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Keynote SpeakerJames Hewitt

PhD Performance Scientist, F1-Proven Expert in Performing Under Pressure Without Burnout

When Fortune 500 leaders and F1 teams face pressure: big decisions, tight deadlines, competing demands, many find they haven’t been trained for that moment. Dr. James Hewitt equips them to perform when the stakes are highest, without burning out in the process. James developed his methods as Chief Innovation Officer... Read more

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Popular Talks by James Hewitt

  • Built For Breakthrough: Perform At Your Best, Without Burning Out

    Pressure isn’t the problem — how we respond is. This keynote shows leaders how pressure narrows thinking and disrupts teams, and how to reset fast. Using science-backed tools and real F1 stories, it helps teams stay clear, focused and effective when the stakes are highest.

  • Peak Performance In The Age Of Distraction: Think Clearly When Everything Is Competing For Your Attention

    We don’t have a time problem — we have an attention problem. This keynote shows leaders how distraction fragments focus and decision-making, and how to rebuild deep work. With practical tools and sharp experiments, teams learn to protect attention so meaningful work actually gets done.

  • Transcend The Leadership Paradox: Sustain High Performance, Without Burning Yourself Out In The Process

    Leadership pressure erodes the very capabilities leaders need most. This keynote shows how to protect energy, focus and judgment under constant demand — not by working harder, but by leading smarter. Practical tools help leaders stay resilient so their teams can thrive too.

  • The Future Of Performance In The Age Of AI: Navigate AI Transformation, Without Losing What Makes Your People Valuable

    AI will transform work — the question is whether it amplifies human potential or erodes it. This keynote shows leaders how to build AI–human partnerships that strengthen judgment, creativity and performance under pressure, using practical frameworks grounded in real-world experience, not hype.

  • The Regenerative Workplace: For Leaders Who Want Their People To Perform At Their Best, Sustainably

    Most wellbeing initiatives don’t work because they sit outside real work. This keynote introduces regenerative performance — where wellbeing and high performance reinforce each other. Leaders learn how to build environments where people grow stronger under pressure, not just recover from it.

Biography

When Fortune 500 leaders and F1 teams face pressure: big decisions, tight deadlines, competing demands, many find they haven’t been trained for that moment. Dr. James Hewitt equips them to perform when the stakes are highest, without burning out in the process.

James developed his methods as Chief Innovation Officer for the coaching company behind 19 Formula 1 World Championships, where teams have seconds to make calls that win or lose everything. He continues to work with F1 teams and elite performers today; his insights come from the cutting edge, not the archive.

James holds a PhD in Human Performance Science from Loughborough University (ranked #1 in the world for Sport, Exercise, and Health Science) and is the bestselling author of Regenerative Performance, introducing a framework now used by global organisations and elite teams worldwide.

James has delivered keynotes in 35+ countries to audiences of 8,000+, including three World Economic Forum Annual Meetings in Davos, the Nordic Business Forum (alongside Barack Obama), and the Global Leadership Summit.

His sessions blend sharp science, stories, and humour, often featuring live brain-monitoring demonstrations that show audiences what pressure actually does to performance in real time. Audiences don’t just feel motivated. They leave equipped.

James’s obsession with performance began with a question: what separates people who perform at their best in high-stakes moments from those who struggle? He’s chased the answer for two decades, first as a full-time racing cyclist (not the most talented, but relentlessly curious), then through a PhD studying how elite performers think and execute.

He brings those tools to Fortune 500 firms and businesses across consulting, finance, tech, pharma, automotive, and aerospace, including PwC, McKinsey, BCG, HSBC, UBS, and Mercedes-Benz. He’s booked for annual meetings, leadership summits, sales kick-offs, and executive retreats: events where substance matters as much as energy.

And James’s understanding of pressure isn’t just professional. After being diagnosed with cancer, he applied his own methods to fight back, proof that what he teaches works when it matters most.

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What clients say about James Hewitt

“We were looking for an inspiring speaker that would be able to share new insights and a new perspective. What we didn’t expect was for a total experience. James is able to combine elements of his work in sport, science and the corporate world to provide an engaging presentation. From the moment, James, stepped onto stage to his closing remarks, the audience was gripped.” Katherine Shenton, Global Head of Marketing & Communications @ QuantumBlack, a McKinsey company
“James’ talk was the perfect mix between leadership, motivation and technology. It was entertaining and relevant at the same time. Our team loved the practical take-aways that were dropped into the story and some of them will definitely help to boost our performance. I would definitely recommend James for any corporate event.” Floor Bleeker, Chief Information Officer Middle East & Africa @ Accor
“We were looking for an inspiring speaker that would be able to share new insights and a new perspective. What we didn’t expect was a total experience. James is able to combine elements of his work in sport, science and the corporate world to provide an engaging presentation. From the moment James stepped onto the stage to his closing remarks, the audience was gripped.” Katherine Shenton, Global Head of Marketing & Communications at QuantumBlack, a McKinsey company
“James’ talk was the perfect mix between leadership, motivation and technology. It was entertaining and relevant at the same time. Our team loved the practical takeaways that were dropped into the story, and some of them will definitely help boost our performance. I would definitely recommend James for any corporate event.” Floor Bleeker, Chief Information Officer, Middle East & Africa at Accor
"When booking James, we knew that we needed to find someone who could be educational yet engaging at the same time. James did not disappoint. He brought many interesting findings to light while engaging our MBA Alumni community. Through his storytelling, presentation of data, and personality, James successfully tailored his message of sustainable high performance to a highly competitive crowd. If you are looking for someone who can captivate an audience and bring forth evidence, James is the right person to call. We would gladly have James back on our campus in the future." Thomas R. Bucher, Corporate Relations Manager at the University of St. Gallen
“James received really high customer evaluations. He empowered the audience with takeaways that are easily put into practice. The message was all science-backed, and the presentation was exciting. On top of that, James was super nice and easy to work with." Ville Saarikalle, Head Of Speaker Relations, @Nordic Business Forum
“James has a truly engaging presence and made everyone feel like he genuinely cares about the improvement of each audience member’s experience.” Mikko Manner, Managing Partner at Roschier

How to book James Hewitt as a keynote speaker

How do I book James Hewitt for a keynote speech?

You can book James Hewitt through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with James's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are James Hewitt's speaking fees?

James Hewitt's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for James tailored to your event.

What topics does James Hewitt speak about?

James Hewitt speaks on Artificial Intelligence, Behaviour, Future of Work, Health, Leadership. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with James to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is James Hewitt available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book James Hewitt for events worldwide, subject to James's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does James Hewitt deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether James Hewitt is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by James Hewitt?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what James can accommodate.

Can James Hewitt tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief James Hewitt on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what James can offer.

What languages does James Hewitt present in?

James Hewitt delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes James Hewitt a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

James Hewitt's areas of expertise include Artificial Intelligence, Behaviour, Future of Work, Health, Leadership. To get a clear sense of James's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can James Hewitt speak at?

James Hewitt can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Behaviour, Future of Work, Health, Leadership is relevant. Details of James's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does James Hewitt offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what James Hewitt is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book James Hewitt?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with James Hewitt, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check James's current availability for your dates.