HI, I'm Graeme
Graeme Mitchell is a sought-after keynote speaker and TEDx Editor’s Pick, represented exclusively by Chartwell Speakers. He is best known for articulating the Hope Gap and helping leaders understand why it exists and how to close it.
His work sits at the intersection of psychology, decision-making, and real-world leadership. Graeme helps organizations move from noise and fatigue to clear thinking, grounded confidence, and purposeful action.
At the heart of Graeme’s work is a simple, practical insight:
How we think is shaped by what we take in every day.
When information is left to chance or driven by noisy systems, clarity erodes and decisions suffer. When leaders become more intentional about their inputs, focus sharpens, judgment improves, and confidence returns.
This is not about motivation or positive thinking.
It’s about seeing situations more accurately and responding with intention rather than reaction.
This approach was developed and tested over more than a decade through the Institute for Global Solutions, a public school program Graeme co-founded that grew from 23 students to nearly 200 annually.
What began as an effort to help teenagers navigate complex global challenges became a living lab for understanding how people think, decide, and lead when the stakes are real. The same tools that helped young people move from overwhelm to action proved just as effective with leadership teams facing uncertainty, change, and competing priorities.
Graeme’s keynotes and workshops help audiences:
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cut through noise and distraction
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sharpen judgment in uncertain environments
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reduce reactive decision-making
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regain focus, confidence, and forward momentum
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act with clarity when certainty is low
His talks blend research, practical frameworks, and deeply human storytelling. Audiences leave with clear language and tools they can use immediately, not ideas that fade once the event ends.
If you are bringing people together for a major event, investing in leadership development, or supporting teams navigating uncertainty, Graeme brings clarity, energy, and practical tools that hold up long after the applause fades.
Not hype.
Not platitudes.
Just clearer thinking when it matters most.
WATCH The TED talk that is sparking a movement
Leaders today are surrounded by noise. Information moves fast, uncertainty is constant, and even as the world makes real progress, many teams feel more anxious and reactive than ever. Focus slips. Judgment weakens. Confidence erodes.
Graeme Mitchell delivers keynotes that help leaders cut through distraction, make better decisions under pressure, and act with clarity in complex environments.
We are living in a contradiction.
By nearly every long-term measure, the world has improved. Yet leaders and teams often feel overwhelmed, cynical, and stuck reacting instead of deciding. This disconnect between reality and how leadership feels today is quietly undermining performance, focus, and morale.
Graeme calls this the Hope Gap.
When clarity is lost, agency disappears.
When clarity returns, momentum follows.
Testimonials
"Graeme's keynote was exceptional - his delivery captivated our staff with a message that was not only engaging and thought-provoking but also fun and interactive. The positive feedback has been overwhelming, with numerous staff members expressing how much they enjoyed his presentation. We are eager to have Graeme return soon!"
Jason Earnshaw
From its outset, IGS has been one of the most inspirational, innovative and effective programs to engage, motivate and transform the way young people approach the world that I have ever seen.
Dr. Rick Kool
Thank you so much for the inspiring, motivating and informative session yesterday! I have already used the Epiphany of Awesome with my staff at lunch...fabulous stuff. No wonder all the students in IGS love your class and feel they really can make a difference. Bravo Bravo, and big thanks for taking time out of your busy day to share!
Colleen McNamee
In my long history in educational leadership, I can think of no program that has made more of a difference for more students and, in fact, for our planet, than IGS. If you are interested in education that shapes our future through the engagement of our youth, this is the program to explore, and these are the people to join in their journey.
Dr. Keven Elder
I’d love to partner with you to make your upcoming conference, training, or event an outstanding success.
The following information will help me tailor my approach to meet your unique needs.
I customize every keynote and session to align with your goals and ensure we exceed the objectives of your event. I look forward to working together to create a positive and lasting impact for your team or organization.