Geoff Colvin

Fortune Senior Editor-at-Large and bestselling author unpacking how leaders win in an era of AI, disruption, and relentless change.

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“I want Geoff at all events doing all panels. And I said it to those who can decide.”

Jessica Prince

SVP & Director of Production, IBM Team

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Why book Geoff Colvin for your next event

Brings four decades at Fortune into sharp, practical insights on AI, leadership, and strategy, grounded in what top executives are doing right now.
Translates complex economic, technological, and workforce shifts into clear direction leaders can act on immediately.
A trusted voice to millions, combining journalistic rigor with compelling storytelling that resonates with senior audiences worldwide.

Non-binding request for Geoff Colvin

Global authority on leadership, AI, and business transformation

Geoff Colvin is one of the most respected voices in global business journalism and a keynote speaker known for clarity, depth, and relevance. As Senior Editor-at-Large at Fortune, he has spent decades reporting on the forces reshaping organizations: artificial intelligence, leadership, competition, regulation, and the evolving workforce. With rare access to top decision-makers, Geoff reveals how winning leaders think, what they see coming next, and how they act decisively in uncertain times. His talks cut through noise and hype, offering audiences a grounded understanding of what it truly takes to succeed as technology, markets, and work itself continue to change at speed.

Geoff Colvin and the reality of business change

In more than forty years at Fortune, Geoff Colvin has built a reputation as one of the sharpest interpreters of business transformation. His reporting spans the infotech revolution, artificial intelligence, leadership, business strategy, global competition, government regulation, economic cycles, and workforce issues. Across industries and regions, Geoff observes a consistent pattern: organizations that win confront reality faster than their competitors. They stop protecting the past and invest in inventing the future. His keynotes bring this perspective to life, helping leaders understand not just what is changing, but why it matters now.

Leadership insights from the world’s top decision-makers

Through close relationships with senior executives and policymakers, Geoff Colvin offers a rare window into what influential leaders are thinking, seeing, and doing. His experience as a journalist allows him to ask the hard questions and extract insights others miss. On stage, he shares how leaders navigate relentless technological, competitive, economic, and workplace change, and how they align strategy, culture, and execution under pressure. The result is a clear, realistic roadmap for leadership in an era defined by disruption.

Geoff Colvin on AI, humans, and the future of work

Geoff’s work on artificial intelligence and automation goes beyond headlines and fear-driven narratives. Drawing on his bestselling book Humans Are Underrated, he explains how technology is increasingly performing tasks better than people, and where humans will continue to create unique value. His insights reveal how organizations can redesign roles, develop talent, and build cultures that thrive alongside advanced machines. For leaders grappling with workforce transformation, Geoff provides perspective that is both reassuring and deeply practical.

Bestselling author with global impact

Geoff Colvin is the author of three bestselling books that have shaped how leaders think about performance and resilience. Talent Is Overrated challenged long-held beliefs about innate ability and was published in a dozen languages worldwide. The Upside of the Downturn was named Best Management Book of the Year by Strategy + Business magazine for its clear guidance on leading through difficult times. His latest book, Humans Are Underrated, explores how high achievers succeed in a world of brilliant machines. These ideas form a powerful foundation for his keynotes, giving audiences research-based insights with real-world relevance.

A compelling keynote speaker and moderator

When you book Geoff Colvin for your event, you get more than a keynote speaker. He is also a highly skilled panel moderator, interviewer, and emcee. Over the years, he has interviewed and shared the stage with figures such as Madeleine Albright, Ben Bernanke, Tony Blair, George W. Bush, Bill Gates, Henry Kissinger, Janet Yellen, Desmond Tutu, and many others. His ability to guide conversations, challenge assumptions, and engage audiences makes him an exceptional choice for conferences, leadership summits, and executive events.

Media presence and trusted global voice

Since 1995, Geoff has delivered regular business insights on the CBS Radio Network, reaching around seven million listeners each week and completing more than 15,000 segments. He has appeared on programs including Today, Good Morning America, Squawk Box, CBS This Morning, ABC World News Tonight, CNN, and PBS’s Nightly Business Report. He also served as anchor of Wall $treet Week with Fortune on PBS. This extensive media experience gives him a strong stage presence and an instinctive understanding of how to connect with diverse audiences.

