Speakers with Top-Rated Books

Collage of speakers book covers with the words "speakers with top rated books"

Whether you're looking to become a better leader, improve your productivity, or simply find inspiration and motivation, many of our speakers are best-selling authors who share a wealth of knowledge and experience in their bestselling books.  

From barrier breakers to business leaders to political leaders and global innovators, these speakers are trusted experts in their fields, and offer unique insights across various topics areas, as well as practical strategies for success.

Below we'll delve into some of our most popular speakers who are also bestselling authors, exploring their books, their personal stories, and the wisdom they share with audiences around the world.

LAI Best-Selling Authors:

  • Colin Coggins & Garrett BrownThe Unsold Mindset: Redefining What it Means to Sell
  • Jim VandeHei & Mike AllenSmart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less
  • Amy Webb The Genesis Machine: Our Quest to Rewrite Life in the Age of Synthetic Biology
  • Hakeem Oluseyi A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Streets to the Stars
  • Lisa Sun Gravitas: The 8 Strengths That REdefine Confidence
  • Scott Mann Operation Pineapple Express: The Incredible Story of a Group of Americans Who Undertook One Last Mission and Honored a Promise in Afghanistan
  • Reggie Fils-Aime Disrupting the Game: From the Bronx to the Top of Nintendo
  • Dakota Meyer The Way Forward: Master Life's Toughest Battles and Create Your Lasting Legacy
  • Melissa Swift –  Work Here Now Think Like a Human and Build a Powerhouse Workplace
  • Colin Bryar & Bill Carr Working Backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon
  • Salim Ismail –  Exponential Organizations 2.0 --The New Playbook for 10x Grouth & Impact
  • Bruce Schneier –  A Hacker's Mind: How the Powerful Bend Society's Rules, and How to Bend Them Back
  • April Ryan Black Women Will Save the World: An Anthem
  • Matt Lewis Filthy Rich Politicians: The Swamp Creatures, Latte Liberals, and Ruling-Class Elites Cashing in on America
  • Lisa JasterDelete the Adjective: A Soldier's Adventures in Ranger School
  • Deepa PurushothamanThe First, the Few, the Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America
  • Carice AndersonIntelligence Isn't Enough: A Black Professional’s Guide to Thriving in the Workplace
  • James D. WhiteAntiracist Leadership: How to Transform Corporate Culture in a Race-Conscious World
  • John VolanthenThirteen Lessons That Saved Thirteen Lives: The Thai Cave Rescue
  • Kate Darling The New Breed: The New Breed: What Our History with Animals Reveals About Our Future with Robots
  • Jake TapperThe Devil May Dance
  • Kath Koschel Kindness: What Surviving on the Kindness of Strangers Taught Me About Perspective, Connection, and Happiness
  • Shellye Archambeau Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, and Create Success on Your Own Terms
  • Evy PoumpourasBecoming Bulletproof: Protect Yourself, Read People, Influence Situations, and Live Fearlessly
  • Jenny RadcliffePeople Hacker: Confessions of a Burglar for Hire

Keep reading to learn more about these bestselling books from LAI speakers, read rave reviews, and see our speakers in action on stage and in the media.

Click on the links below to check out their individual speaker profiles and watch video footage from recent keynote talks to get a preview of their speaking styles and topics.

•	Colin Coggins & Garrett Brown  – The Unsold Mindset: Redefining What it Means to Sell Book Cover
 

Collin Coggins and Garrett Brown, Leadership & Sales Mindset Advisors, Popular USC Professors of Entrepreneurship


Colin Coggins and Garrett Brown's book, The Unsold Mindset: Redefining What it Means to Sell, offers a fresh perspective on the art of selling by shifting the focus from selling a product to solving a problem.

Throughout the book, Coggins and Brown emphasize the importance of building long-term relationships with customers and taking a consultative approach to sales. Daniel Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author says the book is, “An extremely useful guide. It will hone your powers of persuasion and connection. And it will help you become a better salesperson by becoming a better version of yourself."

Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen's Book: Smart Brevity
 

Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen, Co-Founders of Axios; Former CEO and POLITICO Chief White House Correspondent


In Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less, Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen offer insights into the world of journalism and how newsrooms are adapting to the changing media landscape. The authors emphasize the importance of delivering information in a concise, impactful manner while maintaining accuracy and integrity in reporting. Check out this video where VandeHei and Allen join MSNBC to speak on the power of their book.

