Available to book
David Clutterbuck
Leadership Development
Effective Leadership
High Performance
Transform coaching and mentoring practices with David Clutterbuck, speaker and pioneering leadership development expert. David works with organisations to implement effective mentoring programmes and team coaching approaches, delivering research-backed insights as a Thinkers 50 Coaching Legend and EMCC Special Ambassador.
Educator
Coach
Academic
Professional Development
Business Consulting
Mentor
Thought Leader
Author
Personal Development
International Mens Day
Professor David Clutterbuck is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern coaching and mentoring. Over the course of his career, he has educated more than a million coaches, mentors, and team coaches worldwide, making him one of the most influential figures in the field today. His ability to blend rigorous research with practical application has shaped how organisations and individuals understand leadership, talent management, and dialogue. David’s journey began with the introduction of supported mentoring into Europe in the early 1980s, followed by his role in bringing 360-degree feedback into widespread use.
He went on to co-found the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, which remains one of the most respected professional bodies in the field. David continues to serve as its Special Ambassador. His work has been recognised internationally, including a place in the Global Gurus Top 30 and his designation as a Thinkers 50 Coaching Legend. As an author of some 80 books and thousands of articles, David has consistently sought to make complex ideas accessible and usable, coining the term “simplexity” to describe the art of simplifying without distortion.
He holds a visiting professorship at Henley Business School and contributes to shaping the next generation of leaders and thinkers. Beyond academia and consultancy, David brings a distinctive style to his talks, informed by his training as a stand-up comedian and his interest in the social value of laughter. Today, David leads international initiatives exploring the intersection of coaching and artificial intelligence, systemic approaches to diversity and inclusion, and large-scale mentoring programmes for young people. At the core of his work is a commitment to using dialogue to create meaningful, sustainable change in organisations and society.
Topics, sessions and talks
Professor David Clutterbuck examines why traditional leadership models fail in today’s unpredictable environment. Drawing on studies with global companies, he outlines how value is best created through adaptive, shared approaches rather than command and control. With humour and sharp insight, David challenges assumptions and provides a blueprint for leadership that is fit for the future, showing how organisations can develop leaders who enable resilience, collaboration, and long-term success.
Organisations often struggle to maintain agility as they grow, becoming burdened by outdated processes and ways of thinking. David Clutterbuck explores seven critical barriers that cause stagnation and offers practical strategies to keep companies responsive and dynamic. Blending evidence-based analysis with engaging delivery, he reveals how organisations can retain their youthful vigour in a volatile and uncertain world, equipping leaders and teams with tools to embrace complexity and remain adaptive.
The traditional “forming, storming, norming” model no longer suits organisations that need immediate results. David Clutterbuck debunks common myths about team development and shares approaches for building high-performing teams from the outset. Drawing on his extensive research and practical experience, he demonstrates how leaders can establish clarity, trust, and collaboration in new teams quickly and effectively. Audiences gain a refreshing and realistic framework for accelerating team performance in today’s fast-paced environments.
Despite best intentions, many organisations find progress on diversity and inclusion slow and uneven. David Clutterbuck presents a systemic approach that links people at the top with those at the grassroots in co-learning partnerships. This innovative method identifies and addresses structural barriers while generating practical solutions that work across all levels. Combining evidence-based insights with his engaging style, David demonstrates how organisations can create meaningful cultural change and unlock untapped potential in their workforce.
Progressing from a beginner coach to mastery is a journey often clouded by myths and misconceptions. David Clutterbuck draws on findings from the Coach Maturity Research Group to clarify what genuine development as a coach involves. Through research-grounded insights and accessible storytelling, he helps audiences recognise the stages of growth and the challenges they present. Attendees come away with a clearer sense of what it takes to evolve into an effective, authentic, and impactful coach.
Book Professor David Clutterbuck to inspire your team with practical insights from one of the world’s leading experts in coaching and mentoring, known for making complex ideas simple and actionable. Give your organisation the chance to learn from a true pioneer whose engaging talks drive real, lasting change—secure your date today.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
David Clutterbuck structures his sessions around evidence drawn from studies with global companies, presenting findings through a framework format that distils complex organisational challenges into actionable models — such as seven identified barriers to agility or a staged approach to accelerating team performance. His delivery is informed by training as a stand-up comedian, which he uses to surface and challenge audience assumptions before presenting research-grounded alternatives.
David Clutterbuck speaks on shared and adaptive leadership models, organisational agility and the barriers to it, and high-performing team development. He has authored over 80 books on leadership and coaching, co-founded the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, and holds a visiting professorship at Henley Business School, with recognition from both Thinkers 50 and Global Gurus Top 30.
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A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.
Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.
When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.
Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.
Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.
Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.
Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.
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