Book Geoff Colvin for your event

Book Geoff Colvin for your event if you want a speaker who combines intellectual rigor with clarity, credibility, and relevance. His keynotes equip leaders to make better decisions, understand the real implications of AI and technology, and lead with confidence in uncertain times. With decades of insight drawn from the world’s most influential organizations and thinkers, Geoff Colvin delivers perspective that helps audiences see the future more clearly and act with purpose.

Customer Reviews

“I want Geoff at all events doing all panels. And I said it to those who can decide.”

Jessica Prince SVP & Director of Production, IBM Team

“What a master! I was a bit worried when we got word that he wouldn't be using any slides but everybody loved him. And for the panel, he conducted the "interviews" and wove it all together seamlessly. He had 4 people he had never met but got their best thinking and made it relate to the audience. We were all very impressed.”

Brad Miller, Advocacy & Communications BIFMA

“I just wanted to thank you again for speaking at our dinner on Monday night. I cannot tell you how many people have commented on how nice the evening was, and especially how they enjoyed your remarks. I hope you know how much we appreciated having you with us, and the time you took to prepare your remarks for our group.”

Director of Program Management Welsh Carson Anderson & Stowe

“Evaluation comments indicate that registrants especially liked your humor, the easy-to-understand message and the way you transitioned the information theory to real world applications. You generated an overall evaluation score of 8.64. This, coupled with the numerous positive comments, means your presentation, ‘How the Best Companies are Winning Today and Why Talent is Overrated’, was a great SUCCESS!”

Director of Conference Programs Industrial Asset Management Council

“He was amazing! One of the best we've had . . . executives loved him as well as students, and he was so inspirational to our student group - they are a hard audience, and rallied around his message on Talent is Overrated. So true!”

Director of Executive Learning and Marketing Belmont University

“Geoff was AMAZING. All the feedback that we have been receiving for the keynote and panel has been very positive.”

Administrative Assistant Omers Private Equity

“You are as good as any interviewer I’ve ever worked with. You seem to bring out the best in everyone, and you sure do with me. I hope our paths cross again before too long.”

Hank Paulson Former Secretary of the Treasury & Chairman, The Paulson Institute

“Geoff turned in two outstanding performances for Commonfund. His grasp of business issues is second to none and his engaging style consistently pulls the best comments from our panelists. What more could one ask? But actually Geoff delivers more without our asking. He is one of the most genuinely respectful and caring people on the speaking circuit. And despite his vast business knowledge and superior interviewing skill, he hasn’t a trace of ego.”

Producer Lovett Productions

“Geoff was wonderful and feedback was glowing from my team, leadership and personally. I loved meeting him and he was a true professional and absolutely lovely!”

Marketing Manager Agile-1

“Thank you very much for joining me this week at the THINK Finance: CFO CIO Leadership Exchange in New York and for contributing to our event in such a substantial manner. It was such a pleasure to see you again and share the stage with you. As with previous exchanges, you helped to draw out important insights from our speakers and deliver tremendous value to our audience. We at IBM value the perspectives you brought to our session and appreciate the time you spent with us. Thank you again for making our event a priority.”

IBM Chairman President and Chief Executive Officer

“The consensus was: ‘He did a great job.’ ‘He was dead on.’ ‘He said what we needed to here.’ ‘Great job.’ I truly didn’t hear one bad or negative comment. He was a total ‘hit’. He was a total delight to work with (as were all of you). Thank you for everything.”

Assistant to the CEO and President Vanguard Health Systems

“Once again your stewardship of the business sessions opened the door for a truly interactive and valuable dialogue for everyone. Your depth of understanding of the challenges these companies are facing and the opportunities that lie ahead added tremendously to our conversations.”

John Chambers CEO, Cisco

“Thanks so very much for your moderating today. I felt relaxed and right at home.”

