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Suneel Gupta

Expert on Connecting Well-Being and Performance | Visiting Scholar, Harvard Medical School | Bestselling Author

Suneel Gupta Headshot June 2023
Speaker Reel
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The Science Behind Tiny Breaks
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What Great Leaders Do Differently
Suneel
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Suneel Gupta Headshot June 2023
Speaker Reel
Gupta Thumb 1
The Science Behind Tiny Breaks
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What Great Leaders Do Differently

As the founding CEO of RISE, a breakthrough wellness company, Suneel Gupta helped thousands of people build better habits for life and work. Now, as a bestselling author and Harvard Medical School visiting scholar, Suneel has taken his mission one step further — helping people reset, reignite, and find meaning in their work by bolstering emotional resilience and engagement. Suneel asks, “How can an organization excel on the outside if its people are exhausted on the inside?” He helps leaders and teams build the capacity to meet today’s relentless demands without sacrificing their well-being. He equips them with evidence-based tools to prevent burnout, sustain energy, sharpen focus, and improve both professional and personal performance. Suneel offers a better way to work; one that results in sustainable innovation, productivity, and fulfilment.

Suneel is a business survivor and the author of the international bestselling book Backable. The book is rooted in his inner journey from twice-failed entrepreneur to becoming a leader behind two IPOs and being named “The New Face of Innovation” by the New York Stock Exchange. The book reveals the mindset shifts and hidden habits of people who are extraordinary at pushing new ideas forward.

His transformative book Everyday Dharma codifies Suneel’s mission to help people reset, reignite, and re-engage through a timeless practice called Dharma. Simply put, Dharma brings “who you are” and “what you do” into alignment. When we’re aligned, we’re able to produce our best work and lead ourselves and others effectively, experiencing true joy along the way.

As visiting scholar at Harvard Medical School, Suneel researches and teaches the interconnection between inner well-being and outer leadership. He is also emissary for Gross National Happiness between the United States and the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Suneel helped thousands of people establish a way to personalize their physical and mental health journey while connecting with certified nutritionists and trainers at an affordable price. The company was named “App of the Year” and partnered with then-First Lady Michelle Obama before being acquired by the NASDAQ-listed company One Medical Group, expanding its reach in digital health and well-being.

Suneel was also the host of Business Class, a 2023 Webby Award-winning series streaming on Amazon Prime. The show spotlights the struggles, resilience, and work/life habits of entrepreneurs and business visionaries like Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield (Ben & Jerry’s), Top Chef‘s Tom Colicchio, and Martha Stewart.

Suneel has also personally backed ventures including Impossible Foods, Airbnb, 23andMe, and SpaceX. He was one of the very first investors in CALM, which is now one of the world’s leading mental wellness platforms helping millions of people achieve a greater sense of work/life balance.

Speaking topics

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

  • Momentum: The Energy to Keep Going

    We can’t create more time, but we can elevate our energy. Understanding that is the first step to increasing our capacity — personally and professionally — to build momentum and keep up with daily demands without succumbing to exhaustion.

    “People who fall short of their goals rarely run out of time or talent — they run out of energy,” says Suneel Gupta. As founding CEO of RISE (now part of Amazon), Gupta has helped thousands overcome challenges with physical and mental health. Now, he’s committed to bringing a sustainable solution to the energy crisis at work.

    Grounded in his exclusive teachings at Harvard Medical School as well as over a decade of studying the work habits of extraordinary leaders, Gupta delivers insights about the “why” and “how-to’s” of strategic energy management, showing people practical ways to unleash momentum crucial to performance, innovation, collaboration, and overall well-being.

    Sample takeaways tailored for each audience:

    • Why managing energy is as important as managing time.
    • Four ways to build “emotional runway” and avoid burnout using science-based practices.
    • Master everyday habits to boost momentum, engagement, and morale.
    • Reframe failure as a pathway to success.
    • Remain resilient and balanced in the face of constant change.

  • Head, Heart, and Hands: A New Way to Look at Leadership

    Leadership has changed. To get things done and drive bottom-line results, leaders must embrace a striking truth: they don’t just impact people’s work, but their overall health and well-being. Leaders who understand how physical, mental, and emotional health drives business performance will build trust, become magnets for exceptional talent, and elevate overall productivity. Suneel Gupta’s “Head, Heart and Hands” framework empowers leaders with new strategies to create a work environment where well-being drives outstanding outcomes.

    Drawing on over a decade of experience as a healthcare CEO, bestselling author, and host of an award-winning television show on leadership, Gupta empowers audiences through interactive experiences and demonstrates how a focus on purpose (head), well-being (heart), and action (hands) transforms organizational performance.

    Audiences will learn how to:

    • Motivate people to be “all in” without burning out, by teaching them how to manage not just their time, but their energy.
    • Learn the art of aligning “who you are” with “what you do” to inspire teams and carve result-oriented paths for their daily work.
    • Cultivate a meaningful sense of belonging in your team, whether in-person or remote.
    • Discover the key drivers of emotional resilience and how to deal with daily setbacks.
    • Renew a sense of commitment and momentum in your team’s day-to-day life.

