Marc Raibert
Founder of Boston Dynamics | Executive Director, The AI Institute | Pioneer in Robotics & AI | IEEE Pioneer in Robotics | Member, National Academy of Engineering
Joseph Grenny
4x New York Times Bestselling Author | Co-Founder, Crucial Learning | Creator of Crucial Conversations | Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
When organizations fail to execute on change, accountability, and performance, they almost always have a communication problem, and Joseph Grenny is the social scientist who proved it. Co-founder of Crucial Learning and author of the landmark Crucial Conversations, his frameworks are used by more than two thirds of the Forbes Global 2000. Audiences leave with practical, research-backed tools to master high-stakes dialogue and lead lasting behavior change.
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Joseph Grenny biography
Joseph Grenny is one of the most influential voices in organizational communication, leadership development, and behavior change. A four-time New York Times bestselling author, his books, including the landmark Crucial Conversations and Crucial Accountability (both now in newly revised third editions), have shaped how millions of professionals handle high-stakes dialogue. Leadership speaker Joseph Grenny draws on three decades of applied behavioral science to help organizations close the gap between the performance they expect and the results they achieve.
His work is used by more than two thirds of the Forbes Global 2000, has reached millions of readers, and is taught by thousands of certified trainers across the globe. Translated into dozens of languages and available in more than 30 countries, Crucial Conversations has become the definitive text on high-stakes communication, required reading in executive education programs and leadership curricula worldwide. Grenny was named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for co-founding Crucial Learning, one of the world’s most respected organizational development firms.
From Research to Real-World Impact
Beyond his publishing and training work, Grenny has channeled his expertise into significant humanitarian endeavors. He co-founded Unitus Labs, an international nonprofit that has helped tens of millions of people achieve greater self-reliance, mobilizing billions of dollars in capital for socially oriented ventures. He also co-founded The Other Side Academy, a residential program for people overcoming histories of crime, addiction, and homelessness, where a large majority of graduates remain drug-free, crime-free, and employed. He was recognized with the Utah Community Builder Award for these decades of service.
As a speaker, Joseph Grenny delivers the rare combination of rigorous science and compelling storytelling. Whether addressing a room of frontline managers or a crowd of tens of thousands, he equips audiences with immediately actionable frameworks for stepping into the conversations that matter most: navigating conflict, driving accountability, and leading the behavioral change that produces lasting organizational results.
Joseph Grenny Speaking Videos
Joseph Grenny – Mastering The Skill Of Influence
Joseph Grenny – Change Behavior, Change The World
Joseph Grenny Keynote Topics
When stakes are high, opinions differ, and emotions run strong, most people choose between honesty and the relationship. Grenny shows that candor and respect are not opposites. Drawing on decades of research, this keynote teaches proven frameworks for engaging anyone, on any topic, so that nothing important goes unsaid and teams build cultures of trust.
However skillfully feedback is delivered, it still leaves a lasting emotional impression, which means the skill of receiving it matters as much as the skill of giving it. This session teaches audiences how to stay grounded when feedback stings, engage constructively with the person delivering it, and choose truth over the need for approval, reducing defensiveness and building resilience.
Most people believe there is a real cost to avoiding important conversations, and the dialogue they sidestep most often involves disrespect, underperformance, and broken trust. This keynote explores the most common and costly conversations leaders avoid, gives practical skills for stepping into them with confidence, and outlines what senior leaders can do to build cultures where difficult dialogue is the norm.
Whether it is quiet quitting, persistent underperformance, or a team that has lost its sense of ownership, leaders constantly face the challenge of rebuilding accountability. The answer is not surveillance, it is mastering the conversations that surface the real causes of disengagement. Grenny teaches leaders to distinguish motivation gaps from ability gaps and to hold others accountable in ways that strengthen relationships rather than damage them.
Psychological safety is not an accident; it is built through intentional skill development. People with a stable sense of self and a generous view of others are far more likely to engage in difficult conversations. This session combines the principles of Crucial Conversations with the science of self-awareness to help organizations build environments where every voice is heard, conflict is productive, and collaboration becomes a competitive advantage.
Focus is the skill many of the world's most successful leaders credit for their success, yet most people struggle to give full attention to a single task amid constant notifications and shifting priorities. This session blends the science of productivity with Crucial Conversations principles to help leaders and teams protect their time, say no effectively, and have the direct conversations required to align daily action with long-term goals.
Speaker topics
FAQs on Booking Joseph Grenny
Why Joseph Grenny?
Booking leadership speaker Joseph Grenny is an investment in your organization's ability to perform. As co-founder of Crucial Learning and author of the landmark Crucial Conversations, a text used by more than two thirds of the Forbes Global 2000, Grenny brings three decades of applied behavioral science directly to your audience. He does not deliver motivation that fades; he equips leaders and teams with practical frameworks they can apply the next morning. Whether your audience is navigating organizational change, building accountability, or managing conflict across a hybrid workforce, Grenny delivers measurable insight grounded in real research. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to bring Joseph Grenny to your stage.
What is Crucial Conversations?
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High is a New York Times bestseller co-authored by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler. First published in 2002 and now in a revised third edition, it has sold millions of copies, been translated into dozens of languages, and become one of the most widely adopted communication texts in the world. It provides a research-backed framework for difficult dialogue, when emotions run high, opinions differ, and the outcome matters, and is foundational in executive education and organizational development programs globally.
What is Crucial Learning?
Crucial Learning, formerly VitalSmarts, is a global learning and organizational development company co-founded by Joseph Grenny. It offers award-winning courses in communication, accountability, influence, and productivity, including Crucial Conversations, Crucial Accountability, and Crucial Influence. Its programs are used by more than two thirds of the Forbes Global 2000 and taught by thousands of certified trainers in more than 30 countries.
What topics does speaker Joseph Grenny cover?
Speaker Joseph Grenny covers communication, behavioral change, and organizational performance. His most requested keynotes address high-stakes dialogue, accountability cultures, the cost of silence, feedback skills, speak-up cultures, and focus and productivity. Every presentation is grounded in original research and delivers tools audiences can use immediately, making him a fit for leadership conferences, HR summits, and executive retreats. Reach out to Aurum Speakers Bureau to discuss the best topic fit for your event.
How to book Joseph Grenny as a keynote speaker?
Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Joseph Grenny as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Joseph Grenny'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 Joseph Grenny or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.
How much is Joseph Grenny speaking fee?
Joseph Grenny 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 Joseph Grenny 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 Joseph Grenny.
How can I contact Joseph Grenny?
We only work with Joseph Grenny on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Joseph Grenny and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Joseph Grenny 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 Joseph Grenny for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.
Can I book Joseph Grenny for a virtual keynote?
Yes, Joseph Grenny is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Joseph Grenny for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.