George H.W. Bush

“No surprise, Geoff was articulate and insightful, thoughtful on global and fiscal issues affecting industry and candid on impressions of leadership. Not to mention, a wonderful man who I will forever be indebted to.”

CEO The Elliot Group

“In a word: fantastic! Geoff really was perfect for this. He kept the conversation lively. Geoff really knocked it out of the ballpark.”

Microsoft

“Geoff, I truly appreciate you taking time to meet with the team and to listen to their discussions. The feedback from the clients thus far was that you made them think out of the box and more strategically then they have in a long time. What was most interesting is that two of the clients quoted you in the afternoon session so clearly you made an impression!”

Chief of Marketing PowerPlan, Inc.

“Geoff Colvin was fabulous! Thanks. Members thought he was the best speaker we have ever had.”

President Flexible Packaging Association

“I wanted to just keep you here so you could give the same talk to our partners. It's exactly what they need to hear.”

Managing Partner Baker & McKenzie

“Geoff was very, very good. Everyone bar none, was extremely happy w/ his discussion and topics. Very relevant, timely and applicable as it relates to the Ever-evolving business world. Would like to engage him again w/o question and would be happy to be a reference if you ever need it.”

Senior Vice President and General Manager Health Plan Business Unit, Mede Analytics

“Geoff Colvin was EXACTLY perfect for us. We loved his pace and his sense of humor . . . and his delivery was just great. BIG HIT!”

Operation Manager NewFirst Financial Resources LLC

“You are a star. All the comments have been stellar.”

Partner Pepper Hamilton LLP

“I found your presentation and style very enjoyable & your session received great reviews from our clients. Thank you for making the conference better!”

Vice President and Managing Director Knowledge Partnership, Investment Manager Services, SEI

“This was undoubtedly the best executive conference we've held in our 20 plus years of hosting this event. While venue was great, it's all about the content. Your talk was particularly compelling since the empathy/humanity theme was something that our guests had not really contemplated, and as such, served as "fresh" content for them to consider. Your style in delivering was also superb.”

Executive Vice President Hartford Steam Boiler

“Geoff did an amazing job with our event. He was very thoughtful and thorough with his preparation and really hit the mark for us. He's a wonderful moderator!”

Marketing Manager The Boston Consulting Group

“The audience loved the topic and learned a lot from him.”

Strategic Marketing Manager Sabre Hospitality Solutions

“I can’t thank you enough for joining us in Nashville this week, and sharing your truly inspiring perspective. Your insights reverberated throughout the remainder of the session in ways that I think would make you know that your work has positive impact. Part of that is because of what you said, but it is also very much a product of how you said it.”

Vice President Succession Management and C-Suite Services, Development Dimensions International, Inc. (DDI)

“Geoff did a fantastic job and really set the stage for the remainder of the day and his perspectives were repeated during later sessions.”

Group Communications Director The Coca-Cola Company

“A quick thank you again for a wonderful talk last night. I received great feedback from our group - everyone thought you were insightful and engaging. Particularly, I heard, “Spot on.” As mentioned, please be in touch if you would like a reference for future speaking engagements; I would be happy to help in the format most useful to you.”

Vice President Liberty Global

“An amazing, kind, thoughtful, insightful man. We’ve had incredible feedback.”

President and CEO Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce

“You were outstanding yesterday. Please know how much we appreciate all that you did to make the event such a success. The audience enjoyed your remarks very much and the panel discussion was superb. You have a special way as a moderator of strategically steering the conversation and adeptly ensuring that all participants have equal opportunity to contribute.”

Vice President BioEnterprise

“Thank you very much for speaking at our Summit – I got fantastic feedback on your message! It was uplifting and inspiring, and you certainly made me look good!”

Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Certent

“Thanks for doing your bit to help knock #IABC16 out of the park! Much appreciated - and by the way, some of your slides were the most tweeted images so you clearly resonated.”

Conference Chair International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)

“It was GREAT. We have only heard great things. Geoff tailored it to the audience. He is a gem!”

