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Olympic medallist & leadership coach

Kriss Akabusi

Transform team performance with Kriss Akabusi MBE, speaker, Olympic medallist and leadership coach. Kriss works with executives to drive motivation, peak performance and personal development, delivering world-class insights backed by athletic achievement and business expertise.

Trusted by DHL, Cadbury, ASOS

Kriss Akabusi MBE, Speaker | Athlete, Coach, Presenter
Kriss Akabusi

Kriss Akabusi

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£11k–25k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£11k–25k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Kriss Akabusi's biography

At a glance

  • European Championships gold medalist
  • Honoured with an MBE in 1992 for his services to the country through athletics
  • Founder and chairperson of The Akabusi Charitable Trust (TACT)
Kriss Akabusi MBE rose to fame on the athletics track, achieving his greatest individual triumph by winning the gold medal in the 1990 European Championships, where he broke David Hemery’s 22-year-old British record for the 400-metre hurdles. Kriss began his international athletics career in 1983 as a member of the 4x400 metre relay squad. He is best remembered for helping Britain secure gold against the Americans at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo. With three Olympic medals and multiple World, European, and Commonwealth titles, Kriss was honoured with an MBE in 1992 by Her Majesty the Queen for his services to athletics. Kriss ventured into television by presenting Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast, followed by a co-presenter role on the BBC’s Record Breakers and various other children’s TV programmes. He is now a regular contributor to radio and television programmes, including Sky News’ Paper Review Programme, discussing topics from sport to business. To enhance his business acumen, Kriss completed a two-year MBA programme at Ashridge Business School. He is also an accredited personal coach, having qualified at the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara, and works with executives and senior managers to help them achieve their personal and business goals. Kriss is also the founder and chairperson of The Akabusi Charitable Trust (TACT), which promotes social and economic development in Nigerian communities.

Kriss's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Ignite The Passion
In every one of his speeches, Kriss Akabusi strives to ignite passion and leave attendees ready to accomplish their next goal. Tailored to your conference and objectives, Kriss’ speeches inspire delegates, both professionally and personally, to take ownership of and commit to goals, identify and overcome hurdles, use creativity and innovation to achieve outstanding results, be flexible and manage change proactively, and understand the importance of teamwork and how to achieve it.

Why we recommend booking Kriss

Book Kriss Akabusi MBE for his unparalleled blend of athletic triumphs, media experience, and business acumen. His engaging personality and inspirational speaking style will motivate and energise your team, drawing from his Olympic success and extensive corporate training expertise.

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Trusted by DHL, Cadbury, ASOS

Testimonials

Kriss' motivational speech did 'exactly what it said on the tin. We wanted someone to come in and drive the teamwork and collaboration theme we were trying to promote. He did exactly that and the buzz around the room and in the bar afterwards was visible, everyone was busy talking to everyone. We had lots of congratulations afterwards about the event and everyone said how much they got out of it and how much they enjoyed it.

Jan Dully

Cargo Manager UK & Ireland, DHL Aviation

Kriss' speech was very motivational- the message was strong throughout and Kriss did a great job of tying in ASOS' story with his own. We all leapt out of our seats when we watched the relay race- the energy Kriss gave us was amazing and just what we needed. Thank you Kriss. You were everything we hoped for and more.

Harriet Walsh

EA to Executive Supply Chain Director, ASOS

Your planning and preparation certainly paid off, the attention to detail on the Cadbury campaign was superb. To engage an audience of over 300+ people in that way, worked so well. I thought you brought real energy and enthusiasm to the proceedings. You certainly gave quality time to the audience for photo's and autographs. The feedback on the following day was superb, one supplier quoted 'Kriss Akabusi was Brilliant' without doubt Kriss you delivered in spades.

Paul Cadbury

Cadbury

Featured Projects

Kriss Akabusi - Success Comes In Cans book cover
Kriss Akabusi - Kriss Akabusi On Track book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Kriss Akabusi for my next event?
Email kriss.akabusi@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Kriss's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Kriss Akabusi's speaking style like?
Kriss Akabusi structures his sessions around his athletics career, drawing on specific competitive milestones — such as breaking a 22-year-old British record and winning gold at the 1991 World Championships — to illustrate principles of goal-setting, overcoming obstacles, and teamwork, which he then connects to delegate objectives through a tailored framework informed by his MBA and accredited coaching background.
What topics does Kriss Akabusi specialise in?
Kriss Akabusi MBE speaks on goal-setting and personal ownership, teamwork and performance, and change management and innovation. He holds three Olympic medals and broke David Hemery's 22-year-old British record for the 400-metre hurdles at the 1990 European Championships, for which he was awarded an MBE in 1992.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.