Daniel Goleman
Psychologist & Author of Emotional Intelligence | Five-Time NYT Bestseller | Harvard PhD | Ranked Top 10 Business Thinker, WSJ
Annie Duke
Author; Decision Strategist; Former Professional Poker Player
Speaker Annie Duke is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and decision-making consultant who combines expertise in cognitive psychology with lessons from her championship poker career. A former World Series of Poker bracelet winner and PhD in Cognitive Psychology, she advises global corporations and executives on making better decisions under uncertainty. Passionate about education and philanthropy, she has co-founded initiatives like the Alliance for Decision Education and Ante Up for Africa, while serving on the boards of The Franklin Institute and After-School All-Stars.
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Annie Duke biography
Annie Duke is a renowned author, keynote speaker, and decision-making consultant, blending deep expertise in cognitive psychology with real-world insights from her remarkable career in professional poker. She currently serves as Special Partner for Decision Science at First Round Capital, a leading seed-stage venture fund, and is the bestselling author of Thinking in Bets and Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away (Portfolio, 2022).
For over two decades, Annie was among the world’s most accomplished poker players. Her achievements include winning a coveted World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet in 2004, capturing the WSOP Tournament of Champions title the same year, and claiming victory at the prestigious NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship in 2010. She retired from the game in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of competitive excellence.
Before her poker career, speaker Annie Duke earned a master’s degree in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania under a National Science Foundation Fellowship. She later returned to Penn as a Visiting Scholar, teaching executive education, and in 2023, she completed her PhD in Cognitive Psychology.
Today, Annie works with global corporations, executive teams, and C-suite leaders on topics such as decision fitness, emotional control, group decision-making, and navigating uncertainty. Her client list includes Citibank, the Big Ten, and Susquehanna International Group. She is also a skilled storyteller, having performed for The Moth, where one of her stories was chosen among their top 50.
Deeply committed to philanthropy, Annie co-founded Ante Up for Africa, raising over $4 million for humanitarian causes, and the Alliance for Decision Education, dedicated to bringing decision-making skills to schools nationwide. She also serves on the boards of The Franklin Institute and After-School All-Stars, continuing her mission to inspire better choices in life, business, and education.
Annie Duke Speaking Videos
Annie Duke - Risk Schmisk
Annie Duke - Thinking in Bets
Annie Duke Keynote Topics
Based on her bestselling book Thinking in Bets, Annie reveals how to make better choices when outcomes are uncertain and information is incomplete. Drawing from her experience at the poker table and in cognitive psychology, she offers practical strategies to separate decision quality from luck, manage risk, and think probabilistically in business and life.
Inspired by her book Quit, Annie challenges the myth that perseverance is always the best path. She explores how knowing when to walk away—whether from a project, strategy, or investment—can be a powerful competitive advantage. Attendees learn tools for overcoming the psychological barriers to quitting and for making timely, strategic exits that lead to better long-term success.
This keynote blends Annie’s corporate consulting experience with her research in cognitive psychology to teach decision fitness—developing the habits, mental models, and team cultures that consistently lead to better outcomes. Through engaging stories and actionable techniques, she helps leaders improve group decision-making, manage emotional influences, and build resilience in fast-changing environments.
Speaker topics
FAQs on Booking Annie Duke
How to book Annie Duke as a keynote speaker?
Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Annie Duke as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Annie Duke's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Annie Duke or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.
How much is Annie Duke speaking fee?
Annie Duke speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Annie Duke to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Annie Duke.
How can I contact Annie Duke?
We only work with Annie Duke on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Annie Duke and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Annie Duke speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Annie Duke for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.
Can I book Annie Duke for a virtual keynote?
Yes, Annie Duke is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Annie Duke for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.