Amy Webb's Book: The Genesis Machine: Our Quest to Rewrite Life in the Age of Synthetic Biology
 

Amy Webb, World-Renowned Futurist; Founder & CEO of the Future Today Institute and Professor, Strategic Foresight at New York University Stern School of Business


In The Genesis Machine: Our Quest to Rewrite Life in the Age of Synthetic Biology, Amy Webb explores the potential of synthetic biology to revolutionize our world and fundamentally alter the human experience. The book delves into the ethical and moral implications of synthetic biology, while also providing a glimpse into the cutting-edge research and innovation happening in this field. The New Yorker calls it, “A road map for navigating synthetic biology’s opportunities and perils.”

Hakeem Oluseyi's Book A Quantum Life
 

Hakeem Oluseyi, Astrophysicist, Former Space Science Education Lead for NASA


Named one of the best books of the year by Kirkus Reviews, In A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Streets to the Stars, Hakeem Oluseyi shares his inspiring story of overcoming poverty, homelessness, and personal struggles to become an astrophysicist and space scientist. The book is a compelling memoir that highlights the power of resilience and perseverance, and the importance of education and mentorship in achieving success. Bill Nye the Science Guy had this to say about the book: “You’ll encounter one extraordinary turn of events after another, as the extraordinary chess player, puzzle solver, and occasional grifter works his way from grinding poverty and deep despair to worldwide acclaim as a physicist.”

 

Lisa Sun Book
 

Lisa Sun, Founder & CEO, GRAVITAS, Former Associate Principal at McKinsey & Company

In the Gravitas book, Sun shares stories from her personal journey to encourage audiences to choose self-confidence, work to harness their “superpower,” and use gravitas to advance personally and professionally. Gravitas is described as a “thought-provoking, practical guide that redefines confidence and arms you with the tools to flex other strengths so you can shatter your expectations for yourself.”

 

Scott Mann Book: Operation Pineapple Express: The Incredible Story of a Group of Americans Who Undertook One Last Mission and Honored a Promise in Afghanistan
 

Scott Mann, U.S. Army Green Beret (Ret.), Pineapple Express Mission Leader, Rooftop Leadership Expert


Operation Pineapple Express: The Incredible Story of a Group of Americans Who Undertook One Last Mission and Honored a Promise in Afghanistan is a gripping account of a team of Special Forces soldiers who, after leaving Afghanistan, return to save a comrade and his family from the Taliban. The book highlights the human cost of war and the bonds of brotherhood that are forged in combat.

Check out Scott Mann on The Shawn Ryan Show, where he discusses his book in greater detail.

Disrupting the Game: From the Bronx to the Top of Nintendo Book Cover
 

Reggie Fils- Aimé, Former President and COO of Nintendo of America Inc.


Wall Street Journal bestseller, Disrupting the Game: From the Bronx to the Top of Nintendo, is Reggie Fils-Aimé's memoir that recounts his journey from a humble background in the Bronx to becoming one of the most prominent executives in the video game industry. The book offers insights into leadership, innovation, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in corporate culture.

Geoff Keighley, Creator and CEO of The Game Awards, says the book is a, "Powerful, universal insight into leadership and life from one of the video game industry's most important champions. Reggie's book delivers real lessons to anyone looking to grow a business, or a career."

Dakota Meyer and Rob O'Neill's New Book The Way Forward
 

Dakota Meyer, Medal of Honor Recipient


The Way Forward by Dakota Meyer is a memoir that details his life experiences and the lessons he learned from them, including his time serving in the Marine Corps, his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and his path to healing and personal growth. The book offers practical advice on overcoming adversity and creating a lasting legacy.

Work Here Now by Melissa Swift - Book Cover
 

Melissa Swift, U.S. Transformation Leader at Mercer and Future of Work Expert


In Work Here Now, Melissa Swift explores the power of human-centered design in creating a more engaging and productive workplace. The book offers practical strategies and tools for leaders and managers to build a culture of innovation, collaboration, and empathy in their organizations. CEO and president of Mercer, Martine Ferland, says the book is, “A practical toolkit for how to transform the everyday colleague experience ― and soar to new business heights in the process.”

Colin Bryar's and Bill Carr's Book Working Backwards
 

Colin Bryar and Bill Carr, Former Amazon Executives, and Co-Founders of Working Backwards, LLC


Working Backwards provides a unique inside look at the culture and practices from inside Amazon, and offers practical guidance on how to implement their successful strategies in any business. Through personal stories, insights, and secrets from Amazon insiders, the authors share lessons learned from their time leading at Amazon during a period of unprecedented evolution and growth.

