Paul Craven brings rare credibility at the intersection of behavioural science, ethical influence and real-world commercial leadership. With a career spanning senior roles in global finance and a deep understanding of how people think, decide and act, Paul helps audiences see why behaviour matters as much as strategy. His work focuses on improving communication, decision-making and performance by understanding the psychology that drives human behaviour, making his insights both intellectually compelling and immediately practical.
Paul’s early career was built in highly competitive institutional environments, where performance depends on trust, clarity and influence. With more than 30 years’ experience in sales and development, he began as Head of UK Institutional Sales at Schroder Investment Management, where he developed a deep understanding of how organisations and individuals make complex decisions. He later moved to PIMCO as Head of UK Business Development before joining Goldman Sachs Asset Management as Head of UK Institutional Business. His progression to Head of European Institutional Business placed him at the centre of large-scale decision-making, leadership and client engagement across multiple markets. These roles shaped his practical understanding of influence under pressure and the behavioural dynamics that underpin success. After leaving Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Paul founded Paul Craven Partners, through which he delivers keynotes, workshops and advisory work focused on behavioural science, persuasion and influence. He is also a founding member and certified professional trainer at the Cialdini Institute, sharing the seven principles of ethical persuasion with audiences worldwide. His forthcoming book, Chameleon Thinking, further explores these themes.
Alongside his corporate career, Paul has built a reputation as a respected authority beyond the boardroom. He has served for many years on the Investment Committee of the £2 billion Akzo Nobel Pension Scheme, contributing strategic oversight and behavioural insight to long-term investment decisions. He is also an accredited member of the Magic Circle, a distinction that gives him a unique lens on perception, misdirection and how the human mind interprets reality.
Paul is an exceptional motivational speaker because he combines authority, clarity and storytelling with practical relevance. His talks translate complex behavioural science into accessible, engaging insights that audiences can apply immediately. Drawing on senior leadership experience, psychology and even the principles of illusion, he challenges how people think about influence and performance. His acclaimed TEDx talk 'Minds and Markets' exemplifies his ability to inspire while delivering tangible value. Insightful, credible and engaging, Paul leaves audiences motivated not by hype, but by understanding how to think and act differently.
