Dr. Sunil Gupta: Professor of Business
Sunil Gupta is a leading Harvard Business School professor and digital strategy expert who helps organizations navigate digital transformation, customer value creation and data-driven growth.
Quick Facts:
- Professor at Harvard Business School
- Global expert in digital strategy and customer analytics
- Chair of the General Management Program
- Co-chair of Driving Digital Strategy executive program
- Formats:
Keynote Speaker and Digital Strategy Expert
- Audiences:
Executive teams, digital leaders, strategy groups, innovation teams and organizations undergoing digital transformation.
- Outcomes:
- Understand digital transformation and its business impact
- Leverage customer analytics for growth and innovation
- Build competitive strategies in a digital-first world
- Travels from: Boston, MA
- **Fee range: On Request
Keynote Topics
Digital Transformation
The fact that digital technology disrupts existing businesses is no longer news. We have seen and heard many case studies of incumbents struggling in the digital age as new and nimble players emerge with innovative business models. How should large established companies respond to these changes and how should they transform their businesses in this dynamic environment? My research addresses this fundamental question to help large established companies transform their businesses for the digital era.
Talent Short Bio
Sunil Gupta is the Edward W. Carter Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and Chair of the General Management Program. A global authority on digital strategy and customer analytics, he also co-chairs the executive program Driving Digital Strategy and has taught Digital Marketing Strategy to MBA students and senior executives worldwide.
Gupta’s current research examines how digital technologies reshape consumer behavior, business models and competitive strategy. Earlier work in customer management, pricing and marketing ROI established him as a foundational scholar in the field. He has published more than 80 articles, cases and book chapters, earning multiple top awards including the O’Dell and Paul Green Awards for major contributions to marketing science, as well as honors from the Marketing Science Institute, Journal of Interactive Marketing and International Journal of Research in Marketing.
His cases analyze both digital-native companies such as Amazon, Hulu and YouTube and legacy firms undertaking digital transformation, including Adobe, Bank of America and The New York Times. Gupta has advised global organizations across industries from financial services and healthcare to consumer packaged goods and telecom.
Read Full Bio
Sunil Gupta is the Edward W. Carter Professor of Business Administration and Chair of the General Management Program at Harvard Business School. He is also the co-chair of the executive program on Driving Digital Strategy. In the recent past, he has taught an elective course on Digital Marketing Strategy to MBA students and Advanced Management Program to senior managers. From 2008-2013, he served as the Head of the Marketing Unit.
Sunil’s current research is in the area of digital technology and its impact on consumer behavior and firm strategy. His previous research focused on customer management, pricing, and return on marketing investment. He has published two books and over 80 articles, book chapters, cases and notes on these topics.
His research has been well recognized in national and international circles and his articles have won several awards including the 1993, 2002, and 2009 O’Dell Award and the 1998 and 2005 Paul Green Award of the Journal of Marketing Research for the most significant contribution in the field of marketing; the 1998, 2000, and 2003 Marketing Science Institute award for the best paper; the 2004 best paper award for the Journal of Interactive Marketing and the 1999 best paper award for the International Journal of Research in Marketing. Sunil is co-author of two books. His last book, Managing Customers as Investments, was selected as the 2006 winner of the annual Berry-AMA book prize for the best book in marketing.
Dr. Sunil Gupta has written several case studies to understand the impact of digital technology on business practices. These cases include startups such as Angry Birds, Eko, Groupon, Hulu, and PatientsLikeMe; well-established digital companies such as Amazon, TripAdvisor and YouTube; as well as legacy companies that are trying to go through a digital transition – examples include Adobe, Bank of America, BBVA Compass Bank, and the New York Times.
Dr. Sunil Gupta advises and speaks to companies around the world. Some of his representative clients include American Express, Amway, AutoTrader, Avon, BJ Wholesale Club, Duracell, IBM, GfK Academy, Heineken, Henkel, Johnson and Johnson, Kaiser Permanente, L.G. Electronics, MasterCard, McKinsey & Company, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, NPD Group, Pfizer, SK Telecom, Sanofi, TD Bank, Telefonica, Turkcell, Unilever and Vodafone.
As a business expert, Sunil Gupta has frequently appeared on several national and international television programs, such as CBS, CNN, NPR and BBC, and has been quoted in Forbes, The Fast Company, The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Prior to joining Harvard, Sunil was the Meyer Feldberg Professor of Business at Columbia Business School and Assistant Professor at UCLA. In 1996, Sunil spent his sabbatical with McKinsey & Co.
Sunil Gupta holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, and a Ph.D. from Columbia University.
Looking to book this speaker for your next event?
At Speakers Inc., we connect you with the perfect speaker for your audience.
