Available to book
Damian Hughes
Transform organisational culture with Professor Damian Hughes, speaker and high-performance psychology expert. Damian works with elite teams to develop leadership excellence and change management strategies, delivering acclaimed insights through bestselling books and his popular High-Performance Podcast.


Professor Damian Hughes is a highly regarded international speaker and bestselling author renowned for his expertise in sport, organisational development, and change psychology. With a unique combination of practical experience and academic knowledge, he assists organizations and teams in creating a high-performance culture.
Professor Damian has written eight highly acclaimed business books, which have gained widespread popularity. His innovative coaching approach has garnered praise from esteemed individuals such as Sir Richard Branson, Muhammad Ali, Sir Terry Leahy, Sir Roger Bannister, Tiger Woods, Jonny Wilkinson, and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Recognizing his exceptional contributions, Damian was appointed as the Professor of Organisational Psychology and Change at Manchester Metropolitan University in September 2010. In addition to his academic pursuits, Damian co-hosts The High-Performance Podcast, a widely acclaimed series of interviews with elite performers from various domains, including business, sport, and the arts. Through these interviews, he delves into the psychology behind sustained high performance, providing valuable insights to listeners.
Currently, Damian serves as a coaching team member for both the Scotland Rugby Union and the Canberra Raiders, further showcasing his expertise and commitment to enhancing performance in the sporting arena.
Topics, sessions and talks
Damian Hughes explores the key elements that define a high-performing culture, blending insights from sports, psychology, and organizational development. Discover the core components that drive success, resilience, and sustained performance. Learn how to foster an environment where excellence thrives, and individuals and teams consistently reach their full potential.
Drawing on his extensive research and experiences with elite performers, Damian Hughes reveals the psychology behind a winning mindset. Understand the habits, attitudes, and mental strategies that distinguish champions from competitors. Gain practical tools to cultivate resilience, focus, and confidence, and learn how to apply these principles to achieve your own personal and professional goals.
Damian Hughes delves into the dynamics of winning and sustaining success in business and sport. Discover the secrets behind building winning teams and maintaining peak performance. Learn actionable strategies for creating a culture of continuous improvement, adaptability, and excellence, ensuring that your organisation not only reaches the top but stays there.
Based on his bestselling book, Damian Hughes provides a powerful framework for implementing change in any area of your life or organisation. Understand the psychology behind change resistance and discover practical steps to overcome obstacles, build momentum, and achieve lasting transformation. This keynote offers actionable insights for anyone looking to drive meaningful change.
From his book “High Performance: Lessons from the Best on Becoming Your Best” and his acclaimed podcast, Damian Hughes shares invaluable lessons from elite performers across business, sports, and the arts. Learn what it takes to perform at your peak consistently and gain insights into the habits, routines, and mindsets of those who excel in their fields.
Testimonials
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
To book Damian Hughes, email prof.damian.hughes@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 Prof Damian's availability and speaking fee. 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 about your audience.
Damian Hughes draws on case studies from elite sport and business, combined with findings from his research in organisational psychology, to illustrate the behavioural and cultural conditions that underpin high performance. He structures sessions around practical frameworks that audiences can apply directly to team development and individual performance.
Prof. Damian Hughes specialises in high-performance culture, winning mindset psychology, and sustaining success across business and sport. He is Professor of Organisational Psychology and Change at Manchester Metropolitan University and co-hosts The High Performance Podcast.
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