Bill Burke is the founder and CEO of The Optimism Institute and a former Harvard Advanced Leadership Fellow. He has enjoyed a thriving career in media and sports as an executive, writer, and producer, and now looks to inspire others to follow in his footsteps. As a speaker, Bill covers the topics of leadership and optimism to help individuals, teams, and organisations feel happier and perform at their best.
Beginning his career in 1994 with roles including General Manager at Turner Classic Movies, President of TBS Superstation at Turner Broadcasting, and President and CEO of Resort Sports Network, Bill soon became President and CEO at The Weather Channel Companies in 2002. In 2008, he co-authored CNN founder, Ted Turner’s New York Times Bestselling autobiography, Call Me Ted. 2012 saw Bill co-found Argos Pictures, where he co-wrote, co-produced, and co-directed the award-winning documentary, Live Another Day, which focuses on the story of the US auto industry bailout.
Bill has also held positions on the Board of Directors at Simulmedia, as co-owner and Chairman at Portland Sea Dogs, and on the Board of Directors at Dead River Company. In 2022, he launched media enterprise, The Optimism Institute and the Blue Sky podcast, all with the aim of neutralising the harmful impact on mental health that comes with the onslaught of negative news and social media content. Bill uses his podcast to try and positively influence listeners with an optimistic view of the world and the future.
Bill is available to hire to speak at your event on topics such as how to be an optimist in the modern world, how optimism is important in leadership, and how to cultivate a positive culture within your organisation. His optimistic, inspiring, and practical perspective on leadership and teamwork will leave audiences feeling more cheerful and hopeful about the future to come.
Books
Call Me Ted
How to hire Bill Burke
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Bill Burke for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Bill Burke’s official speaking topics are listed below:
How to Be a Modern Optimist
Today’s culture overwhelms us with negativity through social media feeds, notifications, and news, distracting us from the extraordinary success that humanity continues to accomplish. Audiences will learn how to navigate this and adopt a more positive outlook.
Optimism is a Force Multiplier
Bill explores the significance of optimism in both the workplace and the home. Taking inspiration from the late General Colin Powell, whose view was that “perpetual optimism is a force multiplier”, Bill focuses on how positivity promotes resilience and the ability to solve problems.
ROI: Return on Integrity
Bill analyses the importance of integrity in business, including how prioritising ethical practices both fosters a positive organisational culture, sustainability, and profitability.
Optimism in Leadership
Bill explores how a positive mindset can enhance leadership abilities, team morale, and innovation. He emphasises the importance of optimistic thinking in making effective decisions and being a successful leader. Audiences will discover practical strategies in cultivating optimism in leadership styles, taking their effectiveness to the next level and motivating their teams.
Optimism & Mental Health
Bill highlights the crucial link between optimism and mental health, accentuating how the importance of a positive mindset can alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression while improving overall life satisfaction. Audiences will gain valuable insights on how to be more optimistic, ultimately promoting them to improve their mental wellbeing and lead more fulfilling lives.
Cultivating a Positive Culture in Organisations
Bill shares effective strategies for a more positive culture at work. He promotes the importance of optimism to boost employee engagement, productivity, and workplace happiness. Audiences will discover practical approaches to uplift their environment and become increasingly motivated and satisfied at work.
Personal Growth Through Optimism
Bill inspires his audiences to embrace optimistic habits in their daily lives. This comes with practical tips and personal anecdotes to demonstrate the transformative possibilities of thinking positively. Audiences will know how to achieve a more optimistic mindset, enhance their personal growth, and improve their overall wellbeing.
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
“Hi Bill - That was wonderful! Our employees really enjoyed hearing from you, based on the amount of thoughtful questions we received.” – Bitsight
“The Workday Marketing team had the pleasure of welcoming Bill Burke, founder of The Optimism Institute and host of the inspirational podcast Blue Sky, for a CMO School event. He shared his perspectives on leadership, career progression, and why an optimistic approach to life wins every time! My key take aways were the importance of being a lifelong learner - read more history - and how important it is to be curious. Such great lessons - and fantastic feedback from our global colleagues.” - Workday
- 2024 – Launched the Podcast, Blue Sky
- 2022 – Founded The Optimism Institute
- 2018 – Board of Directors at Dead River Company
- 2016 – Release of the Co-Written, Co-Produced & Co-Directed Documentary, Live Another Day
- 2012-2019 – Co-Founder of Argos Pictures
- 2010-2023 – Chairman at Portland Sea Dogs
- 2009-2020 – Board of Directors at Simulmedia, Inc.
- 2008 – Co-Author of New York Times Bestselling Autobiography of Ted Turner, Call Me Ted
- 2002-2004 – President & CEO of The Weather Channel Companies
- 2000-2001 – President & CEO of Resort Sports Network
- 1995-1999 – President, TBS Superstation at Turner Broadcasting
- 1994-1995 – General Manager at Turner Classic Movies
