Availability dot

Available to book

Design leader & management expert

Julie Zhuo

Transform design leadership with Julie Zhuo, speaker and former Facebook VP of Design. Julie works with growing teams to master management transitions, people-centric leadership, and digital transformation, delivering insights through her popular blog "The Year of the Looking Glass."

Trusted by Lyft, Facebook

Julie Zhuo, Speaker | Ex-Facebook Product Design VP, Management
Julie Zhuo

Julie Zhuo

San Francisco, United States

Typical fee range

$11k–25k

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

Get Julie's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Julie

San Francisco, United States

Starting from

$11k–25k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Julie Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Julie Zhuo's biography

At a glance

  • Former Vice President of Design at Facebook
  • Author of The Year of the Looking Glass blog
  • Expert in leadership and digital transformation strategies
Julie Zhuo, the former Vice President of Design at Facebook, has significantly transformed her management role as her team has grown. Initially leading a small group, she has had to adapt to the challenges of managing a larger team, including the need to shift from direct to indirect management and understanding how people respond to her leadership. Julie emphasizes the constant need for context shifting, the importance of choosing battles wisely, and the paramountcy of people-centric skills. Her popular blog, "The Year of the Looking Glass," shares these insights, where she explores the intersection of technology and design, highlighting the power of positive leadership in inspiring teams. For those seeking practical management skills, guidance on providing impactful feedback, or steps towards digital transformation in business, Julie's experience and guidance serve as a valuable resource for personal and professional growth.

Julie's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

The Making Of A Manager: What To Do When Everyone Looks To You
The transition from employee to manager is cause for celebration and concern. Beyond making reports, how does a person manage other employees? What Are the most important skills a manager should know to create a successful team? When Julie Zhuo Went from top product designer to Facebook exec, she was faced with the daunting prospect of leading her peers. Fortunately, she had a mentor to guide her way, but many new managers are not so fortunate. Until now, that is. Based on compelling stories from her own experience, Zhuo provides audiences with the mentorship and skills they need to lead and succeed.
Mastering The Art Of Feedback
For leaders and employees, one of the most stressful situations can be the giving and receiving of feedback. Feedback is necessary for people to improve their work and grow in their role. When done well, feedback can help people improve and thrive in a position. When done poorly, feedback can create a culture of tension. After working for over a decade at Facebook, Julie Zhuo has learned the art of giving and receiving feedback. Using stories from her experience, she provides actionable takeaways that can improve the experience for both parties.

Why we recommend booking Julie

Julie offers your team insights into effective leadership, design innovation, and digital transformation strategies. Benefit from her vast experience at Facebook, learn practical management skills, and be inspired to foster a culture of creativity and positive change in your organization.

Check Julie's availability

Trusted by Lyft, Facebook

Testimonials

Julie does an incredible job simplifying the role of a manager. She pulls you in with all the awkward, funny and tough moments, and then takes you on an engaging journey. If you're a first time manager, you'll learn how to hit the ground running, and experienced managers will level-up their game!

Logan Green

CEO & Co-founder, Lyft

Julie is like that friend giving you some much-needed tips over coffee—her style cuts through industry jargon and gets at the heart of how to lead with confidence and help your team do their best work.

Nir Eyal

Author, HOOKED

Featured Projects

Julie Zhuo - The Making Of A Manager book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Julie Zhuo for my next event?

What is Julie Zhuo's speaking style like?

What topics does Julie Zhuo specialise in?

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.

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.