Share
Olivier  Babeau Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerOlivier Babeau

President at Institut Sapiens, Economist, Essayist, TV, Radio & Press Columnist

A professor at the University of Bordeaux, Olivier Babeau is a graduate of the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Paris-Saclay and ESCP Business School. He holds postgraduate degrees in economics and philosophy, is an agrégé in economics, and has a PhD in management science. He has taught at Dauphine University and... Read more

Watch Olivier Babeau in action

Popular Talks by Olivier Babeau

  • The Tyranny of Entertainment and the Fragmentation of Attention

    Takeaway: The digital age and the constant availability of entertainment saturate our attention, leaving us unable to concentrate, reflect, or engage in deep thought. We’ve lost the ability to be idle, to be bored, or to simply be alone with ourselves—undermining personal growth. Audience: General public, educators, cultural professionals, parents.…
  • The Age of Laziness: Decline of Motivation and the Value of Effort

    Takeaway: In a society shaped by comfort and immediacy, effort is seen as outdated or even suspect. This weakens our capacity to persevere, learn, work, and commit. Ease doesn’t just make us physically lazy—it numbs our minds and dulls our moral will. Audience: Parents, teachers, business leaders, HR professionals, students,…
  • The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Society

    Takeaway: AI is transforming how we work, learn, and make decisions. It challenges entire professions, questions human autonomy, and reshapes the boundaries of responsibility. It requires deep ethical, political, and educational reflection. Audience: Policymakers, educators, business leaders, and curious citizens. Objective: To understand how AI is redefining skills, human relationships,…

Biography

A professor at the University of Bordeaux, Olivier Babeau is a graduate of the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Paris-Saclay and ESCP Business School. He holds postgraduate degrees in economics and philosophy, is an agrégé in economics, and has a PhD in management science. He has taught at Dauphine University and Sciences Po, and served as a speechwriter for a government minister, a prime minister, and several presidential candidates.

As an essayist, he has published numerous books, including:
Management Explained Through Art (Ellipses, 2013);
The New Animal Farm: A Political and Economic Fable for Humans (Les Belles Lettres, 2016);
Political Horror: The State Against Society (Les Belles Lettres, 2017);
In Praise of Hypocrisy (Cerf, 2018);
The New Digital Disorder: How Technology Is Widening Inequality (Buchet-Chastel, 2020 – winner of the 2022 Turgot Prize for Best Economics Book);
The Tyranny of Entertainment (Buchet-Chastel);
and The Age of Laziness (Buchet-Chastel, 2025).

In 2022, he was awarded the Zerilli-Marimò Prize by the French Academy of Moral and Political Sciences for his body of work. A regular media commentator on television, radio, and in the press, he frequently appears to discuss economic news.

He is the founder and president of Institut Sapiens, an independent think tank focused on the disruptions brought about by new technologies in the economy and society. He also co-founded and co-chairs, alongside the mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine, the Rencontres des Sablons, an annual forum bringing together France’s leading think tanks.

Ready to invite Olivier Babeau to your event?

Tell us about your event, one of our consultants will reach out within 24 hours.

How to book Olivier Babeau as a keynote speaker

How do I book Olivier Babeau for a keynote speech?

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

What are Olivier Babeau's speaking fees?

Olivier Babeau'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 Olivier tailored to your event.

What topics does Olivier Babeau speak about?

Olivier Babeau speaks on Artificial Intelligence, Future & Technology, Leadership & Motivation, Performance. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Olivier to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Olivier Babeau available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Olivier Babeau for events worldwide, subject to Olivier'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 Olivier Babeau 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 Olivier Babeau 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 Olivier Babeau?

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 Olivier can accommodate.

Can Olivier Babeau tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Olivier Babeau 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 Olivier can offer.

What languages does Olivier Babeau present in?

Olivier Babeau delivers keynotes in English, French. 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 Olivier Babeau a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Olivier Babeau's areas of expertise include Artificial Intelligence, Future & Technology, Leadership & Motivation, Performance. To get a clear sense of Olivier'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 Olivier Babeau speak at?

Olivier Babeau 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, Future & Technology, Leadership & Motivation, Performance is relevant. Details of Olivier'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 Olivier Babeau 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 Olivier Babeau is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Olivier Babeau?

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