Slovenia Speakers
As part of this year’s Best of 2026 selection, which has been connecting locals and lovers of Slovenia for 15 years, voting took place for the prestigious title Speaker of the Year – Slovenia’s Best Speaker 2026. After an exceptional response and a record number of votes, the selection concluded with the announcement of the winner who, with their performance, vision, and impact, most strongly impressed the audience. Among 20 outstanding finalists representing the very best of Slovenian public speaking, entrepreneurship, science, creativity, and personal growth, this year’s title was awarded to the speaker who left the strongest impression with their authenticity and clear message.
Best of Speakers is one of the most respected categories in the wider Best Of Slovenia selection, where residents and fans of Slovenia choose the country’s finest individuals and experiences.
This category celebrates outstanding speakers — people who push boundaries, share powerful insights and influence personal and professional development across industries. During the Festival of Decisions, finalists present their ideas and visions on stage, and the audience ultimately chooses the winner.
Last year’s title went to Nastja Mulej, a communication expert and the only Slovenian Master Trainer of Dr. Edward de Bono’s thinking methods.
The conclusion of this year’s Best of Speakers 2026 selection sent a strong message: Slovenia values courage, authenticity, and content that goes beyond classical frameworks. With the title Speaker of the Year – Slovenia’s Best Speaker 2026, Marko Podgornik Verdev, an unconventional entrepreneur, author, and outspoken advocate of human-centered capitalism, won convincingly.
At the final event, Verdev impressed the audience with an honest, energetic, and provocative performance in which he spoke without embellishment about the future of work, attitudes toward success, and the importance of humanity in the business world. His style, which combines entrepreneurial experience, personal stories, and clear positions, left a strong impression on both the audience and professional public.
The title confirms that today’s most valued speakers are those who dare to speak the truth, raise uncomfortable questions, and at the same time inspire change. Marko Podgornik Verdev has undoubtedly marked the year 2026 with his vision and charisma.
TOP 20 FINALISTS FOR SPEAKER OF THE YEAR 2026
A remarkable selection of experts from business, science, technology, psychology, sports, communication and personal development.
Innovation, leadership and organisational culture researcher (EF UL, BI Norwegian Business School).
Anthropologist, researcher of technology and modern life, professor and author.
Unconventional entrepreneur, author of Govorim and advocate of human-centred capitalism.
Psychologist specialising in digital recruitment and HR with a focus on cultural fit.
Internationally certified detective, OSINT/OPSEC/HUMINT expert and lecturer at the Faculty of Security Studies.
Digital marketing expert, lecturer and strategist with 20+ years of experience.
Motivational speaker, two-time world champion para-swimmer and ambassador of resilience.
Entrepreneur and founder of Sadje v pisarni (Fruit in the Office), promoter of workplace wellbeing.
Business transformation and healthcare expert, currently with Roche Slovenia, Croatia and BiH.
European leader in circular economy and co-author of major sustainability roadmaps.
Quantifly specialist in organisational diagnostics, HR analytics and AI-powered team management.
Lawyer, former MP and expert in strategic communication.
Actor, TV host and memory-technique master, known for reciting thousands of digits of π.
Psychologist focused on psychological safety, agility and new forms of work.
AI consultant, director of Seos.si, expert in SEO, digital marketing and AI in business.
Engineer of the Year 2024, expert in robotics, human-centred technologies and machine vision.
Bankart, specialist in digital transformation and secure payment technologies.
Former TV host turned public speaking mentor and storytelling expert.
Winner of the European Young Inventors Prize 2025 for microchip energy-efficiency innovation.
Entrepreneur, former CEO of Outfit7 (Talking Tom), author and social impact innovator.
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