International Women's Day
- Zoologist and National Geographic explorer
- Bestselling author of animal behavior books
- Oxford-educated wildlife expert and BBC columnist
Lucy Cooke is a zoologist, author, and National Geographic explorer who transforms complex animal behaviours into powerful insights for organisations. Her expertise bridges the gap between natural science and business strategy, offering fresh perspectives on leadership and sustainability.
Lucy's credentials include a Master's in zoology from New College Oxford, where she studied under Richard Dawkins. She has authored four books, including the feminist paradigm-shifting bestseller Bitch: What does it mean to be female? and the New York Times bestseller "A Little Book of Sloth." As a BBC Wildlife Magazine columnist, she also writes the popular "Female of the Species" column.
Through her work, Lucy helps organisations understand leadership dynamics by drawing parallels between animal behaviour and workplace environments. Her research on pack mentalities provides actionable frameworks for team building, while her insights on sustainability offer businesses practical approaches to environmental challenges based on natural systems.
Audiences leave Lucy's presentations with concrete strategies for fostering inclusive leadership models, practical tools for implementing sustainable business practices, and a renewed perspective on gender dynamics in professional settings. Her engaging delivery makes complex scientific concepts accessible and immediately applicable. She has spoken to a range of businesses, including J. P Morgan, Gartner, Deloitte and Disney.
Book Lucy Cooke to give your organisation the evolutionary edge that comes from understanding the profound business lessons hidden within the natural world.
Lucy's Showreel and Videos
Topics, Sessions and Talks
Lessons In leadership From The Animal Kingdom
Leadership in nature takes many forms, often defying human assumptions. Lucy Cooke explores how dominance, cooperation, and adaptability play out in the animal world, from the matriarchal societies of elephants to the rule-breaking behaviours of alpha females. Drawing on evolutionary biology and animal behaviour, she challenges traditional leadership models and offers surprising insights into what truly makes an effective leader.
The Power Of The Pack: Effective Teamwork Tools
Nature offers powerful lessons in collaboration, from the coordinated hunts of wild dogs to the social structures of meerkats. Lucy Cooke examines the evolutionary advantages of teamwork, exploring how animals work together to survive and thrive. With a mix of science, storytelling, and humour, she uncovers the key ingredients of successful group dynamics and how they apply to human teams in business and beyond.
How Understanding Biology Can Accelerate Action For Gender Equality
Biology has long been used to justify gender stereotypes, but modern science tells a different story. Lucy Cooke dismantles outdated myths about sex and gender in nature, revealing a world where females are dominant, males nurture, and diversity is the norm. By understanding the true complexities of evolutionary biology, she provides a fresh perspective on gender roles and the importance of challenging ingrained biases.
Smarter Leadership Lessons From The Wild
In her insightful talk, Lucy Cooke explores the misconception of the "alpha" model in wolf hierarchies, revealing that successful animal societies thrive on teamwork rather than dominance. Drawing from groundbreaking research, she highlights parallels between animal behaviour and leadership styles of both successful and unsuccessful leaders. Attendees will learn essential leadership lessons, refined over 3.5 billion years of evolution, to enhance their own leadership skills and build effective teams.
Nature’s Blueprint For A Better Workplace
In this fascinating talk, Lucy Cooke challenges the negative perception of sloths, highlighting their resilience over 60 million years. She draws inspiration from sloths and other enduring species to share valuable life lessons. Attendees will discover how these insights can foster a better, happier, and more productive workforce, ultimately transforming their approach to work and life. Join Lucy to learn how nature's survivors can inspire personal and professional growth.
Why We Recommend Booking Lucy
Lucy Cooke, zoologist and National Geographic explorer, transforms animal behavior insights into powerful business strategies, offering your team fresh perspectives on leadership, sustainability, and workplace dynamics. Book this Oxford-educated bestselling author today to give your organisation the evolutionary edge that comes from understanding the profound business lessons hidden within the natural world.
Lucy Cooke gave one of the most memorable TED talks at TED Women.
Pat Mitchell, TED Women
TED Women