Check out this New York Times feature article on the book.

Salim Ismail book cover
 

Salim Ismail, Exponential Strategist, Founder & Chairman of OpenExO, Founding Executive Director of Singularity University, Former Yahoo VP

In his groundbreaking book, Exponential Organizations 2.0, Ismail defies convention as he shares a proven framework for taking a company from a garage startup to an international corporation. Ismail knows what it takes to build successful organizations from the ground up, and his book teaches readers how to use the tools and resources available to them to do the same.

Cover of Bruce Schneier's book "A Hacker's Mind: How the Powerful Bend Society's Rules, and How to Bend them Back"
 

Bruce Schneier, Security Technologist & Guru


In "A Hacker’s Mind," cybersecurity expert Bruce Schneier extends the concept of hacking beyond computers, revealing its application in diverse systems. He illustrates how subverting rules, or finding "loopholes," is prevalent not only in code but also in societal structures like the tax code. Schneier applies this perspective to dissect systems from tax laws to politics, highlighting how influential actors manipulate them to their advantage. Recognizing such hacks sheds light on vulnerabilities that could disrupt financial markets, weaken democracy, and influence human thought. However, Schneier encourages countering these threats by embracing the "white hat" mindset, understanding hacking, and leveraging artificial intelligence to safeguard systems for a more equitable future.

Black Women Will Save the World
 

April Ryan, Longest-Serving African American Female White House Correspondent in History, White House Correspondent for TheGrio, and CNN Political Analyst


In Black Women Will Save the World, April Ryan brings to light the powerful contributions of Black women to American society and politics, drawing from her own experiences as a White House correspondent and highlighting the crucial role that Black women have played in shaping history. Through interviews and analysis, Ryan offers a compelling argument for why Black women are uniquely positioned to lead the way in creating positive change.

Check out April Ryan in a CBS interview, during which she discussed why “Black Women Will Save the World.


 

Matt Lewis, Senior Columnist for the Daily Beast, Author of “Filthy Rich Politicians”

"Filthy Rich Politicians" by Matt Lewis is a scathing yet humorous critique of the ruling class in Washington, exposing the unsavory behaviors of today's politicians who often take advantage of the system for personal gain. Lewis introduces readers to a cast of characters including latte liberals, insider traders, and trust-fund beneficiaries, revealing the laughable extent to which money has infiltrated politics.Lewis proposes commonsense reforms that aim to restore accountability and transparency in leadership, offering a path to rebuild trust in institutions and safeguard democracy for future generations.

Delete the Adjective: A Soldier's Adventures in Ranger School Book Cover
 

Lisa Jaster, Army Ranger School Graduate, Leadership and Peak Performance Expert


Lisa Jaster's book, Delete the Adjective: A Soldier's Adventures in Ranger School, is a memoir about her experiences as one of the first women to complete the grueling U.S. Army Ranger School, offering insights on leadership, perseverance, and breaking through gender barriers. The Honorable Patrick J. Murphy, Iraq Vet and 32nd Under Secretary of the Army, shares that the book is, “A must-read book for every leader who wants to live and learn lessons from one of the world's toughest leadership courses — the U.S. Army Ranger School. Ranger Lisa Jaster is one of our post-9/11 generation's most authentic, gritty, and historic voices."

Deepa Purushothaman Book Cover: The First, the Few, the Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America
 

Deepa Purushothaman, Transcendent Leader; First-Ever Indian American Woman Partner at Deloitte


The First, the Few, the Only by Deepa Purushothaman is a guidebook that provides strategies for women of color to navigate the obstacles and biases that they face in corporate America. The book draws from the Purushothaman’s personal experiences and offers practical advice on how to redefine power and lead with purpose. The Financial Times calls it “A rare book that can simultaneously make professionals of color feel seen and give their colleagues a comprehensive education.”

Intelligence Isn't Enough: A Black Professional’s Guide to Thriving in the Workplace  Book Cover
 

Carice Anderson, Impact and Success Engineer; Workplace Development Advisor; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Expert


Offering practical advice and insights for overcoming systemic challenges and achieving success, "Intelligence Isn't Enough" by Carice Anderson is a guide for Black professionals to navigate and thrive in workplaces that traditionally haven’t been supported their success and advancement.

Check out this GIBS Business School interview with Anderson on the book here.

