Videos
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You don't have to be a CEO to be a leader | Alex Budak | TEDxKI -
Dean's Speaker Series | Becoming a Changemaker
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Becoming a Changemaker with Alex Budak & May Samali
Learn More About Alex Budak
If the word “leader” didn’t exist, what word would you use instead?
According to entrepreneur and award-winning University of California Berkeley lecturer Alex Budak, the future of leadership is in becoming a “changemaker.”
“The word ‘leader’ can be so charged that people who really are leaders may not fully embrace it,” explains Budak, who holds a triple appointment at UC Berkeley – at the Haas School of Business, School of Public Health and College of Natural Resources. “Being a changemaker is something that doesn’t require a title and gives individuals a sense of purpose and agency.”
Author of “Becoming a Changemaker” (Balance, September 2022) – which was named a top 5 non-fiction book about work by CNBC and is being translated into more than two dozen languages – Budak is co-founder of StartSomeGood, which has raised millions of dollars to help launch and scale new change efforts in over 50 countries.
Initiating a movement that has spread from the halls of Berkeley to management groups throughout the world, he accessibly lays the groundwork for people throughout an organization to cultivate everyday courage, spark inclusive change, and make an impact wherever they go.
He points out that within organizations, many change efforts fail not because of strategy, but because of leadership gaps: employees are scared, don’t feel safe and don’t see the opportunity within. A trusted advisor to global organizations including Accenture, The World Bank and Lyft, Budak offers clear steps for unlocking the ability for those at every level of a company to feel a sense of agency, empathy and psychological safety.
Developing Change Fitness for Resilience, Innovation and Cognitive Flexibility in Times of Uncertainty
While there are countless strategies for change management, Budak explains that they are rendered ineffective if leaders and their teams aren’t prepared to face change themselves and make better decisions in uncertain times.
Showing how to develop “change fitness,” he helps executives bolster the core strength to mentally pivot at the speed of change, lead in dynamic environments and thrive. Just as one would go to the gym to strengthen their body, he provides frameworks for exercising mental agility and cognitive flexibility.
“Dealing with uncertainty, ambiguity and individual resistance requires leaders to think a step deeper than conventional change management strategies,” explains Budak, creator of The Changemaker Canvas. “It’s not just about winning one battle – it’s thinking about how change is seen so employees feel like they have a voice. As a result, teams can be excited about the changing culture of an organization that can thrive amidst all kinds of disruption.”
Budak offers practical techniques for building resilience, cultivating grounded presence and excelling at seeing opportunity in change. He additionally reveals tactics for activating “Possibility Intelligence” – the ability to see opportunities within challenges, transforming potential threats into avenues for growth and innovation.
Through his FLEX framework, Budak arms leaders and teams with an enhanced ability to turn cognitive flexibility into a lasting competitive advantage.
He is also able to adeptly address how to preserve humanity in the age of AI. Zooming in on the fact that AI isn’t just transforming industries, it’s fundamentally reshaping society and redefining our roles within it, Budak identifies profound shifts that have already begun.
Highlighting both the exciting opportunities and significant challenges that are arising due to AI’s rapid evolution and adoption, he outlines the “3 C” model – through Courage, Connection and Contribution, Budak shows how people can remain deeply human while gaining the edge needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.
Revealing specific ways AI is impacting critical areas such as education, healthcare and community engagement, he accessibly demonstrates how AI is already changing the world – and us.
Discover the Formula for Lasting Change
Drawing from cutting-edge research in psychology, neuroscience and organizational behavior, Budak’s “Changemaker Impact Equation” of (Mindset + Leadership) * (Action) memorably empowers anyone to embrace both individual and collective everyday courage to make the transition from a leader to a true changemaker.
Alex Budak’s custom assessments of an organization’s change fitness allows companies to activate the potential to undertake initiatives that will excite, engage and inspire employees today and for years to come.
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Alex Budak is an award-winning faculty member at the University of California, Berkeley, entrepreneur and author who helps people cultivate courage and turn everyday moments into change. His impact-focused courses teach students and executives to lead with character, connection and contribution – and have even inspired student tattoos.
A UCLA and Georgetown graduate, Budak delivers keynotes on leadership, change and courage to audiences worldwide, from Ukraine to Cambodia, and regularly leads interactive sessions for organizations such as Accenture, Salesforce, the World Bank and UNHCR.
