Greg McKeown

Greg McKeown is a globally respected keynote speaker and thought leader on prioritisation, interpersonal communication and team effectiveness. As a two-time New York Times bestselling author and founder of The Essentialism Academy, Greg has transformed how organisations approach performance, shifting the focus from doing more to doing what matters most. His work resonates with senior leaders and teams seeking clarity in complex environments, making him a trusted voice on modern organisational thinking. Known for delivering practical insights with lasting impact, Greg is widely hired to help businesses unlock higher levels of focus, productivity and measurable growth.

Greg’s career is rooted in organisational psychology, having completed his MBA at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. He began as a Leadership Consultant at Heidrick and Struggles, advising senior executives across competitive industries and assessing leadership effectiveness. He later became a partner at The Wiseman Group, contributing to the research and development of influential leadership frameworks. His global perspective was further recognised when he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Alongside further study in public policy at Harvard University, he founded The Essentialism Academy to equip individuals with practical leadership tools. He continues to expand his academic work through doctoral research in interpersonal communication at the University of Cambridge, while also supporting organisations through advisory and mentoring roles.

Greg’s influence is reinforced by his bestselling books 'Essentialism' and 'Effortless', which have sold over three million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 45 languages. His ideas have been featured in leading publications including The New Yorker, The New York Times, Time Magazine, Fortune and Harvard Business Review. He also hosts The Greg McKeown Podcast, where he engages in in-depth conversations with globally recognised figures from business, technology and entertainment, further extending his reach and authority.

As a keynote speaker, Greg stands out for his ability to translate complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies. He has delivered talks for organisations such as Apple, Google, Microsoft and Nike, as well as high-profile platforms including TED and SXSW. His presentations combine research-driven insight with compelling storytelling, equipping audiences to eliminate distractions, prioritise effectively and execute with precision. Greg’s approach challenges conventional thinking while providing practical tools that can be implemented immediately, making him a powerful catalyst for organisational change and sustained high performance.