Lucy Cooke.
Lucy Cooke is an author, National Geographic explorer and broadcaster.
With a Master's in zoology from New College, Oxford, where she studied under Richard Dawkins, Lucy has written four books exploring animal behaviour and evolution. Her recent bestseller Bitch: A Revolutionary Guide to Sex, Evolution and the Female Animal (2023) challenges feminist paradigms, while The Truth About Animals (2019) was nominated for a Royal Society prize. Earlier works include Life in the Sloth Lane (2018) and the New York Times bestseller A Little Book of Sloth (2013). Her books have been translated into 22 languages and adapted for international television, BBC radio, and the stage.
Using her vast zoological knowledge and exceptional storytelling, Lucy explores what society and businesses can learn from the unique biology and behaviour of animals. Her work reveals profound insights into gender, behavioural patterns, leadership and dominance structures, pack mentalities, and sustainability, drawing unexpected parallels between the animal kingdom and human organisations that challenge conventional thinking and offer fresh perspectives on age-old questions.
keynote speeches.
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The animal kingdom is full of fabulous female leaders each with a different strategy for success. Orca matriarchs use wisdom and empahy to guide their sophisticated hunting culture, bonobos form a powerful sisterhood to stand up to bullying alpha males, chimpanzee females win through innovative tool use, and tiny geckos have found the ultimate tech solution to survival: self-cloning. In this fascinating talk, based on her best-selling book BITCH, Lucy Cooke explains how Victorian cultural bias limited our appreciation of female leadership. She illustrates how resilience, wisdom, empathy, connection, collaboration, ingenuity and a strong sisterhood are the formula for female empowerment, whether you are an CEO or a sea lion.
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Pity the poor dodo, erased from all existence but why? In this informative and entertaining talk Lucy introduces evolution's biggest winners and losers in search of the formula for sustainable longevity. Drawing on the latest evolutionary science, Lucy reveals how, whether you are a predator on the African plains or a company trying to navigate the rapidly changing corporate ecosystem, the rules of resilience are remarkably similar. Diversity, connectivity, ingenuity, flexibility and sustainability are the best tools for surviving in the face of chaos.
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The octopus is a master of innovation, which is why they have been on the planet for over 330 million years. Ultimately, the key to success is not strength but adaptability, and in an era of rapid change, AI, economic shifts, climate crises, embracing flexibility, innovation, and collaboration is key.
In this talk, Lucy explores lessons from nature’s greatest survivors, from the problem-solving genius of urban racoons to cooperative meerkats, as these pioneering toughies not only offer inspiration but also the perfect antidote to future-proofing success.
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Sloths have a bad rap. Being named after a deadly sin has done nothing for their PR. But nature’s slow coaches have been around for over 60 million years, outliving flashier species like the sabre-toothed tiger. They are icons of sustainability, with much to teach us. In this fascinating talk, Lucy shares the work and life lessons learned from the vast array of species in the animal kingdom, to help create a better, happier, and thriving workforce.
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What can chimpanzees, wolves and bees teach corporates about leadership? More than you might think. For too long, business culture has looked to rigid hierarchical models of dominance. But biology tells a very different story. In nature, leadership isn’t about barking orders or hoarding power — it’s about earning trust, fostering cooperation and harnessing collective intelligence. Drawing on surprising cutting-edge research, Lucy challenges old myths about competition and hierarchy and shows how the most successful species — and companies — thrive when they work together.
videos.
Speaking Highlight
books.
in the news.
frequently asked questions.
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Lucy focuses on leadership, resilience, adaptability, collaboration, and how organisations can learn from evolution and the natural world. A central thread of her work explores different leadership styles, representation, and the role of diversity and cooperation in building sustainable success.
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She is typically engaged for keynote-style sessions within conferences and internal and external corporate and leadership events.
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Beyond keynote contributions, she can also take part in moderated conversations and panel discussions exploring leadership, resilience, and culture.
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Her work is particularly relevant to companies and organisations navigating change, uncertainty, innovation, and the need to build resilient, collaborative cultures. She is also frequently engaged for leadership and culture-focused events exploring themes of female leadership, empowerment, and representation
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She engages with senior leaders, leadership teams, and professional audiences across corporate, public, and cultural sectors, as well as large conference audiences and leadership forums focused on inclusion, representation, and cultural change.
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Her approach is thought-provoking, entertaining, and evidence-led, using compelling stories from nature to challenge traditional leadership and organisational myths.
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She adapts her examples to suit organisational context while keeping a strong focus on universal principles drawn from evolutionary science.
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Lucy Cooke's work draws on universal biological insights that resonate across cultures.
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Pricing for Lucy is influenced by factors such as event location, format, and time commitment. Speaking Office ensures fee consistency across all enquiries, whether via speaker bureaus or direct clients, so that pricing remains aligned and non-competitive across channels. Accurate and up-to-date pricing can be provided once event details are shared, ensuring alignment with both the client’s requirements and Lucy’s long-term positioning.
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Speaking Office aims to respond promptly to all enquiries regarding Lucy Cooke typically within one business day. Response times may vary slightly depending on event complexity and time zone, but all enquiries are handled with care and attention.
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Lucy is available for virtual and hybrid events, as well as in-person engagements, depending on availability and event requirements. Speaking Office can advise on the most appropriate format based on audience, objectives, and technical considerations.
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Advance booking is recommended for Lucy, particularly for peak periods and international events. While shorter lead times can be accommodated, early enquiry allows for greater flexibility and planning.
How do I book Lucy for a speech?
To book Lucy for a speech, contact her speaking agent: