Although TED Talks have served as a marker for great ideas for many years now, there are thousands of lesser known voices in the world of motivational speaking with equally transformational stories and insights. Ranging from tech innovators, record-breakers, and changemakers dedicated to driving social change, these hidden gems deeply challenge conventions and inspire action. The motivational speakers that are changing industries while inspiring audiences all around in 2025 are highlighted here.
The AI-Powered Pioneer: Tilly Lockey
At 19, Tilly Lockey is the master of redefining resilience with her bionic arm ambassador and AI work. As a baby, she lost both hands to meningitis before collaborating with artificial limb company Open Bionics to co-design the Hero Arm, a lightweight artificial limb controlled by a prosthetic device replicated with a brain-computer interface and AI. Her talks at global tech forums like AI Everything 2025 emphasize technology as being able to merge with human potential to produce useful solutions that can be had. Tilly’s message transcends disability, focusing on empowerment and the boundless possibilities of human-machine collaboration. Her journey—from adversity to becoming a symbol of innovation—makes her one of the best motivational speakers for audiences seeking courage in the face of technological change.
The Sky’s Limit: Zara Rutherford
Fiercely an advocate for gender equality in STEM and aviation, Zara Rutherford is the youngest woman to fly solo around the globe. At 21, she broke records by gouging the globe alone in 52 countries in 32,000 miles in a single engine plane. Apart from her aerial achievements, Zara is also using her stage to close the gender gap in male dominated jobs and encourage young women to take seats in aviation and technology. With exhilarating storytelling and actionable advice about perseverance, she presents as one of the premier motivational speakers in the bunch for someone looking to make the leap to greatness.
The Compassionate Disruptor: Simon Squibb
From homelessness to building a multimillion-dollar empire, Simon Squibb’s journey is a testament to resilience and altruism. The founder of HelpBnk—a platform enabling free business mentorship—Simon champions the #GiveWithoutTake philosophy, encouraging daily acts of kindness. With 3 million social media followers, he leverages street interviews and viral content to democratize entrepreneurship. His TEDx talk on redefining success through community support resonates with startups and corporate leaders alike, positioning him as the best motivational speaker for those prioritizing purpose over profit.
The Warrior Monk: Krishna Thapa
Krishna Thapa, a former SAS soldier and mountaineering legend, merges elite military discipline with spiritual wisdom. One of only two Gurkhas to pass British Special Forces selection, he holds nine world-first climbing records, including summiting Everest and K2. Krishna’s talks delve into leadership under pressure, resilience, and holistic growth, drawing from his frontline experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. By guiding amputees and PTSD survivors on transformative expeditions, he redefines strength, making him a unique voice among top motivational speakers for audiences seeking mental and physical fortitude.
The Gen-Z Maverick: Steven Bartlett
At 32, Steven Bartlett has become a blueprint for modern entrepreneurship. Host of The Diary of a CEO, Europe’s top business podcast, he dissects the minds of industry titans while sharing his rise from university dropout to Dragon’s Den investor. His ventures span health tech, blockchain, and Web3, with investments in Huel and thirdweb. Steven’s raw discussions on failure, mental health, and viral marketing captivate Gen-Z and corporate audiences alike, earning him a spot among the best motivational speakers for the digital age.
Conclusion: The Uncharted Voices of Inspiration
TED’s red circle is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to motivational speaking. These speakers, from Tilly Lockey’s AI-driven advocacy to Zara Rutherford’s sky-high ambitions, show that innovation and impact can be found in the unlikeliest of places. Their gritty, creative, empathetic stories challenge us to think about how to not just get to the top but how to create success on the way there. So, for the organizations and rocket scientists in need of some new perspectives, these motivational speakers aren’t just offering inspiration; they’re offering a to-do list.
Lexy Summer is a talented writer with a deep passion for the art of language and storytelling. With a background in editing and content creation, Lexy has honed her skills in crafting clear, engaging, and grammatically flawless writing.
