Available to book
Charles Duhigg
Communication
High Performance
Effective Leadership
Enhance your team's communication skills and understand the dynamics of habit formation with Charles Duhigg, speaker, journalist, and author.
Journalist
Psychology
Thought Leader
Business Leader
Author
Inspirational
Personal Development
Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author whose work has shaped our understanding of habits, productivity, and communication. Through his extensive reporting and compelling storytelling, Charles has provided audiences with practical insights into human behaviour, organisational efficiency, and the science behind how we connect with others.
A Yale University and Harvard Business School graduate, Charles has earned recognition for his investigative prowess and ability to distil complex topics into engaging narratives. He led the team that won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting for a groundbreaking series examining Apple’s influence on the global economy. In addition to the Pulitzer, he has been awarded the George Polk Award, the Gerald Loeb Award, and the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, among others, cementing his reputation as one of the most accomplished journalists of his generation.
As the author of three New York Times bestselling books — The Power of Habit, Smarter Faster Better, and Supercommunicators — Charles combines rigorous research with captivating examples to explore how habits shape our lives, how productivity is redefined, and how effective communication can transform relationships and organisations. His books have spent years on bestseller lists, resonating with readers worldwide.
Charles has contributed to acclaimed programmes such as This American Life, NPR, and The Colbert Report, and his writing appears in publications including The New Yorker. His ability to connect academic research with real-world applications makes him a sought-after speaker for businesses, universities, and conferences.
With his deep expertise, diverse experiences, and engaging presentation style, Charles empowers audiences to think differently about how they work, interact, and make decisions, offering strategies that drive meaningful and lasting change.
Topics, sessions and talks
Charles Duhigg explores the dynamics of successful communication and its failures. He delves into the minds of CIA officers, marriage counsellors, NASA psychologists, and Netflix executives to uncover the science behind effective conversations. Attendees will discover how supercommunicators bridge divides and learn actionable strategies to enhance their own communication skills. Ultimately, they will understand the critical importance of clear speaking and attentive listening in fostering meaningful connections.
Charles Duhigg explores the true essence of productivity, which transcends merely completing tasks. He delves into eight critical concepts that distinguish the busy from the genuinely productive, drawing on case studies from the U.S. Marine Corps, Disney’s Frozen, and Google’s team-building efforts. Attendees will learn how to effectively identify goals, construct teams, focus their efforts, and make informed decisions, ultimately becoming smarter, faster, and more efficient in both life and business.
Charles Duhigg explores two key management strategies: decentralising decision-making and fostering commitment cultures rooted in trust. He illustrates these concepts through a compelling case study of how the FBI applied the Toyota Production System to resolve a kidnapping. Duhigg reveals the remarkable outcomes that arise when decision-making authority is given to those closest to the issues at hand. Attendees will learn how to implement these strategies to enhance organisational effectiveness across various industries.
In this engaging talk, Charles Duhigg explores the creative process through the lens of Disney's Frozen, a film that faced significant challenges before a pivotal shift led to its success. He emphasises the role of 'idea brokers' in fostering innovation by creating the right tensions and reframing old ideas. Attendees will learn how to enhance their own creative processes and navigate the complexities of innovation, ultimately driving successful outcomes in their projects.
Charles Duhigg delves into the science of habit formation, revealing the reasons behind our behaviours and how to transform them. He highlights the emotional cores of powerful habits and demonstrates how modifying a single habit can lead to significant changes. Drawing on various case studies, including Febreze's success and Starbucks' employee training, Duhigg tailors his insights to the audience. Attendees will learn practical strategies for understanding and changing their habits effectively.
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Economics
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email charles.duhigg@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 Charles'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.
Charles Duhigg structures his sessions around case studies drawn from named organisations and institutions — such as the FBI, Google, Disney, and the U.S. Marine Corps — to ground research findings in concrete, real-world outcomes. He pairs these with frameworks distilled from his investigative reporting and books, giving audiences transferable strategies rather than abstract principles.
Charles Duhigg speaks on supercommunication and the science of conversation, productivity and goal-setting, and agile management and organisational decision-making. He is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who led the team awarded the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting, and the author of three New York Times bestselling books including The Power of Habit and Supercommunicators.
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Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.
To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.
There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.
Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.
Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.
Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.
Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.
You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.
Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
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