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Happiness Expert, Organizational Psychologist & Host

Marissa Pei

Empower your audience to claim their right to happiness with Dr. Marissa Pei, organizational psychologist and talk show host. Marissa works with Fortune 500 clients across the US and globally, delivering keynotes on happiness, workplace wellbeing, and change management, with clients including Google, Johnson and Johnson, and Wells Fargo.

Trusted by Google, Johnson and Johnson, Wells Fargo

Marissa Pei, Speaker | Organizational Psychologist, Author
Marissa Pei

Marissa Pei

Los Angeles, United States

Typical fee range

$2k–5k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Los Angeles, United States

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$2k–5k

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Marissa Pei's biography

At a glance

  • PhD in Organizational Psychology with 25+ years consulting Fortune 500s
  • Host of the award-winning Get Balanced with Dr. Marissa
  • #1 bestselling author of 8 Ways to Happiness
Dr. Marissa Pei has spent more than 25 years making the case that happiness is not a soft topic. With a PhD in Organizational Psychology and a client list that spans Johnson and Johnson, Google, Toyota, Cedars-Sinai, Wells Fargo, and Mattel, she brings rigorous organizational science to the question of why people thrive, or don't, at work and in life. Beyond the stage, Marissa is the host and producer of Take My Advice, I'm Not Using It: Get Balanced with Dr. Marissa, a talk radio and TV show that has run for more than 13 years and 700 consecutive weeks on NBC News Radio station KCAA. It has over 4.2 million impressions and 500,000 downloads. Known for interviewing film and TV icons, Grammy winners, New York Times bestselling authors, and humanitarians, she has built one of the most consistent platforms in the wellness broadcasting space. The show earned a Top 10 Podcast of the Year Award in Health in 2016 and the COVR Visionary Award in 2019. Marissa's central premise is that pain in life is mandatory, but suffering is optional. Drawing on that conviction, she developed the 8 Ways to Happiness framework, which forms the backbone of her keynotes, workshops, and coaching programs. Her book of the same name hit eight bestseller lists, including a number one spot on Amazon, and received endorsements from Neale Donald Walsch, Michael Bernard Beckwith, and Laila Ali. On stage, Marissa customizes every talk to its audience, weaving together organizational psychology, humor, and audience interaction. Her corporate work spans change management, leadership effectiveness, valuing diversity, and interpersonal dynamics, always anchored in the conviction that more joy and less stress at work are achievable.

Dr Marissa's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Don't Worry, Choose Happy
Stress, burnout, and disengagement have become default settings for too many people at work, and the data behind that trend is hard to ignore. Dr. Marissa Pei draws on her PhD in Organizational Psychology and the framework from her number one bestselling book 8 Ways to Happiness to address why happiness is not a personality trait but a practice. Audiences leave with a set of evidence-based tools for shifting their baseline, managing the emotional weight of high-pressure environments, and choosing a different response to the unavoidable difficulties of working life.
The Path To Balanced Living
Overload is not a time management problem; it is a meaning problem. Dr. Marissa Pei takes audiences through the gap between working harder and living better, showing how individuals caught in cycles of busyness and burnout can reclaim a sense of purpose and control. Drawing on her work as an organizational psychologist with major corporations on both coasts of the US, she offers a practical reframe of work-life balance that replaces the guilt of doing less with the clarity of choosing well.
Taking The 'hang' Out Of Change Management
Change initiatives fail not because of poor strategy but because of the human reaction to uncertainty. Dr. Marissa Pei brings 25-plus years of organizational development experience to the challenge of getting people to move, from apathy to engagement and from resistance to commitment. Using tools drawn from her 8 Ways to Happiness framework, this talk helps leaders and teams find the meaning in disruption, reduce the friction of transition, and rebuild a culture where change is seen as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Why Can't We Just Get Along?
Most workplace conflict is not about the work. It is about the deeply human tendencies that follow people through every organization they join. Dr. Marissa Pei draws on her background as one of the first diversity consultants in the US, having designed organization-wide initiatives for companies including Mattel and the County of Los Angeles, to decode what creates friction between people and what resolves it. Audiences walk away with practical tools for moving from conflict to cooperation and building teams that actually function.

Why we recommend booking Dr Marissa

Dr. Marissa Pei is a strong fit for events where the happiness conversation needs to land with real credibility. With a PhD in Organizational Psychology and 13 years hosting a nationally syndicated radio and TV show, she brings a media profile and content depth that position her well for keynotes, panels, and conference emceeing alike.

Check Dr Marissa's availability

Trusted by Google, Johnson and Johnson, Wells Fargo

Testimonials

I asked her to speak to my entire group at our annual meeting and I have to say she was the highlight of a 3 day meeting. Clear, focused, and energetic, she left a big impact on the group, an impact folks still talk about often. I've referred people to Marissa when they've asked about speakers for events and never hesitate to give a glowing recommendation. Marissa's a terrific speaker who's carved out a very successful niche in an incredibly competitive speaking market.

Featured Projects

Marissa Pei - 8 Ways To Happiness From Wherever You Are book cover
Marissa Pei - Take My Advice I'm Not Using It: Get Balanced With Dr. Marissa book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Marissa Pei for my next event?

What is Marissa Pei's speaking style like?

Marissa Pei structures her talks around the 8 Ways to Happiness framework, drawn from her number one bestselling book of the same name, applying it as a practical tool set for diagnosing and shifting workplace behaviour rooted in organisational psychology research.

What topics does Marissa Pei specialise in?

Dr Marissa Pei's sessions address workplace happiness and stress, work-life balance and burnout, and change management and organisational resilience. She holds a PhD in Organisational Psychology, has consulted for clients including Johnson & Johnson, Google and Toyota across more than 25 years, and her book 8 Ways to Happiness reached number one on Amazon.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

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Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

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Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

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.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

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.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

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.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

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.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

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.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

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.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

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.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

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.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

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.