Shaking up
the status quo.

The future belongs to those brave enough to challenge the status quo.
In his inspiring keynote, Dr.G teaches leaders of all organizations how to think differently, spot opportunities, and win the future by applying a contrarian mindset.

250+ Talks

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30+ Global Cities

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45,000+ Audience Attendees

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500+ Interviews

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250+ Talks | 30+ Global Cities | 45,000+ Audience Attendees | 500+ Interviews |

Dr. G is the #1 most requested keynote speaker on innovation, creativity, and health.


A select list of companies that ❤️ working with Dr.G:

Dr.G’s speaking engagements have come from 100% direct referrals and repeat customers.

Meet Dr. Gautam Gulati MD,MBA,MPH

aka The Status Quo Agitator

Doctor | Entrepreneur | Award-winning Storyteller | Innovation Executive | Investor | Professor | Writer | Health Artist

Known as the status quo agitator, Dr. G likes to shake things up. His storied career is worthy enough to be recognized as the most sought-after keynote speaker on innovation, creativity, and health. As a medical doctor, serial entrepreneur, and innovation executive, he draws upon firsthand experiences to help teach leaders of all organizations on how to think differently, escape the trap of mediocrity, and unleash creativity to win the future.

Made by experience.
Fueled by curiosity.

Dr.G’s unique blend of perspectives at the intersection of a wide range of industries offers audiences of all sizes and backgrounds a one-of-a-kind experience.

  • As a serial intra- and entrepreneur, Dr.Gulati knows what it’s like to build and lead organizations from the ground up.

    He thoroughly enjoys the scrappy resourcefulness and contrarian mindset required to take an idea from zero to one.

  • Best known for his contrarian and unconventional innovation methodologies, Dr.G has built award-winning products and services for numerous organizations.

  • Dr. G. is a natural-born storyteller having received numerous awards and accolades for his many creative endeavors.

    His signature storytelling style and improvisation techniques on stage keep audiences engaged and in awe.

  • Dr.G remains at the cutting edge by serving as an Adjunct Professor of Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Duke Corporate Education, Emeritus, and Singularity University.

    Having been a recipient of multiple graduate degrees, he believes it’s his moral duty to help pay-it-forward by educating the next generation of leaders.

  • As a retained innovation-focused advisor to over a dozen C-Suite executives, Dr. G is known as 'The Medical Sherpa' who offers an unbiased, expert voice to help leaders navigate and shape the uncertain future of healthcare.

    In addition, he is a prolific angel investor in numerous disruptive start-ups, including Delos Living, Luna Care, Cadence Health, SpaceX, Well Played, Gemini, and many others.

  • Dr.G has conducted over 500 in-depth interviews with some of the world’s leading celebrities, thinkers, doers, and change-makers, including Dr. Peter Diamandis, Mark Cuban, Michelle Obama, Steve Forbes, John McAfee, Avi Loeb, Paul Stamets, Louis Shwartzberg, Marc Randolph, Dr. Dean Ornish, Daphne Koller, John Sculley, Kimbal Musk, Dr. Mark Hyman, Richard Branson, Daniel Pink, Guy Kawasaki, Dean Kamen, and hundreds more.

    His unique ideas, perspectives, and insights are a culmination of every one of these conversations making him a valuable source of insider wisdom.

  • Dr. G is a trained Internal Medicine doctor having graduated from The George Washington University School of Medicine.

    His firsthand knowledge of what it takes to deliver quality patient care provides an invaluable perspective on how to enable positive change in health and care.

  • Fascinated by how we can design health into our lives, Dr.G is a candidate to receive his Interior Design certification from the New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD).

    His unique knowledge at the intersection of health, design , tech and real estate is belng applied to his latest venture, The Well Home.

