Cal Fussman: Leadership Storyteller

    Cal Fussman - Big Questions

    Quick Facts:

      • 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.
    Reading time: 2 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000

    Keynote Topics

    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.

    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

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    No reviews available for this post.

    Was this profile helpful?

    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!

    View further speakers

    Stephanie Arnold - Image 01 (March 25, 2026)
        Keynote speaker Stephanie Arnold delivers powerful insights on intuition, communication, and decision-making, inspired by her near-death experience and career as an Emmy-nominated television producer.
        • Decision-Making Expert
        Dr. Amy Cuddy - Image 03 (April 30, 2026)

            She helps people project confidence and perform at their best.

            • Social Psychologist
            Rachel DeAlto
                Relationship and communication expert Rachel DeAlto helps leaders and teams strengthen relatability, build meaningful connections, and elevate interpersonal effectiveness through actionable strategies grounded in psychology and human behavior.
                • Communication Expert
                Heath Slawner
                    Heath Slawner is a motivational keynote speaker who blends behavioral science, leadership insights and compelling storytelling to inspire individuals and organizations to elevate performance and drive meaningful change.
                    • Motivational Speaker
                    Ryann Richardson
                        Brand strategist and Diversity and Inclusion leader Ryann Richardson empowers organizations and communities to advance equity, representation, and cultural leadership through impactful storytelling, advocacy, and inclusive innovation.
                        • Diverse Leadership
                        Katty Kay
                            Katty Kay delivers insightful global commentary and confidence-focused guidance, helping audiences navigate politics, leadership, and personal empowerment with clarity and actionable perspective.
                            • Motivational Speaker
                            Robyn Benincasa - Image 06 (April 15, 2026)
                                Robyn Benincasa empowers teams to achieve audacious goals through resilience, collaboration, and her proven strategies from firefighting, world championship racing, and endurance adventure.
                                • Leadership Teamwork
                                April Hernandez Castillo - Image 05 (April 23, 2026)
                                • (1 reviews)

                                  She inspires resilience through storytelling rooted in real life experiences.

                                  • Inspiring Speaker
                                  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.

                                  Speakers Inc.

                                  Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

                                  We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

                                  Find the Perfect Speaker

                                  Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

                                  © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

                                  AI Assistant
                                  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.