Motivational speakers bring fresh perspectives, energy, and inspiration to events, whether it's a corporate conference, transformative leadership summit, or personal development seminar. Finding the right speaker can transform an audience’s mindset and drive meaningful change. In particular, Connecticut specializes in finance (Aetna, Cigna, The Hartford), manufacturing (Sikorsky Aircraft, Pratt & Whitney), and biotech (Alexion Pharmaceuticals). Here's our round up of the best inspirational keynote speakers in Connecticut.
Motivational Speakers in Connecticut
Connecticut is home to an impressive lineup of inspirational and keynote speakers who specialize in leadership, psychology, national security, business strategy, and education. These experts bring cutting-edge research, real-world experience, and actionable insights to audiences looking for personal and professional transformation.
Adam Braun – Sustainability & Education Leader
A pioneer in global education and social impact, Adam Braun is the founder of Pencils of Promise, a non-profit organization that has built hundreds of schools worldwide. As a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, Braun teaches audiences how to turn big ideas into world-changing initiatives, helping leaders and teams create extraordinary change in their organizations and communities.
Arel Moodie – Student Success & Personal Development Expert
A best-selling author and sought-after motivational speaker, Arel Moodie specializes in student success, personal development, and achieving peak performance. His energetic and engaging talks empower students and young professionals to develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that drive long-term success.
Art Kleiner – Leadership & Organizational Strategy Expert
A renowned business strategist, author, and leadership consultant, Art Kleiner is the Principal and Editor-in-Chief at Kleiner Powell International. His keynotes focus on transforming leadership approaches, fostering trust, and creating purpose-driven teams. His expertise helps organizations navigate complexity and drive meaningful cultural change.
Asha Rangappa – National Security & Ethics Expert
A former FBI Special Agent turned legal analyst, Asha Rangappa is a leading expert on national security, ethics, and media integrity. A faculty member at Yale University, she delivers insightful and thought-provoking talks on trust, decision-making, and ethical leadership, drawing from her experiences in counterintelligence and law enforcement.
Heidi Brooks – Leadership & Organizational Culture Specialist
A professor at Yale University and Director of the Program for the Practice of Everyday Leadership, Dr. Heidi Brooks is an authority on organizational culture, leadership development, and emotional intelligence. Her interactive keynotes help businesses and leaders enhance effectiveness, build trust, and cultivate inclusive workplaces that foster innovation.
Laurie Santos – Happiness & Decision-Making Expert
Dr. Laurie Santos is a psychologist, Yale professor, and the creator of The Science of Well-Being, Yale’s most popular course. She specializes in human cognition, happiness, and behavioral change, helping audiences make wiser choices, boost well-being, and cultivate habits that lead to a more fulfilling life. Her insights have reached millions through her TED Talks and The Happiness Lab podcast.
Michael Hayes – Leadership Resilience & Strategic Decision-Making Expert
A former U.S. Navy SEAL and business executive, Mike Hayes is a leadership strategist and resilience expert. His high-impact keynotes focus on navigating uncertainty, making strategic decisions under pressure, and leading with confidence in challenging environments. He draws from elite military experience and corporate leadership to help audiences build mental toughness and adaptability.
Steven Koonin – Climate Science & Energy Technology Expert
A University Professor and former Undersecretary for Science in the U.S. Department of Energy, Dr. Steven E. Koonin is a leading authority on climate science, energy innovation, and policy. His keynotes provide valuable insights into the future of energy technologies, environmental impact, and scientific decision-making, helping audiences understand complex global challenges with clarity.
Zoë Chance – Decision-Making & Influence Expert
A professor at the Yale School of Management, Dr. Zoë Chance is a specialist in behavioral science, decision-making, and influence. As a best-selling author (Influence Is Your Superpower), she teaches individuals and businesses how to leverage persuasion, develop negotiation skills, and achieve remarkable results through behavioral strategies.
Leading Connecticut Speakers
From elite educators and business strategists to national security experts and happiness researchers, Connecticut’s leading keynote speakers bring cutting-edge insights and transformational wisdom to audiences worldwide. Whether you seek expertise in leadership, resilience, decision-making, or social impact, these speakers offer invaluable lessons to inspire personal and professional growth.
At PepTalk, we can help event and meeting planners identify and book speakers in the Connecticut area. Whether you're looking for a business speaker, corporate speaker, leadership speaker, sales speaker, health speaker or something else, PepTalk covers over 300 different topics. No matter if you're in Bridgeport, Stamford, or New Haven, we assure you that we will match you with the perfect speaker for your event at a price that fits your budget.

Why Hire a Speaker for Your Connecticut Event?
Whether you're organizing a corporate event, team-building session, or educational seminar, a great speaker can captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact. They help foster resilience, leadership, and innovation among attendees.
How to Choose the Right Speaker
Selecting the right speaker depends on your event goals, audience demographics, and industry. Consider speakers with experience in your niche, strong engagement skills, and proven results. Review past testimonials and videos to ensure they align with your event's vision. Speaker fees can vary based on location, with some offering discounts for local events. Additionally, requirements may differ between East Coast and West Coast engagements. In general, the less travel involved and the more convenient the event, the greater the likelihood of a reduced fee.
Booking a Speaker in Connecticut
Working with a Connecticut speaker bureau can streamline the booking process by providing access to a curated list of experienced speakers. Agencies can help match the perfect speaker to your event's needs, handling logistics and contracts along the way.
Benefits of Using a Speaker Agency in Connecticut
- Access to top-tier speakers across various industries.
- Assistance with contracts, logistics, and negotiations.
- Expert recommendations based on event goals and audience profile.
Elevate Your Event with a Dynamic Speaker
An inspiring keynote speaker can turn an ordinary event into a transformative experience. Whether for a corporate retreat, industry conference, or leadership workshop, booking a speaker in Connecticut can make all the difference in engaging, educating, and inspiring your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a keynote or motivational speaker in Connecticut?
Booking a keynote or motivational speaker in Connecticut is straightforward. Start by identifying your event's theme, audience, and objectives. Browse reputable speaker agencies or directories, or contact a speaker you’re interested in. Once you've found the right speaker, discuss availability, fees, and any customizations needed for their presentation. Many agencies handle the logistics, including contracts, schedules, and technical requirements, making the process seamless. Contact PepTalk (hello@getapeptalk.com) for recommendations or assistance in securing the perfect speaker for your event in Connecticut.
What do keynote or motivational speakers in Connecticut cost?
The pricing for keynote or motivational speakers in Connecticut varies based on the speaker's background, recognition, and the event's duration. Fees can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands, with additional considerations like travel and lodging expenses. Generally, we start booking in-person speakers in this area from $2,000. Selecting a local speaker in Connecticut might help reduce extra costs. For a customized quote and assistance in finding a speaker that fits your budget, feel free to reach out to us.
Are there additional costs besides the speaker's fee, such as travel or accommodation?
One benefit of hiring a motivational speaker from Connecticut is that travel and lodging expenses could be minimized or even waived if the speaker is based near the event venue.
Can I get advice or recommendations for speakers that match my Connecticut event theme or topic?
Absolutely! PepTalk has extensive experience assisting clients with their Connecticut team events or conferences. We’re eager to share our expertise and provide tailored recommendations from our network of over 3000 speakers.
💡 Do you want to book a Connecticut motivational speaker for your next team event or conference? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via chat. You can also call us on +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a pep talk!
