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Executive Coach & Leadership Expert

Rob Kalwarowsky

Build human-centered leadership cultures with Rob Kalwarowsky, executive coach and leadership speaker. Rob works with C-suite executives and high-growth teams on influence, employee engagement, and transformational leadership, delivering results recognized by TEDx and Top 100 Most Dynamic Leaders.

Trusted by Abbott, Nokia, Predictive Index

Rob Kalwarowsky, Speaker | Executive Coach & Author
Rob Kalwarowsky

Rob Kalwarowsky

Edmonton, Canada

Typical fee range

$6k–10k

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

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Edmonton, Canada

Starting from

$6k–10k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Rob Kalwarowsky's biography

At a glance

  • Former Canadian national water polo athlete and MIT-trained engineer
  • TEDx talk with 315k+ views
  • Best-selling author of Capitalizing on Chaos

Rob Kalwarowsky is an MIT-trained engineer turned executive coach who helps leaders replace burnout and control with human-centered leadership. He is the best-selling author of Capitalizing on Chaos, a TEDx speaker with over 315,000 views, and a Top 100 Most Dynamic Leader.


A Canadian National Water Polo athlete and NCAA Academic All-American, Rob built a successful engineering career before recognizing that his relentless drive was fueling the same chaos he led teams through. Today, Rob works with C-suite executives, Olympic gold medalists, and high-growth entrepreneurs ready to break through performance ceilings.


A Dare to Lead certified practitioner, IFS coach, and Fearless Organization facilitator, Rob blends engineering rigor with emotional intelligence across keynotes, workshops, virtual sessions, and one-on-one executive coaching. His client work includes helping a stagnant three-million-dollar business scale to eleven million in six months and coaching senior leaders through high-stakes transitions onto global stages such as Web Summit.


Leaders and teams walk away with a practical framework for stabilizing performance through uncertainty, building cross-functional influence without relying on titles, and turning individual expertise into the kind of leadership organizations promote and retain.


Book Rob to help your leaders turn authenticity into measurable, lasting performance gains.

Rob's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Leading Without Authority

Waiting for a formal mandate is often the fastest way to let an initiative die. Drawing on years of coaching Fortune 500 executives and studying the habits of elite entrepreneurs and Olympic athletes, Rob Kalwarowsky reveals a five-step influence process built for the modern workplace. Moving past the politics of power, he offers a tactical roadmap for building social capital and psychological safety, helping leaders bypass corporate friction and advance high-stakes projects without waiting for a title to catch up.

The Engagement Crisis

As global instability rises and disengagement climbs, the greatest threat to an organization is rarely the market, it is the quiet exit of its best people. Rob Kalwarowsky moves past abstract theory to address the costly problem of turnover during upheaval, revealing a four-step process for moving from reactive survival to long-term stability. Drawing on real case studies, Rob connects human-first leadership directly to the bottom line, leaving audiences with a clear route to keep top talent anchored through change.

The Promotion Gap

Technical excellence and hard work get people in the door, but they rarely explain who reaches the executive level. Rob Kalwarowsky pulls back the curtain on the unspoken rules of advancement, drawing on years of coaching Fortune 500 executives to map the gap between performance and promotion. Moving beyond generic career advice, he shows leaders how to align their contributions with an organization's most urgent needs and cultivate the sponsors who influence closed-door decisions, turning expertise into indispensable leadership.

Why we recommend booking Rob

Rob brings an engineer's precision and MIT credentials to leadership development, valuable for boards wanting measurable culture change and credible, research-backed keynotes.

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Trusted by Abbott, Nokia, Predictive Index

Testimonials

Courageous and empowering. Rob speaks his truth and speaks in a relatable and inspiring manner. Rob connects with audiences through his vulnerability, humour and examples of personal triumph. His mission now... to help others navigate and find theirs.

Effie Bowyer

Sales Specialist, Neuromodulation, Abbott

Rob is an incredible human who cares deeply about others, his ability to speak the main stage is in an experience unlike another! He can share his deepest experience while making it your own; which is relatable and in turn, helps us look inward followed by healing. Rob is an inspiration on a mission to change the way leadership is played today!

Tracey Allen

Vice President of IT Procurement, Nokia

A powerful way to start my morning. The research you shared and your connections to heavy industry were very impactful, but I was most moved by your personal experience, of course. I absolutely LOVE that you made the critical connection to implementation/culture as the domain of leadership. The fact that your turnaround led you to coach dozens of leaders who by extension help a thousand employees is what motivates me on my own journey. There is potential in our pain. I have miles to go, but your example is motivating. I strive to be as vulnerable and as constructive as you have become for your audiences.

Dr. Matt Poepsel

Vice President and The Godfather of Talent Optimization, Predictive Index

Featured Projects

Capitalizing On Chaos - Rob Kalwarowsky

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Rob Kalwarowsky for my next event?

Email rob.kalwarowsky@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 Rob'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.

Rob Kalwarowsky structures his sessions around numbered step frameworks — a five-step influence process, a four-step retention model — drawn from case studies and his coaching work with Fortune 500 executives, Olympic athletes, and high-growth entrepreneurs.

What is Rob Kalwarowsky's speaking style like?

Rob Kalwarowsky structures his sessions around numbered step frameworks — a five-step influence process, a four-step retention model — drawn from case studies and his coaching work with Fortune 500 executives, Olympic athletes, and high-growth entrepreneurs.

Rob Kalwarowsky structures his sessions around numbered step frameworks — a five-step influence process, a four-step retention model — drawn from case studies and his coaching work with Fortune 500 executives, Olympic athletes, and high-growth entrepreneurs.

What topics does Rob Kalwarowsky specialise in?

Rob Kalwarowsky specialises in sessions covering influence without formal authority, employee engagement and talent retention during organisational upheaval, and the unspoken dynamics of career advancement to the executive level. He is a TEDx speaker whose talk has exceeded 315,000 views, a best-selling author of Capitalizing on Chaos, and an MIT-trained engineer with a client record that includes scaling a business from three million to eleven million dollars in six months.

Rob Kalwarowsky specialises in sessions covering influence without formal authority, employee engagement and talent retention during organisational upheaval, and the unspoken dynamics of career advancement to the executive level. He is a TEDx speaker whose talk has exceeded 315,000 views, a best-selling author of Capitalizing on Chaos, and an MIT-trained engineer with a client record that includes scaling a business from three million to eleven million dollars in six months.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

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

Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

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.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.