Adrian Gostick: Organizational Culture

Adrian Gostick is a corporate culture expert and bestselling leadership speaker who helps organizations boost engagement, performance and teamwork through research-driven, practical strategies.

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author
  • Leading expert in corporate culture, engagement and organizational development
  • Insights drawn from more than 850,000 employee engagement surveys
  • Books including The Carrot Principle, All In and The Best Team Wins

Formats: Keynote speaker, corporate culture expert, employee engagement strategist and bestselling leadership author.

Audiences: Business leaders, HR professionals, executive teams and organizations seeking stronger culture, engagement and performance.

Outcomes:
  1. Learn proven strategies to strengthen employee engagement and morale
  2. Gain tools for building cohesive, high-performing teams
  3. Improve leadership effectiveness through practical, research-backed frameworks
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Park City, UT
  • **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

Building an All-In Culture, Managing Change and Enhancing Engagement

THE DILEMMA:
While most leaders understand their most reliable competitive advantage comes from their people, few know how to get their teams “all in”—convincing employees to buy into the strategy they’ve put forward.

THE RESULT:
Adrian offers managers at all levels specific how-tos for each step, and tells fascinating stories of leaders in action that vividly depict just how these powerful methods can be implemented.

THE AUDIENCE:
Designed for senior leaders and managers (can be tailored to include all employees), Adrian has presented on culture and engagement to corporate audiences and conferences worldwide. The session is always customized to an organization’s specific culture challenges based on pre-calls, interviews and research.

The 5 Disciplines of Today’s Most Effective Work Groups

THE DILEMMA:
Leadership is about people, but many managers get so busy they lose sight of those who deliver the results. The best leaders have high expectations for their team members while also creating environments where their people know the plan, are focused on areas that need attention, and feel appreciated for every step forward.

THE RESULT:
The payoffs in getting this right come not only in leaders boosting performance and morale, but in gaining a better understand of their team members, how they are contributing, and what more they have to give.

THE AUDIENCE:
Designed for senior leaders and managers (can be tailored to include all employees), Adrian Gostick has presented on leadership issues to corporate audiences and conferences worldwide. The session is always customized to an organization’s specific culture challenges based on pre-calls, interviews and research.

8 Leadership Practices for Extraordinary Business Results

THE DILEMMA:
96% of executive cite poor collaboration as the main source of workplace failures. How can we lead teams to improved performance given the volatility and challenges teams face today, including: increased speed of change, the need to work more cross-functionally, the emergence of more remote, global & gig workers, and the rise of Millennials & Gen Z.

THE RESULT:
Adrian’s research shows a set of disciplines makes the biggest difference. He helps manage generational differences, speed productivity, inspire innovation and robust debate, and create true alignment around customers.

THE AUDIENCE:
Designed for audiences of all levels—from individual contributors to CEOs—Adrian Gostick has presented on teamwork to corporate audiences and conferences worldwide. The session is always customized to an organization’s specific culture challenges based on pre-calls, interviews and research.

Talent Short Bio

Adrian Gostick is a global authority on corporate culture, employee relations and human resources management, known for translating complex research into practical, high-impact leadership strategies. A bestselling author many times over, Adrian has shaped the modern conversation around workplace engagement with books such as The Best Team Wins, All In and The Carrot Principle, the latter a New York Times regular bestseller praised by Larry King on CNN as a must-read for modern managers. His book The Orange Revolution topped the Wall Street Journal bestseller list, further solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in organizational culture.

His work is grounded in decades of research, including insights from more than 850,000 employee engagement surveys, giving leaders concrete methods for building high-performing, highly connected teams. Adrian’s expertise extends far beyond authorship. He is a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant whose thought leadership has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, CNN, NPR and other major media outlets.

Adrian combines scholarship with extensive real-world experience, helping organizations foster environments where employees feel valued, aligned and motivated. His sessions deliver evidence-based principles that strengthen morale, improve productivity and elevate organizational performance.

Adrian Gostick is an expert in corporate culture, employee relations, and human resources management. With a prolific track record of successful publications, Adrian is renowned globally as a foremost thought leader in his field. His books, including “The Best Team Wins,” “All In,” and “The Carrot Principle” (a New York Times regular bestseller), illuminate the path to optimal employee engagement and organizational success.

