Aaron Hurst

Aaron Hurst

Keynote Speaker: Social Entrepreneur & CEO of Imperative; Author of "The Purpose Economy"

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    Live Event Fee: $30,000 - $50,000
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Aaron Hurst Biography

Aaron Hurst is a globally recognized social entrepreneur and the CEO of Imperative, a B Corp advocating for Purpose-Oriented Workers and supporting organizations that embrace them. He is widely known for his pioneering work on the science of purpose at work and, in 2014, brought global awareness to the rise of the fourth economic era in history, the Purpose Economy, through his book "The Purpose Economy". Previously, as the founder of the Taproot Foundation, he catalyzed the $15 billion pro bono service market and was instrumental in the conception of the White House's Billion + Change campaign.

Hurst has been a regular advisor and thought partner for many global brands and is considered a top social entrepreneur by entities such as Ashoka, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, and Fast Company. His insights and leadership have earned him a spot in the "Nonprofit Times' Power & Influence Top 50". He has been featured for his expert opinions in "The New York Times", "The Wall Street Journal", Bloomberg TV, and "Fast Company". Additionally, his commitment to social entrepreneurship and education led him to design and lead an educational program for local correctional facilities at the University of Michigan, where he is a third-generation graduate and the recipient of the highest honor bestowed on an alumnus.

Currently residing in Seattle with his family, Hurst continues to influence and guide both new and established organizations in integrating purpose into their core strategy. He is also recognized as a LinkedIn Influencer, where he shares his thought leadership with a broader audience, further impacting the ongoing development of purpose-driven work environments.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Aaron Hurst and other top speakers and celebrities.

Aaron Hurst Speaking Topics

The Next Silicon Valley

Detroit was the hub of the Industrial Economy. Silicon Valley played the same key role in the Information Economy. What is the likely next economy and how can your city be position to be its hub and benefit from its rise? Citing breakthrough socio-economic research, Aaron Hurst argues that information is being replaced by purpose as the main driver of the global economy and the cities embracing this new economy early are positioned for economic boom. In this inspiring talk, Aaron will show government, non-profit organizations and private businesses how to spark meaningful local change with nationwide impact. The result for the city that decides to adopt the Purpose Economy as their movement will be a more engaged and fulfilled workforce, a more socially engaged citizenry and a surge in businesses that better serve people and the world.

  • Evidence and research behind the rise of the Purpose Economy
  • How the new economy will bring economic boom to your city
  • Using the five levers of social change to spark innovation and change locally

Optional: The Purpose Economy team will lead a workshop on designing a campaign to spark the change in your city.

Disrupting Markets

How to use the same tactics as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk to design and move a market to adopt your product, service or idea on a large scale.

Elon Musk, Steve Jobs and John Mackey didn’t just build products or even businesses. They designed and moved markets. New research combined with foundational innovation theory now make it possible for the rest of us to design strategies to do the same. Through case studies and new socio-economic research, Aaron gives leaders actionable advice on how to strategically shape any market to adopt a product or service on a large scale. As a lead architect of the pro bono movement as well as the Purpose Economy, Aaron uses his personal experience in moving global markets to provide an actionable guide on designing how an innovative idea, product or service gets adopted into mainstream culture.

  • Learn the five ways to move any market and which will work for you
  • What the adoption curve means for your idea and how to use it to your advantage
  • The step-by-step process entrepreneurs uses to engage the right users at the right time

Optional: Aaron will lead a 2-day retreat with your small group providing direct feedback on your idea and helping you craft your plan.

Leading With Purpose

How your organization can attract and retain Millennials and other purpose-driven professionals who are motivated, engaged and committed to your mission.

Are you doing enough to attract and deeply engage purpose-driven employees? In the Purpose Economy, Aaron Hurst argues that purpose has overtaken information as the core driver of the global economy. Leaders from all industries who understand the new economy early are in the best position to capitalize on this huge market shift while fundamentally changing the nature of business. Referencing groundbreaking research in positive psychology, Aaron will first speak on attracting millennials and other purpose-driven professionals to your organization and motivating them to do their best work. Professionals who are focused on purpose and see their work as a calling have greater personal well-being and as a result are more productive and committed to their organizations. He will also address how to effectively guide your existing workforce in crafting their own jobs. A practice proven to significantly increase retention and well-being.

  • Learn what millennials are looking for at work and how to engage them
  • A guide on building community leaders within your organization
  • The three approaches to a purpose economy organization and which will work for you

Optional: Additional small interactive workshop led by the Imperative team on creating your own purpose statements and aiding your team to do the same.

Finding Your Purpose

This informative and inspiring talk is designed equip the millennial workforce with the tools needed to be fully engaged and fulfilled at current and future work. Using groundbreaking research in positive psychology and his experience working with over 25,000 purpose-seeking professionals at Taproot, Aaron shows young professionals how to design their work to be rich in meaning and purpose. He draws on stories from professionals who have embraced purpose and meaning at work across all fields and occupations to paint a vivid picture of what purpose at work looks like for each of us. Each attendee will be guided in determining the who, why and how of their individual purposeful work journey and shown how to use this knowledge to craft a work experience in any job that is engaging, allows expression and creates meaning.

  • An overview of the myths that exist about purpose and what working purposefully actually means
  • An understanding of your individual Purpose ProfileTM and how to apply it to your work
  • Next steps to immediately begin crafting your current job into your calling

Optional: Small interactive workshop led by the Purpose Economy team on creating individual purpose statements.

Aaron Hurst Videos

Thought Leader Conversation Series: Purpose in Mentoring
The Purpose Economy and The Science of Purpose & Fulfilment at ...
Aaron Hurst of Imperative on PAFOW Live with Al Adamsen - YouTube

How do I book Aaron Hurst to speak at my event?

