Michael Gelb

Michael Gelb

Keynote Speaker: Educator, Innovation & Creativity Expert; Author of "How To Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci"

Michael Gelb Biography

Michael J. Gelb is the world’s leading authority on the application of genius thinking to personal and organizational development. He is a pioneer in the fields of creative thinking, accelerated learning, and innovative leadership. Gelb leads seminars for organizations such as DuPont, Merck, Microsoft, Nike, Raytheon and YPO. He brings more than 30 years of experience as a professional speaker, seminar leader and organizational consultant to his diverse, international clientele.

Michael Gelb is the author of 14 books on creativity and innovation including the international bestseller How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day. (1998) How to Think Like Leonardo has been translated into 25 languages and has appeared on the Washington Post, Amazon.com, and the New York Times bestseller lists.

In 2007 Gelb released Innovate Like Edison: The Five-Step System for Breakthrough Business Success, co-authored with Sarah Miller Caldicott, the great grand-niece of Thomas Edison. As Professor Vijay Govindarajan, author of Ten Rules for Strategic Innovators noted, “This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to turn creative ideas into a profitable reality.”

In 1999, Michael Gelb won the Brain Trust Charity’s “Brain of the Year” award; other honorees include Prof. Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates, Garry Kasparov and Gene Rodenberry. In 2003, Michael was awarded a Batten Fellowship by the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business. Michael co-directs the acclaimed Leading Innovation Seminar at Darden with Professor James Clawson. From 2008 to 2012, Michael Gelb also served as the Director of Creativity and Innovation Leadership for the Conscious Capitalism Institute.

A former professional juggler who once performed with the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, Gelb introduced the idea of teaching juggling as a means to promote accelerated learning and team-building. He is the author of The 5 Keys to High Performance: Juggling Your Way to Success. A fourth degree black belt in the Japanese martial art of Aikido, Gelb is co-author with International Grandmaster Raymond Keene, of Samurai Chess: Mastering Strategic Thinking Through the Martial Art of the Mind. Michael Gelb is also a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, (the method taught at The Julliard School for cultivating commanding stage presence), and the author of the classic work: Body Learning: An Introduction to the Alexander Technique. Michael’s 1988 release Present Yourself! Captivate Your Audience with Great Presentation Skills guides readers to develop the communication strategies they need to generate support for their innovative ideas.

Michael has also created many best selling audio programs, include: Mind Mapping: How to Liberate Your Natural Genius, Work Like Da Vinci: Gaining the Creative Advantage in Your Business and Career and The Spirit of Leonardo.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Michael Gelb and other top speakers and celebrities.

Michael Gelb Speaking Topics

Creativity & Innovation in Tough Times

Tough times require more creativity and innovation. In this compelling, inspiring and energizing program you will learn how to:

-Cultivate creative optimism in the face of difficulties. -Apply the example of history's greatest minds in response to adversity. -Utilize the 5 core skills of creative problem solving. -Apply those skills to your greatest current challenges. -Communicate in a way that inspires others. -Transform stress into energy for innovation.

Anyone can be optimistic when everything is rosy but it only counts when times are tough. Without creative optimism there is no innovation. And, this program is more than just an inspiring motivational exercise, it is an educational experience that will empower your group to be their best in the face of adversity.

Juggling in Business & Life: Five Keys to High Performance

Innovate Like Edison: The 5-Step System for Breakthrough Business Success

Creativity on Demand: How to Ignite & Sustain the Fire of Genius

How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

Michael Gelb Videos

The Alexander Technique with Michael Gelb
Michael J. Gelb keynote excerpt - How To Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
Michael J Gelb speaks about Manahel Thabet مناهل ثابت - Testimonial

How do I book Michael Gelb to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Michael Gelb for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Michael Gelb, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Michael Gelb or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Michael Gelb for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Michael Gelb, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Michael Gelb are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Michael Gelb, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Michael Gelb speak about?

Michael Gelb is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Business, Inspirational, Health, Futurism, Innovation, Creativity, Personal Growth, Food & Beverage, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Peak Performance, Motivational, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Business Growth, Authors, Communication, Negotiation, College, Literary, Culture, Consulting, Technology, Education, Corporate Strategy, Strategic Leadership and Education Policy Reform.

Where does Michael Gelb travel from?

Michael Gelb generally travels from New Mexico, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Michael Gelb?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Michael Gelb for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Michael Gelb for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Michael Gelb or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Michael Gelb is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Business, Inspirational and Health. The estimated speaking fee range to book Michael Gelb for live events is $30,000 - $50,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Michael Gelb generally travels from New Mexico, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Richard Florida, Seth Mattison and Daymond John. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Michael Gelb for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 02/10/2024.

Michael Gelb Speaking Topics

  • Creativity & Innovation in Tough Times

    Tough times require more creativity and innovation. In this compelling, inspiring and energizing program you will learn how to:

    -Cultivate creative optimism in the face of difficulties. -Apply the example of history's greatest minds in response to adversity. -Utilize the 5 core skills of creative problem solving. -Apply those skills to your greatest current challenges. -Communicate in a way that inspires others. -Transform stress into energy for innovation.

    Anyone can be optimistic when everything is rosy but it only counts when times are tough. Without creative optimism there is no innovation. And, this program is more than just an inspiring motivational exercise, it is an educational experience that will empower your group to be their best in the face of adversity.

  • Juggling in Business & Life: Five Keys to High Performance

  • Innovate Like Edison: The 5-Step System for Breakthrough Business Success

  • Creativity on Demand: How to Ignite & Sustain the Fire of Genius

  • How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

Michael Gelb Videos

The Alexander Technique with Michael Gelb
Michael J. Gelb keynote excerpt - How To Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
Michael J Gelb speaks about Manahel Thabet مناهل ثابت - Testimonial
Michael J Gelb - How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
  • How do I book Michael Gelb to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Michael Gelb for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Michael Gelb, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Michael Gelb or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Michael Gelb for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Michael Gelb, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Michael Gelb are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Michael Gelb, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Michael Gelb speak about?

  • Where does Michael Gelb travel from?

    Michael Gelb generally travels from New Mexico, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Michael Gelb?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Michael Gelb for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Michael Gelb for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Michael Gelb or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
BOOKING INFORMATION REQUEST
MICHAEL GELB

We are happy to assist you with your interest in booking a speaker or celebrity for your event, your organization, and the type of talent you would like to secure, and an agent will be in touch shortly.

Fill out the form below to or call us at 1-800-698-2536 if need immediate assistance.

Tell us about your event!

We respond to most inquiries within 4 hours. Under special circumstances, it may take up to 24 hours.


This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.