Availability dot

Available to book

Innovation strategist & speaker

Jeff DeGraff

Transform innovation culture with Jeff DeGraff, speaker and "Dean of Innovation." Jeff works with Fortune 500 companies to develop innovation strategies, creative mindsets, and organizational growth, delivering expertise from his role at the University of Michigan and bestselling publications.

Trusted by GE, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer

Jeff DeGraff, Speaker | Innovation, Business Professor
Jeff DeGraff

Jeff DeGraff

Detroit, 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.

Get Jeff's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Jeff

Detroit, United States

Starting from

$26k–50k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Jeff Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Jeff DeGraff's biography

At a glance

  • Advisor to Fortune 500 companies on innovation
  • Business professor at the University of Michigan
  • Bestselling author and speaker on innovation strategies
Jeff DeGraff is a renowned advisor to Fortune 500 companies, an expert in innovation, a business professor at the University of Michigan, and a bestselling author. Known as the "Dean of Innovation," he has helped numerous Fortune 500 companies develop innovation culture, strategies, and competencies. With his extensive experience in academia and the business world, including his role as an executive at Domino's Pizza, Jeff is at the forefront of unleashing innovation in a rapidly changing world. His mission is to democratize innovation and cultivate creative mindsets for everyone. Jeff offers insightful speeches on topics such as creating a culture of innovation, harnessing the power of constructive conflict, and jumpstarting organizational growth. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of individual innovation and provides practical strategies to refresh and reinvent one's career.

Topics, sessions and talks

Business Design In The New Tech Centric World
Jeff DeGraff discusses how businesses can innovate and thrive by integrating new technologies into their design strategies, emphasizing adaptability in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Leading Innovation: How To Jumpstart Your Organisation's Growth Engine
Jeff DeGraff shares strategies on fostering innovation within organizations to drive growth, emphasizing the importance of creativity and adaptability in the competitive business landscape.
The Creative Power Of Constructive Conflict
Self-esteem in moderation can be a useful buffer against stress, and makes us feel good. But there are dangers associated with too much self-esteem and it can prove elusive when we most need it. This talk will help you to understand self-esteem more fully, spot the danger signs of hubris, and gives a more useful, enduring approach to how we feel about ourselves.

Why we recommend booking Jeff

Jeff brings a wealth of experience from advising Fortune 500 companies and teaching at the University of Michigan, making him an unparalleled resource in fostering innovation within your team or business. His proven strategies for creating a culture of innovation and harnessing constructive conflict can transform your organization's approach to challenges and growth. Booking Jeff as a speaker will not only inspire but also equip your team with practical tools to innovate and thrive in today's competitive landscape.

Check Jeff's availability

Trusted by GE, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer

Testimonials

Jeff has provided marketing professionals across GE with a memorable, collaborative process that leverages existing creativity.

Beth Comstock

SVP & CMO, GE

Innovation is a skill, not a grift. It can be routinized, like any other business imperative...Jeff shows you the way.

Drew Boyd

Jeff DeGraff's methods work!

Pfizer

Pfizer

Featured Projects

Jeff DeGraff - Innovation You: Four Steps To Becoming New And Improved book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Jeff DeGraff for my next event?
Email jeff.degraff@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 Jeff'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 Jeff DeGraff's speaking style like?
Jeff DeGraff draws on his dual background in academia and executive leadership — including his tenure at Domino's Pizza and his professorship at the University of Michigan — to frame innovation as a structured, learnable discipline, presenting practical frameworks for building innovation culture within organisations.

What topics does Jeff DeGraff specialise in?
Jeff DeGraff speaks on business design in a technology-driven world, organisational innovation and growth, and the role of constructive conflict in driving creativity. He is a business professor at the University of Michigan, an advisor to Fortune 500 companies, and is recognised as the "Dean of Innovation."

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

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

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.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

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.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

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.

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

Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

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.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

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.

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.