Expert on Growth Mindset & Cognitive Diversity, 7 x Best-Selling Author, Co-Founder of Matthew Syed Consulting & Mindset Analytics Ltd.
Matthew Syed’s Biography:
Matthew Syed is one of the UK’s most influential thinkers on high performance, mindset and organisational culture. A former elite athlete turned bestselling author and performance coach, Matthew is renowned for translating the principles of sporting excellence into practical strategies for business, education and leadership. Drawing on lived experience at the highest level of competition, combined with deep insight into psychology and systems thinking, he is a compelling keynote speaker on growth mindset, learning cultures and sustained performance.
Matthew’s career began in elite sport, where he rose to become England’s top-ranked table tennis player for almost a decade. Competing at the highest international level, he represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games and achieved global success on the European and Commonwealth stages. Following his sporting career, Matthew transitioned into journalism, becoming a respected columnist and feature writer for leading national newspapers, where he explored performance, decision-making and human behaviour.
Alongside journalism, Matthew established himself as a leading voice in performance thinking through his writing and consultancy work. He founded Matthew Syed Consulting in 2013, advising global organisations on how to build high-performing, adaptable teams. His bestselling books on mindset and learning cultures have become essential reading for leaders, educators and professionals seeking to unlock potential and drive continuous improvement.
Beyond coaching and writing, Matthew contributes widely to sport, education and media. He is a co-founder of Greenhouse Sports, an ambassador for the PiXL Educational Foundation, a member of the FA’s High Performance Committee, and a respected broadcaster and podcast presenter. These roles reflect his commitment to creating inclusive, future-focused environments where people and organisations can thrive.
Why Hire Matthew Syed?
Matthew is hired for his ability to challenge conventional thinking and inspire lasting cultural change. A powerful storyteller with elite sporting credibility, he connects mindset, cognitive diversity, and learning to real-world performance outcomes. His keynote talks are engaging, evidence-based and highly practical, equipping audiences with tools to improve decision-making, innovation and resilience. Having delivered a widely viewed TEDx talk, ‘Why you should have your own black box’, and appeared on leading business podcasts, Matthew consistently leaves audiences energised and ready to rethink how high performance is achieved.
Matthew Syed’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Matthew Syed’s inspirational career:
- 2025 – Continues as a contributor to The Times
- 2023 – Starred on the High Performance Podcast “Matthew Syed: How to Develop a Growth Mindset”
- 2021 – Host of Sideways on Radio 4
- 2021 – Starred on Steven Barlett’s Diary of a CEO Podcast “World Leading Mindset Expert: How to Reach Your Full Potential”
- 2018 – Named as one of HR’s Top 30 Most Influential Thinkers by HR Magazine
- 2016 – Named a LinkedIn Top Voice
- 2016 – Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Liberal Arts from Abertay University
- 2015 – Named Sports Journalist of the Year at the British Press Awards
- 2013 – Founder of Matthew Syed Consulting
- 2011 – Named Best New Writer at the British Sports Book Awards
- 2009 – Named Sports Journalist of the Year at the British Press Awards
- 2008 – Awarded Sports Feature Writer of the Year at the SJA Awards
- 2002 – Co-Founder & Trustee of Greenhouse Sports
- 2002 – Commonwealth Games Gold medallist in the Men’s Team Table Tennis
- 1999 – Journalist for The Times
Videos
Matthew Syed’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Matthew Syed is a fabulous speaker with superb ideas. He challenges and inspires in equal measure.” – Goldman Sachs International
“Very good speaker – provocative and articulate. It forced me to reflect on how I approach development within my team. I have continued to think on this after the event which I think shows how impactful it was.” – Hana, Director, Barclays
“The best speech of its kind I have ever heard. It inspired, entertained and informed in equal measure.” – The Atlantic Group
“Superb and engaging, Matthew Syed captivated an audience of global professionals who went away with a refreshed sense of what it means to identify and motivate talented people.” – David, Chief Executive, SHL Group
“Matthew Syed is an extremely inspirational speaker. He succinctly and persuasively encapsulated the winning ethos during his presentation to Vodafone’s Global Heads of Marketing. We departed feeling highly motivated.” – Marcia, Head of Group Sponsorship PR, Vodafone
“Matthew Syed’s messages were fantastic. He not only described how champions are made but could also give evidence-based arguments that supported his bold assertions. His influence on our squad and management was an extremely positive one for which we are very grateful.” – Mark, Director of Rugby, Saracens
“A wonderful speech delivered to 1000 senior executives. Matthew’s messages are powerful and thought-provoking – and they have become central to the strategy of our business.” – Norman, HR Director, Morrisons
Speaking Topics
Matthew Syed’s Official Keynote Topics:
- The Power of Growth Mindset & Cognitive Diversity
- How Growth Mindsets & Cognitive Diversity Boost Performance – Individual, Team & Organisational Level
How Much Does Matthew Syed Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Matthew Syed?
The cost of hiring Matthew Syed varies depending on your event format, location, audience size and session length. For an accurate, tailored quote, please contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.