Availability dot

Available to book

Speaker & educational catalyst

Justin Pickens

Transform educational outcomes with Justin Pickens, speaker and educational catalyst. Justin works with teachers to reignite classroom passion, build student resilience, and implement evidence-based teaching methodologies, delivering impactful strategies from 13 years of teaching experience.

Trusted by Webb City High School

Justin Pickens
Justin Pickens

Justin Pickens

St. Louis, United States

Typical fee range

$2k–5k

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

Get Justin's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Justin

St. Louis, United States

Starting from

$2k–5k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Justin Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Justin Pickens's biography

At a glance

  • Adverse Childhood Experiences speaker informed by lived experience
  • Advocate for trauma-informed school leadership
  • Founder of Thrive with Five educator framework
Justin Pickens transforms educational outcomes by helping teachers rediscover their purpose and impact. With 13 years of experience as a teacher and coach, Justin overcame significant childhood challenges that could have led to incarceration or addiction, instead channeling those experiences into his work as an educational catalyst. After briefly exploring opportunities outside education, Justin returned to his true calling with renewed focus. He has dedicated his career to empowering educators who face burnout and diminishing motivation in today's challenging educational landscape. Justin specializes in helping teachers reconnect with their original passion for education while providing practical strategies to create positive generational change. His approach combines personal resilience techniques with evidence-based teaching methodologies that address modern classroom challenges, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Justin seamlessly works humor in his speeches to make educators laugh, cry and leave encouraged. Audiences leave with concrete tools to reignite their educational purpose, practical methods to connect meaningfully with challenging students, and renewed confidence in their ability to create lasting positive impact beyond the classroom. Book Justin to transform your educational team from merely surviving to genuinely thriving while creating ripple effects that will benefit generations to come.

Justin's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Breaking Cycles, Building Futures: ACEs, Educators, and Ripple Effects
In this insightful talk, Justin Pickens explores the profound effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and emphasizes the crucial role educators and caring adults play as agents of change. By sharing real-life stories and practical strategies, he illustrates how simple, everyday actions can disrupt generational cycles and foster positive transformations in students' lives. Attendees will learn effective ways to support children and create lasting impacts in their communities.
7 Leadership Principles for Teens (and Adults)
In his engaging talk, Justin Pickens shares seven leadership principles designed to inspire young people to transition from apathy to action. By blending personal anecdotes with timeless truths, he provides valuable insights for middle school, high school, and college students, as well as adults working with youth. This energizing presentation is ideal for student leadership programs, athletic teams, and youth groups. Attendees will learn actionable strategies to empower the next generation with purpose and clarity.
Career, Identity and Calling
In his engaging talk, Justin Pickens addresses the emptiness that can accompany success. He shares his journey from education to finance and fast food, detailing the identity crisis he faced along the way. Justin's insights resonate with business professionals, educators, and faith-based groups who are grappling with career transitions, burnout, or seeking deeper purpose. Attendees will learn how to navigate their own paths to fulfillment and rediscover their true calling.
HOPE is Your Superpower
Justin Pickens delivers a student-centered talk that inspires hope through impactful storytelling and the memorable "Hope Rat" experiment. Attendees will gain a deeper sense of purpose, practical mindset tools, and the understanding that hope transcends mere emotion—it serves as a strategic approach to overcoming challenges and creating a brighter future. Participants will leave empowered and equipped to harness hope as a vital resource in their lives.

Why we recommend booking Justin

Drawing from his remarkable journey from childhood adversity to educational excellence, Justin Pickens equips teachers with practical strategies to reconnect with their purpose, overcome burnout, and create lasting impact for students from all backgrounds. Book Justin today to transform your educational team from merely surviving to genuinely thriving while creating positive ripple effects for generations to come.

Check Justin's availability

Trusted by Webb City High School

Testimonials

At East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas, Justin Pickens delivered one of the most powerful talks we’ve ever witnessed and in all my years of attending I've never seen a speaker receive a standing ovation…until Justin. His message moved students to tears and left a lasting impact on everyone in the room.

Addie Whitehead

Camp Counselor

Justin’s sincerity resonated with our staff members, and each day this week, I've had numerous peers express their appreciation for the opportunity to hear his inspiring story. It was both meaningful and timely and I can't tell you how much it was appreciated by all. I want to thank him for taking on this mission. Teachers need to hear what he has to say and continue to be the best advocates for young people.

Jeff Wilkie

Principal, Webb City High School

An incredibly powerful message for our staff to hear, reminding teachers of the impact they have for students in their day-to-day lives. We heard so much positive feedback from teachers that felt like Justin’s message was one of the best they’ve heard as educators.

Cody Witte

Principal, Tonganoxie High School

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Justin Pickens for my next event?

What is Justin Pickens's speaking style like?

What topics does Justin Pickens 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.