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Mindset & High Performance Expert

Matthew Syed

Matthew Syed helps organisations build a growth mindset and drive high performance. A bestselling author of Rebel Ideas and Black Box Thinking, award-winning journalist, and BBC broadcaster, Matthew brings decades of research and elite sporting experience to teams facing change.

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Matthew Syed, Speaker | Author & High-Performance Pro
Matthew Syed

Matthew Syed

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£11k–25k

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

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Book Matthew

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£11k–25k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

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Matthew Syed's biography

At a glance

  • Bestselling Author of Rebel Ideas and Black Box Thinking
  • 2x Sports Journalist of the Year, The Times Columnist
  • Olympian and Former British Table Tennis Number One
Matthew Syed is a British journalist, author, and speaker whose work explores how mindset shapes high performance in individuals and organisations facing constant change. He has written seven bestselling books, including Rebel Ideas, Black Box Thinking, Bounce, and The Greatest, and writes a regular column for The Times and The Sunday Times, work that has twice earned him Sports Journalist of the Year at the British Press Awards. He presents BBC Radio 4's Sideways and co-founded Matthew Syed Consulting, which builds growth mindset cultures across business and the public sector. Drawing on his own career as Britain's table tennis number one for almost a decade, including two Olympic Games for Great Britain, Matthew shows organisations how understanding the connection between mindset and performance can unlock potential in individuals and teams, driving the innovation and agility needed to compete in a fast-changing world. Audiences leave his sessions with a clear framework for building a culture of continuous improvement, a first-hand account of learning from failure under pressure, and practical ways to apply diverse thinking to complex problems. Book Matthew to give your organisation the mindset and tools to perform under pressure and adapt at pace.

Matthew's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Implementing A Growth Culture
An outstanding motivational speaker, Matthew Syed has worked with some of the world’s leading organisations to build a mindset of continuous improvement. Using compelling examples from healthcare, aviation, business, education, sport and the criminal justice system, Matthew’s keynote will highlight how to implement a growth culture and the difference this can have on performance – both at an individual level and at an organisational level.

Why we recommend booking Matthew

Matthew Syed's credentials span Olympic sport, award-winning journalism at The Times, and co-founding Matthew Syed Consulting, which delivers psychometric assessments and development programmes to organisations. That combination of elite performance experience and applied consulting practice makes his insight directly relevant to teams under pressure to improve.

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Trusted by BNYMellon, LGT Wealth Management, Apple

Testimonials

Amazing, great talk, excellent examples and very thought-provoking.

OEE Consulting

His insightful speech captivated the audience.

CBI

He was excellent. Clearly an incredibly bright guy and he was very engaging. There were 50 of us that he was speaking in front of and feedback was great…

BNYMellon

BNYMellon

Featured Projects

Matthew Syed - Black Box Thinking: The Surprising Truth About Success book cover
Matthew Syed - Rebel Ideas: The Power Of Diverse Thinking book cover
Matthew Syed - Sideways podcast cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Matthew Syed for my next event?
Email matthew.syed@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Matthew's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Matthew Syed's speaking style like?
Matthew delivers thought-provoking sessions that blend real-world examples with practical insights, encouraging diverse thinking and continuous improvement. His engaging style inspires teams to embrace growth and drive high performance.
What topics does Matthew Syed specialise in?
Matthew Syed specialises in discussing divergent thinking, high performance, growth mindset and more.
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.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

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.

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.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

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.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.