Available to book
José Manuel Calderón
Transform team performance with José Manuel Calderón, speaker, NBA veteran and leadership expert. José works with organizations to develop resilience, strategic teamwork and high-performance mindsets, leveraging insights from his 14 NBA seasons and Olympic medal-winning career.
José Manuel Calderón is a celebrated figure in international basketball, known for his exceptional career spanning 21 years, including 14 seasons in the NBA. As a key player for the Toronto Raptors, José earned recognition for his record-setting free throw percentage of 98.1% during the 2008/09 season, an achievement that remains unmatched in the league. He also made significant contributions to teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers, earning respect for his consistency, leadership, and ability to adapt across different playing environments.
José’s impact extended beyond the NBA, as he played an integral role in the Spanish national basketball team’s golden era. Representing his country, he contributed to victories in the 2006 FIBA World Cup and the 2011 EuroBasket, while also winning two Olympic silver medals and a bronze. Off the court, José continues to influence the world of basketball as a Special Advisor to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Front Office.
He is also an entrepreneur and co-founder of OWQLO, a technology platform connecting sports communities, and is a UNICEF ambassador for global child welfare. José’s story is one of adaptability and resilience. From leaving his small hometown in Spain to competing at the highest level of international basketball, he has consistently demonstrated the values of hard work and determination. His experiences make him a compelling speaker on themes of leadership, teamwork, and thriving in challenging environments, inspiring audiences from all walks of life.
Topics, sessions and talks
José Manuel Calderón reflects on his journey through world basketball, highlighting the importance of adaptation both on and off the court. From his early days in the ACB to his experiences in the NBA and with the Spanish national team, he emphasizes how flexibility has shaped his career. Attendees will gain insights into the vital role of adaptability in achieving success in sports and life.
José Manuel Calderón draws on his experiences with teams like the Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Spanish national team, revealing that the key to success in basketball lies in effective collaboration. Attendees will learn how to foster teamwork, enhance communication, and build a cohesive unit, ultimately unlocking the potential for collective achievement in sports and beyond.
José Manuel Calderón explores the significance of inclusion in sports, highlighting how basketball serves as a mirror of a diverse and global society. He emphasizes the role of the sport in promoting unity and understanding among different cultures. Attendees will gain insights into the transformative power of basketball and learn how fostering inclusivity can enhance both the game and the community it serves.
Book José Manuel Calderón for your event to gain unique insights from a seasoned NBA veteran and Olympic medalist. His experiences in sports leadership, teamwork, and perseverance will inspire your audience. As a UNICEF ambassador and entrepreneur, he embodies social responsibility, making him a compelling choice for any conference.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
To book José Manuel Calderón, email jose.manuel.calderon@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 José's availability and speaking fee. 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 about your audience.
José Manuel Calderón structures his talks around first-person career narratives drawn from 21 years of professional basketball, using specific team transitions — from the ACB to franchises such as the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers — as reference points to illustrate broader principles of adaptability, teamwork, and inclusion.
José Manuel Calderón's sessions cover adaptation in professional sport, teamwork and collective achievement, and inclusion and diversity through the lens of basketball. He holds the NBA record for the highest single-season free throw percentage, shooting 98.1% for the Toronto Raptors in the 2008/09 season.
No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.
Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.
The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.
Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
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