Cal Fussman: Leadership Storyteller
- Highlights:
- Cal turns his experiences with the icons into takeaways that every person can use in their work.
- Audiences will walk away understanding how Richard Branson leads, how Kobe Bryant overcomes fear, how George Clooney taps into creativity and how Larry King builds connection.
- Cal will customize lessons to the theme of your event so that each person in the audience is empowered with tools that can be used in their own work and life.
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000
Keynote Topics
What's Your Story?
In this age of information overload, only stories cut through the static and grasp attention.
Cal teaches techniques that can help both individuals and companies tell their stories in a way that stands out — and he does so through unforgettable stories of his interviews with the icons who’ve shaped history over the last half century.
Read Full Bio
For over four decades, Cal Fussman has interviewed hundreds of the world’s most influential individuals: Muhammad Ali, Jack Welch, Mikhail Gorbachev, Serena Williams, Jeff Bezos, Jimmy Carter, Kobe Bryant, Richard Branson, and the list goes on.
Now, as a New York Times bestselling author, keynote speaker, world-renowned interviewer, and host of the Big Questions podcast, Fussman travels the world teaching the world’s largest companies, universities, and associations about leadership, storytelling, innovation, teamwork, and more.
When Cal speaks, you’re listening to everyone he’s ever interviewed. Lessons and stories from hundreds of world icons, all coming through one man in a fedora.
Over the past several years, Cal Fussman has delivered keynotes for industry leading organizations including General Motors, Facebook, Pixar, Twitter, The Vanguard Group, Apple Music, Snapchat, Samsung, Turner Broadcasting, Vans, Lululemon, YPO, and Entrepreneur’s Organization; universities like UCLA and Georgetown; and at conferences as far as South Africa and Kenya.
After Cal spoke at Facebook, Chris Sanders in Global Marketing Solutions said: “We literally have people using the term, ‘Cal Question.’ He has become a part of our culture.”
Born in Brooklyn, Fussman spent ten straight years traveling the world, swimming over 18-foot tiger sharks, rolling around with mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and searching for gold in the Amazon.
He boxed against then-undefeated world champion Julio Cesar Chavez, won a James Beard award and served as sommelier atop of the World Trade Center.
He now lives with his wife—whom he met while on his quest to discover the world’s most beautiful beach—and his three children in Los Angeles, where he spends every morning eating breakfast with Larry King.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
Cal Fussman
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent Resources
View Media Kit
Talent resources available for download
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
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- 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!
View further speakers
- (35)
- (3)
Ryan Jenkins, CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional)™, is a globally recognized keynote speaker, virtual trainer, and a distinguished Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Renowned for his expertise in leadership, generational differences, team connection, and the future of work, Ryan delivers compelling talks that inspire audiences worldwide to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with confidence […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Generational Speakers
- (23)
Farrah Khan has spent two decades raising awareness about the intersections of gender-based violence and equity through education, policy, and advocacy. She is a member of the Government of Canada’s Advisory Council on the Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, former co-chair of the Ontario Government Provincial Roundtable on Violence Against Women, board member […]
- Travels from: Toronto, ON
- Leadership Speakers
- (73)
For the more than over 50 million Hispanics in the United States, Julie Stav is not only a financial expert and educator, she is considered by many as a leader and inspirational role model, creating a following that now wishes to emulate her image and success. With a revolutionary multi-media communications platform, Julie inspires and […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Hispanic Speakers
- (61)
Tyler Perry is a true renaissance figure in the world of entertainment, renowned for his unparalleled success as a director, playwright, screenwriter, producer, actor, author, and entrepreneur. The Birth of Madea and the Rise of the Chitlin’ Circuit In the early 1990s, Perry started his journey in the entertainment industry with a series of stage […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Celebrity Speakers
- (19)
Kim Lear is a prominent figure in the realm of generational patterns and demographic shifts. As the founder and content director of Inlay Insights, she spearheads groundbreaking research that unveils cultural transformations, reshaping how organizations engage both their employees and consumers. With a unique blend of data analysis, compelling storytelling, wit, and actionable insights, Kim […]
- Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
- Futurists Speakers
- (61)
Gautam Mukunda is an internationally recognized expert in leadership and innovation. He often jokes that his life’s ambition is to have the world’s most confusing resume and that he’s most of the way there. He is a Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership. He is also the host of Nasdaq’s […]
- Travels from: Boston, MA
- Leadership Speakers
- (89)
Notoriously recognized as “Obama’s DJ,” DJ Mel is one of Texas’ most well-rounded and high profiled DJs. Based in Austin with past performances at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Bonnaroo, Voodoo Festival, 2015-2019 NFL Draft, 57th Presidential Inauguration for Barack Obama, 2012 Democratic National Convention, Election Night 2012 at Obama HQ, Obama Farewell Address, […]
- Travels from: Austin, TX
- Mobile DJ
- (33)
Marco Tempest is an internationally renowned magician who blends illusion, technology, and storytelling to create unforgettable experiences. With a unique blend of expertise in both traditional magic and cutting-edge technology, Tempest has established himself as a pioneer in the field of techno-magic, captivating audiences at conferences, corporate events, and high-profile gatherings around the world. His work […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Motivational Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
