Julian Pistone

Former Google Leader, Global Voice on Courageous Leadership in the Age of AI and Uncertainty

Topics: Leadership, Change, Innovation, Future of Work, World Affairs, Thought Leadership, Societal Issues, Business Leadership, Technology, Inspirational & Motivational

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Biography

The greatest risk today isn’t technology — it’s hesitation. In times of volatility, those who fail to act courageously will shape nothing and risk irrelevance.

With two decades of global experience, including 10 years at Google, Julian Pistone has guided CEOs, investors, and policymakers — along with executives from McKinsey, IBM, YouTube, Uber, YPO, AB InBev, and the Gates Foundation — to turn disruption into growth. He is also co-founder of Corage, a global impact network uniting changemakers across business, government, science, and philanthropy to drive systemic change.

Julian has traveled the world for the Cor-age Series documentary, produced with award-winning filmmakers from Netflix, National Geographic, and MTV4REAL, with Joaquin Phoenix, capturing the stories of some of the world’s bravest humans.

His signature cinematic keynotes — built with Pulitzer- and Emmy-winning filmmakers — combine neuroscience and immersive experiential storytelling to reveal courage as the missing key in an age of AI-led disruption and geopolitical uncertainty, challenging leaders to rethink their mindset and make the bold choices that shape the future.

Contact us for Julian Pistone fees and availability

Videos

Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

Forging Courage in the Face of Disruption

In a world of geopolitical upheaval, AI disruption, and economic volatility, those who hesitate get left behind. Those who lead with courage define the future. This keynote equips leaders to embrace uncertainty, build resilience, and turn chaos into opportunity. Blending real-world insights with neuroscience-backed strategies, Julian reveals how to cultivate courageous decision-making and lead with boldness in turbulent times.

The Power of Courage: Act Decisively, Shape Legacies, Define the Future

In times of constant disruption, leadership demands the courage to act with purpose and clarity. This keynote inspires individuals to reflect on the legacy they wish to leave, empowering them to make bold, intentional decisions that shape the future. By cultivating the courage to lead and live with conviction, participants will be moved to take meaningful action that drives lasting, sustainable impact.

The Anatomy of Courage: What Extreme Adversity Teaches Leaders

In this session, Julian takes audiences on a deep dive into the anatomy of courage, revealing how adversity can unlock bravery. Drawing lessons from high-stakes environments and the Cor:age Series documentary, he shares universal principles of courage, grounded in neuroscience, to help leaders overcome challenges and inspire others to lead in uncertainty.

Testimonials

In an era marked by constant disruption, embedding courage in leaders is essential for high performing organizations. Julian empowers leaders to embrace courage as a leadership trait and instil it within their teams, creating cultures equipped to handle the complexities of today’s world.

– MAURICIO CAMARGO Managing Partner, McKinsey Co-Founder, Altra Investments

Great movements are being born from micro-decisions, continuous adaptation and a very clear direction! This was exactly the point that the Julian highlighted in his keynote on leadership and change.

– ALEXANDRE MAIORAL President, Oracle Brazil

It’s rare to have a speaker gift you an experience rather than a presentation. But that is what he does. If you want the lightbulb of metamorphosis to turn on, work with Julian.

– SHANKAR DESAI Managing Director, Google US

Julian’s ability to weave together stories of adversity, growth, and courage in such a moving and authentic way, challenges you to stare down the abyss of uncertainty, and to emerge stronger, and more resilient on the other side.

– SIRI LINDLEY Tony Robbins Speaker 2X Time World Champion Triathlete Triathlon Hall of Fame

The highlight of the evening was Julian’s keynote. His message about thriving amid disruption and chaos resonated deeply, reinforcing the importance of constantly adapting and innovating.

– MARIO MARCHETTI Managing Director, Sinch Ex Managing Director, Oracle

Insights from Julian Pistone

Watch our full conversation here: Small Actions That Build Real Courage

"The best way of recreating courage neural pathways in your brain is to remember how you've done it in the past."

- Julian Pistone

"There is no courage without fear. Fear is the first key component, but we often believe that courageous people are... fearless."

- Julian Pistone

"If you're acting not for something greater or for someone else, then it's considered recklessness."

- Julian Pistone

"I believe events and being the person managing the event is probably amongst the most stressful jobs that you can have, which automatically means you're being courageous.. Because there's so much risk that you're managing."

- Julian Pistone