Cal Fussman: Leadership Storyteller
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.
- 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.
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Cal Fussman
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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?
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Additional tips and takeaways
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