David Epstein is a bestselling author and investigative journalist renowned for his work on high performance, science, and data analysis. With his widely acclaimed books Range and The Sports Gene, David explores how generalists with broad experiences often surpass specialists in navigating complex, fast-changing environments. In Range, he dissects stories of top achievers across fields, revealing the unique advantages of a wide-ranging skillset. At the same time, The Sports Gene delves into the blend of nature and nurture in talent development, prompting leaders and individuals alike to rethink traditional paths to success.
David’s career path mirrors the themes he writes about. Starting as a senior writer at Sports Illustrated, he quickly distinguished himself with high-impact investigative pieces, including the groundbreaking story that uncovered baseball icon Alex Rodriguez's steroid use. Later, as an investigative reporter at ProPublica, his work ranged from a deep dive into the DEA’s handling of cartel investigations to a feature on a rare gene mutation connecting a woman with muscular dystrophy to an Olympic athlete. His writing, featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and National Geographic, has earned numerous accolades, including honours from the National Academies of Sciences and the Society of Professional Journalists.
An experienced speaker, David’s TED Talks have collectively garnered over 12 million views, and his insights have reached audiences from NASA to the World Knowledge Forum. His blend of storytelling and science equips audiences with actionable insights into high performance, data, and adaptability—valuable in any field. David’s educational background in environmental science and journalism, combined with his extensive experience in sports and data, underscores his message that versatility, adaptability, and critical thinking are the cornerstones of future success.