Alex Budak is available to advise your organization via virtual and in-person consulting meetings, interactive workshops and customized keynotes through the exclusive representation of Stern Speakers & Advisors, a division of Stern Strategy Group®.
Becoming a Changemaker
If the word “leader” didn’t exist, what word should be used instead? For UC Berkeley faculty member and best-selling author Alex Budak, the future of leadership means each of us becoming a changemaker. In this actionable and inspiring presentation, Budak draws from his critically acclaimed book “Becoming a Changemaker,” as well as his highly regarded TEDx Talk on microleadership, “You Don’t Have to Be a CEO to Be a Leader,” to show that anyone can lead change from wherever they are. He presents research-backed steps to help individuals, teams and organizations lead with courage, purpose and impact. Budak covers how to question the status quo in ways that actually work; how to lead change through influence, not just authority; and how to inspire others with your vision, no matter your title. Audiences will learn the five influence superpowers and how to put each one into practice right away; how to lead with vision, even if you aren’t a CEO or senior leader; and the secrets of leading change from where you are.
Everyday Courage: How Small Acts Can Unlock Leadership and Inspire Teams
Economic shocks, political uncertainty, deepening polarization, ethical landmines and eroding public trust have created an environment where even routine decisions carry real risk. For leaders, making such decisions in fraught times takes courage. According to UC Berkeley faculty member and best-selling author Alex Budak, true courage isn’t just about heroic grand gestures, it’s about the small, practical and applicable everyday choices we make. In this memorable keynote, Budak reframes courage as a habit that anyone can cultivate in all aspects of life. Attendees will uncover the six distinct types of everyday courage – encompassing moral, creative and social realms – and learn how to leverage them to lead a more meaningful and impactful life. Drawing on insights from psychology, neuroscience and inspirational, relatable real-world stories, Budak explores how courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to face it with confidence and foster a mindset of growth and resilience. Audiences will learn practical tools for embracing courageous actions in daily decisions, from speaking up in tough situations to embracing vulnerability. Leaders leave with actionable strategies to apply courage in ways that don’t just shape decisions, but will signal to their team that truth matters, risks are welcome and doing the right thing is expected.
Developing Change Fitness: Resilience, Innovation and Cognitive Flexibility in Times of Uncertainty
There are countless strategies for change management. But, according to UC Berkeley faculty member and best-selling author Alex Budak, they are rendered ineffective if leaders and their teams aren’t prepared to face change themselves and make better decisions under uncertainty. In this highly interactive presentation, Budak helps audiences develop their “Change Fitness,” bolstering the core strength to thrive, lead in dynamic environments and mentally pivot at the speed of change. Just as one would go to the gym to strengthen their body, attendees will exercise their mental agility and cognitive flexibility. Drawing from cutting-edge research in psychology, neuroscience and organizational behavior, Budak reveals tactics for activating “Possibility Intelligence” – the ability to see opportunities within challenges, transforming potential threats into avenues for growth and innovation. Attendees will gain practical techniques to build resilience, cultivate grounded presence and excel at seeing opportunity in change. With Budak’s FLEX framework, leaders and teams will leave with an enhanced ability to turn cognitive flexibility into a competitive advantage thanks to a newly activated mindset for navigating and thriving in today’s complex, rapidly changing business landscape.
From Ideas to Impact: Lessons From Social Entrepreneurship for Lasting Change
Social entrepreneurship isn’t just for grassroots movements. According to UC Berkeley faculty member and best-selling author Alex Budak, traditional corporate environments can be the perfect surrounding for sparking positive change that evolves and endures over time. In this engaging session, Budak provides real-world examples – including his own work co-founding social entrepreneurship incubator StartSomeGood – to teach audiences how social innovators leverage entrepreneurial methods to create scalable, sustainable change. He illustrates how to address root causes and leverage partnerships to create shifts that permeate entire systems rather than just isolated solutions. Attendees will gain insight into the power of innovation and adaptability, with encouragement to think like changemakers who turn big ideas into tangible, lasting results. Audiences leave with adaptable frameworks that can grow over time to maintain impact regardless of organizational size or location.
