Available to book

Psychologist, author & poker champion

Maria Konnikova

Critical Thinking

Confidence

Emotional Intelligence

Transform decision-making with Maria Konnikova, speaker, bestselling author and psychology expert. Maria works with organizations to apply cognitive insights, behavioral science, and strategic thinking, delivering award-winning content backed by her success as an international poker champion.

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Maria Konnikova

New York City, United States

Starting from

$26k–50k

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Book Maria

New York City, United States

Starting from

$26k–50k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

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Instant quote

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No upfront fee

•

Vetted speaker

Maria Konnikova's biography

Inspirational Female

Psychology

Poker Player

Author

Inspirational

At a glance

New York Times Bestselling Author
International Poker Champion
Award-Winning Contributor to The New Yorker

Maria Konnikova is a shining light — with achievements in a wide range of fields. She's a New York Times bestselling author, a journalist, a psychologist, and a professional poker player. Her first book, The Confidence Game, was a commercial hit and won the 2016 Robert P. Balles Prize in Critical Thinking. Her next book, Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes, also received critical acclaim. However, Maria's most notable work is The Biggest Bluff. While researching for this book, she immersed herself in poker and became an international poker champion, earning over $300,000. This exciting journey adds a unique layer to her diverse career. Additionally, Maria contributes to The New Yorker, where her work has earned her the 2019 Excellence in Science Journalism Award from the Society of Personality and Social Psychology, underscoring her skill in communicating complex ideas and engaging readers effectively.

Maria's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

How To Think Like Sherlock Holmes: The Scientific Method Of The Mind

No fictional character is more renowned for his powers of thought and observation than Sherlock Holmes. But is his extraordinary intellect merely a gift of fiction, or can we learn to cultivate these abilities ourselves, to improve our lives at work and at home? We Can, as Maria Konnikova shows us in this talk. Beginning with the “brain attic” – Holmes’s metaphor for how we store information and organize knowledge – she unpacks the mental strategies that lead to clearer thinking and deeper insights. Drawing on twenty-first-century neuroscience and psychology, this talk explores Holmes’s unique methods of ever-present mindfulness, astute observation, and logical deduction. In doing so, it shows how each of us, with some self-awareness and a little practice, can employ these same methods to sharpen our perceptions, solve difficult problems, and enhance our own creative powers.

The Art Of Persuasion, Trust, And Confidence: Learn From Con Artists

Maria Konnikova, while researching her best-selling book "The Confidence Game," spent over three years with confidence artists and their victims, mastering the techniques of persuasion and deception. In her talk, Konnikova delves into the psychology behind cons and why even the smartest individuals fall for them. She offers insights on how to avoid these pitfalls without losing trust. Attendees will learn to identify and protect themselves against fraud in various aspects of life and will gain tools to become more effective and confident persuaders, using the techniques of con artists for positive influence.

The Poker Game Of Life: Using Poker To Enhance Thinking And Decision Making

In this talk, Maria Konnikova combines her personal experience as a champion poker player with her original research into the psychology of human decision-making to explore how we can all learn to make better decisions in every aspect of our lives – from the negotiating table to our personal relationships. How can we think probabilistically, manage our emotions, evaluate risk, distinguish the noise of chance from the elements of control, learn when to go all in, and when to fold? Journey With Konnikova into some of the deepest crevices of the human mind, and emerge with a roadmap for how you can – immediately and practically – become a clearer thinker and more optimal decision maker in all areas of your life.

Why we recommend booking Maria

Maria brings a unique blend of psychology, storytelling, and real-world poker championship experience to the table, offering unparalleled insights into decision-making, risk assessment, and the art of reading people. Her engaging talks, backed by her award-winning writing and research, can inspire your team to think more critically and creatively. Booking Maria as a speaker will not only motivate your team but also equip them with practical strategies to navigate the complexities of business and life with confidence and skill.

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What topics does Maria Konnikova specialise in?

Maria Konnikova specialises in discussing psychology, poker, science journalism and more.

What is Maria Konnikova's speaking style like?

Maria delivers with clarity and insight, blending storytelling and expertise. Her engaging style makes complex ideas accessible, drawing from her diverse achievements to connect with audiences and inspire thoughtful reflection.

How can I book Maria Konnikova for my next event?

Email maria.konnikova@getapeptalk.com or call us 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 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. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Maria Konnikova for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Maria Konnikova's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Maria Konnikova directly.

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