👉 Contact our team to check availability and secure your speaker
https://speakersinc.com/contact-us/speakers-inc/
👉 Watch more speaker videos on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@speakersincUSA/
Talent Videos
Professor Sunil Gupta: A Framework for Learning Through Cases and Digital Transformation
Sunil Gupta explains how case-based storytelling uncovers patterns in digital transformation, shaping frameworks that guide global leaders through real organizational change.
Read Summary & Key Moments
Summary
This 3 minute 25 second video features Professor Sunil Gupta describing why the case method is such a powerful tool for developing strategic understanding, especially in the context of digital transformation. He begins by noting that people learn best through stories; from childhood onward, stories and their morals stay with us. The case method mirrors that process by placing learners inside a narrative with a specific problem and context, enabling lessons to take hold through practical relevance rather than abstraction.
Gupta explains that case research exposes him to a wide breadth of real-world situations across industries. Speaking with companies, startups and venture capitalists reveals patterns not visible from a single example. By comparing how different organizations respond to similar challenges, a generalized framework emerges—one that can then be brought back into the classroom and refined further.
He shares how early cases, including a 2013 case on Adobe’s shift from packaged software to the cloud, sparked deeper inquiry into digital transformation. Over time, he developed a series of cases on companies such as Amazon, Apple and The New York Times. Together they revealed best practices, recurring challenges and common opportunities that informed his executive program Driving Digital Strategy.
The program now attracts more than 100 senior leaders from around the world, including CEOs navigating digital change. Gupta notes that the cases give executives a grounded sense of what digital transformation looks like in practice, providing a structure and approach they can apply inside their own organizations. Many later reach out for customized programs or advisory support.
Key Moments
- 00:27 How case research reveals patterns across companies and leads to generalized frameworks.
- 01:05 Early digital transformation cases such as Adobe and the expansion into Amazon, Apple and The New York Times.
- 01:55 Development of the Driving Digital Strategy executive program and global participation.
- 02:33 Practical value for executives applying the framework inside their organizations.
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
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
- (20)
- (5)
Lily Brasch is a living testament to the power of resilience and determination. Born with a rare congenital condition and told she would never walk, Lily has turned impossibilities into achievements that inspire audiences worldwide. Her journey is a beacon of hope, proving that the human spirit can overcome even the most daunting challenges. From […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Inspirational Speakers
- (8)
Kiesha Garrison is a dynamic keynote speaker, masterful storyteller, and celebrated event host whose career spans over two decades in business strategy, leadership, and personal development. With a passion for fostering meaningful connections and inspiring transformative change, Kiesha brings unparalleled energy and insight to every stage she graces. Her dedication to empowering individuals and teams […]
- Travels from: Seattle, WA
- Event Emcee
- (33)
Michael Veltri is a battle-tested warrior, both in the boardroom and in the competitive world of martial arts. He is the founder and CEO of one of the largest martial arts academies on the east coast, serving a who’s who of Washington, DC’s elite. Over three decades, he has built, scaled, and sold his own companies and is […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Leadership Speakers
- (77)
John Gucci Foley is not your typical keynote speaker. With a career marked by exceptional achievements and a commitment to excellence, he stands out as a beacon of inspiration for those seeking to unlock their highest potential. From his days as the lead solo pilot of the renowned Blue Angels to his role as a […]
- Travels from: Boise, ID
- Leadership Speakers
- (10)
Todd Buchholz has been featured alongside such luminaries as Colin Powell, Michael Porter, and Jeff Bezos. He has been invited to guide corporate and political leaders around the world, from the UK and New Zealand parliaments, to the Mexican and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges, to tech and entertainment firms in Seoul. An internationally known consultant […]
- Travels from: Solana Beach, CA
- Finance Speakers
- (17)
- (4)
Ryan Campbell is not your average pilot. At the age of 19, he made history by becoming the youngest person to fly solo around the world. But his story is far more than just a record-breaking feat. From surviving a plane crash to thriving as a best-selling author and motivational speaker, Ryan’s journey is one […]
- Travels from: Nashville, TN
- Inspirational Speakers
- (56)
Peter Vidmar stands as a testament to the heights that can be achieved through dedication, innovation, and excellence. As the highest-scoring American gymnast in Olympic history, Peter’s journey from a young enthusiast to a celebrated Olympic champion serves as an inspiring narrative for audiences worldwide. His core message emphasizes the principles of Risk, Originality, and […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Summer Olympians
- (2)
Dan Cnossen is a remarkable individual whose journey exemplifies resilience, courage, and the indomitable human spirit. As an inspirational speaker, Dan captivates audiences with his gripping narrative of overcoming life-altering challenges and emerging as a decorated Paralympic athlete, a distinguished Navy SEAL, and a beacon of hope for countless individuals seeking inspiration. Dan Cnossen’s story […]
- Travels from: Natick, MA
- Inspirational 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.