Oliver James
Mental Health
Emotional Intelligence
Behavioural Science

Oliver James

Transform workplace wellbeing with Oliver James, speaker, psychologist and bestselling author. Oliver works with organisations to apply evidence-based psychological insights, family dynamics and emotional health strategies, delivering compelling expertise trusted by major media outlets and professional bodies.

Oliver James Speaker Biography

PepTalk Speech Bubble
Psychoanalytic psychotherapist and chartered psychologist
PepTalk Speech Bubble
Bestselling author of Affluenza and Contented Dementia
PepTalk Speech Bubble
Media personality with television series and newspaper columns
Oliver James is a chartered psychologist, psychoanalytic psychotherapist and prolific author whose work has consistently explored the powerful intersection between early childhood experiences, societal structures and mental health. Known for challenging established thinking in both scientific and political circles, he has spent decades bringing evidence-based psychological ideas to public attention through books, television, journalism and public speaking.

Originally trained in child clinical psychology at the University of Nottingham, Oliver began his career in NHS mental health services before turning his attention to public discourse. His academic foundations include degrees in Social Anthropology and Psychology, as well as an honorary doctorate from the University of Staffordshire. He is a registered psychotherapist at the John Bowlby Centre and a chartered member of the British Psychological Society.

Oliver’s central thesis, reflected across his bestselling books and media work, is that who we become is shaped more by our early environment and family dynamics than by our genes. His critiques of cognitive behavioural therapy, mainstream genetics and modern parenting methods have made him a prominent and often controversial voice in British psychological debate. He has also explored how political economies influence emotional well-being, with works like Affluenza and The Selfish Capitalist offering compelling arguments about the mental toll of consumerist culture.

Beyond publishing, Oliver has produced and presented numerous television documentaries on mental health, parenting and British society, and contributed psychological commentary to major newspapers and broadcast programmes. He remains committed to reshaping how psychological ideas are understood and applied in everyday life, and his work continues to influence both public and professional conversations around emotional health, family dynamics and cultural values.

Why We Recommend Booking Oliver

Book Oliver James to transform your team's understanding of mental health with his evidence-based insights and practical solutions that challenge conventional wisdom. With decades of experience and a provocative perspective, James will equip your organization to navigate today's mental health challenges effectively—secure your booking now.

Oliver James's Showreel and Videos

Topics, Sessions And Talks

Custom Session

Looking for a custom keynote or workshop designed around your company’s goals and culture? The expert will create a tailored, interactive session that aligns with your objectives, values, and strategic priorities. From leadership and innovation to wellbeing and collaboration, each experience is built from the ground up to deliver measurable impact and lasting change.

Featured Projects

Thank You For Reaching Out!
Your message was received and our team will be in touch shortly!
Close This Message

Book 

Oliver James

Tell us what you’re planning, and we’ll match you with a speaker your audience won’t stop talking about. (We’re here to make it easy.)
Other ways to book:
Chat Icon
Chat Now
Chat live to our team

Similar Speakers

Big names trust us.
You should too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about booking an expert speaker, facilitator, host or entertainment for your event.

How do I book a speaker for my event?
  • If you'd like to book one of our expert speakers, email us at hello@peptalk.com, send us a chat message or give us a call, and we’ll help you out.
  • We’ll take your event details — topic, audience, budget, date, and location — and create a custom speaker proposal for you within 48 hours.
  • If you already have someone in mind, that’s okay too; just let us know their name! Even if they aren't listed publicly on our website, we have a huge network and work with almost everyone.
  • Once you've reviewed our speaker propsal and have selected and expert shortlist, we'll double check availability and fees with your chosen expert.
  • You're welcome to have a chemistry call with the speaker before making the final decision, too.
  • Next, we'll send out contracts to confirm the booking. One of our experienced event producers will liase with both you and the talent on the finer details, and arrange travel if necessary, taking the stress off your plate.
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 a speaker to send a personal greeting?

We do not accommodate requests for birthday messages or any other personal, non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How much do speakers and comedians cost?

We work with speakers across a variety of fee ranges, giving you the flexibility to choose someone who fits your event's needs. Virtual keynote fees in the UK and Europe typically start at £2,000, while in-person top-tier speakers can reach £25,000. In the US, virtual in-person fees range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on the speaker and format, such as after-dinner talks, conference keynotes, Q&As, or podcasts. Comedians generally start at £1,500 or $2,000 for a 20-minute set.

Our goal is to help you find the speaker who best matches your event’s goals and budget. We take the time to understand your event, objectives, and audience to recommend the right fit. The most expensive option isn’t always the best one, and our priority is finding the ideal speaker or expert for your needs; not the highest-priced one.

Reach out for personalised recommendations and detailed information on specific speaker fees. We’re here to offer a tailored service and are always happy to discuss your unique requirements!

How does PepTalk work? Is there a charge?

There’s no additional cost for our services beyond the speaker fee — simply contact us to find the right speaker for your next business or team event. We can also work with your corporate procurement team to negotiate favourable long-term rates, simply email hello@getapeptalk.com for more information.

Why work with PepTalk?

Partnering with PepTalk means elevating your events with our curated roster of top motivational speakers, industry experts, delivering punchy keynotes that leave a lasting impact. From talent selection, to contracts and logistics, we handle it all. We have global expert network, with over 3000 speakers from over 33 countries on our line-up.

We also provide a full range of talent, from event hosts and moderators to interviewers and corporate entertainment, ensuring your event’s success from start to finish.

What are PepTalk workshops?

PepTalk workshops are interactive learning experiences for leaders at all levels, blending theory with practical insights from industry experts. These programs, led by experienced facilitators, are designed to drive real mindset changes and equip participants with actionable skills. Workshops can be customised to meet your organisation's specific needs. Explore our workshop examples and contact us today to learn how your team can benefit.

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, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Book this PepTalk

Choose the best date and time for your team and request it now.
Your details:
Event details:
In-Person In-Person
Virtual Virtual
Not Sure
Calendar
Participant
0 to 50
50 to 100
100 to 150
150 to 200
200 to 250
250+
Other ways to book:
Chat Icon
Chat Now
Chat live to our team