Oliver Burkeman

Oliver Burkeman is a celebrated mental health and wellbeing speaker whose thought-provoking work has made a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. A Sunday Times best-selling author and award-winning journalist, Oliver has spent decades exploring the psychological foundations of happiness, productivity and the pursuit of a meaningful life. His long-running Guardian column, “This Column Will Change Your Life”, earned a loyal following between 2006 and 2020, offering readers accessible insights into social psychology and self-help that challenged conventional thinking.

A graduate of the University of Cambridge with a degree in Social and Political Sciences, Oliver’s writing spans influential outlets such as The New York Times, Psychologies, and New Philosopher. His best-known books — including “Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals” and “The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking” — reflect a refreshingly candid approach to personal development. By confronting modern anxieties around busyness and perfectionism, Oliver helps people reframe their lives around what truly matters.

His journalistic achievements have been widely recognised. He was named the Foreign Press Association’s Young Journalist of the Year, shortlisted for the prestigious Orwell Prize, and awarded the FPA’s Science Story of the Year. Alongside keynote speeches for TEDx and Talks at Google, Oliver continues to reach global audiences through his newsletter “The Imperfectionist” and appearances on platforms such as Sam Harris’s “Waking Up”. His voice stands out for its clarity, pragmatism and humour, making complex psychological ideas both engaging and useful.

With a deep understanding of psychology, neuroscience, and the human condition, Oliver Burkeman is an exceptional speaker for any event focused on wellbeing, mental health or personal growth. His message resonates with professionals and everyday audiences alike — guiding them to embrace imperfection, make peace with limits, and cultivate a more intentional life. Hire Oliver Burkeman via The Mental Health Speakers Agency to empower your audience with transformative, lasting insights.