Dr. Sara’s Genius Bar: Top Influencers in Business & Lifestyle

You know these people. You’ve watched them on Oprah, seen their faces on the covers of their best-selling books, and perhaps even been lucky enough to attend one of their sold-out seminars or lectures. I’m talking about my favorite business and lifestyle influencers – who have created empires with their unique ideas and entrepreneurial know-how.

So if you need a little motivational mojo in your life, turn to one of these five superstars for a pick-me-up:

 

1. Marianne Williamson

Dr. Sara’s Genius Bar:  Top Influential People in Business & LifestyleA spiritual teacher, author and lecturer, my girl Marianne is the wise big sister you didn’t know you needed. While teaching concepts related to everything from mindfulness and meditation to career fulfillment and healthy relationships, she advocates a spiritual approach to just about all areas of life. And since influencing the masses has been no struggle for her, it’s no surprise that she’s now running for Congress! I won’t get political here, but let’s just say our government could probably use some of Marianne’s open-minded, compassionate wisdom and intelligence. More on Marianne can be found on her website: http://www.marianne.com/index.htm

 

2. Danielle LaPorte

A somewhat sassy truth-teller, Danielle LaPorte gives “sermons on life” that, frankly, will make you a believer. Being a self-made entrepreneur, author and lecturer, Danielle speaks a lot on the topic of desire – how it fuels our business decisions, our love lives and the relationship we have with ourselves. Check out her Desire Map, a goal-setting system that can help you turn those big ideas into tangible results. After all, Danielle’s just the girl to guide you through the process: http://www.daniellelaporte.com/

 

3. Marie Forleo

Business coach? Marketing maven? Romance expert? Fitness queen? Marie Forleo is living proof that you don’t have to pick just one niche if you want to be an entrepreneur. True, her coaching programs are focused on making you rich (sign me up!), but Marie points out that true richness isn’t just about money and toys – it’s a mind-body-spirit thing. Marie is great because she doesn’t take herself too seriously. So if you’re looking for some inspiration but find that “new-agey” thought leaders tend to turn you off, Marie’s probably your girl. Here’s her website: http://www.marieforleo.com/

 

4. Brendon Burchard

A motivational speaker and high-performance trainer, Brendon is one of the top marketing coaches around (just ask Tony Robbins, the Dalai Lama and Richard Branson – all people he’s shared the stage with!). Brendon believes that we can all take the experiences we’ve had to cultivate our own voice and profit from a business or career that serves who we really are. Having survived a serious car accident several years ago, when Brendon talks about being giving a second chance at life, it’s clear that his mission in the world is totally authentic. Check him out here: http://brendonburchard.com/

 

5. Tim Ferriss

Known for his best-selling book, “The 4-Hour Workweek,” Tim Ferriss is one of the masters of biohacking – a technique I talk about a lot that involves investigating how small tweaks in your lifestyle and routine can lead to greater productivity, better health and less stress. Prepare to have your mind blown listening to him talk about how putting in less work can actually yield you better results (à la the 80/20 rule). Sound good? Visit his website here: http://fourhourworkweek.com/blog/. While you’re there, check out his brand new podcast.

So there you have it – five power players who will most certainly teach you a thing or two about life, business, living your dreams and finding lasting success.

And since I know I’ve only scratched the surface with this list, I’m asking: Who are your favorite business and lifestyle influencers? Let me know on Facebook.