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Keynote SpeakerOliver Burkeman

A writer for The Guardian, and author of The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking

Oliver Burkeman is a best-selling author and keynote speaker. His books include Four Thousand Weeks, Time Management for Mortals [Penguin Vintage, 2021] as well as The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking [Penguin Vintage, 2012] and Help! How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More... Read more

Watch Oliver Burkeman in action

Popular Talks by Oliver Burkeman

  • Productivity
  • The upsides of negativity
  • Uncertainty
  • Failure and imperfection
  • Social psychology
  • Wellbeing

Biography

Oliver Burkeman is a best-selling author and keynote speaker. His books include Four Thousand Weeks, Time Management for Mortals [Penguin Vintage, 2021] as well as The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking [Penguin Vintage, 2012] and Help! How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More Done [Penguin Vintage, 2011]. For many years Oliver wrote a popular weekly column on psychology for the Guardian, This Column Will Change Your Life. His work has also appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Psychologies and New Philosopher. He has a devoted following for his writing on productivity, mortality, the power of limits, and building a meaningful life in an age of bewilderment. He has also presented a number of programmes for BBC Radio 4, including Oliver Burkeman is Busy, Why Are We So Angry? and Living with the News.

Four Thousand Weeks the title is a reference to the average lifespan of a human – is a New York Times best-seller and named one of the best books of 2021 by the Financial Times, The Times, The Observer, Audible, Time and Barnes & Noble. Here, Oliver explores why the central challenge of time management isn’t becoming more efficient, but deciding what to neglect; why, in an accelerating world, patience is a superpower and why, in conditions of limitless choice, burning your bridges beats keeping your options open.

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How to book Oliver Burkeman as a keynote speaker

How do I book Oliver Burkeman for a keynote speech?

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

What are Oliver Burkeman's speaking fees?

Oliver Burkeman'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 Oliver tailored to your event.

What topics does Oliver Burkeman speak about?

Oliver Burkeman speaks on Business & Management, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Motivation, Organisation. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Oliver to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Oliver Burkeman available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Oliver Burkeman for events worldwide, subject to Oliver'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 Oliver Burkeman 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 Oliver Burkeman 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 Oliver Burkeman?

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 Oliver can accommodate.

Can Oliver Burkeman tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Oliver Burkeman 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 Oliver can offer.

What languages does Oliver Burkeman present in?

Oliver Burkeman 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 Oliver Burkeman a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Oliver Burkeman's areas of expertise include Business & Management, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Motivation, Organisation. To get a clear sense of Oliver'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 Oliver Burkeman speak at?

Oliver Burkeman can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Business & Management, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Motivation, Organisation is relevant. Details of Oliver'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 Oliver Burkeman 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 Oliver Burkeman is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Oliver Burkeman?

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