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Adam Alter
Discover how to leverage the psychology of choice to enhance your marketing strategies with Adam Alter, speaker, marketing professor, and author.
Adam Alter is a marketing professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business and holds an affiliated position in the Psychology Department. With a robust academic background, including a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of New South Wales and a PhD from Princeton University, Adam has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of human behaviour and marketing. His insights into the psychology of choice have made him a sought-after speaker and consultant. Adam’s bestselling books, including Irresistible and Anatomy of a Breakthrough, delve into the complexities of consumer behaviour and the factors that make products memorable. In Irresistible, he examines the addictive nature of technology and how it shapes our daily lives, offering strategies to harness these insights for positive outcomes. His latest work, Anatomy of a Breakthrough, draws on compelling case studies to illustrate how individuals can overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable success. Adam's expertise has garnered recognition, including the Stern Professor of the Year Awards, which he received in 2020 and 2024, voted on by faculty and MBA students alike. He is also an active member of the World Economic Forum steering committee, focusing on the implications of emerging augmented reality technologies. Beyond academia, Adam has contributed to prominent publications such as The New York Times and The Atlantic, and has shared his knowledge on platforms like TED and NPR. His engaging talks provide practical, science-backed strategies for enhancing creativity and productivity, making him a valuable resource for organisations seeking to navigate the complexities of modern marketing and innovation. Adam’s work informs and inspires, offering a pathway to understanding and leveraging the psychological forces that drive consumer behaviour.
Topics, sessions and talks
In his insightful keynote, Adam Alter explores what makes certain ideas, products, and experiences irresistible while others are quickly forgotten. Drawing from diverse case studies in video game design, app development, and more, he examines why some brands thrive, like Instagram, while others falter. Attendees will learn how to identify and leverage the factors that create lasting appeal, enabling them to enhance their own business strategies across various sectors.
In his insightful talk, bestselling author Adam Alter explores the concept of feeling stuck, a common experience for many. Drawing from his book, 'Anatomy of a Breakthrough', he shares his extensive research on overcoming barriers that hinder progress. Adam introduces the “friction audit,” a method to identify and address the three types of frictions—head, heart, and habit—that impede success. Attendees will learn practical strategies to navigate challenges and unlock their potential for innovation and achievement.
In "Drunk Tank Pink," Adam Alter explores how even minor environmental cues shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. He reveals the profound impact of factors like weather, colours, and location on our moods and social interactions. By examining our cognitive responses to these influences, Alter provides insights into how language and symbols affect our actions. Attendees will learn how leaders and organisations can create healthier environments that promote better cognitive health and enhance human well-being.
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frequently asked questions
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Adam Alter structures his talks around research-derived frameworks, most notably the "friction audit" from his book Anatomy of a Breakthrough, which categorises barriers to progress into three types: head, heart, and habit. He supports these frameworks with case studies drawn from fields such as app development, video game design, and consumer behaviour research.
Adam Alter's sessions cover the psychology of irresistibility in product and brand design, overcoming personal and professional stagnation, and the environmental forces that shape human behaviour. He is a marketing professor at New York University's Stern School of Business and the author of two New York Times bestselling books, Irresistible and Anatomy of a Breakthrough.
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Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
