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Psychologist, author & poker champion

Maria Konnikova

Transform decision-making with Maria Konnikova, speaker, bestselling author and psychology expert. Maria works with organizations to apply cognitive insights, behavioral science, and strategic thinking, delivering award-winning content backed by her success as an international poker champion.
Maria Konnikova

Speaker Biography

Key topics about

  • New York Times Bestselling Author
  • International Poker Champion
  • Award-Winning Contributor to The New Yorker
Maria Konnikova is a shining light — with achievements in a wide range of fields. She's a New York Times bestselling author, a journalist, a psychologist, and a professional poker player. Her first book, The Confidence Game, was a commercial hit and won the 2016 Robert P. Balles Prize in Critical Thinking. Her next book, Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes, also received critical acclaim. However, Maria's most notable work is The Biggest Bluff. While researching for this book, she immersed herself in poker and became an international poker champion, earning over $300,000. This exciting journey adds a unique layer to her diverse career. Additionally, Maria contributes to The New Yorker, where her work has earned her the 2019 Excellence in Science Journalism Award from the Society of Personality and Social Psychology, underscoring her skill in communicating complex ideas and engaging readers effectively.

Maria's Showreel and Videos

Topics, Sessions and Talks

How To Think Like Sherlock Holmes: The Scientific Method Of The Mind
No fictional character is more renowned for his powers of thought and observation than Sherlock Holmes. But is his extraordinary intellect merely a gift of fiction, or can we learn to cultivate these abilities ourselves, to improve our lives at work and at home? We Can, as Maria Konnikova shows us in this talk. Beginning with the “brain attic” – Holmes’s metaphor for how we store information and organize knowledge – she unpacks the mental strategies that lead to clearer thinking and deeper insights. Drawing on twenty-first-century neuroscience and psychology, this talk explores Holmes’s unique methods of ever-present mindfulness, astute observation, and logical deduction. In doing so, it shows how each of us, with some self-awareness and a little practice, can employ these same methods to sharpen our perceptions, solve difficult problems, and enhance our own creative powers.
The Art Of Persuasion, Trust, And Confidence: Learn From Con Artists
Maria Konnikova, while researching her best-selling book "The Confidence Game," spent over three years with confidence artists and their victims, mastering the techniques of persuasion and deception. In her talk, Konnikova delves into the psychology behind cons and why even the smartest individuals fall for them. She offers insights on how to avoid these pitfalls without losing trust. Attendees will learn to identify and protect themselves against fraud in various aspects of life and will gain tools to become more effective and confident persuaders, using the techniques of con artists for positive influence.
The Poker Game Of Life: Using Poker To Enhance Thinking And Decision Making
In this talk, Maria Konnikova combines her personal experience as a champion poker player with her original research into the psychology of human decision-making to explore how we can all learn to make better decisions in every aspect of our lives – from the negotiating table to our personal relationships. How can we think probabilistically, manage our emotions, evaluate risk, distinguish the noise of chance from the elements of control, learn when to go all in, and when to fold? Journey With Konnikova into some of the deepest crevices of the human mind, and emerge with a roadmap for how you can – immediately and practically – become a clearer thinker and more optimal decision maker in all areas of your life.

Why We Recommend Booking Maria

Maria brings a unique blend of psychology, storytelling, and real-world poker championship experience to the table, offering unparalleled insights into decision-making, risk assessment, and the art of reading people. Her engaging talks, backed by her award-winning writing and research, can inspire your team to think more critically and creatively. Booking Maria as a speaker will not only motivate your team but also equip them with practical strategies to navigate the complexities of business and life with confidence and skill.

Featured Projects

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frequently asked questions

Got Questions About Booking a Speaker?

What topics does Maria Konnikova specialise in?
Maria Konnikova specialises in discussing psychology, poker, science journalism and more.
What is Maria Konnikova's speaking style like?
Maria delivers insightful and engaging presentations, seamlessly blending her expertise in psychology and storytelling. Her unique experiences enrich her communication, making complex ideas accessible and captivating for her audience.
Does Maria Konnikova offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Maria Konnikova offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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. 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.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show. Contact us today to book your next podcast guest.

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