How AI Is Changing the World … and Us
AI’s impact is now reaching far beyond the business world. In fact, according to UC Berkeley faculty member and bestselling author Alex Budak, AI isn’t just transforming industries, it’s fundamentally reshaping society and redefining our roles within it. In this fascinating presentation, Budak explores the profound shifts AI is bringing to our workplaces, communities and personal lives. He reveals specific ways AI is reshaping critical areas such as education, healthcare and community engagement, and highlights both the exciting opportunities and significant challenges that are arising due to AI’s rapid evolution and adoption. Budak outlines his “3 C” model of courage, connection, and contribution as the essential framework to help people remain deeply human, while gaining the edge needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world. Audiences leave with practical strategies for effectively collaborating with AI to foster innovation, enhance decision-making and solve complex problems. Leaders will return to their organizations empowered to make responsible, inclusive and ethical decisions as AI progressively influences every aspect of our lives.
Becoming a Changemaker: Transform Your Career, Your Community, and the World
(Balance, September 2022)
As business and social landscapes shift seemingly by the moment, the time is ripe for anyone to become a changemaker. Helping leaders and frontline workers alike develop “Change Fitness,” cultivate everyday courage and build lasting change that evolves and endures is UC Berkeley faculty member and best-selling author of “Becoming a Changemaker” Alex Budak’s specialty. Through one-on-one or small group advisory sessions, Budak works closely with leaders to build resilience, cultivate grounded presence, develop cognitive flexibility, and excel at seeing opportunity in change. Each program is highly customized to meet the needs and goals of your organization, can be presented virtually or in person and can include the following:
- Personalized Post-Keynote Executive Coaching – Budak delivers six 30-minute virtual sessions to coach workers at all levels, from the C-suite to the front lines, on the essential skills and tools to effect change. This highly interactive series uses Budak’s Changemaker Canvas as a springboard for learning how to turn ideas into action and inspire teams to become changemakers.
- Small Group Advisory on Building “Change Fitness” – Budak facilitates intimate, high-trust conversations with leadership teams to build “change fitness,” or the individual and collective mindsets needed to thrive amid uncertainty. Through practical frameworks, behavior-focused tools and real-world case studies, he helps participants navigate resistance, secure buy-in and lead change with greater confidence and clarity. This session is especially valuable for organizations seeking to shift culture without defaulting to top-down mandates or one-size-fits-all change management programs.
- Partnering to Create Custom Digital Learning Experiences – Budak can co-develop tailored micro-learning content to bring his Changemaker methodology to life across larger teams. Using engaging video modules, guided worksheets and LMS interactive exercises, he helps translate mindset-shifting ideas into scalable training tools. These practical resources are designed to activate changemaker identity, expand influence and build lasting courage in every corner of an organization, long after the keynote ends.
“There’s no one better than Alex to teach people how to become a transformational leader.”
"Alex's talk garnered some of the brightest engagement and attendance we have ever seen!"
"Timely, empowering and enlightening."
"Alex's talk was our most attended event ever."
"Professor Budak’s Becoming a Changemaker course was life changing. It helped me find my voice and transformed who I am as a person and a leader. I’m so glad that his book now makes the magic of his course available to everyone!"
Praise for "Becoming a Changemaker"
“Could you be an influential changemaker? Alex Budak believes that all of us have the potential. This warm and inspiring book, filled with examples and practical tools, will be a catalyst for a new generation of leaders committed to changing the world for the better.”
“In 'Becoming a Changemaker,' Alex Budak issues a compelling challenge – be the leaders we wish we had and enact the change we want to see. Drawing on behavioral science and rich examples, he offers the tools you need to step up, play bigger and increase your impact. Truly the world is ready for this book!”
"Alex Budak provides an invaluable blueprint for changemakers of all types – in business, education, non profits, or government – with practical and actionable advice on how to drive leadership in any organization or community. The world needs more transformational leaders, and there’s no one better than Alex to teach us how to become one."
"This is a guide I wish I had when I was just starting out as a changemaker! I've led teams of people ranging from 20 to 20,000, and have seen first hand that Alex Budak's inclusive approach to changemaking is exactly what our companies, communities and world need right now. No matter what kind of change you hope to lead, this will be a book you turn to again and again to help you realize your changemaker goals."
"Taking Alex Budak's course at UC Berkeley taught me how to lead inclusively, how to inspire others and how to turn my ideas into reality. But most importantly it was the spark that turned me into a changemaker. It gave me the mindset, tools and foundation I needed to lead positive change, and I can't wait for readers of this book to experience the same transformative power of 'Becoming a Changemaker' that I experienced in the classroom.
"Alex Budak provides a fresh look at leadership today, showing how each of us can lead positive change, whether we are working from the top of an organizations or on the front-lines."
