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Speaker & bestselling author

Erik Qualman

Transform digital leadership with Erik Qualman, speaker and bestselling author. Erik works with global organizations to master social media strategy and digital innovation, delivering actionable insights trusted by Fortune 500 companies across 55 countries.

Trusted by NASA, The Walt Disney Company, ADP, Starbucks, Teradata, Sony PlayStation

Erik Qualman, Speaker | Bestselling Author & Educator
Erik Qualman

Erik Qualman

Austin, United States

Typical fee range

$26k–50k

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

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Austin, United States

Starting from

$26k–50k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Erik Qualman's biography

At a glance

  • Forbes Top 50 Digital Influencer
  • Performed in over 55 countries
  • Voted 2nd most liked author in the world behind J.K. Rowling
Erik Qualman is a renowned author and speaker whose insights into digital leadership and innovation have captivated audiences worldwide. With five #1 bestselling books to his name, Qualman has shared his expertise across more than 55 countries, reaching more than 50 million people. His groundbreaking work in social media and digital influence, coined “Socialnomics,” has gained attention from 60 Minutes to The Wall Street Journal, and is widely referenced across industries, including by organisations like NASA and the National Guard. Erik serves as a professor of Digital Leadership at Northwestern University, where his materials are used in over 500 universities. His expertise is sought by top-tier companies; through his animation studio, he has collaborated with global brands such as Disney, Oreo, Chase, and Cartier to enhance their digital presence. Erik’s commitment to teaching also includes previous positions at MIT and Harvard’s edX labs, where he worked on shaping the future of digital education. In recognition of his contributions to the field he has been awarded an honorary doctorate. Beyond the classroom and boardroom, Qualman is also known for his creativity and connection with audiences. He is the creator of the bestselling board game Kittycorn, and was once voted the world’s second most likeable author after J.K. Rowling. Erik’s talks and live presentations are designed to inspire leaders to embrace digital transformation in practical and impactful ways. As a pioneer of video storytelling, he uses immersive media to engage and inform, making complex digital concepts accessible and relevant for audiences of all backgrounds.

Erik's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Your Future… Today
Erik Qualman demonstrates how organisations can leverage tools like artificial intelligence, IoT and blockchain to stay agile and relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Drawing from his expertise as a futurist and professor, he explores AI's potential to boost efficiency while maintaining a human-centred approach, addressing ethical challenges, job adaptation, and security. By understanding how AI, IoT, social media, and blockchain work together, Qualman shows how organisations can create adaptable, future-ready strategies that drive lasting success.
Future- Proofing You and Your Organisation
For Erik Qualman, great digital leaders aren’t born—they’re made through deliberate practice and understanding. By balancing rapid tech advances with human nature, he shares his five digital leadership habits to create success and happiness for teams and customers. From Posting-It-Forward to Socialnomics™, Qualman’s techniques prepare organisations to stay ahead of competitors and aligned with markets, empowering leaders to harness technology while preserving the value of personal connection.
Innovation by Design: Being The Disruptor vs The Disrupted
To ensure you are the disruptor versus the disrupted, you must understand societal shifts and instill a culture of creativity around them. This session looks at key future trends and their impact on your organization. Erik Qualman provides the roadmap for your organization’s continual transformation by fostering a culture of daily innovation. After all, most innovation is evolutionary versus revolutionary. Leap over the competition by landing on a foundation of progressive and practical innovation principles. Future forward.
Socialnomics: Winning Customers' Hearts and Minds at Scale
Based on his #1 Bestseller, Erik Qualman dives into the powerful concept of Socialnomics. Word of Mouth is on digital steroids and has transformed into World-of-Mouth. Organizations must learn the new rules of social, mobile, and beyond or they will miss this once-in-a-generation opportunity to earn customers’ loyalty and drive long-term success. Socialnomics is the key to winning customers’ hearts, minds, and wallets.
How to Focus in an Unfocused World
In this age of constant distraction, Erik Qualman argues that focus is the key factor separating success from failure. Drawing insights from The Focus Project, he explains how distinguishing between “big” and “busy” tasks can become a daily habit that fuels achievement. Qualman shares practical techniques for overcoming distraction and focusing on meaningful goals, showing how focus can act as a modern superpower that drives personal and professional growth.

Why we recommend booking Erik

Book Erik Qualman to inspire your team with his dynamic insights on digital leadership and storytelling. With a global reach and a proven track record, he transforms complex ideas into engaging narratives. Elevate your organisation’s vision and strategy with a speaker who captivates and motivates audiences worldwide.

Check Erik's availability

Trusted by NASA, The Walt Disney Company, ADP, Starbucks, Teradata, Sony PlayStation

Testimonials

Erik Qualman's keynote was the highlight of our Starbucks Conference. He is one of the most engaging and entertaining speakers we've come across, and was able to make the content relevant to our audience and fitting to our theme. His depth of insight and breadth of examples have prompted us to shift our thinking on leadership.

Starbucks

Qualman tailored his thoughts & ideas to our industry with thought-provoking and clear views, outstanding delivery - we are thrilled to work with Erik in the future.

BlackRock

Featured Projects

Erik Qualman - Socialnomics: How Social Media Transforms The Way We Live And Do Business book cover
Erik Qualman - Digital Leader: 5 Simple Keys To Success And Influence By Erik Qualman book cover
Erik Qualman - Super U podcast cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Erik Qualman for my next event?
Email erik.qualman@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Erik's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Erik Qualman's speaking style like?
Erik Qualman uses immersive video storytelling as a central presentation device, embedding animated media sequences — produced through his own animation studio — to illustrate digital concepts such as AI integration, blockchain, and the Socialnomics framework across his sessions.
What topics does Erik Qualman specialise in?
Erik Qualman speaks on artificial intelligence and digital transformation, future-proofing organisations through digital leadership habits, and innovation culture as a driver of competitive advantage. He is a professor of Digital Leadership at Northwestern University, a five-time number one bestselling author, and the originator of Socialnomics, a framework referenced by organisations including NASA and featured on 60 Minutes and in The Wall Street Journal.
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.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

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.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

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.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.