“Sales Kick-Off Events” Motivate Your Team in 2026

Having unforgettable sales kick-off events can create a launchpad for the ultimate year of motivation, alignment and record-breaking success throughout your company. These events bring people together, build momentum and set an inspiring tone for the months ahead. When designed with energy, focus and purpose, they leave teams feeling connected, confident and ready to achieve their goals.

In this blog post, we highlight an outstanding line-up of speakers who know how to captivate audiences and spark genuine enthusiasm. With stories of resilience, innovation and achievement, these thought leaders will inspire your team to perform at their best and make the coming year truly exceptional.

What Are Sales Kick-Off Events?

A Sales Kick-off (SKO) event is an annual meeting that brings a company’s sales team together to celebrate past successes, align on new goals, and build motivation for the year ahead. It combines strategy sessions, training, recognition, and inspiration. Often featuring leadership messages and motivational speakers, events energise the team, strengthen culture, and set the tone for achieving strong sales performance in the coming year.

Source: Gartner

What is the Purpose of a Sales Kick of Event?

The purpose of a Sales Kickoff (SKO) event is to align, inspire, and equip the sales team for success in the year ahead. It brings together sales professionals, leaders, and supporting teams to communicate the company’s strategy, goals, and key priorities, ensuring everyone is focused on the same vision. Beyond sharing information, an SKO energises the team through motivation, recognition, and collaboration, celebrating past achievements while building excitement and confidence for future opportunities. It sets the tone for performance, strengthens team culture, and reinforces a shared commitment to driving growth and customer success.

How do you Motivate and Inspire at SKO?

To motivate and inspire your team at a Sales Kickoff event, create an experience that sparks enthusiasm and belief. With only 17% of employees feeling motivated to go to work each day, the kickoff is a key moment to re-energise your team and reconnect them to purpose. Bringing in an inspirational speaker can make a lasting impact, helping people see the bigger picture and believe in their potential. A great speaker shares stories that inspire confidence, resilience, and teamwork, turning your kickoff into a powerful launchpad for motivation and success in the year ahead.

Top 10 Speakers to Hire to Motivate at Your SKO:

Utilising select data from 70 corporate event surveys, we deliver our exclusive insight on who the Top 10 Keynote Speakers to hire to motivate at your sales kick of event are.

1. 1. 1. Katie Piper
      2. Jason Fox
      3. Helen Sharman
      4. Tim Peake
      5. Simon Sinek
      6. Ollie Ollerton
      7. Jo Fairley
      8. Jo Salter
      9. Sir Dave Brailsford
      10. Sir Clive Woodward

1. Katie Piper

Katie Piper is a renowned activist, author, philanthropist, presenter, and motivational speaker whose story of resilience and transformation inspires millions. After surviving a devastating acid attack, she turned unimaginable adversity into a mission of empowerment and hope. Through her foundation, bestselling books, and collaborations with global brands, Katie challenges outdated beauty ideals and promotes self-love and authenticity.

Honoured with an OBE for her advocacy, she continues to uplift others through her media work and keynote talks at leading organisations. Katie’s warmth, courage, and authenticity make her an exceptional sales kick-off speaker who reminds audiences that true strength begins with perseverance and purpose.

Official Testimonial for Katie Piper:

2. Jason Fox

Jason Fox, known to many as “Foxy,” embodies courage, resilience, and authenticity. A former Special Forces Officer with two decades of service in the Royal Marines and Special Boat Service, he has faced some of the world’s most demanding environments, from hostage rescues to counter-terrorism missions. After leaving the military, Jason became a bestselling author, TV presenter, and mental health advocate, using his experiences to inspire others.

His openness about PTSD and personal growth resonates deeply with audiences. As a sales kick-off speaker, Jason motivates teams to embrace challenge, build trust, and perform under pressure with resilience and purpose.

Official Testimonial for Jason Fox:

“Please pass on our thanks to Jason Fox for the talk he delivered to us last week. We were delighted with the level of interest the event generated. We have had a lot of very positive feedback about the session. And believe me, this is a tough crowd to please! Our colleagues found Jason’s talk to be engaging, insightful and inspiring- as did we. We deliberated for some time over various speakers before we decided upon Jason. We definitely made the right choice and we would recommend him without hesitation.” – Paul, Staff Wellbeing Manager, Cardiff University

 

3. Helen Sharman

Helen Sharman’s journey from research chemist to Britain’s first astronaut is a story of ambition, courage and limitless curiosity. Selected from more than 13,000 applicants, she made history by spending eight days aboard the Mir Space Station, paving the way for future generations in science and exploration. Since returning to Earth, Helen has dedicated herself to inspiring others through her leadership in science and technology.

Her ability to translate extraordinary experiences into practical lessons on teamwork, preparation and resilience makes her ideal for energising and uniting sales teams, encouraging them to push boundaries, embrace challenges and pursue excellence with confidence.

