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Speaker & compassionate leadership expert

Kirstie Drummond Papworth

Transform workplace culture with Kirstie Drummond Papworth, speaker and compassionate leadership expert. Kirstie works with diverse sectors to drive behavioural change and leadership development, delivering evidence-based insights as a TEDx speaker and author of "Compassionate Leadership" (de Gruyter, 2023).

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Kirstie Drummond Papworth, Speaker | Psychologist, Compassion
Kirstie Drummond Papworth

Kirstie Drummond Papworth

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£2k–5k

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

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London, United Kingdom

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£2k–5k

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Kirstie Drummond Papworth's biography

At a glance

  • Expert in Compassionate Leadership and Behavioural Change
  • TEDx Speaker on Compassion
  • Author of 'Compassionate Leadership: for Individual and Organisational Change'
Kirstie Drummond Papworth is a highly accomplished professional in psychology and behavioural change. With a solid academic background, holding two Master's degrees in Psychology (with a specialization in business) and Behavioural Change, Kirstie is well-equipped to understand and address the complexities of human behaviour. Throughout her career, Kirstie has gained valuable experience in various leadership roles. She has held commercial positions in an FTSE50 organization, served as the Commercial Director for an independent wine importer, and successfully managed her consultancy, Tangerine Thistle, specialising in behavioural change. Her expertise has been sought after by diverse sectors, including higher education, retail, software, engineering, healthcare, and the armed forces, where she has delivered leadership development interventions. Kirstie's passion for sharing knowledge and making a difference extends beyond her professional engagements. She actively contributes to the field through webinars and workshops for esteemed organizations such as the British Psychological Society and the National Health Service. Her expertise in compassionate leadership has led her to deliver keynote speeches for professional development groups, including LeanIn, NHS Trusts, Suicide Prevention conferences, and even BBC Radio. As a TEDx speaker, Kirstie has shared her insights on compassion, her specialist subject. Her experience in this area is further demonstrated by the publication of her first book, Compassionate Leadership: for Individual and Organisational Change (de Gruyter, 2023). Currently, Kirstie serves as the Executive Director of Experiential Learning at London Business School, where she continues to impact future leaders' development significantly. Her dedication to promoting compassionate leadership and driving individual and organizational change is evident in her work.

Kirstie's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Why We Need Less Empathic Leadership
This talk highlights why empathy, despite its recent popularity, is not a sustainable approach to leadership. Instead, compassion offers more physiological, psychological and organisational benefits. We will explore why there is no such thing as compassion fatigue, and offer ways in which you can immediately start to develop your compassionate leadership practice.
Micro-Adventures And Mini-Experiments
Leaders and those aspiring to lead often complain about a lack of time to invest in their own development. Tackling this issue, this talk provides a distillation of proven approaches in a fun, experiential way, ensuring delegates leave with practical tools and a renewed approach to self-development.
The Dangers Of Self-Esteem (And What You Can Do Instead)
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 Kirstie

Kirstie offers your team insights into compassionate leadership, fostering a culture of empathy and understanding that drives individual and organizational change. Her expertise will inspire impactful behavioural transformations, enhancing team dynamics and business outcomes across diverse sectors.

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Testimonials

Without compassion and kindness, how effective can a leader be? [Kirstie's book] has all the trademarks of Kirstie's down-to-earth, compassionate approach to leadership.

Richard Hytner

Deputy Chairman, Saatchi and Saatchi

Kirstie guided us through emotive topics such as psychological safety and system dynamics knowing exactly when to push and when to refrain. As a result of the intense work we have done with Kirstie, our group has become a close knit team, increasingly more open to challenge and compromise. Barriers have been lifted and vulnerabilities have been shared, making our system more healthy and robust as a result.

Senior VP

Featured Projects

Kirstie Drummond Papworth - Compassionate Leadership book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Kirstie Drummond Papworth for my next event?

What is Kirstie Drummond Papworth's speaking style like?

Kirstie Drummond Papworth structures her sessions around evidence-based frameworks drawn from psychology and behavioural science, translating academic research into experiential exercises that participants can apply immediately.

What topics does Kirstie Drummond Papworth specialise in?

Kirstie Drummond Papworth's sessions cover compassionate versus empathic leadership, self-development for leaders, and the psychology of self-esteem. She is the author of Compassionate Leadership: for Individual and Organisational Change (de Gruyter, 2023) and serves as Executive Director of Experiential Learning at London Business School.

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.