Adam Grant

Organisational Psychologist, Saul P. Steinberg Professor of Management at Wharton, Bestselling Author of ‘Hidden Potential’

Adam Grant’s Biography:

Adam Grant is an organisational psychologist, Saul P. Steinberg Professor of Management and Professor of Psychology at The Wharton School, and a number one New York Times bestselling author. His work centres on motivation, human potential, and the habits that shape meaningful work. Adam’s research has appeared in major academic journals and global media, and his ideas influence leaders in every sector. His early academic journey set the tone for his career. He graduated from Harvard University with highest honours then completed a PhD in organisational psychology at the University of Michigan in under three years, earning multiple early career scientific awards along the way. At Wharton, he became the school’s top rated professor and received the Excellence in Teaching Award for every course he has taught, a rare distinction that reflects both his clarity and his empathy in the classroom.

Adam is known for books that change how people see themselves and their organisations. Give and Take, Originals, Think Again, Hidden Potential, and Option B have sold millions of copies and have been translated into more than forty languages. His article on the feeling of ‘languishing’ captured a global mood, becoming the most read New York Times piece of 2021. His TED talks have reached tens of millions of viewers, and he hosts the hit podcasts WorkLife and ReThinking, where he explores the science of work with guests like Brené Brown and Satya Nadella. One example of his practical insight is his work with the NBA on improving team culture, helping coaches rethink communication patterns that affect performance. His approach blends clear evidence with real stories that stay with audiences long after an event ends.

Over the years Adam has earned recognition as one of the world’s most influential management thinkers, regularly appearing near the top of the Thinkers50 list. He has also been named to Fortune’s 40 Under 40, Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, and Oprah’s SuperSoul 100. Organisations such as Google, the Gates Foundation and the Royal Bank of Scotland rely on his guidance to build healthier and more effective teams. His advisory work spans leadership development, culture transformation, innovation and wellbeing, always grounded in psychological science. He is sought after for his ability to help leaders rethink assumptions, revise outdated strategies and recognise hidden talent in their people.

Why Hire Adam Grant?

Event planners hire Adam because he delivers a clear, engaging message that resonates with audiences of every background. His keynote topics include rethinking and unlearning, unlocking hidden potential, creating cultures of generosity, motivating teams, managing modern burnout and building resilience after setbacks. Whether speaking to executives, educators or early career professionals, Adam offers tools that are simple enough to use immediately yet powerful enough to shift long term behaviour. He makes complex ideas feel accessible, encourages people to question old habits and leaves rooms energised to create more thoughtful and more human workplaces. Adam is available to hire through The London Keynote Speakers Agency for conferences, leadership retreats and global corporate events.

Adam Grant’s Career Highlights:

Below showcases Adam Grant’s inspirational career highlights throughout the world of psychology and academia:

• 2025 – Ranked #8 in the Thinkers50 list of the world’s most influential management thinkers
• 2024 – Hidden Potential featured on the Thinkers50 Best New Management Booklist
• 2023 – Ranked #2 global management thinker by Thinkers50 and publishes Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
• 2021 – ‘Think Again’ reaches #1 on The New York Times bestseller list
• 2019 – Listed among Web of Science’s world’s most influential researchers in business & economics
• 2019 – Ranked #10 Thinkers50 global management thinker
• 2016 – Named to Fortune’s 40 Under 40
• 2016 – Named Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business
• 2016 – Names Oprah’s SuperSoul 100
• 2015 – Honoured as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum
• 2015 – Ranked #25 Thinkers50 global management thinker
• 2013 – ‘Give and Take’ featured in a New York Times Magazine cover story
• 2011 – Receives the APA Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Applied Psychology
• 2011 – Receives the Cummings Scholarly Achievement Award (Academy of Management)
• 2011 – Receives the SIOP Distinguished Early Career Contributions Award – Science
• 2006 – Completes a Ph.D. in organisational psychology at the University of Michigan
• 2003 – Graduates from Harvard University with a B.A. in Psychology, magna cum laude with highest honours and Phi Beta Kappa