Graduation Keynotes: Speakers who Inspire the Class of 2025
As commencement season approaches, schools and universities are gearing up to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025. Beyond the traditional ceremonies, what truly resonates with graduates are the words they hear from keynote speakers. At VaynerSpeakers, we represent leading voices who deliver powerful and memorable commencement speeches that combine inspiration, strategy, and practical advice. Why Commencement Keynotes Matter A memorable commencement speech does more than mark the occasion—it sparks momentum. The right speaker goes beyond to deliver insight, challenge assumptions, and leave graduates with a lasting sense of purpose. A powerful keynote sets the tone for what’s next—and stays with students long after the diplomas are handed out. VaynerSpeakers Who Inspire the Class of 2025 Matt Higgins A self-made entrepreneur and investor on Shark Tank, Matt Higgins has an inspiring story of resilience. Matt’s recent commencement speech struck a chord with audiences. He encouraged graduates to shift their mindset and ask, ‘Why not me?’ Instead of feeling like a victim of their circumstances, he challenged them to believe they are prepared, capable, and ready for whatever comes their way. His message is honest, empowering, and perfect for schools that want to inspire confidence and self-belief in their graduates. Ryan Holiday Bestselling author of The Obstacle Is the Way and Discipline Is Destiny, Ryan Holiday shares timeless Stoic wisdom on resilience and discipline, ideal for graduates preparing for an unpredictable future. Donald Miller Known for his storytelling expertise, Donald Miller challenges graduates to live with intention. He helps students craft purposeful lives beyond just their resumes, guiding them to see their personal stories as a mission. Gary Vaynerchuk Serial entrepreneur and CEO of VaynerMedia, Gary Vee brings unmatched candor and actionable advice to every stage. His commencement-style messages cut through the noise, teaching students how to bet on their strengths, embrace failure, and stay future-focused. Kerri Walsh Jennings Three-time Olympic gold medalist and beach volleyball legend, Kerri inspires with stories of perseverance, mindset, and personal growth. Her journey resonates deeply with students striving for excellence—in sports, school, or life. Ready to Book Your Graduation Keynote? Make the Class of 2025’s commencement unforgettable with a speaker who delivers impactful, motivational, and transformative messages. From personal stories to leadership insights, our speakers provide powerful keynotes that will resonate long after the ceremony ends. Spots for spring events are filling up quickly—contact us to secure yours today!
AAPI Heritage Month Speaker Spotlight: Why Swan Sit Is the Voice Your Audience Needs
A Visionary AAPI Speaker for Your Next Event Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the history, contributions, and leadership of the AAPI community. If you’re looking to bring an inspiring AAPI heritage month speaker to your celebration or corporate event, Swan Sit offers a powerful blend of innovation, representation, and insight. Who Is Swan Sit? A Trailblazer in Digital Innovation and Brand Strategy Swan Sit is a globally recognized digital strategist and business leader who has driven transformation at some of the world’s most iconic brands. She has held executive roles including: Swan Sit is a contemporary operator at the intersection of corporate economics, digital transformation, and consumer attention—one of the few marketers equally fluent in left-brain analytics and right-brain creativity. With a dynamic career spanning Fortune 500 brands, early-stage startups, and board leadership, Swan is helping define what modern business leadership looks like. Her work has been recognized with Brand Innovators 40 Under 40, Marketing Women to Watch, and top honors at the Glossy Awards including Best Social Campaign and Best in Show. Today, Swan advises emerging companies and top executives, leveraging her career experience to share insights with her 3M+ Clubhouse followers and audiences around the globe. She’s spoken at global conferences, contributed to philanthropic causes, and served on advisory boards including AdWeek’s Diversity Council, Women in Retail, and the Impact Network. Why Book Swan Sit? Swan Sit’s keynotes go beyond business strategies. She brings authentic storytelling, executive insight, and a deeply inclusive perspective that resonates across industries and audiences. Your attendees will walk away with: Whether you’re hosting executives, marketers, creatives, or students, Swan delivers a message that is relevant, impactful, and motivating. Book Swan Sit as Your AAPI Heritage Month Speaker Celebrate the innovation and leadership of the AAPI community by bringing Swan Sit to your next event. Whether you’re organizing a corporate DEI initiative, marketing summit, leadership conference, or university program, Swan delivers a keynote that educates, energizes, and empowers. Contact us today to book Swan Sit and make your AAPI Heritage Month programming unforgettable.
The Keynote Speaker Playbook: How to Choose the Perfect Speaker for Your Event
Selecting the right keynote speaker can make or break your event. The perfect speaker doesn’t just fill a time slot—they set the tone, engage your audience, and leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, industry summit, or leadership retreat, this guide will help you navigate choosing a keynote speaker that aligns with your event goals. Step 1 – Define Your Event Goals Before you start searching for speakers, clarify what you want to achieve. Are you looking to motivate, educate, or entertain your audience? The best keynote speakers for events are those who align with your core objectives. Step 2 – Understand Your Audience A great keynote speaker resonates with the people in the room. Consider these factors when making your event speaker selection: Step 3 – Evaluate Speaker Expertise & Experience Not all speakers are created equal. Here’s how to find a keynote speaker who delivers real value: Keynote Speaker vs. Guest Speaker: What’s the Difference? Understanding speaker roles helps with event speaker selection tips. Final Steps: Securing the Right Keynote Speaker VaynerSpeakers can help you shortlist a set of speakers (taking out the bulk of the work for you) – then from there, we’ll work with you to finalize: Finding the Best Keynote Speakers for Events Choosing a keynote speaker is about more than just a big name—it’s about finding the right fit for your audience and goals. By following these event speaker selection tips, you’ll set your event up for success with an engaging and impactful speaker. Ready to find the perfect keynote speaker for your event? At VaynerSpeakers, we help simplify the process and make it easier for you to secure top-tier talent that aligns with your event’s objectives. Contact us today to start booking!
