David Burkus has spent his career helping leaders understand how teams work and how they can perform at their best. As an organisational psychologist and bestselling author, he has built a reputation for turning careful research into clear, practical guidance that leaders can use straight away. His work reaches a global audience through his books, keynote talks and commentary in major publications, and his thinking is shaped by years of studying how people collaborate, communicate and make decisions in fast moving environments. David’s work with organisations such as Microsoft, NASA and Adobe reflects the confidence many senior teams place in his approach.
David speaks with the ease of someone who understands both the science and the lived reality of leadership. He shares examples from the companies he has worked with to show how simple changes in communication or structure can transform a team’s performance. One technology firm used his guidance on trust and shared purpose to reshape their leadership meetings, and within weeks they reported more focused discussions, quicker decisions and stronger engagement across project groups. David’s ability to give audiences concrete actions, rather than abstract ideas, is one of the reasons he is invited back to so many organisations. His sessions encourage leaders to examine their own habits and create small interventions that lead to meaningful change.
Before becoming a full time speaker and advisor, David worked as a business school professor of leadership and innovation, a role that strengthened his understanding of behaviour, motivation and culture. His academic background supports the evidence base behind his talks, and his time in the classroom refined his ability to explain ideas clearly. During this period he published several acclaimed books, including 'Best Team Ever', 'Leading From Anywhere', 'Friend of a Friend' and 'Under New Management'. These titles have been translated into numerous languages and are widely used by leaders who want a reliable guide to building high performing teams.
David has also been named multiple times as one of the Thinkers50 leading business thinkers, a recognition that reflects his influence on modern leadership thinking. This, together with his strong speaking presence, makes him a valuable addition to any event where organisations want to strengthen collaboration, improve communication or develop confident, capable leaders. His message is straightforward and grounded in real experience, giving teams the clarity and confidence they need to work more effectively together.
