Frequently Asked Questions

Richard Clarke helps leaders build happier, higher-performing teams. He delivers keynotes and practical workshops that improve culture, retention, and performance, with clear actions leaders can apply immediately.

Quick links:

Booking Richard for a keynote

What does Richard Clarke speak about?

Richard delivers talks on how leaders build happier workplaces that perform better by improving belonging, autonomy, purpose, safety, and growth. 

Most talks are designed to leave leaders with practical behaviours they can implement the next day.

Best next step: Book a call to discuss your audience and outcomes

Who are Richard’s talks best for?

Richard is a strong fit for tech companies and organisations where technology is central to performance, delivery, or change. He also speaks to CEOs of SMEs, team leaders, and C-suite audiences in larger organisations.

Is this a “culture talk” or a “leadership talk”?

It’s both. Richard connects culture outcomes (retention, performance, collaboration) to leader behaviours that create the conditions for teams to thrive.

What outcomes can audiences expect?

Audiences typically leave with:

  • A clear framework for what drives team happiness at work 

  • Simple leadership behaviours that improve day-to-day culture

  • Practical actions that can be implemented without a full “culture programme”

Can Richard tailor a keynote to our organisation?

Yes. Richard tailors to your context, whether you’re dealing with rapid growth, hybrid working, leadership capability, retention risk, or culture drift.

What keynote formats are available?

Richard can deliver:

  • Conference and summit keynotes

  • Leadership offsite sessions

  • Internal talks for all-hands or department events

  • Q&A / fireside chat / panel participation

Do you offer virtual keynotes?

Yes. Richard delivers virtual sessions via Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams.

Where does Richard speak?

Richard speaks across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, and can travel further by arrangement.

Workshops and in-company programmes

What happens in Richard’s workshop?

Richard runs practical sessions that help leaders and teams understand what drives happiness at work, diagnose what’s happening in their team, and create actions people will actually stick to. 

What makes Richard’s workshops different from standard training?

Richard combines behavioural science with real operational experience: he built and sold a company where team happiness was treated as a KPI, not a slogan. Workshops focus on behaviours and systems, not just motivation.

Do you measure impact?

Yes. Richard can use simple measurement approaches that make progress visible over time, including lightweight pulse check-ins and structured feedback loops. 

Where measurement is used, outcomes can include improvements such as reduced intention to leave and higher reported happiness.

What size groups work best?

Richard can work with anything from small leadership groups to larger teams, depending on your goals. For bigger groups, workshops can be run as breakouts to keep it interactive and practical.

Can this work for hybrid or remote teams?

Yes. Richard’s approach is designed to work in hybrid environments, where belonging, clarity, and trust can drift unless leaders act intentionally.

How quickly will we see results?

Many leaders see quick wins from small, targeted changes, especially when teams are involved in choosing actions. 

Longer-term change comes from consistent measurement and follow-through.

Richard’s approach and credibility

What framework does Richard use?

Richard’s work is anchored in two connected models:

  • The five essentials of workplace happiness (Safety, Community, Autonomy, Purpose, Opportunity for Growth)  - US Surgeon General Guide to Wellbeing

  • A practical leadership process: Prioritise → Educate → Diagnose → Act → Listen 

Is this science-backed?

Yes. Richard’s frameworks are grounded in established research on happiness at work, and translate it into practical actions leaders can apply. 

We’re sceptical of “happiness” as a topic. Will this land well?

Yes. Richard frames happiness as a performance and retention advantage, not a fluffy initiative. The focus is on conditions and behaviours that drive outcomes leaders care about.

Is this only for HR and L&D teams?

No. Richard’s work is built for leaders: CEOs, C-suite leaders, team leaders, and functional heads. HR and L&D often sponsor the work, but leaders drive the change.

Can Richard support leaders beyond a single talk?

Yes. Richard can support through workshops, leadership sessions, and longer-term advisory support, depending on your needs.

Logistics

Are expenses included?

No. Travel and expenses are not included and are agreed in advance.

Can we record the session?

Yes. All talks can be recorded.

What AV is required?

Richard’s standard requirements are:

  • Wi-Fi

  • Projector / screen

What do you need from us before the event?

To tailor the session well, Richard typically asks for:

  • Your event goals and audience profile

  • What success looks like (e.g., retention, leadership habits, collaboration)

  • Any themes to include/avoid (culture history, sensitivities, timing)

Proof

What do clients say?

Dan Blackman, Group IT and Security Director, McLaren Construction Group (CIO 100 UK 2025 Award Winner):

“Having attended one of Richard’s events, I found his knowledge and topics resonated deeply with the needs of my own and many other businesses today… He hosted a fantastic team development session… His dedication before, during, and after the event was exceptional. I would highly recommend Richard to anyone looking to inspire, promote, or develop their teams, functions, or individuals.”

Richard has worked with organisations including McLaren, Lloyds, Vodafone, and GoodHabitz.

Call to action

If you’re planning a talk or workshop and want it to land with leaders, start here:

  • Book a call: http://calendly.com/richard-clarke

  • Download the ebook: https://www.richardclarke.eu/ebook