Paul Craven is a behavioural science expert, working at the intersection of ethical influence, decision-making, and the psychology of perception. He is an authority on behavioural economics and is committed to helping clients improve their communication and sales skills by applying psychological principles.
With over 30 years of experience in sales and development, Paul began his career as the Head of UK Institutional Sales at Schroder Investment Management. After 17 years, he moved to PIMCO as the Head of UK Business Development. Following this, Paul joined Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) as the Head of UK Institutional Business. Progressing to Head of European Institutional Business, he remained in this position for over four years. In 2013, he left GSAM and established his own organisation, Paul Craven Partners, through which he delivers public speaking engagements and workshops on behavioural science with a specific focus on influence and persuasion. Since 2024, Paul has served as a founding member and certified professional trainer of the Cialdini Institute, where he shares Cialdini’s seven principles of ethical persuasion to audiences worldwide.
Alongside his professional career, Paul has served on the £2 billion Akzo Nobel Pension Scheme’s Investment Committee since 2014 and is also an accredited member of the Magic Circle, providing him with a truly unique perspective on how the mind can perceive illusion. His forthcoming book will be titled 'Chameleon Thinking' and will explore his understanding of behavioural psychology.
An experienced and knowledgeable speaker, Paul is certain to make any event, summit, or function one to remember. Sharing his keynotes and masterclasses with clarity and passion, he engages audiences of all kinds with his fascinating discussions. He delivered his TEDx talk ‘Minds and Markets’ to great acclaim, offering practical advice on how institutions can use behavioural economics to create a competitive advantage. With insight and perception, Paul is the perfect addition for a multitude of engagements.
Paul Craven's official speaking topics are listed below:
- The Art and Science of Ethical Persuasion
- How Real People Make Real Decisions in the Real World
- Behavioural Science for Leaders
- Why Relationships Matter More Than Transactions
- The Psychology of Perception: Why the Mind Plays Tricks
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"The best psychologists are magicians. Normally, you might demonstrate an effect on 8% of people and regard it as significant. In magic, it has to be 100% every time. Paul demonstrates this - with that all-too-rare mixture of erudition, wit and practical ideas." - Rory, Vice Chairman, Oglivy
"Paul has presented on numerous occasions for us to audiences made up of the UK's leading wealth and investment managers, and the feedback has been excellent - and he had them captivated." - Natalie, Channel Head Wealth Manager, Citywire Holdings
"Paul's work for the European Institutional Investor Institute was very well received by our members. he has the rare ability to both entertain and educate, making the audience question previously held assumptions." - Alex, Director, European Investor Institute
"Paul's presentation to a pension lawyer audience, about how our clients and we make decisions, was interesting, illuminating and funny. Behavioural science has implications much wider than finance." - Anna, Partner, Mayer Brown International LLP
- 2024 – Keynote Speaker and Certified Professional Trainer, The Cialdini Institute
- 2014 – Founder, Paul Craven Partners
- 2009 – Head of European Institutional Business, GSAM
- 2007 – Head of UK Institutional Business, GSAM
- 2003 – Head of UK Business Development, PIMCO
- 1986 – Head of UK Institutional Sales, Schroder Investment Management
How to hire Paul Craven
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Paul Craven 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.
