Bill Burke

Bill Burke

Keynote Speaker: Founder of The Optimism Institute; Transformational Leadership & Teambuilding Expert; Former Media Executive; Co-Author of CNN Founder Ted Turner's New York Times Bestselling Autobiography "Call Me Ted"

Bill Burke Biography

Bill Burke founded The Optimism Institute after a long career as an executive, writer, and producer in media and sports. A former Harvard Advanced Leadership Fellow, Burke now speaks on leadership and the power of optimism to transform individuals, teams, and organizations.

Burke's career highlights include serving as CEO of The Weather Channel Companies and working at Time Warner, where he was the founding general manager of Turner Classic Movies.

At just 29, Burke became president of TBS Superstation. He also learned valuable lessons from CNN founder Ted Turner, who co-authored the top-10 New York Times bestselling autobiography, "Call Me Ted." Burke also co-owned and chaired the Portland Sea Dogs, the double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox for fifteen years. As a writer, he has co-written, produced, and directed "Live Another Day," an award-winning documentary on the U.S. auto industry bailout.

Burke has also worked in non-profits, serving on and chairing several boards. He chaired the boards of Maine Medical Center (Maine’s largest hospital) and MaineHealth (the largest private employer in Maine). He also chaired the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, helping steer the organization through the “Great Recession” of 2008 to 2009, and the U.S. Biathlon Association, the national governing body for this Winter Olympic sport.

A lifelong optimist, Burke launched The Optimism Institute and the Blue Sky podcast to combat the negative effects of news and social media on mental health. Through the podcast, Burke has interviewed inspiring leaders, authors, researchers, and big thinkers, including Amy Edmondson on the benefits of psychological safety and Daniel Pink on the surprising positive power of regret. He has also appeared on "TODAY with Hoda and Jenna" and Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People podcast to share his optimistic vision of the world and its future.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Bill Burke and other top speakers and celebrities.

Bill Burke Speaking Topics

How to Be a Modern Optimist

Bill Burke highlights a paradox of modern life: despite living in arguably the best era in human history, we face unprecedented challenges to our optimism. He points out that today’s culture inundates us with negativity through constant feeds and sensational news, distracting us from the remarkable progress humanity continues to achieve. Attendees will learn how to navigate this landscape and cultivate a more positive outlook amidst the chaos.

Optimism and Mental Health

Bill Burke explores the vital link between optimism and mental health, highlighting how a positive mindset can alleviate anxiety and depression while enhancing overall life satisfaction. Attendees will gain valuable insights into practical strategies for fostering optimism, ultimately empowering them to improve their mental well-being and lead more fulfilling lives.

Optimism in Leadership

In this talk, Bill Burke examines how a positive mindset can elevate leadership abilities, boost team morale, and foster innovation. He highlights the significance of optimistic thinking in making effective decisions and leading teams successfully. Attendees will learn practical strategies to cultivate optimism in their leadership styles, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness and inspiring those around them.

Cultivating a Positive Culture in Organizations

In this session, Bill Burke shares effective strategies for cultivating a positive culture within organizations. He emphasizes the importance of optimism in enhancing employee engagement, boosting productivity, and promoting overall workplace happiness. Attendees will learn practical approaches to create a more uplifting environment, ultimately leading to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

Optimism is a Force Multiplier

Bill Burke will explore the significance of optimism in both the workplace and at home. Drawing inspiration from the late General Colin Powell, who believed that "perpetual optimism is a force multiplier," Burke will illustrate how positivity fosters resilience and a solutions-oriented approach during challenges. Attendees will learn how cultivating an optimistic mindset not only enhances relationships but also contributes to overall well-being and longevity.

Bill Burke Videos

Bill Burke - "TODAY"
Bill Burke - Remarkable People Podcast

How do I book Bill Burke to speak at my event?

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

How much does it cost to book Bill Burke for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Bill Burke, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Bill Burke are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Bill Burke, 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 Bill Burke speak about?

Bill Burke is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Personal Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Human Resources, Corporate Culture, Non-Profit, Podcast Host, Mental Health, Leadership, Peak Performance, Mindset, Motivational, Ethics & Integrity and Author.

Where does Bill Burke travel from?

Bill Burke generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Bill Burke?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Bill Burke 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 Bill Burke 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 Bill Burke 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.


Bill Burke is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Personal Growth, Emotional Intelligence and Human Resources. The estimated speaking fee range to book Bill Burke for live events is $30,000 - $50,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Bill Burke generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jason Dorland, Adam Markel and Adrian Gostick. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Bill Burke for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 27/01/2026.

Bill Burke Speaking Topics

  • How to Be a Modern Optimist

    Bill Burke highlights a paradox of modern life: despite living in arguably the best era in human history, we face unprecedented challenges to our optimism. He points out that today’s culture inundates us with negativity through constant feeds and sensational news, distracting us from the remarkable progress humanity continues to achieve. Attendees will learn how to navigate this landscape and cultivate a more positive outlook amidst the chaos.

  • Optimism and Mental Health

    Bill Burke explores the vital link between optimism and mental health, highlighting how a positive mindset can alleviate anxiety and depression while enhancing overall life satisfaction. Attendees will gain valuable insights into practical strategies for fostering optimism, ultimately empowering them to improve their mental well-being and lead more fulfilling lives.

  • Optimism in Leadership

    In this talk, Bill Burke examines how a positive mindset can elevate leadership abilities, boost team morale, and foster innovation. He highlights the significance of optimistic thinking in making effective decisions and leading teams successfully. Attendees will learn practical strategies to cultivate optimism in their leadership styles, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness and inspiring those around them.

  • Cultivating a Positive Culture in Organizations

    In this session, Bill Burke shares effective strategies for cultivating a positive culture within organizations. He emphasizes the importance of optimism in enhancing employee engagement, boosting productivity, and promoting overall workplace happiness. Attendees will learn practical approaches to create a more uplifting environment, ultimately leading to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

  • Optimism is a Force Multiplier

    Bill Burke will explore the significance of optimism in both the workplace and at home. Drawing inspiration from the late General Colin Powell, who believed that "perpetual optimism is a force multiplier," Burke will illustrate how positivity fosters resilience and a solutions-oriented approach during challenges. Attendees will learn how cultivating an optimistic mindset not only enhances relationships but also contributes to overall well-being and longevity.

Bill Burke Videos

Bill Burke - "TODAY"
Bill Burke - Remarkable People Podcast
  • How do I book Bill Burke to speak at my event?

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

    Speaking fees for Bill Burke, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Bill Burke are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Bill Burke, 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 Bill Burke speak about?

    Bill Burke is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Personal Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Human Resources, Corporate Culture, Non-Profit, Podcast Host, Mental Health, Leadership, Peak Performance, Mindset, Motivational, Ethics & Integrity and Author.
  • Where does Bill Burke travel from?

    Bill Burke generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Bill Burke?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Bill Burke 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 Bill Burke 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 Bill Burke 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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