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Walter Isaacson
Gain insights into the lives of influential figures throughout history and discover the power of innovation with Walter Isaacson, speaker, author, and professor.
Walter Isaacson is an American author, journalist, and professor. He graduated as a Rhodes Scholar from Harvard College and Pembroke College, Oxford University. Isaacson began his journalistic career at The Sunday Times of London and later joined TIME magazine in 1978, serving various roles, including political correspondent, national editor, and editor of digital media, before becoming the magazine's 14th editor in 1996. He then became the chairman and CEO of CNN in 2001 and the president and CEO of the Aspen Institute in 2003. Isaacson is known for his biographical works, including books on Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, Henry Kissinger, and Leonardo da Vinci. He has also written about innovation and technology in "The Innovators." Isaacson has held leadership positions, including being the campaign chair and emeritus board member at Tulane University, chair emeritus of Teach for America, and a U.S. Defense Innovation Board member. President Barack Obama appointed him to serve as the chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors. Isaacson has received awards and recognitions, including the Benjamin Franklin Medal, the Nichols-Chancellor's Medal, and the National Humanities Medal. He is a member of organizations such as the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Royal Society of the Arts, and the American Philosophical Society. Isaacson teaches at Tulane University and serves on the United Airlines and Bloomberg Philanthropies board.
Topics, sessions and talks
Experience a captivating keynote talk with Walter Isaacson, renowned author, journalist, and professor. Gain valuable insights from his extensive biographical works on iconic figures such as Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo da Vinci. Discover the secrets of innovation and technology as Isaacson shares his expertise, leaving you inspired and ready to take on new challenges.
Walter's extensive experience in leadership roles across prestigious media organizations and his deep understanding of innovation and technology make him an invaluable speaker for teams and businesses looking to inspire creativity and strategic thinking. His acclaimed biographies on some of the most influential figures in history offer unique insights into the minds of innovators, providing actionable lessons on leadership, perseverance, and vision. Booking Walter as a speaker will not only elevate your event but also empower your team with the knowledge and motivation to excel in an ever-changing business landscape.
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frequently asked questions
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Email walter.isaacson@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 Walter'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.
Walter Isaacson draws on his biographical research into figures such as Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo da Vinci to extract transferable lessons on innovation and creativity, presenting these through a comparative analysis of how historical and contemporary innovators approached problem-solving.
Walter Isaacson speaks on innovation, technology, and the lives of historical and contemporary figures including Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo da Vinci. He served as editor of TIME magazine and chairman and CEO of CNN, and is the author of biographical works on Benjamin Franklin, Henry Kissinger, and others, as well as The Innovators.
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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