Notably, “The Carrot Principle” earned accolades from Larry King on CNN, who described it as “a must-read for modern-day managers.” Adrian’s latest offering, “The Best Team Wins,” draws from extensive research encompassing over 850,000 employee engagement surveys, distilling the essence of leadership success into an accessible guide. Moreover, “The Orange Revolution” claimed the coveted top spot on the Wall Street Journal’s bestseller list, cementing Adrian’s status as a literary luminary in the field of leadership and organizational dynamics.

Adrian Gostick’s journey to becoming a preeminent authority in corporate culture and leadership is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences and accomplishments. With a deep-rooted understanding of organizational dynamics, Adrian has spent decades delving into the intricacies of what makes teams thrive. Drawing from his extensive research and practical insights, Adrian has authored multiple groundbreaking books that serve as indispensable resources for leaders navigating the complexities of modern workplaces.

His expertise extends beyond theoretical frameworks, as evidenced by his appearances on esteemed platforms such as NBC’s Today Show, CNN, and NPR, where he shares actionable strategies for fostering a culture of engagement and excellence. As a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant, Adrian brings a unique blend of scholarship and real-world experience to his engagements. His ability to seamlessly bridge the gap between theory and practice makes him a compelling choice for organizations striving to enhance employee morale, productivity, and overall performance.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Talent Videos

Adrian Gostick Speaker Reel: Building High-Performance Cultures Through Engagement and Psychological Safety

A 6 minute and 51 second speaker reel where Adrian Gostick shows how culture, leadership behaviors and recognition systems drive stronger engagement, innovation and organizational performance.

This 6 minute and 51 second reel captures Adrian Gostick’s central message: good leaders focus on what people do, but great leaders remind them why it matters. He explains that despite leaders’ best efforts to improve engagement, many overlook the deeper driver of performance: culture. And with 95 percent of job candidates rating culture more important than compensation, organizations must intentionally live the values they promote. Candidates now examine employer brand, online reputation and whether the company lives up to its stated culture.

Adrian’s research-backed approach is grounded in more than 800,000 employee engagement survey responses. He uses this data to illustrate what makes employees excited about coming to work. Audience reactions in the reel highlight the impact of these insights, describing his sessions as the most powerful they have experienced in decades.

He explores the contrast between poor and exceptional leadership through interactive storytelling. Attendees describe how demeaning or dismissive managers erode trust, while supportive leaders inspire extra effort, commitment and discretionary contribution. Trust, integrity and psychological safety emerge as core cultural drivers.

Adrian introduces a case study from Bell Helicopter, showing how CEO Mitch Snyder transformed a risk-averse engineering culture into an innovation-driven one. By establishing ground rules for safe debate, removing fear of looking foolish and creating space for unconventional ideas, the team delivered breakthrough designs. This shift occurred when employees moved from behaving like “a herd searching for cover” to “a pack searching for solutions.”

He illustrates how leaders can reinforce positive culture through simple, consistent recognition. He shares the story of Carlos Aguilo from Avis Budget Group, who starts each day with ten pennies in his pocket—moving one to the other pocket each time he recognizes an employee for living a core value. This micro-recognition system generates continual moments of excellence, reinforcing expected behaviors and making cultural values visible every day.

Key Moments

  • 00:42 Job candidates valuing culture over compensation and the role of employer brand
  • 01:22 Research insights drawn from 800,000 engagement surveys
  • 02:05 Contrasting bad bosses with great leaders to reveal trust and commitment drivers
  • 03:10 Bell Helicopter case study on psychological safety and innovation

A 3 minute and 37 second virtual demo showing how Chester Elton and Adrian Gostick deliver fast-paced, engaging and research-backed leadership content tailored for digital audiences.

This 3 minute and 37 second virtual demo introduces Chester Elton and Adrian Gostick as a seasoned leadership duo with more than two decades of experience helping top organizations strengthen culture, develop leaders and elevate employee engagement. They begin with humor, acknowledging virtual meeting fatigue and demonstrating their light, relatable style before transitioning into the depth of expertise behind their programs.

Chester and Adrian explain that their work draws from over one million engagement surveys conducted across industries, giving them a robust evidence base for the practical tools they teach leaders. They emphasize that they are not new to virtual delivery; they have been presenting to online audiences for years. Their digital sessions are fully customized to each organization’s technology and content needs, and they approach virtual learning with a commitment to keeping it fun, fast, interactive and emotionally resonant.

