As an Olympic athlete turned motivational speaker, I’ve been fortunate to share stages, green rooms, and real conversations with some incredible people. Along the way, a few speakers didn’t just inspire me from afar; they became mentors, guides, and friends who helped shape my journey beyond sport.
These are three speakers I consider among the best speakers on earth, not just because of what they say on stage, but because of who they are off it.
Jeff Civillico
Category: Service & Philanthropic Leadership
If you want to understand what it means to use a platform for good, look no further than Jeff Civillico.
Jeff is best known for his high-energy, entertaining style blending humor, storytelling, and mindset in a way that instantly connects with audiences. But what I admire most about Jeff has nothing to do with applause.
It’s his commitment to giving back.
Jeff lives what he teaches. His philanthropic work and dedication to serving others aren’t side projects; they’re core to who he is. He consistently finds ways to uplift communities, support causes bigger than himself, and use his success as a vehicle for impact.
As someone who believes deeply in purpose beyond performance, Jeff has been a powerful example for me. He reinforced an idea I learned the hard way as an athlete: success feels hollow if it isn’t shared.
Why I think he’s one of the best speakers on earth:
Because he proves that influence is most powerful when it’s used in the service of others.
David Burkus
Category: Teams, Collaboration & Leadership
If Jeff represents heart, David Burkus represents clarity.
David is one of the sharpest thinkers I know when it comes to teams, leadership, and collaboration. His work challenges outdated ideas about productivity and replaces them with research-backed strategies that actually work in the real world.
What stands out to me isn’t just his content, it’s how he leads by example.
David doesn’t just talk about teamwork. He actively collaborates, supports, and elevates the people around him. He’s generous with his time, thoughtful in his feedback, and intentional in how he helps others grow.
As an Olympic athlete, I learned that individual success is often built on the foundation of a strong team of coaches, trainers, family, and support systems. David helped me translate that lesson from sport into business and leadership.
Why he’s one of the best speakers on earth:
Because he doesn’t just explain how teams work, he shows people how to work better together.
Pat Dwyer
Category: Mentorship & Personal Impact
Some of the best speakers on earth won’t always be the loudest voices on stage, but they are the ones who answer the phone when you need them.
That’s Pat Dwyer.
Pat has been incredibly supportive of me throughout my speaking journey. He’s someone I know I can rely on, whether I need advice, perspective, a good laugh, or just a reminder that I’m not alone in this process.
In a profession that can sometimes feel competitive or isolating, Pat represents something rare: genuine generosity. He’s always willing to help, always willing to listen, and always willing to show up.
From my Olympic career to my life as a speaker, I’ve learned that resilience is built through relationships. Pat embodies that truth.
Why he’s one of the best speakers on earth:
Because mentorship and humor aren’t something he talks about, it’s something he lives.
Final Thoughts: Great Speakers Create More Than Applause
The best speakers on earth don’t just deliver powerful keynotes. They create ripple effects. They inspire action, foster connection, and lift others as they climb.
Jeff Civillico, David Burkus, and Pat Dwyer have each influenced my journey in different ways, but they share one thing in common: they care deeply about people.
As I continue my own path as a motivational speaker, Olympic athlete, and storyteller, I strive to honor the lessons they’ve taught me—not just in what I say on stage, but in how I live off it.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what truly defines greatness.
– Connor Fields
