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Speaker & perfectionism expert

Thomas Curran

Transform workplace achievement culture with Dr. Thomas Curran, speaker and perfectionism expert. Thomas helps organisations combat burnout and boost productivity through evidence-based strategies, delivering insights featured in his international bestseller and TED Talk with 3+ million views.

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Thomas Curran

Speaker Biography

Key topics about

  • The world's leading expert on perfectionism
  • Author of international bestseller The Perfection Trap
  • TED speaker with over three million views
Dr Thomas Curran is a psychology professor at the London School of Economics who specialises in perfectionism research, offering practical strategies to combat its negative effects on wellbeing and workplace productivity. Tom has shared his insights through a TED Talk viewed over three million times. His work has featured in The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and TIME, making him a leading voice on perfectionism. He is also the author of the international bestseller The Perfection Trap. Through his work, Tom helps organisations identify how perfectionism undermines performance using evidence-based approaches. He demonstrates how unrealistic standards contribute to employee burnout, reduced innovation, and decreased productivity. To combat this, he provides practical frameworks for fostering healthier achievement cultures that balance excellence with wellbeing. Audiences leave Tom's presentations with tools to recognise perfectionist tendencies in themselves and their teams, practical techniques for setting realistic standards that encourage growth rather than paralysis, and strategies to create workplace environments where creativity and sustainable success can flourish. Book Tom to transform your organisation's relationship with achievement and unlock the potential trapped by perfectionism.

Thomas's Showreel and Videos

Topics, Sessions and Talks

The Perfectionism Paradox (Truths and Myths)
In his talk, Dr Thomas Curran delves into the complexities of perfectionism, highlighting its dual nature. While perfectionists strive for excellence, they often face burnout, anxiety, and indecisiveness due to their fear of failure. Through compelling case studies and research, Tom reveals how releasing the need for perfection can enhance performance and fulfilment. Attendees will learn about the differences between high standards and perfectionism, its impact on well-being, and effective strategies for individuals and organisations to combat its negative effects.
Combatting Self-Criticism
In his talk, Dr Thomas Curran examines the detrimental effects of self-criticism on morale and self-confidence. He presents case studies and recent research to illustrate how perfectionism fosters negative self-beliefs, undermining motivation and personal growth. Tom also presents innovative strategies for cultivating self-compassion and practising gratitude, which can effectively counter self-criticism. Attendees will learn how to develop a kinder perspective on work and life, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being.
Combatting Imposterism
Dr Thomas Curran discusses imposterism, a persistent feeling of inadequacy despite success, and its connection to perfectionism. He explores how these issues undermine confidence and hinder professional growth. Through evidence-based strategies, Tom provides actionable insights to help attendees overcome these challenges. Participants will learn effective techniques to combat imposterism and enhance their self-confidence.

Why We Recommend Booking Thomas

Dr Thomas Curran, psychology professor and bestselling author of The Perfection Trap, combines cutting-edge research with practical strategies to help organisations overcome perfectionism's hidden costs to productivity, innovation, and wellbeing. Book this internationally acclaimed expert to transform your team's relationship with achievement and unlock the creative potential currently trapped by unrealistic standards.

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Trusted by CPP Investments, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Swedbank, Maxman Consultants

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frequently asked questions

Got Questions About Booking a Speaker?

What topics does Thomas Curran specialise in?
Thomas Curran specialises in discussing perfectionism, well-being, productivity and more.
What is Thomas Curran's speaking style like?
Thomas captivates audiences with engaging storytelling, skilfully addressing perfectionism’s challenges. His empowering delivery encourages embracing imperfection, leaving participants inspired and equipped with practical strategies for personal and professional growth.
Does Thomas Curran offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Thomas Curran offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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.

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