  • Purpose in Action: Bringing Who You Are to Everything You Do

    More than ever before, people are struggling to find meaning in their work. In this talk, Suneel Gupta helps people reset, reignite, and re-engage through a timeless practice called Dharma. Simply put, Dharma brings “who you are” and “what you do” into alignment. When we’re not aligned, we become exhausted, depleted, and burnt out. When we are aligned, we feel creative, energized, and lit up. We’re able to produce our best work and lead ourselves and others effectively, experiencing true joy along the way.

    Gupta first learned the practice of Dharma from his grandfather on a porch in New Delhi. Years later, when he was lost and exhausted — struggling to find a sense of meaning in his own work — he returned to the playbook his ancestors left behind and related it to today’s fast-paced, changing world of work.

    Through sharing deeply personal stories, Gupta reveals how he found a path back to purpose and joy, and how others can do the same. Audiences will leave with actionable tools to re-engage in their work and life with a renewed sense of vigour and meaning.

    Audiences will learn how to:

    • Rediscover their “essence” and express that through their work.
    • Be “all in” without being “always on”.
    • Find comfort in the most uncomfortable of situations.
    • Deal with failure and use it as a pathway to success.
    • Find themselves by losing themself through leading and lifting up others.
    • Blur the lines between work and play to reach your highest potential.
    • Forge ahead and take decisive action, even in the face of uncertainty.

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Related Content

More great information and resources.

Books

  • Everyday Dharma by Suneel Gupta
    Everyday Dharma: 8 Essential Practices for Finding Success and Joy in What You Do

    We’ve been conditioned, from an early age, to believe that one day we’ll reach a moment of...

    → Read More
  • Backable by Suneel Gupta
    Backable: The Surprising Truth Behind What Makes People Take a Chance on You

    No one makes it alone. But there’s a reason some people can get investors or bosses to believe...

    → Read More

Articles

Client reviews

  • Global Head of Wealth, Dow Jones

    Thought-provoking and inspiring. He resonated deeply with our audience.

  • Senior Vice President of HARMAN International

    Highly entertaining and substantive. After Suneel’s talk, we thought differently about change.

  • Corporate Board Magazine

    A bright spot at our conference. His lively keynote kept everyone in the audience engaged!

  • SACRS

    Remarkable! Extremely valuable! You ignited discussions that sparked fresh, creative ideas.

  • Deloitte Consulting

    Suneel brought to life the concept of innovation.

  • McKesson, Project Manager, Event Experience

    Suneel was great to work with, and we got great feedback so far from our attendees on his presentation. The main theme we saw in survey results was taking away the ‘give not get’ in a conversation. I hope there’s another event in the future we can use Suneel!

  • Google, Executive Business Partner

    Suneel was the absolute highlight of the summit! Everyone felt very connected with his messaging and most importantly, it impacted the way we view each other, our roles, and ourselves. ‘The game of now’ was brought up a lot in subsequent sessions during the offsite, and people are still talking about how powerful his storytelling was.

  • Campbell's, Senior Vice President, Human Resources

    Suneel’s session with the Snacks Extended Leadership team was VERY positive and timely. Leaders commented that it was extremely impactful, helpful tools and the note card activity proved to be emotional and meaningful — realizing you’re not alone. [My HR team and I] are talking through ways to pull through the tools Suneel shared and how as leaders we can find the time to renew our energy and help our teams to do the same. Loved how Suneel through his storytelling gift makes learning memorable!

  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Program Manager

    [The] feedback we’ve received from our attendees has been nothing short of glowing. Many have echoed the sentiment that Suneel’s presentation was one of the highlights of the conference. His insights on leadership and resilience resonated deeply with our audience, and his engaging delivery left a lasting impact.

  • Integrating Women Leaders Foundation, Executive Director & Chief Acceleration Officer

    WOW! Suneel closed out our annual Women’s Leadership Conference with a keynote on building momentum, and it was AMAZING! His content was relevant. His pacing, flow and delivery were flawless. And his authenticity and storytelling had attendees on the edge of their seats. Suneel’s session now ranks as one of the most popular in our 20-conference history, and we are still hearing from attendees about its impact — ‘This was the most amazing and inspiring talk I have ever seen. I was so completely blown away. Wow.’, ‘Fantastic and so powerful. Loved how personal it was!’ and ‘Absolutely amazing and inspiring!’

  • Amway, Vice President of Global Sales

    Our group was inspired by your session, and walked away with several tangible actions, but also a sense of inspiration to take courageous steps. Thank you for delivering a compelling session.

  • Merck, SVP, U.S. Oncology

    I received wonderful feedback from people who were in the audience on the impact of your session. They took away a lot of great pearls, like I knew they would. You are an inspiration, and I am so grateful to you for adapting your talk to [focus on] leadership skills. I thought you did that beautifully.

  • Merck, Director, U.S. Market Communications

    Thank you for an incredible session with our Merck U.S. market leaders…feedback has been excellent, and your session was rated among the highest of the entire meeting. I’m so grateful I came across your biography and videos. You were a highlight for our leaders and for me personally. I do hope to see more sessions with you at Merck. I will certainly recommend you to everyone who will listen.

