High Performance Speakers
Essential Talent represents the people behind New Zealand's most successful teams: All Blacks coaches and captains, Olympic champions and the experts who help them perform when it matters most. They share the habits, standards and culture that produce consistent results, and how to apply them in your organisation. They're booked for sales kick-offs, leadership days, strategy sessions and conferences around New Zealand and Australia.
Every speaker on this page is available to book through Essential Talent. Tell us what performance looks like for your team, and we'll recommend two or three who fit.
Popular high performance speakers by topic
Building high-performance teams and culture: Gilbert Enoka, Sir Graham Henry, Wayne Smith, Ian Foster, Mike Hesson
Leading a team on the field: Kieran Read, Ruby Tui
The habits and mindset of Olympic champions: Eric Murray, Rob Waddell, Grace Prendergast & Kerri Gowler
Performing under pressure in high-stakes jobs: Lance Burdett
Frequently asked questions
How do lessons from elite sport apply to a business audience?
Our high performance speakers are experienced corporate presenters. They focus on what translates directly to the workplace: setting clear standards, building trust in a team, preparing well, giving honest feedback and staying composed under pressure. Before your event, they'll talk with you about your organisation so they can link their stories to your goals.
What's the difference between a high performance speaker and a resilience or motivational speaker?
A high performance speaker focuses on how teams and individuals deliver consistent results through habits, standards and culture. A resilience speaker focuses on handling setbacks and change. A motivational speaker focuses on energy and mindset. Many speakers cover more than one, and we'll help you choose the right angle for your event. See also our Resilience speakers and Motivational speakers.
Is a high performance speaker a good fit for a sales kick-off?
Yes, it's one of the most popular uses. A high performance keynote at the start of the year helps sales teams focus on the habits and standards that drive results, and sets the tone for the months ahead.
Can a high performance speaker work with our leadership team as well?
Many can. A popular format is a keynote for the wider group followed by a smaller session with your leadership team, looking at how to build a high-performance culture in your own organisation. Let us know what you have in mind and we'll check which speakers offer it.
How far in advance should we book a high performance speaker?
We recommend booking 8–12 weeks ahead for most speakers, and earlier for the busy conference seasons (March to June and August to November) or high-demand names such as All Blacks coaches. We can often arrange a speaker at short notice, so it's worth asking even if your event is close.
Do your speakers travel outside Auckland?
Yes. Our speakers present throughout New Zealand and Australia. Travel and accommodation are usually charged on top of the speaking fee, and we'll include them in your quote upfront.
How do I book a high performance speaker through Essential Talent?
Click "Enquire" on any speaker's profile or call 0508 825 368 with your event date, location, audience size and budget. We'll check availability and come back with a shortlist within one business day.