Amy Cuddy

Former Assistant & Associate Professor at Harvard Business School, Lecturer at Harvard University, Social Psychologist & New York Times Bestselling Author of “Presence”

Amy Cuddy’s Biography:

Amy Cuddy is a social psychologist, bestselling author, and internationally recognised keynote speaker whose work explores presence, confidence, power, and performance under pressure. She is widely known for her ability to translate complex behavioural science into practical, accessible ideas that help individuals and organisations perform at their best in moments that matter most.

She earned her PhD in social psychology from Princeton University and built her academic career at some of the world’s leading institutions. Amy served as Assistant Professor and later Associate Professor at Harvard Business School from 2008 to 2017, before taking on roles as Visiting Associate Professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Lecturer in Psychology at Harvard University. Across these appointments, her research focused on how people think, feel, and behave in situations involving power, evaluation, and social judgment.

In 2015, Amy published Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, which became a New York Times bestseller and has sold more than half a million copies worldwide. Translated into over 35 languages, the book cemented her reputation as a leading voice on confidence, authenticity, and resilience, and has been embraced by leaders, educators, and professionals across sectors seeking to perform more effectively under stress.

In 2025, Amy is writing her latest book, Bullies, Bystanders & Bravehearts, expanding her work into the psychology of courage, moral leadership, and how individuals respond to power and intimidation. Alongside her writing and research, she continues to speak globally, drawing on decades of academic insight and real-world experience to help audiences understand how small, intentional shifts in behaviour and mindset can lead to meaningful and lasting change.

Why Hire Amy Cuddy?

Amy Cuddy brings exceptional credibility, combining world-class academic research with an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences at scale. Her work is grounded in evidence-based psychology and shaped by years of teaching and research at Harvard and other leading institutions, making her insights both authoritative and practical.

She is also one of the most influential communicators of behavioural science globally. Her 2012 TED Talk, “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are“, is one of the most-watched TED Talks of all time, with over 70 million views, and has been described by The Guardian as one of the online talks that could change your life. Supported by major recognitions from Harvard, the World Economic Forum, the BBC, and leading scientific bodies, Amy consistently delivers high-impact, thought-provoking keynotes that resonate across industries and cultures.

Amy Cuddy’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Amy Cuddy’s inspirational entrepreneurial career:

• 2025 – Author of Bullies, Bystanders & Bravehearts, exploring the psychology of courage, moral choice, and responses to power and intimidation.
• 2022 – Recipient of the Scientific Impact Award, recognising the influence of her research within social psychology and applied behavioural science.
• 2018 – Awarded an Excellence in Teaching Award from Harvard University for her impact as an educator and lecturer.
• 2017 – Lecturer at Harvard University, continuing her teaching and research in psychology and behaviour.
• 2017 – Named on the BBC 100 Women list, recognising her global influence on leadership and confidence.
• 2016 – Visiting Associate Professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, contributing to interdisciplinary research and teaching.
• 2015 – Author of Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, a New York Times bestseller translated into more than 35 languages.
• 2014 – Named a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader for her contributions to leadership thinking and social psychology.
• 2012 – Delivered the TED Talk “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are,” which became one of the most-watched TED Talks worldwide.
• 2008 – Assistant Professor and later Associate Professor at Harvard Business School, teaching and researching leadership, power, and performance.