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Speaker & workplace culture expert

Bill Burke

Transform workplace culture with Bill Burke, speaker and founder of The Optimism Institute. Bill works with organisations to develop leadership excellence and harness optimism for team performance, delivering insights from his executive experience at The Weather Channel, Turner Classic Movies, and multiple board chairmanships.

Trusted by Workday, Adform, Von Borstel & Associates

Bill Burke, Speaker | Optimism Leader, Media Executive
Bill Burke

Bill Burke

New York City, United States

Typical fee range

$26k–50k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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New York City, United States

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$26k–50k

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+44 203 835 2929

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Bill Burke's biography

At a glance

  • Founder of The Optimism Institute and the Blue Sky podcast
  • Former CEO of The Weather Channel Companies
  • Co-author of CNN founder Ted Turner's NY Times Best-selling autobiography Call Me Ted
Bill Burke founded The Optimism Institute after a long career as an executive, writer, and producer in media and sports. A former Harvard Advanced Leadership Fellow, Bill now speaks on leadership and the power of optimism to transform individuals, teams, and organisations. Bill's career highlights include serving as CEO of The Weather Channel Companies and working at Time Warner, where he was the founding general manager of Turner Classic Movies. At just 29, Bill became president of TBS Superstation. He also learned valuable lessons from CNN founder Ted Turner, who co-authored the top-10 New York Times best-selling autobiography, Call Me Ted. Bill also co-owned and chaired the Portland Sea Dogs, the double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox for fifteen years. As a writer, Bill has co-written, produced, and directed Live Another Day, an award-winning documentary on the U.S. auto industry bailout. Bill has also worked in non-profits, serving on and chairing several boards. He chaired the boards of Maine Medical Center (Maine’s largest hospital) and MaineHealth (the largest private employer in Maine). Bill also chaired the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, helping steer the organization through the “Great Recession” of 2008 to 2009, and the US Biathlon Association, the national governing body for this Winter Olympic sport. A lifelong optimist, Bill launched The Optimism Institute and the Blue Sky podcast to combat the negative effects of news and social media on mental health. Through the podcast, Bill has interviewed inspiring leaders, authors, researchers, and big thinkers, including Amy Edmondson on the benefits of psychological safety and Daniel Pink on the surprising positive power of regret. Bill has also appeared on TODAY with Hoda and Jenna and Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People Podcast to share his optimistic vision of the world and its future.

Bill's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

How To Be A Modern Optimist
Bill Burke highlights a paradox of modern life: despite living in arguably the best era in human history, we face unprecedented challenges to our optimism. He points out that today’s culture inundates us with negativity through constant feeds and sensational news, distracting us from the remarkable progress humanity continues to achieve. Attendees will learn how to navigate this landscape and cultivate a more positive outlook amidst the chaos.
Optimism Is A Force Multiplier
Bill Burke will explore the significance of optimism in both the workplace and at home. Drawing inspiration from the late General Colin Powell, who believed that "perpetual optimism is a force multiplier," Burke will illustrate how positivity fosters resilience and a solutions-oriented approach during challenges. Attendees will learn how cultivating an optimistic mindset not only enhances relationships but also contributes to overall well-being and longevity.
ROI: Return On Integrity
In his talk, "ROI: Return On Integrity," Bill Burke examines the crucial role of integrity in business. He highlights how prioritising ethical practices not only fosters a positive organisational culture but also drives sustainable success and profitability. Attendees will learn how embracing integrity can transform their business strategies and enhance overall performance.
Cultivating A Positive Culture In Organizations
In this session, Bill Burke shares effective strategies for cultivating a positive culture within organisations. He emphasises the importance of optimism in enhancing employee engagement, boosting productivity, and promoting overall workplace happiness. Attendees will learn practical approaches to create a more uplifting environment, ultimately leading to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.
Optimism In Leadership
In this talk, Bill Burke examines how a positive mindset can elevate leadership abilities, boost team morale, and foster innovation. He highlights the significance of optimistic thinking in making effective decisions and leading teams successfully. Attendees will learn practical strategies to cultivate optimism in their leadership styles, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness and inspiring those around them.

Why we recommend booking Bill

Book Bill Burke to inspire your team with his unique blend of leadership insights and optimism expertise. His proven track record in transforming cultures and driving success will empower your organisation to embrace challenges and celebrate achievements, fostering a positive environment that fuels growth and innovation.

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Trusted by Workday, Adform, Von Borstel & Associates

Testimonials

Bill Burke’s session was far more than a speaking engagement—it was a powerful and timely experience for our team. As we focused on building a culture that embraces change, Bill’s message on the power of optimism resonated deeply and personally, offering a sense of agency and hope that people didn’t even realize they needed. What made it so impactful was that he spoke to something bigger than just the workplace—he addressed the challenges of the world around us with honesty and inspiration. Multiple team members shared that his words helped them reframe not just their week or month, but their outlook on the years ahead. He reminded us that we are not powerless—and yes, there were tears: the kind that come from being seen, inspired, and emotionally moved. Bill set the emotional tone for our offsite and helped spark the mindset shift we came together to create.

Keri Kaiser

FSA Store

Bill brought tremendous optimism and inspiring ideas to our global Marketing organization. His dynamic energy, sharp insights, and humor created a strong connection with the team. He offered insightful perspectives, balancing motivational strategies with practical advice on how focus on the positive. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from team members at all levels.

Kathryn McTighe

Sr. Director, Marketing Learning & Development, Workday

Bill’s ability to combine humor, storytelling, and meaningful insights really resonated with our audience! The session was not only engaging but also provided a valuable perspective that attendees really appreciated.

IMPACT Conference

Charles Schwab

Featured Projects

Bill Burke - Blue Sky podcast cover
Bill Burke - Rule Breaker Investing podcast cover
Bill Burke - Go Help Yourself podcast cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Bill Burke for my next event?
Email bill.burke@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Bill's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Bill Burke's speaking style like?
Bill Burke draws on interviews conducted through his Blue Sky podcast — featuring researchers, authors, and leaders such as Amy Edmondson and Daniel Pink — to ground his talks on optimism in evidence from practitioners and academics. He also uses the career arc of figures such as General Colin Powell to illustrate how an optimistic mindset functions as a practical leadership tool.
What topics does Bill Burke specialise in?
Bill Burke speaks on cultivating optimism in modern life, workplace resilience and a solutions-oriented mindset, and the role of integrity in driving sustainable business performance. He is the founder of The Optimism Institute and a former Harvard Advanced Leadership Fellow who served as CEO of The Weather Channel Companies and co-authored Ted Turner's New York Times top-ten bestselling autobiography Call Me Ted.
What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

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Can I book podcast guests through PepTalk?

Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.