Gala Organizer Institute for Public Relations

“… he was so awesome!!! Thank you so much for sending him to us! He was amazing.”

Director of Economic Development Services CareerSource Pinellas

“We received rave reviews on your presentation and our Chairman is already reading your books – as will I! I’m sure our paths will cross again in the future!”

Partner Baker & McKenzie LLP

“Thank you, once more, for making the time to moderate the Board and Governance Forum. Your thoughtful remarks, questions, and insights contributed to making this Forum a resounding success! Now that we have received formal input from our participants, I wanted to share that we are hearing tremendous feedback on the job you did and it is clear that your leadership was universally well-received.”

Americas Alumni Leader EY

“I can’t tell you how many people, customers and employees, came up to me and said how good your session was. Honestly, it set a tone that I was hoping for so to me it was a huge win. I also appreciate you filling in the time gap on such short notice.”

President and COO SoftwareAG North America

“Your kickoff to our conference was incredibly well received. Everyone enjoyed your presentation particularly the piece about humans’ role in the future.”

CFO Coril Holdings

“You hit it out of the park. We will ask you back.”

CEO American Pacific Mortgage

“Thank you so much for your participation in the first annual L'ATTITUDE event! Your participation, both as participant and moderator was brilliant. Your [precision], command of facts and data AND unique ability to weave it into a logical, easy to understand outcome is special.”

Co-Founder L’ATTITUDE

“Geoff, you were definitely the highlight of our conference. In reviewing our surveys today, you were overwhelmingly ranked as the favorite speaker and one they would most like to hear from again. The positive anecdotal comments I’ve heard from both our internal team as well as conference attendees regarding your contribution have been significant. We were very proud to have you as our keynote speaker.”

Lead Executive Business Alliances & Ancillary Division, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

“Thank you for your email and for inspiring my team! The feedback is unanimous, they loved your presentation, the Q&A that followed and how you inspired them and boosted their confidence. That was exactly my goal. Thank you.”

CEO Arch Capital Group

“Your presentation was a resounding success with the attendees, and I’ve heard nothing but great feedback. Your cadence, candor, and depth of knowledge in what you presented was exceptional, and I hope we have the opportunity to work together again.”

Foundry Events obo 55 North Conference

“Geoff hit a home run today!!!!!!!!!!!! Outstanding…”

Head of Conf Planning & Travel Putnam Investments

“Our group was extremely pleased with your presentation and message. The amount of praised you received, was incredible, to say the least. Many, many of our attendees expressed how moved they were with your presentation. Just a tremendous amount of praise is ALL I heard (more than any speaker we have ever had).”

Executive Director National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA)

“…the participants and their coaches have profoundly enjoyed the sessions. Without being prompted, you have hit all the key topics that have emerged throughout the week. It was a capstone in the true meaning of this word. Truly impressive.”

AbbVie

“… suffice it to say you were a huge hit – as always! We hope you are willing to continue to work with us in a similar fashion. Curtis Barnett, our CEO, particularly liked your moderation of our conference – you did an excellent job of weaving the story together as the day progressed, making the event an even more professional and meaningful experience. We mean it when we say you are stuck with us!”

Arkansas BCBS

“We sincerely appreciate you contributing to our AGM. The feedback we received from our investors and entrepreneurs was exceptionally positive. Your message really resonated with our CEOs who are looking for past precedents and analogies like the Tour de France to give them hope and motivation to continue to think and act creatively.”

McRock Capital

“We have had tons of great feedback. You helped companies get honest with themselves and to think of doing business differently.”

Global Leaders Organization (VIRTUAL EVENT)

“Geoff hit it out of the park!!! Sounded great, looked great, and wonderful insights.”

RealPage (VIRTUAL EVENT)

“Thank you again, Geoff! The feedback is that your content was the highest value of the day!”

Director of Event Content Vistage (VIRTUAL EVENT)

“Our members raved about your remarks. At the afternoon sessions and throughout last night’s event, all we heard were complimentary comments about your address. I know you speak to so many groups. Please count ours among those that are your biggest fans.”

President Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI)

“Geoff was great. His simple approach to explaining the economy and economic forecasting made it a great speech, and he stuck around to do our roundtable discussion, which was also really strong.”

Publisher The Electrical Distributor [tED] Magazine

“We got great feedback about your presentation from our members. Despite the difficult times, people felt like you had a very insightful and positive message. I expect that you’ll hear from us again.”

President & CEO National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED)

“Geoff received a 4.73 score (out of 5.0) from our audience, which is a great score. He did a terrific job.”

Ogletree Deakins

“I’ve heard nothing but praise from attendees. They loved your presentation and your blend of an economic update along all your insight as to what great leaders are doing to be successful. I especially loved your quote ‘They stop protecting yesterday and create tomorrow.’ So many great take-aways.”

First Horizon Bank

“Thank you again for a wonderful talk at our National Sales Meeting. Your talk hit the mark perfectly and will set the tone for our re-focus on deliberate practice as a sales organization in the coming years. Wishing you good health and much happiness in the coming year.”

Fidelity

“You were so fantastic! I really enjoyed your talk and it was a big hit with the audience.”

Executive Vice President CapGemini

“As always, you were very compelling. Many of our attendees told me how much they valued your insights and perspectives. And I very much appreciated your signature presentation style. Excellent.”

CEO Automation Anywhere

“You were terrific and got rave reviews from our attendees! Amazing how you pulled together so much disparate information/insight delivered so coherently…and, with humor, too!”

Senior Vice President Ensemble IQ

“Geoff was a rockstar. It went GREAT!”

The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC)

“The feedback on your keynote and moderating of panel has been phenomenal. We truly appreciate it.”

VP Enterprise Holdings

“Geoff was wonderful, so relevant and open. The conversation was very well accepted and we believe it left a lasting impact on our audience.”

Program Director Women Leaders Association

“I missed the beginning of [Geoff’s] speech, but I saw most of it -- and loved it! I've heard only positive reviews!”

President Focus Financial Partners

“Geoff, it was such a pleasure to see you speak at the TSG conference. I loved the headlines technique for demonstrating the custom nature of the talk, and I could not agree more on how the biggest value of AI lies in new business models that weren't possible before. Well done!”

TSG Consumer Partners

“Geoff received a 4.78 out of 5 on the survey results-great job!”

Catalyst Credit Union

Keynotes

Keynote by Geoff Colvin:

The Future Isn’t Waiting: Confront Reality Now

Geoff Colvin tailors each presentation to an organization’s specific concerns of the moment. His insights help business leaders confront the forces reshaping their world with clarity and confidence – the AI transformation, economic uncertainty, market forces, the evolving value of human skills, and more. Drawing on decades of reporting on the trends driving business change at Fortune where he has access to top business leaders and policymakers, Geoff reveals what’s changing, what matters most now, and what to do next to lead effectively and build a winning future.

Topics Geoff can address include:

Thriving in an AI-powered business environment
An economic update – from Wall Street to Main Street to Washington, DC
Future of work and the evolving role of people
Transforming the business model to create the future
The rising importance of empathy, collaboration, and deep human skills
Strategic decision-making amid fast-moving change
How top companies are redefining leadership in the AI age
Turning disruption into competitive advantage
Competitive update – the trends driving change and business growth
Geopolitics, regulatory change, trade wars, interest rates, and immigration
What leaders and companies are doing right now to face unpredictability

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Kenyote by Geoff Colvin:

Panel Moderator, Discussion Leader, Emcee/Host

Geoff Colvin’s unique gift is his ability to brilliantly moderate panels, lead onstage interviews, and host/emcee. He’s played these roles for more than three decades at Fortune conferences worldwide. Top companies and associations regularly utilize Geoff because he gets the most out of participants; he asks the right questions, listens intently to what’s being said on stage, and responds to that. He also connects ideas and insights across sessions, transforming a multi-part program into a satisfying, unified whole. He always keeps the discussion relevant and the energy high.

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