Speaking

"If an organization is seeking a speaker on the subject of creativity, I cannot recommend Julie Burstein highly enough! " Katie Hutton, Dallas Museum of Art

I'm thrilled that more than 1.4 million viewers have watched my TED talk, 4 Lessons in Creativity. I love speaking about creativity and about how to find powerful stories, and often give talks and workshops at colleges, companies, museums, and conferences.

Before each engagement I talk with the presenting organization to understand their overall goals, whether it is for a keynote, an address to employees, or a talk at a college or university. For most talks, I include audio excerpts from some of the artists, entrepreneurs, and scientists I have interviewed throughout my career in public radio.

What people are saying about my talks:

“I took the term 'passionate optimism' from Julie. This talk is all about how new experiences, tough challenges and limitations placed upon us are all things to artistically embrace.” -- Carlton Cuse, screenwriter and producer of "Lost."

"Julie presided in front of an audience of innovators (at ?WhatIf!) and told genuine, lovely stories of how creative people found their 'spark'. She held the attention of a crowd that deals with creativity and innovation on a daily basis with confidence, which was important, but also with a deep admiration for the spirit of creative souls, which ultimately captivated those who listened to her. As an observer of creative brilliance as well as a creative maven herself, Julie is the perfect speaker for anyone wanting insight into this process we call 'creativity'."
-- Rebecca Rodskog, former Director of Capability & Culture, ?WhatIf! Innovation and Founder of Rodskog Change Consulting

"If an organization is seeking a speaker on the subject of creativity, I cannot recommend Julie Burstein highly enough! Her presentation was one of the most insightful, dynamic and fun presentations I have seen. In order to demonstrate her points, she carefully wove together audio clips from great artists and authors with video, photographs, and works of art. She even customized her presentation to include works of art and artists featured in the Dallas Museum of Art's collections. Her passion, knowledge and gifts as a storyteller shine through when she is speaking." -- Katie Hutton, Program Manager for Arts & Letters Live, Dallas Museum of Art

"Your talk was inspiring and meaningful. It was fascinating to hear about kindling the creative process of your work and fostering the creative spirit. You received rave reviews." -- Diana Beebe, Executive Director, Head Mistresses Association of the East

Speaking Topics include:

Spark: How Creativity Works
Harnessing the Tension Between Control and Letting Go: Thinking Like an Artist Can Transform Our Work
"Uncertainties, Mysteries, and Doubts:" Expanding the Capacity for Uncertainty Can Nurture Creativity
Where Art and Real Life Collide: How Challenge, Conflict, Risk, and Failure Lead to Innovation
Uncovering the Story: Cut Through the Jargon, Find the Heart of the Story, and Captivate an Audience
Leading with a Spark: Create an Environment That Ignites Innovation
Creative Essentials for Parents: What Artists Reveal about Learning to Think Outside the Box

A few of the conferences, universities, and organizations where I have spoken: