Bill Burke

Transform your organization with optimism. Bill Burke, founder of The Optimism Institute and former CEO of The Weather Channel, inspires teams to lead with purpose and positivity.

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Bill Burke’s session was far more than a speaking engagement—it was a powerful and timely experience for our team. As we focused on building a culture that embraces change, Bill’s message on the power of optimism resonated deeply and personally, offering a sense of agency and hope that people didn’t even realize they needed. What made it so impactful was that he spoke to something bigger than just the workplace—he addressed the challenges of the world around us with honesty and inspiration. Multiple team members shared that his words helped them reframe not just their week or month, but their outlook on the years ahead. He reminded us that we are not powerless—and yes, there were tears: the kind that come from being seen, inspired, and emotionally moved. Bill set the emotional tone for our offsite and helped spark the mindset shift we came together to create.

Keri Kaiser

FSA Store

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Non-binding request for Bill Burke

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+1 347 223 5128 +44 20 3744 5675

Why book Bill Burke for your next event!

Former TBS Superstation president and Time Warner executive, Bill shares hard-earned leadership lessons from the world’s top brands.
Award-winning producer and thought leader, Bill Burke inspires with stories from CNN, Turner Classic Movies, and The Optimism Institute.
A Harvard Advanced Leadership Fellow and founder of The Optimism Institute, Bill blends research and experience into actionable insights.

Non-binding request for Bill Burke

The Power of Positive Leadership in Challenging Times

Unlock the power of optimism to drive leadership, innovation, and growth. Former CEO of The Weather Channel and Harvard Fellow, Bill Burke delivers transformative keynotes that equip teams with proven tools to lead with positivity, purpose, and resilience in today’s fast-changing world.

Keynote Speaker Bill Burke is a leading voice on optimism, leadership, and organizational transformation. Drawing on a remarkable career as a top media executive, writer, and producer, Bill brings real-world insights and proven leadership experience to every stage. As the founder of The Optimism Institute, he helps organizations harness the power of optimism to strengthen culture, inspire innovation, and build resilience in times of change.

Before launching The Optimism Institute, Bill served as CEO of The Weather Channel Companies, president of TBS Superstation at just 29, and founding general manager of Turner Classic Movies at Time Warner. He also co-authored the New York Times best-selling autobiography Call Me Ted with CNN founder Ted Turner and produced the award-winning documentary Live Another Day on leadership through crisis.

A Harvard Advanced Leadership Fellow, Bill has interviewed some of the world’s top thinkers on his Blue Sky Podcast, exploring how optimism drives better leadership and team performance. His keynote presentations deliver actionable frameworks for leaders seeking to boost engagement, trust, and productivity through positivity and purpose.

If you’re looking to inspire your team, transform your culture, and empower leadership at every level, Book Bill Burke for your event and discover how optimism can become your organization’s greatest competitive advantage.

Customer Reviews

Keri Kaiser FSA Store

I hired Bill to speak at an offsite and his messages around optimism and how we can manage our social media diets to improve our outlook was particularly effective. He clearly articulated how to practice optimism as a means to an end and his talk made a big contribution toward a successful session for my team.

John Piccone, Regional President, Americas Adform

I've known Bill for years and knew he'd be the perfect guest speaker for my offsite last summer. The talk he gave was amazing and super inspirational for the team. In these times of dramatic, scary change we can really benefit reassurance and optimism that things can (and are) all right. No one can tell that story, with accessible, real life stories, like Bill Burke can.

Dave Morgan, Founder and CEO Simulmedia Inc

Bill brought tremendous optimism and inspiring ideas to our global Marketing organization. His dynamic energy, sharp insights, and humor created a strong connection with the team. He offered insightful perspectives, balancing motivational strategies with practical advice on how focus on the positive. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from team members at all levels.

Kathryn McTighe, Sr. Director, Marketing Learning & Development Workday

Keynotes

Keynote by Bill Burke:

How To Be A Modern Optimist

Bill highlights a paradox of modern life: despite living in arguably the best era in human history, we face unprecedented challenges to our optimism.

He points out that today’s culture inundates us with negativity through constant feeds and sensational news, distracting us from the remarkable progress humanity continues to achieve.

Attendees will learn how to navigate this landscape and cultivate a more positive outlook amidst the chaos.

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Keynote by Bill Burke:

Optimism And Mental Health

Bill explores the vital link between optimism and mental health, highlighting how a positive mindset can alleviate anxiety and depression while enhancing overall life satisfaction.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into practical strategies for fostering optimism, ultimately empowering them to improve their mental wellbeing and lead more fulfilling lives.

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Keynote by Bill Burke:

Optimism In Leadership

In this talk, Bill examines how a positive mindset can elevate leadership abilities, boost team morale, and foster innovation. He highlights the significance of optimistic thinking in making effective decisions and leading teams successfully.

Attendees will learn practical strategies to cultivate optimism in their leadership styles,
ultimately enhancing their effectiveness and inspiring those around them.

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Keynote by Bill Burke:

Cultivating A Positive Culture In Organizations

In this session, Bill shares effective strategies for cultivating a positive culture. He emphasizes the importance of optimism in enhancing employee engagement, boosting productivity, and promoting overall workplace happiness.

Attendees will learn practical approaches to create a more uplifting environment, ultimately leading to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

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Keynote by Bill Burke:

ROI: Return On Integrity

Bill examines the crucial role of integrity in business. He highlights how prioritizing ethical practices not only fosters a positive organisational culture but also drives sustainable success and profitability.

Attendees will learn how embracing integrity can transform their business strategies and enhance overall performance.

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Keynote by Bill Burke:

Optimism Is A Force Multiplier

Bill will explore the significance of optimism in both the workplace and at home. Drawing inspiration from the late General Colin Powell, who believed that "perpetual optimism is a force multiplier," Bill will illustrate
how positivity fosters resilience and a solutions-oriented approach during challenges.

Attendees will learn how cultivating an optimistic mindset not only enhances relationships but also contributes to overall wellbeing and longevity.

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