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

How much does it cost to book Aaron Hurst for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Aaron Hurst, 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 $30,000 - $50,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Aaron Hurst, 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 Aaron Hurst speak about?

Aaron Hurst is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Entrepreneurship, Change Management, Authors, Non-Profit, Business and Culture.

Where does Aaron Hurst travel from?

Aaron Hurst generally travels from Seattle, WA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Aaron Hurst?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Aaron Hurst 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 Aaron Hurst 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 Aaron Hurst 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.


Aaron Hurst is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Entrepreneurship, Change Management and Authors. The estimated speaking fee range to book Aaron Hurst for live events is $30,000 - $50,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. Aaron Hurst generally travels from Seattle, WA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Josh Linkner, Jesse Itzler and Eduardo Briceño. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Aaron Hurst for an upcoming event.

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

Aaron Hurst Speaking Topics

  • The Next Silicon Valley

    Detroit was the hub of the Industrial Economy. Silicon Valley played the same key role in the Information Economy. What is the likely next economy and how can your city be position to be its hub and benefit from its rise? Citing breakthrough socio-economic research, Aaron Hurst argues that information is being replaced by purpose as the main driver of the global economy and the cities embracing this new economy early are positioned for economic boom. In this inspiring talk, Aaron will show government, non-profit organizations and private businesses how to spark meaningful local change with nationwide impact. The result for the city that decides to adopt the Purpose Economy as their movement will be a more engaged and fulfilled workforce, a more socially engaged citizenry and a surge in businesses that better serve people and the world.

    • Evidence and research behind the rise of the Purpose Economy
    • How the new economy will bring economic boom to your city
    • Using the five levers of social change to spark innovation and change locally

    Optional: The Purpose Economy team will lead a workshop on designing a campaign to spark the change in your city.

  • Disrupting Markets

    How to use the same tactics as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk to design and move a market to adopt your product, service or idea on a large scale.

    Elon Musk, Steve Jobs and John Mackey didn’t just build products or even businesses. They designed and moved markets. New research combined with foundational innovation theory now make it possible for the rest of us to design strategies to do the same. Through case studies and new socio-economic research, Aaron gives leaders actionable advice on how to strategically shape any market to adopt a product or service on a large scale. As a lead architect of the pro bono movement as well as the Purpose Economy, Aaron uses his personal experience in moving global markets to provide an actionable guide on designing how an innovative idea, product or service gets adopted into mainstream culture.

    • Learn the five ways to move any market and which will work for you
    • What the adoption curve means for your idea and how to use it to your advantage
    • The step-by-step process entrepreneurs uses to engage the right users at the right time

    Optional: Aaron will lead a 2-day retreat with your small group providing direct feedback on your idea and helping you craft your plan.

  • Leading With Purpose

    How your organization can attract and retain Millennials and other purpose-driven professionals who are motivated, engaged and committed to your mission.

    Are you doing enough to attract and deeply engage purpose-driven employees? In the Purpose Economy, Aaron Hurst argues that purpose has overtaken information as the core driver of the global economy. Leaders from all industries who understand the new economy early are in the best position to capitalize on this huge market shift while fundamentally changing the nature of business. Referencing groundbreaking research in positive psychology, Aaron will first speak on attracting millennials and other purpose-driven professionals to your organization and motivating them to do their best work. Professionals who are focused on purpose and see their work as a calling have greater personal well-being and as a result are more productive and committed to their organizations. He will also address how to effectively guide your existing workforce in crafting their own jobs. A practice proven to significantly increase retention and well-being.

    • Learn what millennials are looking for at work and how to engage them
    • A guide on building community leaders within your organization
    • The three approaches to a purpose economy organization and which will work for you

    Optional: Additional small interactive workshop led by the Imperative team on creating your own purpose statements and aiding your team to do the same.

  • Finding Your Purpose

    This informative and inspiring talk is designed equip the millennial workforce with the tools needed to be fully engaged and fulfilled at current and future work. Using groundbreaking research in positive psychology and his experience working with over 25,000 purpose-seeking professionals at Taproot, Aaron shows young professionals how to design their work to be rich in meaning and purpose. He draws on stories from professionals who have embraced purpose and meaning at work across all fields and occupations to paint a vivid picture of what purpose at work looks like for each of us. Each attendee will be guided in determining the who, why and how of their individual purposeful work journey and shown how to use this knowledge to craft a work experience in any job that is engaging, allows expression and creates meaning.

    • An overview of the myths that exist about purpose and what working purposefully actually means
    • An understanding of your individual Purpose ProfileTM and how to apply it to your work
    • Next steps to immediately begin crafting your current job into your calling

    Optional: Small interactive workshop led by the Purpose Economy team on creating individual purpose statements.

Aaron Hurst Videos

Thought Leader Conversation Series: Purpose in Mentoring
The Purpose Economy and The Science of Purpose & Fulfilment at ...
Aaron Hurst of Imperative on PAFOW Live with Al Adamsen - YouTube

Aaron Hurst Reviews

  • Target - Sep 24 2019

Aaron Hurst News

  • How do I book Aaron Hurst to speak at my event?

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

    Speaking fees for Aaron Hurst, 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 $30,000 - $50,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Aaron Hurst, 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 Aaron Hurst speak about?

    Aaron Hurst is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Entrepreneurship, Change Management, Authors, Non-Profit, Business and Culture.
  • Where does Aaron Hurst travel from?

    Aaron Hurst generally travels from Seattle, WA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Aaron Hurst?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Aaron Hurst 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 Aaron Hurst 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 Aaron Hurst 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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