- Elite cyclist turned human performance scientist
- Founder of the Knowledge Work Lab
- Sustainable performance consultant for leaders
Dr James Hewitt equips leaders and teams to achieve sustainable high performance using evidence-based science, helping them thrive in today's always-on world.
A former elite racing cyclist with a PhD in human performance science, James serves as a Visiting Fellow at Loughborough University, ranked #1 globally for Sport Science. His work bridges neuroscience, organisational psychology, and elite sport, translating cutting-edge research into practical workplace strategies.
James developed the Cognitive Gears framework, now implemented by Fortune 500 companies and elite sports teams, to build capacity and enhance resilience without burnout. Through his consultancy, The Knowledge Work Lab, he designs performance experiments in diverse high-stakes environments from Formula 1 paddocks to global boardrooms, delivering brain-based insights that simultaneously boost productivity and well-being. His latest book, Regenerative Performance, offers practical guidance for sustainable high performance.
Audiences who experience James's presentations gain actionable techniques for managing cognitive energy, science-backed strategies to optimise productivity cycles, and practical methods to enhance resilience while preventing burnout. His approach combines rigorous science with engaging delivery, ensuring concepts are both understood and implemented.
Book James to give your team the evidence-based tools they need to perform at their peak while safeguarding their most valuable asset, their minds.
James's Showreel and Videos
Topics, Sessions and Talks
Transcend the Leadership Paradox
Dr James Hewitt addresses a critical paradox in leadership: the demands of leadership often hinder essential skills like clarity and decision-making. He shares insights from neuroscience and elite sports to help leaders escape chronic overload and regain their cognitive edge. Attendees will learn to maintain mental sharpness and emotional balance under pressure, apply a performance rhythm framework for enhanced clarity and creativity, and lead high-performing teams while prioritising wellbeing.
The Regenerative Workplace
In his keynote, Dr James Hewitt reveals why corporate wellbeing investments are failing, attributing the issue to a focus on individual responsibility rather than systemic solutions. He illustrates how innovative leaders are transforming workplaces into regenerative environments that enhance human capacity. Attendees will learn a new model for organisational performance, discover impactful workplace systems, and identify opportunities to leverage wellbeing for improved results and innovation.
Peak Performance in the Age of Distraction
Dr James Hewitt addresses the challenges of digital fatigue and constant distractions that hinder productivity. He explores the neuroscience of attention and offers strategies for organisations to foster a culture that prioritises deep work and recovery. Attendees will learn how modern work patterns affect the brain, discover the “Cognitive Gears”™ framework for managing time and energy, and gain insights into creating performance rhythms that enhance output while safeguarding well-being.
The Future of Human Performance in the Age Of AI
In his keynote, Dr James Hewitt addresses the impact of AI on the workplace, emphasising that it should enhance human potential rather than replace it. He provides a practical roadmap for leaders to forge AI-employee alliances that boost wellbeing and innovation. By sharing insights from his experience in integrating AI with human performance strategies, attendees will learn how to navigate digital transformation, reduce stress, and foster creativity, ensuring that the human aspect of work remains intact in an AI-driven future.
Why We Recommend Booking James
Dr James Hewitt, elite cyclist turned human performance scientist, transforms how Fortune 500 companies and sports teams achieve sustainable high performance through his groundbreaking Cognitive Gears framework and brain-based strategies that boost both productivity and wellbeing. Book Dr Hewitt to equip your team with evidence-based tools that optimize cognitive energy, enhance resilience, and deliver peak performance without burnout.
It was a real masterclass in turning something scientific and complex into something wonderfully accessible to everyone. It was everything I was hoping for… and more.
Alison Oliver MBE, CEO
CEO, Youth Sport Trust
We were looking for an inspiring speaker that would be able to share new insights and a new perspective. What we didn’t expect was for a total experience. From the moment, James, stepped onto stage to his closing remarks, the audience was gripped. James is able to combine elements of his work in sport, science and the corporate world to provide an engaging presentation.
Katherine Shenton
Global Head of Marketing & Communications, QuantumBlack
James received really high customer evaluations. He empowered the audience with takeaways that are easily put into practice. The message was all science-backed, and the presentation was exciting. On top of that, James was super nice and easy to work with.
Ville Saarikalle
Head of Speaker Relations, Nordic Business Forum
