Find speakers by:
Request more info

Alex Hutchinson

Human Performance Expert | Award-Winning Journalist | Bestselling Author

Alex Hutchinson
The Power of Belief
Alex
Alex Hutchinson
The Power of Belief

Many believe our limits are defined by physical traits, but Alex Hutchinson knows that limits only exist in our minds. An award-winning science journalist, Alex draws on his experiences as an elite long-distance runner for Canada’s national team and as a scientist to explore the limits of human performance and understand the subtle factors that define champions. His New York Times bestselling book Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance was recently a featured read for the Next Big Idea Club curated by Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, and Daniel Pink.

Shortly after competing in his second Canadian Olympic Trials, Alex decided to leave his postdoctoral physics research post with the U.S. National Security Agency to pursue a master’s degree in journalism — and has never looked back. He is currently a columnist and contributing editor for Outside and Canadian Running magazines, and also writes for the New Yorker’s Elements blog on science, endurance, health, and human performance. He is most well-known for debunking health and fitness hype as the Globe and Mail’s Jockology columnist.

In 2008, Alex received a U.S. National Magazine Award for his work covering technology for Popular Mechanics, and in 2012 he received a Lowell Thomas Award for his travel writing in the New York Times.

Alex has a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Cambridge and graduated with a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. He has given talks on endurance and human performance to audiences ranging from the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Own The Podium program to investment bankers and funeral home directors.

Speaking topics

Presentations listed below include in-person and virtual keynotes, as well as workshops, fireside chats, and other presentation formats.

Need assistance?

Client reviews

  • We invited Alex to speak to a group of young players during an off-season development program in Toronto. Alex’s research and message related to pushing past the assumed boundaries of performance was particularly relevant for this group, as they challenge themselves to go from talented minor league players to winning Major League players. Alex’s content, story-telling, humility, and humor kept us fully engaged and we are excited to keep following his work.

  • Alex delivered an entertaining and informative presentation. The packed room was enthralled. Clearly, Alex knew his stuff. Moreover, as an accomplished athlete himself, he was able to add more colour to the science by linking it to personal anecdotes which really helped build a connection between Alex and his diverse audience. Alex’s talk was a definite highlight of our program.

  • Alex has an incredible way of translating complex health and performance topics into easy and clear understanding for any audience. There is much to learn for all us from the lessons from the coal face of elite sport, as well as the everyday application of health and wellness. In the end, Alex presents concepts with engaging stories, and wraps it up with thought-provoking life lessons as well. I would highly recommend him again.

You might also like

Related speakers.