James D. White Book Anti-Racist Leadership: How to Transform Corporate Culture in a Race-Conscious World
 

James D. White, Transformational Leader and Former Chairperson, President, & CEO of Jamba Juice


James D. White's book Antiracist Leadership provides insights and guidance on how to create a race-conscious workplace culture and become an effective antiracist leader. The book offers practical tools and strategies for addressing systemic racism and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizations. Jessica Alba, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, the Honest Company, called the book, “An invaluable resource.”

John Volanthen Book: Thirteen Lessons that Saved Thirteen Lives: The Thai Cave Rescue Hardcover
 

John Volanthen, World Record-Holding British Cave Diver Who Played a Key Role In The 2018 Tham Luang Thailand Cave Rescue


"Thirteen Lessons That Saved Thirteen Lives" by John Volanthen is a firsthand account of the heroic and complicated rescue of twelve boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Thailand. The book provides a gripping narrative of the events, and the lessons learned from this extraordinary rescue mission.

In 2022, the book was made into a movie that was released in theaters, and is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Kate Darling – The New Breed: The New Breed: What Our History with Animals Reveals About Our Future with Robots Book Cover
 

Kate Darling, Leading Expert in Social Robotics and MIT Media Lab Research Scientist


A New Scientist best book of 2021, The New Breed by Kate Darling explores our relationship with animals and how it can inform our future with robots. The book challenges readers to consider the ethical and moral implications of AI and robotics in society. Irene M. Pepperberg, PhD, Associate Professor at Harvard and author of the New York Times bestseller Alex & Me said the book is, “Well-researched, well-developed, and well-written. Darling’s innovative proposal ― to use our history of human-animal interactions as a blueprint for the future of human-robot interactions ― is a must-read for anyone interested in the emerging ethics of robotics.”

Jake Tapper – The Devil May Dance Book Cover

 

Jake Tapper, Award Winning Journalist; Anchor and Chief Washington Correspondent, CNN


The Devil May Dance by Jake Tapper is a political thriller set in the 1960s in which a journalist and his wife are caught up in a web of conspiracy involving the Kennedys, organized crime, and the CIA. The novel explores the darker side of politics and power in America during a turbulent time in history. Publishers Weekly says the book is “An excellent sequel to 2018’s The Hellfire Club, and is a ‘cocktail of corruption and ambition.’”

Kindness Book Cover
 

Kath Koschel, Founder, Kindness Factory; Resilience Expert


Kindness by Kath Koschel is a memoir that explores the ways in which surviving on the kindness of strangers taught her about perspective, connection, and happiness, and how she turned that into a global kindness movement. It's a heartwarming story of resilience, gratitude, and the transformative power of kindness.

Check out this Canberra Times article for more detail on the inspirations behind her book here.

Unapologetically Ambitious

Shellye Archambeau, Former Chief Executive Officer, MetricStream


Named a “Best Business Book of the Year” by Fortune and Bloomberg, Unapologetically Ambitious by Shellye Archambeau is a memoir and career guide for women and people of color, sharing the author's experiences and insights on breaking through barriers and achieving success on your own terms. The book is filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and inspiration for those looking to navigate corporate America and make their mark. John Thompson, chairman of Microsoft, says the book, “underscores the importance these elements can play in your career and showcases brilliant strategies and approaches through her own career pursuits.”

Evy Poumpouras – Becoming Bulletproof: Protect Yourself, Read People, Influence Situations, and Live Fearlessly Book Cover
 

Evy Poumpouras, Former Secret Service Special Agent and Interrogator, Co-Host of Bravo TV’s “Spy Games”


Through her experiences as a Secret Service agent, Poumpouras shares practical advice on how to cultivate resilience, hone intuition, and make sound decisions under pressure.

Her book, Becoming Bulletproof is a guide to developing the mental toughness needed to handle any situation. Publishers Weekly says, “Poumpouras’s wise direction and actionable lessons will be relevant to audiences of all ages. Those looking for a shot of confidence will love this.”

Jenny Radcliffe – People Hacker: Confessions of a Burglar for Hire Book Cover
 

Jenny Radcliffe, People Hacker and Social Engineer


In People Hacker, Jenny Radcliffe reveals the secrets of social engineering and how to protect yourself against manipulation by unethical hackers and other enemies in the cybersphere. With real-life examples and practical advice, Radcliffe offers a fascinating look at the power of social engineering and how it can be both used and countered.

Check out Radcliffe sharing her perspective on social engineering on the “Tech Done Different” podcast.

 

 

 

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