At Raise the Bar, we speak to hundreds of clients and work with over 900 global experts every year, so when trends shift, we see it in our data instantly.
Right now, event organisers, L&D teams and senior leaders are booking motivational speakers who can bring clarity, confidence and inspiration to audiences facing rapid change in an increasingly complex world.
What’s Driving These Trends?
These aren’t just topics picked from a list. They’re a direct response to what teams, boards and entire workforces are grappling with right now. These keynotes set the tone for strategy days, leadership retreats and global conferences, team workshops and more. When you book a speaker who reflects what your people are thinking about, you invigorate and energise.
Here, we break down the topics that are dominating speaker briefs and booking conversations in the second half of 2025.
Change is Still the Biggest Theme in the Room
Organisational change isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s speeding up. And it’s not just operational, it’s cultural, technological and behavioural. That’s why motivational speakers who can help leaders navigate the emotional side of change are consistently at the top of booking lists. Raise the Bar speaker, Belinda Parmar OBE is a global expert in empathy and emotional intelligence, who helps leaders navigate change with humanity and impact. Belinda’s keynotes challenge outdated leadership styles and show how emotional insight fuels resilience, trust and performance.
It’s Not Change, It’s Transformation
When leaders are ready to reimagine how their organisation works, a transformational speaker can be the spark to bring people along with the vision. These types of speakers are being booked to challenge mindsets, expand ambition and shift the energy in the room. The most successful sessions push boundaries while still feeling grounded in experience. It’s about the perfect measure of inspiration and momentum.
Having worked with elite athletes and global business leaders alike, leading expert in performance psychology, Jamil Qureshi understands how to shift mindsets and unlock potential under pressure. His keynotes challenge teams to think differently, and helps leaders break habits, build belief and drive performance through purposeful behaviour.
Everyone Wants AI
“How will AI impact me as a leader?” That’s the question being asked across industries, from senior execs to frontline managers. The appetite for speakers who can cut through the noise and make AI make sense is growing by the week. The most effective voices in this space are those who can strike the right tone, grounded and empowering.
A global thought leader at the intersection of AI, creativity and human potential is Jos Dirkx. Her work helps organisations harness artificial intelligence to drive innovation without losing the human touch. Through bold, insightful keynotes, Jos empowers leaders to navigate AI disruption with clarity, empathy and imagination.
Building Confidence in the Face of Uncertainty
Uncertainty isn’t a phase it’s the new context. From global markets to internal priorities, nothing stays still for long. Organisations are looking to motivational speakers who can build resilience, develop decision-making skills and give leaders the tools to lead with strength in uncertain times.
Oli France leads teams through some of the planet’s most extreme environments. His powerful stories of risk, resilience and split-second decision-making offer sharp insight for business leaders. Oli inspires teams to stay composed under pressure and make confident choices in uncertain conditions.
Interested in booking a speaker for your next event? Get in touch with us at enquiries@raisethebar.co.uk