Paddy Upton: Motivational Speaker

Paddy Upton is a global leadership, mental performance, and high-performance coaching expert who equips teams and organizations to elevate resilience, cohesion, and results through evidence-based strategies and world-class experience.

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • International cricket Head Coach with global leadership experience
  • Mental performance coach to athletes across ten countries and eleven sports
  • Delivered 150+ keynotes in 40 cities on five continents
  • Rated highest scoring speaker at conferences in the USA, Australia, and South Africa
  • Recognized as one of the world’s most innovative coaches

Formats:

Keynote speaker, leadership strategist, and high-performance coach


Audiences:

Executive teams, corporate leaders, sports professionals, educational institutions, and organizations seeking proven strategies for performance, mindset, and leadership excellence.


Outcomes:
  1. Evidence-based insights into leadership that strengthens performance, trust, and team cohesion.
  2. Practical mental performance strategies drawn from elite sport and organizational psychology.
  3. Clear, actionable frameworks for navigating complexity and driving sustained high performance.
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (5 reviews)
Rated 5 out of 5
  • Travels from: Cape Town

Keynote Topics

  • Harnessing the collective intelligence of your team
  • Optimising team and individual learning (delivering intelligent performers)
  • Playing to strengths
  • Building individual and team confidence
  • Successfully navigating mistakes and failure
  • Unleashing young talent
  • Unpacking individual intentions and motives, and how they impact performance
  • Managing ego, yours and others
  • Healthy and unhealthy alpha leadership, how to recognize and manage both
  • Managing fear and pressure
  • Building your team ‘bank account’
  • Person or performance, character or results, be or do. What’s really important?

Paddy’s talks – content and scope Paddy Upton talks focus on the people- or human-aspect of team and organizational performance, specifically on leadership, culture, teamwork and individual performance.

Where good strategy, technology and business processes are a standard requirement in today’s performance landscape, teams and organisations that are able to attract the best talent, keep the best for longest, and get the best out of the rest are often those that prevail.

Optimising the human aspect of performance is todays core differentiator that provides competitive advantage. Paddy’s talks offer fascinating, practical and proven insights into contemporary, innovative and out-the-box ways to optimise your team and its individual performers.

Paddy Upton talks are bespoke, in that he will choose from a rich array of stories to meet the unique requirements of your event or organization, addressing the required balance between leadership, culture, teamwork and/or individual performance.

Talent Short Bio

Paddy Upton is an internationally acclaimed leadership thinker, mental performance coach, and keynote speaker whose career spans elite sport, corporate transformation, and academic innovation. Best known for his work as a Head Coach in international cricket and as a mental coach to professional athletes across ten countries and eleven sports, Upton specializes in unlocking human potential by integrating psychology, coaching science, and practical leadership strategies. His cross-disciplinary approach positions him at the forefront of performance excellence and organizational development.

Upton has delivered more than 150 keynotes in 40 cities across five continents, earning a reputation as an engaging, insightful, and transformative speaker. His ability to demystify high performance and translate lessons from elite sport into actionable strategies for business has led global organizations such as Boeing, Dell, General Electric, Google, Microsoft, and Unilever to seek his expertise. Frequently rated the highest scoring speaker at major conferences in the USA, Australia, and South Africa, he is celebrated for his authenticity, deep storytelling, and pragmatic wisdom.

As both an acclaimed coach and a distinguished university Professor, Upton combines academic rigor with real-world experience.

Paddy Upton stands at the intersection of sports, psychology, and leadership, a dynamic figure whose influence transcends boundaries. Renowned as an acclaimed speaker, Head Coach in international cricket, mental coach to professional athletes across various sports and countries, and a distinguished university Professor, Upton’s journey embodies the essence of innovation and excellence. With a career spanning continents and industries, he brings a wealth of experience and insight to every platform he graces.

With a career deeply rooted in cricket, Paddy Upton’s expertise extends far beyond the boundaries of the pitch. As a Head Coach in international cricket, he honed his leadership skills, guiding teams to success on the global stage. However, it is his role as a mental coach that truly sets him apart. Working with professional athletes from ten countries and eleven different sports, Upton delves into the intricacies of the human mind, unlocking potential and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.

Upton’s influence as a speaker is undeniable, with over 150 keynotes delivered in 40 cities across five continents. His unique approach to leadership, coaching, and performance has earned him accolades as ‘one of the best coaches’ and ‘the most innovative coach’ in the world. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Upton captivates audiences with his storytelling prowess, weaving narratives that resonate across industries and cultures.

His impact extends beyond the realm of sports, with glowing references from corporate giants such as Boeing, Dell, General Electric, Google, Microsoft, and Unilever. Consistently rated the highest scoring speaker at conferences in the USA, Australia, and South Africa, Upton’s ability to translate his message into actionable insights has made him a sought-after thought leader on the global stage.

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Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

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