Booking the perfect speaker often comes down to one thing: timing. We keep track of exciting speaker updates so that you can anticipate the latest trends, topics, and rising stars to bring to your next event.
From record-breaking athletes and visionary leaders to acclaimed performers and global changemakers, these featured speakers are shaping conversations across sports, entertainment, innovation, and social impact. Here’s a look at six speakers making headlines this month and inspiring audiences everywhere with their remarkable stories and achievements.
1. Mookie Betts captures his fourth World Series championship
Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts is celebrating another historic milestone after leading his team to victory in the 2025 World Series — his fourth career championship. Betts’ consistency, versatility, and leadership have made him one of the most dynamic players in Major League Baseball. Beyond the diamond, he continues to connect with fans through “On Base,” his Bleacher Report podcast that offers candid conversations and behind-the-scenes stories from the sport he loves.
An eight-time All-Star and 2018 American League MVP, Betts has redefined what it means to be an all-around athlete. From his early days with the Boston Red Sox to his record-breaking success with the Dodgers, he’s earned recognition for both his offensive power and defensive excellence — including multiple Gold Glove Awards and membership in baseball’s elite 30–30 club. Off the field, Betts’ creative ventures extend to film production and storytelling, further solidifying his status as a multi-hyphenate talent whose influence transcends the game.
2. Malala Yousafzai releases her most personal memoir yet
Global education activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai released her newest book, “Finding My Way: A Memoir,” on October 21 — a deeply personal reflection on identity, resilience, and her ongoing fight for girls’ education. Described by The New York Times as “a remarkably intimate and insistently human chronicle of a moral authority’s coming of age,” the memoir offers readers a candid look at her journey from outspoken student in Pakistan’s Swat Valley to one of the world’s most influential voices for equality.
Since surviving an attack by the Taliban at age 15, Yousafzai has become a symbol of courage and hope. Through the Malala Fund, she continues to advocate for free, safe, and quality education for all girls. Beyond her activism, she has founded the production company Extracurricular in partnership with Apple TV+ and recently co-produced the Broadway musical “Suffs” alongside Hillary Clinton. With her latest work, Yousafzai reminds audiences that her story is still unfolding — and that her mission to empower girls worldwide is stronger than ever.
3. Taraji P. Henson expands her producing empire
Award-winning actress and producer Taraji P. Henson continues to build her powerful entertainment legacy with new projects across television and film. This month, she was announced as the star and executive producer of “The Accomplice,” a new Peacock drama from 50 Cent’s G-Unit Films and Television, alongside her own company, TPH Entertainment. The deal adds to Henson’s growing slate, which includes a two-picture agreement with Netflix and a first-look deal with Fox Entertainment Studios to develop scripted and unscripted projects.
Known for her breakout roles in “Hustle & Flow,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and “Hidden Figures,” Henson has earned critical acclaim, multiple Emmy nominations, and a Golden Globe for her unforgettable portrayal of Cookie Lyon in “Empire.” Offscreen, she is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness through The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named in honor of her father. With her fearless voice and unwavering commitment to representation, Henson continues to inspire audiences — both on camera and behind the scenes.
4. Geoff Woods empowers leaders with “The AI-Driven Leader”
AI strategist and bestselling author Geoff Woods is redefining what it means to lead in the age of artificial intelligence with his latest book, “The AI-Driven Leader,” released this fall. Woods distills complex AI concepts into actionable leadership strategies, guiding executives to harness technology as a tool for clarity, growth, and competitive advantage. His message is simple but urgent: in today’s economy, leaders who fail to integrate AI thinking risk being left behind.
As the founder of AI Leadership and former Chief Growth Officer of Jindal Steel & Power, Woods has advised organizations worldwide on using AI to drive strategic outcomes — helping companies unlock hundreds of millions in value. His new book offers frameworks and real-world examples that enable leaders to 10x their impact, accelerate decision-making, and future-proof their teams. Woods’ keynotes equip business audiences with not just knowledge, but confidence to lead effectively through disruption.
5. Helen Mirren honored with the Golden Globes’ Cecil B. DeMille Award
Screen legend Helen Mirren will receive the 2026 Golden Globes’ Cecil B. DeMille Award, recognizing her extraordinary lifetime contributions to film and entertainment. The Oscar, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning actor adds this honor to a long list of accolades that span more than six decades — a testament to her versatility, depth, and enduring influence across the global stage.
From her Academy Award-winning performance as Queen Elizabeth II in “The Queen” to her commanding roles in “Prime Suspect,” “Gosford Park,” and “The Thursday Murder Club,” Mirren continues to captivate audiences with her artistry and authenticity. Named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2003, she has also been honored with the BAFTA Fellowship and Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. This latest recognition celebrates not only her cinematic excellence, but her ability to evolve, inspire, and lead within one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
6. Jon Levy unlocks the secrets of high-performing teams
Behavioral scientist and bestselling author Jon Levy explores the science of leadership and collaboration in his newest release, “Team Intelligence: How Brilliant Leaders Unlock Collective Genius.” Drawing from more than fifteen years of research and his work with Nobel Laureates, Olympic captains, and Fortune 500 CEOs, Levy reveals why great teams outperform even the most talented individuals — and what habits truly drive collective success.
Founder of “The Influencers” and “The Influencers Dinner,” Levy is renowned for his research on trust, connection, and behavior. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and Business Insider, and his insights have shaped how organizations think about engagement and innovation. Through his writing and keynote talks, Levy empowers audiences to cultivate team cultures rooted in curiosity, empathy, and shared purpose — the true foundation of modern leadership.
If you’re interested in learning more about booking one of these speakers or exploring other ideas, AAE Speakers is here to help. Contact us today to get started.
