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Org psychology expert & speaker

Bob Sutton

Transform workplace culture with Bob Sutton, speaker and organisational psychology expert. Bob works with leaders to scale excellence, foster innovation, and improve employee wellbeing, delivering research-backed insights for clients including Microsoft, McKinsey, and IDEO.

Trusted by Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, IDEO

Bob Sutton, Speaker | Professor, Author, Innovator
Bob Sutton

Bob Sutton

Los Angeles, United States

Typical fee range

$51k–75k

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

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Los Angeles, United States

Starting from

$51k–75k

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Bob Sutton's biography

At a glance

  • Renowned organizational psychologist and management professor
  • Best-selling author of influential business books
  • Co-founder of Stanford d.school and technology programmes
Bob Sutton is a renowned organisational psychologist, best-selling author, and respected authority on leadership, innovation, and workplace dynamics. With a career spanning over four decades, Bob has become a trusted voice in understanding how organisations can scale effectively, foster creativity, and improve employee well-being. Bob’s research focuses on the challenges faced by leaders in large organisations, particularly in balancing growth, maintaining excellence, and creating environments that inspire innovation and performance. His academic contributions include over 200 articles and case studies, alongside eight influential books that have shaped modern management thinking. Bob has held a longstanding academic role at Stanford University, where he is now Professor Emeritus. He co-founded transformative initiatives such as the Stanford d.school, the Stanford Technology Ventures Program, and the Centre for Work, Technology, and Organisation. His advisory roles with leading organisations like McKinsey & Company, Microsoft, and IDEO further demonstrate his ability to bridge cutting-edge research with practical application. Bob’s contributions have earned numerous accolades, including induction into the Academy of Management Journals Hall of Fame and the prestigious Sumantra Ghoshal Award for relevance in management studies. His work has been featured in globally recognised publications and media, underscoring his impact on both academic and professional audiences. With a unique ability to blend rigorous research with engaging insights, Bob continues to challenge conventional thinking about leadership and organisational effectiveness, offering fresh perspectives that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Bob's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

How leaders make good actions easy and bad actions hard (The Friction Project)
Bob Sutton delves into the delicate art of reducing workplace friction while preserving productivity and morale. Drawing on extensive research and real-world examples, Sutton explores how organisations can make critical tasks seamless and deter counterproductive behaviours. With practical insights and actionable strategies, this session equips leaders to design systems that balance efficiency with employee well-being, fostering a culture of sustainable success.
Scaling Up Excellence: Getting to More Without Settling for Less
Scaling success is one of the toughest challenges in any organisation, and Bob Sutton offers a roadmap to navigate it effectively. This talk examines the principles of maintaining excellence while growing, avoiding common pitfalls, and creating systems that thrive under pressure. Sutton combines research-backed insights with compelling stories to reveal how leaders can spread best practices without diluting core values.
The Fundamentals of Modern Leadership
What does it take to lead in today’s dynamic and complex workplace? Bob Sutton breaks down the essential qualities of modern leadership, from fostering collaboration to navigating change. Blending academic rigour with real-world examples, he highlights the skills and mindsets leaders need to inspire their teams and drive lasting success. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how to adapt to the challenges of contemporary leadership.

Why we recommend booking Bob

Book Bob Sutton to inspire your team with transformative insights on leadership, innovation, and workplace dynamics. His expertise will empower you to bridge the gap between knowledge and action, driving meaningful change in your organisation.

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Trusted by Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, IDEO

Testimonials

Bob was great, he was so easy to work with and made a real effort to customize his content to our business’ needs. He was accessible, flexible, and spot-on in his delivery.

Microsoft

Bob was fantastic. He has an energy level that is off the charts and backs it up with real passion. He connected with the audience perfectly. The content was interesting to the partners and all the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. He had a real impact on the event.

Better by Design

Bob did an amazing job of reaching our audience by relating personal experiences and examples across various industries that held relevance for an industry that is centuries old and is driven by relationships, new products, news and fun.

Anheuser Busch

Anheuser Busch

Featured Projects

Friction Podcast
The Friction Project
Good Boss, Bad Boss

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Bob Sutton for my next event?
Email bob.sutton@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 Bob'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 Bob Sutton's speaking style like?
Bob delivers clear, research-driven insights with warmth and authority. His engaging style blends practical advice with academic rigour, making complex leadership and workplace topics accessible and actionable for diverse audiences.
What topics does Bob Sutton specialise in?
Bob Sutton specialises in discussing organisational psychology, management science, design thinking and more.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

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 logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

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.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

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.