Leslie John

Drawing on two decades of behavioral science, Harvard Business School professor Leslie John delivers a dynamic, story-driven talk that shows why thoughtful openness—done right—is a powerful advantage in leadership and life. Blending sharp insight with humor and quick interactive moments, she keeps audiences engaged while revealing how sharing wisely builds trust, connection, and influence. Attendees gain John’s evidence-based framework for deciding when, how, and how much to share. She tailors the session to each group—helping leaders inspire and motivate, employees navigate tricky workplace conversations, and general audiences strengthen relationships and well-being. Participants leave energized, entertained, and equipped with practical tools to communicate more authentically and understand why revealing more might just be the smartest move they make.

Being open doesn’t just build trust—it boosts sales. In this evidence-packed keynote, Leslie John shares research with companies from banks to retailers showing that when firms reveal more—about prices, costs, and even product drawbacks—customers buy more and stay longer. Drawing on field experiments and memorable cases, including the “Honest Credit Card” study, she shows how transparency signals competence, builds trust, and drives growth—proving that candor can be a company’s most profitable strategy.

Being seen matters—but so does being liked. In this funny and practical talk, Leslie John shows how to share your accomplishments without sounding arrogant or awkward. Drawing on behavioral science and real-world examples, she reveals when and how to highlight achievements gracefully, strike the right balance between confidence and humility, and use curiosity and reciprocity to make others genuinely root for you. Engaging and interactive, this session leaves audiences with simple, research-backed tools to communicate their value, build credibility, and advance their careers—without the cringe.