaring audiences with his tales of the world’s dirtiest jobs. A perpetual freelancer, he has experience with hundreds of jobs, has traveled all 50 states, and actively works to promote awareness around the importance of technical education and skilled trade is a world that still insists a four-year degree is the clearest path to success.

Neuroscientist and actress Mayim Bialik is best known for her role on the hit comedy The Big Bang Theory, for which she earned three Emmy nominations. A frequent keynote speaker, she’s an excellent choice for audiences with a scientific or educational bent.

Looking to really wow and have an ample budget to work with? reach out to us at info@bigspeak.com to bring in a big ticket motivational speaker that will leave attendees talking.