  • Informa Markets, Vice President, Content and Programming

    Thank you, Suneel! Your session was AMAZING!!! The executives I talked with were so pleased with your session! #rockstar! Thank you so much!

  • Prophet, Senior Engagement Manager

    We loved having Suneel at the event, and his content was very well-received! I observed a few specific things that resonated: Suneel’s grounding in the science of the brain was refreshing and I think added credibility to his insights; His use of storytelling, and humour, throughout was well-received by the audience; This should come as no surprise, but his closing story about his mother was especially resonant and memorable. Thanks again for your partnership!

  • Campbell's, Research & Development Team Member

    I would like to have more Grow Time sessions with Mr. Gupta. This was by far the MOST POWERFUL, informative, uplifting session I have ever attended.

  • Shell

    Outstanding feedback overall (best speaker, very motivating, impactful messaging). One person was even brought to tears after picking up their index card due to how much their item resonated with others in the group.

  • Medical Alley Association, CEO

    The feedback of the day was more than we could have ever hoped for. Thank you for your gift of time, your message was well received and was a topic of side conversation throughout the day.

  • Constant Contact, Chief Executive Officer

    You jump-started our annual kickoff meeting with the perfect message and tone. What moved people the most were your stories and practical techniques for how to manage our energy and deepen our level of engagement. With the changes we’re facing, you delivered exactly what we needed to rise to the challenge. As the weeks pass, your message is sticking with us!

  • Pinterest, Engineering Manager

    You exceeded our expectations! When we brought our company together for KnitCon 2022, we wanted a message that would help our people turn inspiration into realization. Like so many companies, success is directly related to how engaged our team is with their goals and one another. You gave everyone practical tools to increase focus, tame distractions, and assure that we have the energy to overcome the inevitable challenges. As a result of your keynote, we are more resilient, engaged and ready to face our rapidly changing world of work.

  • Campbell Soup Company, CEO

    Thank you for giving us a new way to think about how we work. At a time when work itself is being redefined and stress is coming from every direction, your presentation gave us real tools to use every day that will make us more effective, focused, and fulfilled at work and home. I
    could not be more impressed with what you delivered for our group.

  • Lighthouse, CEO

    Deeply memorable and inspiring. Suneel blends science with storytelling in a way I haven’t quite seen before. We referred to Suneel’s takeaways throughout the event and put them into practice immediately.

  • HARMAN International, Vice President of Human Resources

    I didn’t know what to expect and I’m still in awe. This wasn’t just a keynote — it was a unique experience. I’d strongly recommend that every emerging leader go through this experience; it’s inspirational and transformative.

  • Association for Advancing Automation, President

    Suneel Gupta is one of the highest-rated speakers we’ve ever had. His talk was filled with great insights on the essential ingredients for successfully accomplishing your goals by winning support from others along the way. I plan to put many of his ideas into action to become a more “backable” leader, and I know others who heard his talk plan to do the same. But, beyond all of the practical lessons, the lasting impression our audience had was that Suneel is a genuine, caring person who understands leadership challenges. His stories were filled with humility, empathy, and emotion, traits we rarely encounter from our keynote presenters. If you’re looking for an excellent talk delivered with a strong sense of humanity, I recommend Suneel Gupta.

  • Freddie Mac

    Suneel is a true master of storytelling, and his message was delivered to our audience at just the right time. Creating engagement at annual conferences can be tough. But when you couple that with a virtual conference environment, connecting with the audience is no easy feat.

    Suneel’s keynote on beating burnout to drive innovation was timely and his ability to draw in the audience resulted in the highest engagement numbers of all the sessions for our event. Some speakers can be too in the weeds, while others tend to speak over attendees’ heads.

    Suneel provided the perfect mix of actionable insights with passion for the topic. Attendees left refreshed, energized and appreciative of the experience.

  • Walgreens, Former Chief Marketing Officer

    Suneel left our team at Walgreens smarter and ready to innovate.

  • Van Jones, CNN Host

    This book is catching fire! So many people are coming out of #COVID wanting to launch new ventures. This book is a great guide, full of pearls of wisdom. #Backable

  • Reid Hoffman, Founding CEO of LinkedIn

    The most exceptional people aren’t just brilliant…they’re backable. This is the quality I look for most in leaders I recruit and entrepreneurs I fund — now I have a great name for it and a playbook for what it takes. Whether you want to get ahead inside a company or build a startup
    from the ground up, this fascinating book is a must-read.

  • Reshma Saujani, Founder of Girls Who Code

    This book is truly brave. I felt like I was sitting with Suneel as he unveiled secret steps that anyone can take to stand out and achieve their dreams.

  • Professor, Stanford Business School

    Being backable isn’t just for celebrities and CEOs. It’s a required skill for anyone who is trying to make it in the world. This book will change the trajectory of careers, launch new ideas into the world, and inspire cocktail party conversation for years to come.

  • Mike Krieger, Cofounder of Instagram

    Backable provides a super-readable and actionable look at how to make your ideas take flight. Whether you’re pitching a brand-new startup or an idea for your company’s next product, you’ll find a wealth of insights and stories throughout.

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