Availability dot

Avalaible to book

Bestselling author & speaker

Oliver Burkeman

Transform productivity and time management with Oliver Burkeman, speaker and bestselling author. Oliver helps organisations prioritise what truly matters, overcome distractions, and build meaningful work cultures. New York Times bestseller recognised by Financial Times and The Times.

Trusted by BBC Radio 4, The Guardian, New York Times, Wall Street Journal

Oliver Burkeman

Speaker Biography

Key topics about

  • Best-selling author of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
  • Former columnist for The Guardian
  • Speaker on productivity and meaningful living
Oliver Burkeman is a best-selling author and keynote speaker. His notable works include "Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals", "Meditations for Mortals", and "The Antidote". For many years, Oliver wrote a popular weekly column on psychology for the Guardian titled "This Column Will Change Your Life". His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Psychologies, and New Philosopher. He has a dedicated following for his insights on productivity, mortality, and building a meaningful life in a complex world. Additionally, he has presented several programmes for BBC Radio 4, including "Oliver Burkeman is Busy", "Why Are We So Angry?", and "Living with the News". "Four Thousand Weeks", which refers to the average human lifespan, became a New York Times bestseller and was named one of the best books of 2021 by various publications, including the Financial Times and The Times. In this book, Oliver argues that the main challenge of time management is not efficiency but rather deciding what to neglect. He discusses the importance of patience in a fast-paced world and suggests that committing to fewer options can be more beneficial than keeping them open. In "Meditations for Mortals", Oliver presents a four-week mental retreat designed to help readers confront their limited time, prioritise effectively, and overcome distractions. He aims to bridge the gap between understanding and action, encouraging readers to focus on what truly matters.

Oliver's Showreel and Videos

Topics, Sessions and Talks

The Power Of Strategic Decision Making: A PepTalk
This session explores the importance of strategic decision making in achieving success. Attendees will learn how thoughtful choices can unlock their potential and lead to positive outcomes. By understanding the power of strategic decision making, individuals can make informed choices that align with their goals and aspirations. This session will provide practical insights and strategies to enhance decision-making skills, ultimately benefiting attendees personally and professionally.
Time Management for Mortals
In this session, Oliver Burkeman unpacks the key themes from his best-selling book "Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals". He emphasises the power of embracing limitations as a route to meaningful productivity and examines how our struggles with time stem from denying the reality of our finite existence. Oliver also highlights the unique nature of contemporary time challenges. Attendees will learn how to navigate their time more effectively by accepting these limitations and understanding their modern implications.
Personal Accountability: The Path to Meaningful Change
In this keynote, Oliver Burkeman explores how taking ownership of our actions, choices, and mindset can transform our lives. Drawing from his work on time, productivity, and the human condition, Oliver challenges us to move beyond excuses and embrace accountability as a powerful tool for growth, fulfilment, and meaningful change. Discover practical strategies to cultivate personal responsibility in an unpredictable world.

Why We Recommend Booking Oliver

Book Oliver Burkeman as a speaker to inspire your team with profound insights on productivity, prioritisation, and embracing limitations. His engaging style and thought-provoking ideas will empower your audience to navigate the complexities of modern life, fostering a culture of meaningful action and resilience.

Check Oliver's availability

Trusted by BBC Radio 4, The Guardian, New York Times, Wall Street Journal

Testimonials

Oliver Burkeman provides an important and insightful reassessment of productivity. The drive to get more done can become an excuse to avoid figuring out what we actually want to accomplish. Only by confronting this latter question can we unlock a calmer, more meaningful, more resilient approach to organizing our time.

Cal Newport, Author

Author

Featured Projects

Project image

frequently asked questions

Got Questions About Booking a Speaker?

What topics does Oliver Burkeman specialise in?
Oliver Burkeman specialises in discussing productivity, mortality, meaningful living and more.
What is Oliver Burkeman's speaking style like?
Oliver’s delivery is insightful and thought-provoking, encouraging audiences to reflect on their true goals. He offers a calm, meaningful approach to productivity, helping others organise time with clarity and purpose.
Does Oliver Burkeman offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Oliver Burkeman offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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. 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.

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.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

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

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. Contact us today to book your next podcast guest.

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.

Trusted by 5k+ clients

Book a Speaker
Who Nails It

Tell us what you’re working on and we’ll match you with the talent your audience won’t stop talking about.