They highlight their use of polls, quizzes, giveaways and visual elements to maintain engagement, ensuring that learning sticks. Audience testimonials reinforce the value of their combined perspectives, mutual respect and thought leadership, with references to their bestselling books The Best Team Wins and The Carrot Principle as key touchstones for their message.

The reel showcases their leadership models, which have been tested with some of the world’s most successful organizations. They promise actionable case studies and real tools that participants can use immediately to lead with purpose, vision and gratitude. Chester and Adrian also demonstrate a range of production options, from high-end studio setups to minimalist home-office delivery, all with polished quality.

Key Moments

  • 00:25 Their research base and leadership tools drawn from one million surveys
  • 00:55 Customizing virtual presentations and elevating digital engagement
  • 01:28 Interactive elements: polls, quizzes, giveaways and memorable learning
  • 02:05 Testimonials and the impact of their thought leadership

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

Talent Resources

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more
Was this profile helpful?

You may be interested in...

  • (40)
Relevant Leadership Podcast - Ty Bennett

Ty Bennett is the Owner & CEO of the largest Ninja Warrior Gym in the world and it’s not stopping there – soon he will have three Ninja Warrior Gyms to add to his portfolio. An active CEO and serial entrepreneur, he has built three multi-million dollar businesses in three different industries. Ty and his […]

  • Travels from: Salt Lake City, UT
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (60)
Jessica Kriegel

Dr. Jessica Kriegel is a renowned workplace culture strategist, researcher, and speaker dedicated to transforming company cultures for business success. With a dynamic presence and an evidence-based approach, she has helped Fortune 100 companies, global brands, and industry leaders foster intentional cultures that drive performance, innovation, and employee engagement. Her expertise lies in decoding organizational […]

  • Travels from: Sacramento, CA
  • Culture Speakers
  • (60)
  • (2)

With his unique approach to leadership and an unwavering commitment to helping people find their purpose, Brant Menswar has left an indelible mark on the world of business and personal development. In this profile, we will delve into the life and work of Brant Menswar, exploring his journey, his philosophy, and the impact he has […]

  • Travels from: Senoia, GA
  • Organizational Culture
  • (76)
Kristen Ziman - Hollow Bunny Leadership Podcast

Kristen Ziman’s career in law enforcement began with the Aurora Police Department, where she rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police. In her tenure, she spearheaded numerous initiatives that enhanced public safety, strengthened community relations, and improved organizational efficiency. Under her leadership, Aurora’s policing strategies evolved to embrace modern, forward-thinking approaches, prioritizing collaboration, […]

  • Travels from: Naples, FL
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (13)
Hannah Ubl

Meet Hannah Ubl, a dynamic force in the world of professional speaking, dedicated to transforming organizations into places where people thrive. With a passion for challenging traditional workplace norms, Hannah’s mission is clear: to create workplaces that don’t suck. As the Co-founder of Good Company Consulting, she brings a fresh perspective to the table, advocating […]

  • Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
  • Culture Speakers
  • (12)

As a Corporate Culture Specialist, Greg Hawks shapes environments where everyone gets to contribute their best daily! For two decades he has mentored leaders, developed teams, crafted culture and empowered employees. As a Keynote Speaker, he is an enthusiastic character. His style, wit and energy consistently capture the attention and imagination of audiences. His forward […]

  • Travels from: Edmond, OK
  • Culture Speakers
  • (43)
Louie Gravance-cover

Louie Gravance is a globally celebrated authority in customer service, employee engagement, and corporate culture transformation. With an unparalleled ability to captivate audiences, Louie translates his rich expertise into actionable strategies that inspire organizations to create unforgettable customer experiences and foster thriving workplace cultures. As a former Disney Institute Professor, Louie brings the magic of […]

  • Travels from: Orlando, FL
  • Culture Speakers
  • (9)
Heath Slawner

Heath Slawner is a distinguished keynote speaker renowned for his extraordinary ability to connect with audiences and their ideas. With a natural charisma and passion for his craft, Heath has become a beacon of inspiration for individuals and organizations around the globe. His expertise spans various industries, including finance, life sciences, consumer goods, real estate, […]

  • Travels from: Montreal, Quebec
  • Motivational Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.