Official Testimonial for Helen Sharman:

“We were delighted with our first virtual event, with Helen Sharman, which covered the challenges of working as a team in extreme conditions and in isolation. The results were excellent and much appreciated by the wider group. Helen handled the brief superbly, and she was calm and patient as we worked through the technical details before the event.” – Nick, Chief Financial Officer, Clinigen Group

 

4. Tim Peake

Tim Peake’s extraordinary journey from Army Air Corps officer to European Space Agency astronaut embodies dedication, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence. As the first British ESA astronaut to live and work aboard the International Space Station, he captured the world’s imagination through his pioneering spacewalk and inspiring educational outreach. With a background in military aviation and test piloting, Tim understands performance under pressure and the value of collaboration in achieving complex goals.

His storytelling blends adventure, humility and insight, motivating audiences to think boldly and stay composed in demanding situations, qualities that make him an exceptional speaker for energising and inspiring sales teams.

Official Testimonial for Tim Peake:

“Tim’s inspirational evening exceeded our wildest expectations. Tim captivated an audience of all ages with thrilling tales of space and fascinating science lessons. And his touching answer to a young boy who dreamed of being an astronaut moved the audience to tears,” – Ben, Publishing Director, Penguin Random House

 

5. Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek is a renowned British American author, speaker and visionary whose work has redefined modern leadership and organisational culture. Famous for his concept of the Golden Circle and his TED Talk How Great Leaders Inspire Action, he challenges individuals and organisations to lead with purpose and inspire others from within. With bestselling books such as Start with Why and The Infinite Game, Simon encourages a mindset built on trust, collaboration and long-term vision.

Simon’s powerful storytelling and practical insights make him an ideal choice to motivate sales teams, helping them rediscover purpose, strengthen relationships and perform with lasting passion.

Simon Sinek’s Official Speaking Topics:

7. Jo Fairley

Jo Fairley is one of Britain’s most respected entrepreneurs and an inspiring voice for ethical business and sustainable success. Best known as the co-founder of Green & Black’s, she transformed a small idea into a pioneering organic chocolate brand that became a global success story. With a background in journalism and a passion for storytelling, Jo built a brand rooted in integrity, quality and purpose.

Her journey from teenage magazine editor to multi-business founder reflects creativity, courage and vision. Audiences connect with her genuine approach and entrepreneurial wisdom, leaving inspired to think differently, act boldly and turn great ideas into lasting impact.

Jo Fairley’s Official Speaking Topics:

8. Jo Salter

Jo Salter MBE is a trailblazer in aviation and leadership, celebrated as Britain’s first female Fast Jet Pilot. Joining the Royal Air Force at just 18, she went on to fly the Tornado with 617 Squadron, breaking barriers and inspiring generations to follow in her footsteps. Today, as Director of Global Transformative Leadership at PwC and Managing Director of Saltin Ltd, Jo empowers organisations to lead with vision, courage and purpose.

Her remarkable journey from the cockpit to the boardroom demonstrates resilience, adaptability and strategic thinking, leaving audiences energised to reach new heights and embrace leadership with confidence and clarity.

Official Testimonial for Jo Salter:

“Without a doubt, Jo was the best speaker I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. Totally outstanding. A perfect balance of content within Jo’s story, so relevant to our team, our lives and the event. Couldn’t be rated higher, and so many amazing comments from the team about being inspired and taking insights away for change. Please pass on our enormous gratitude.” – Stuart, Head of Business Delivery, Three 

9. Sir Dave Brailsford

Sir Dave Brailsford is a pioneering figure in high performance and leadership, renowned for transforming British cycling into a global powerhouse. As Performance Director of British Cycling and later Team Sky, he introduced the philosophy of marginal gains, the belief that consistent small improvements lead to extraordinary success. His leadership delivered Olympic and Tour de France triumphs, redefining what excellence looks like in sport.

Drawing on decades of experience building winning teams, Dave brings powerful lessons in focus, accountability and continuous growth. His engaging, practical approach makes him an outstanding speaker for sales kick off events, motivating teams to pursue precision, collaboration and sustained success.

Sir Dave Brailsford’s Official Speaking Topics:

10. Sir Clive Woodward

Sir Clive Woodward is a legendary figure in Rugby Union, best known for leading England to their historic 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, the only Northern Hemisphere team ever to achieve the feat. A former international player turned visionary coach, he revolutionised the sport through innovation, data-driven strategy and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Beyond rugby, Clive has applied his principles of leadership, teamwork and performance to business, mentoring leaders and organisations worldwide.

His engaging, insightful speaking style and proven track record of creating winning cultures make him an exceptional choice for sales kick off events, inspiring teams to think boldly, adapt quickly and perform at their best.

Sir Clive Woodward’s Official Speaking Topics:

Hire an Inspirational Leadership Speaker Today!

If you are interested in hiring an inspirational leadership speaker, don’t hesitate to contact one of our dedicated booking agents today! Get in touch by calling  0203 0070 320 or by completing our online contact form.