Roy Spence

Roy Spence

Keynote Speaker: Co-founder of GSD&M, CEO of The Purpose Institute, Advertising Hall of Fame

Roy Spence Biography

Roy Spence is the co-founder and chairman of the advertising agency GSD&M and the co-founder and CEO of The Purpose Institute, a consultancy focused on helping leaders and organizations identify and embody their core values and purpose.

In 1971, Spence and three fellow University of Texas at Austin students founded GSD&M in Austin, Texas. Initially started as a small venture in a city known more for its eclectic culture than its business environment, the agency was built on a commitment to use marketing to make a positive impact. Nearly five decades later, this vision continues to guide Spence and his partners, who remain committed to the agency and its mission. Spence encapsulates this ethos in his trademark sign-off, "Ride at Dawn," which he views as a call to live passionately and purposefully each day.

Under Spence's leadership, GSD&M has become a significant force in marketing and advertising, consulting for influential figures and brands such as Herb Kelleher of Southwest Airlines and Sam Walton of Walmart, as well as companies like BMW, the PGA Tour, and the U.S. Air Force. Spence's passion for entrepreneurship shines through in his work, rooted in the belief that in America, anyone can achieve their dreams regardless of background.

Spence also leads The Purpose Institute in Austin, dedicated to discovering the essential purpose that drives an organization's culture. Along with Haley Rushing, he co-authored the Wall Street Journal best-selling book, "It’s Not What You Sell, It’s What You Stand For: Why Every Extraordinary Business is Driven by Purpose." He is also the author of "The 10 Essential Hugs of Life," which explores the power of human connection and gratitude.

Additionally, Spence founded The Promiseland Project in 2018. This initiative aims to use purpose-driven marketing to bridge cultural divides in America, promoting unity and collective action. It represents a group of purpose-driven communication professionals from across the country working towards a more unified America.

Spence serves as a Senior Adviser for Gallup, specializing in purpose, and is a proponent of the Clifton Strengths Movement, which has helped over 14 million people worldwide identify and leverage their strengths. His contributions to the advertising field have been recognized extensively, including induction into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Fame, being named “Adman of the Century” by Texas Monthly, and receiving accolades as a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin, where he also serves on the board of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Roy Spence and other top speakers and celebrities.

Roy Spence Speaking Topics

The Power of Purpose in Business, Life and the Life of America

Roy Spence Videos

Roy Spence With Matthew McConaughey | The Power of Purpose in ...
Expert Tips for Work and Life from Roy Spence
Roy Spence: 2017 CEO Summit

How do I book Roy Spence to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Roy Spence 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 Roy Spence, 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 Roy Spence or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Roy Spence for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Roy Spence, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $20,000 - $30,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Roy Spence, 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 Roy Spence speak about?

Roy Spence is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Business, Sales, Ethics & Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Authors, Culture, Leadership, Marketing, Motivational, Business Leadership, Innovation and Inspirational.

Where does Roy Spence travel from?

Roy Spence generally travels from Austin, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Roy Spence?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Roy Spence 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 Roy Spence 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 Roy Spence 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.


Roy Spence is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Business, Sales and Ethics & Integrity. The estimated speaking fee range to book Roy Spence for live events is $20,000 - $30,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. Roy Spence generally travels from Austin, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Tim Sanders, Afdhel Aziz and Gary Vaynerchuk. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Roy Spence for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 04/11/2024.

Roy Spence Speaking Topics

  • The Power of Purpose in Business, Life and the Life of America

Roy Spence Videos

Roy Spence With Matthew McConaughey | The Power of Purpose in ...
Expert Tips for Work and Life from Roy Spence
Roy Spence: 2017 CEO Summit

Roy Spence News

  • How do I book Roy Spence to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Roy Spence 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 Roy Spence, 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 Roy Spence or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Roy Spence for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Roy Spence, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $20,000 - $30,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Roy Spence, 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 Roy Spence speak about?

    Roy Spence is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Business, Sales, Ethics & Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Authors, Culture, Leadership, Marketing, Motivational, Business Leadership, Innovation and Inspirational.
  • Where does Roy Spence travel from?

    Roy Spence generally travels from Austin, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Roy Spence?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Roy Spence 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 Roy Spence 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 Roy Spence 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.
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ROY SPENCE

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