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Decode hidden behavioral patterns with Shankar Vedantam, speaker and behavioral science expert. Shankar works with organizations to overcome unconscious bias, improve decision-making, and enhance leadership effectiveness, delivering insights through NPR's Hidden Brain and two bestselling books.
Shankar Vedantam is a renowned social science journalist who decodes the hidden patterns driving human behavior, transforming complex research into actionable insights for organizations and individuals seeking to make better decisions.
As host of NPR's "Hidden Brain" podcast—downloaded over two million times weekly and broadcast on nearly 400 public radio stations—Vedantam has established himself as a trusted voice in behavioral science. His two New York Times bestsellers, "The Hidden Brain" and "Useful Delusions," further cement his authority in explaining unconscious influences on decision-making.
Vedantam helps organizations navigate the invisible forces shaping workplace dynamics, from unconscious bias to decision-making pitfalls. His journalism background at The Washington Post combined with his science expertise enables him to translate cutting-edge research into practical strategies that improve team performance, leadership effectiveness, and organizational culture.
Audiences leave Vedantam's presentations with a deeper understanding of the psychological factors influencing their choices, practical techniques to overcome cognitive blind spots, and evidence-based frameworks for more rational decision-making in complex environments.
Book Shankar Vedantam to give your team the rare combination of scientific rigor and practical wisdom needed to outperform in today's complex business landscape.
Shankar Vedantam transforms complex behavioral science into practical strategies that help organizations overcome cognitive blind spots and make better decisions. Book this renowned social science journalist to give your team the scientific insights and actionable frameworks needed to outperform in today's complex business landscape.
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frequently asked questions
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Email shankar.vedantam@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 Shankar'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.
Shankar Vedantam draws on peer-reviewed behavioural science research, which he translates into narrative-led presentations structured around case studies and evidence-based frameworks for decision-making.
Shankar Vedantam speaks on unconscious bias, behavioural science, decision-making, and the hidden psychological forces shaping workplace dynamics and organisational culture. He is the host of NPR's Hidden Brain podcast, downloaded over two million times weekly across nearly 400 public radio stations, and a two-time New York Times bestselling author.
No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.
Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.
The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.
Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
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