Booking a keynote speaker is easy.
Booking the right leadership keynote speaker? That’s where most events miss the mark.
It’s tempting to chase titles. To be impressed by buzzwords like “best-selling author” or “Fortune 500 consultant.” But the truth is, your audience doesn’t care about résumés. They care about what’s relevant. What connects. What sticks.
As Scott Deming says,
I didn’t invent speaking. People have been speaking since the beginning of time. I’m innovating the speaking business.
And that’s exactly what you should be looking for — not just a speaker, but someone who innovates the experience for your audience.
Define Your Event Goals First
Before you even look at a speaker’s credentials, and Scott Deming’s are very impressive, get clear on your own goals.
Are you trying to spark change? Inspire long-term loyalty? Shift culture?
Because not every leadership keynote speaker fits every goal — and the ones who do usually aren’t leading with a canned pitch deck.
Scott’s events focus on:
- Emotional branding
- Culture transformation
- Customer loyalty
- Leadership that starts with people, not process
If your goal is behavior change, not just a standing ovation, this is where you start.
Look for a Leadership Keynote Speaker with Real-World Experience
Plenty of speakers talk leadership. Fewer have actually lived it.
Scott built a $30M national agency from the ground up and has consulted with brands like McDonald’s, Verizon, and 3M. That means he’s led teams, built brands, weathered chaos — and knows what leadership actually looks like under pressure.
“You didn’t invent windows, siding, or speaking,” Scott says.
“I’m not asking you to create something new — I’m asking you to innovate how you deliver.”
Speakers with lived experience won’t waste time with theory. They’ll show your team what works in the real world.
Prioritize Emotional Connection Over Credentials
According to Dr. Antonio Damasio, whom Scott quotes during his keynotes:
“Over 90% of every decision we make is made by emotion. We rationalize and justify after the fact.”
So if your audience doesn’t feel the speaker, they won’t remember them. Period.
A leadership keynote speaker who connects emotionally will always outperform one who simply recites leadership principles.
Scott doesn’t just teach leadership. He uses emotional storytelling — personal, real-life moments that build trust and relatability. That’s the difference between a speaker who sounds smart and one who actually shifts perspective.
Just like his kitchen remodel story (where he bought from the guy who talked about his family, not his cabinets), Scott shows that connection always beats a pitch.
Demand Actionable Takeaways
Inspiration is great. But your attendees need something to do the next day.
Scott’s keynotes leave people with tools they can immediately use: how to create a culture of meaning and purpose, how to build emotional brand loyalty, and how to lead in a way that makes people want to follow.
“An invention only becomes innovation when it changes someone’s life,” he says.
“So ask yourself — is your why bigger than the what?”
The best leadership keynote speakers don’t just entertain. They equip.
Think Beyond the Stage
One great talk isn’t enough anymore.
Look for a leadership keynote speaker who reinforces your message after the applause — with books, training, or practical content your team can carry forward. Scott’s approach ties back to brand strategy, emotional branding, and culture — giving companies a framework they can adopt and evolve.
He also offers consulting, repeat sessions, and deep-dive content that helps teams go from understanding to application.
Choosing a keynote speaker isn’t just about who looks impressive on paper. It’s about finding someone who understands your people, your mission, and your goals — and knows how to bridge all three in 60 minutes or less.
If you’re planning your next big event and want a leadership keynote speaker who delivers real impact, not fluff — start here.