What people are saying…

Dr.G’s Most Requested Keynote Talks

Dr. G delivers inspiring and actionable keynotes to drive meaningful outcomes worldwide. By using a storytelling approach, he keeps the audience engaged, motivated, and eager to take on their next big challenge. He is the perfect balance between energizing and practical; entertaining and result-focused; fun and impactful. Dr. G blends deep, real-world experience with a riveting stage presence to help people and organizations thrive. Every talk is customized to drive the biggest possible impact, combining engaging stories, gorgeous visuals, and practical techniques that push audiences to jumpstart their creative energy and solve challenges in fresh, innovative ways.

More Cowbell: How To Unlock Your Potential By Thinking Differently

  • “If you do what everyone else is doing, you get what everyone else gets.”

    At the root of innovation sits change. But let's be honest...change is hard, scary, and often met with resistance. I get it. Everyone wants change, but no one wants to change themselves.

    The honest truth is you can't move forward by sitting still. You can’t make progress by doing the same things over and over again. And you can’t win if you're doing what everyone else is doing.

    What we need is more cowbell.

    Escaping the traps of mediocrity and groupthink requires a shift in mindset. A contrarian mental playbook to help think differently.

    To win the future, you must learn to color outside the lines and challenge the status quo. And the best part is, everyone can think like an innovator.

    In this performance-driven, inspiring, and edu-taining keynote, Dr. G takes your audience on a transformational journey revealing how to escape the traps of mediocrity and embody a contrarian mindset to achieve greatness. It will leave your audience feeling motivated and inspired to be brave and think differently in order to win the future.

    Format: Presentation (16:9)
    Length: ~45mins

  • This is not your ordinary keynote talk. It is an awe-inspiring performance designed to get your audience pumped and into a different, contrarian mindset to help set the stage for the rest of your event.

    ✅ For organizations looking to create positive change and achieve breakthrough ideas by deploying mental tools to help them think differently, escape the trap of mediocrity, and resist status-quo complacency.

    ✅ We will explore why thinking differently is so important and how it can help you create new opportunities and achieve success.

    ✅ You will learn how to be creative and take risks, how to break out of the status quo, and how to use innovation to reach your goals.

    ✅ We will discuss the importance of being brave, having confidence, and standing up for what you believe in.

    ✅ We will discuss the power of having a positive attitude and never giving up.

How To Think Like an Innovator (Even During Times of Uncertainty)

  • Don't settle for the same 'ole playbook. To compete and win the future, organizations need to escape the traps of mediocrity and play a different game.

    Change is here. And the pandemic has only made it certain that we will resurface with new models of care and delivery. The question is, "Are you prepared and what will you do?”

    There are two types of people…those who resist change seeking to preserve the status quo, and those who embrace change forging a new path forward.

    This insightful, humorous, and action-oriented talk will inspire leaders to to think differently, take action, and inoculate against the status quo.

    Format: Presentation (16:9)
    Length: ~45mins

  • This talk is for organizations looking to inspire their leaders and employees to think differently and resist status-quo complacency.

    ✅ Define the challenges ahead

    ✅ Understand why the status quo is the enemy

    ✅ Learn how everyone can and should think like an innovator

    ✅ Learn and apply contrarian tools and techniques they can put into action today

*Dr. G is continuously improving and reinventing his talks, while regularly testing new ideas. If you don’t see a related topic above that fits the needs of your event, just reach out. It may be in his archives, or, better yet, he may be working on that very topic as we speak.

See Dr.G. in action.

Still need a nudge?

Here are the top 11 reasons why
event planners love working with Dr. G.

Goes above & beyond.

Most speakers simply ‘pop in’ for the talk, and then disappear to the green room or first flight out. But not Dr.G. He prefers to continue the conversation by mingling and interacting with your audience to ensure they have time to ask questions. Additionally, if requested, he is often willing to participate in any promotional messaging, webinars, media interviews, book signings, VIP dinners, workshops, etc. Just ask.

Super easy to work with.

Dr.G recognizes that your job is not easy. That’s why he already has everything ready to go for you in his comprehensive speaker kit. You can probably tell…this is not Dr.G’s first rodeo.

One-of-a-kind.

If you find me another speaker who is a doctor, entrepreneur, innovation executive, storyteller, media host, award-winning producer, author, adjunct professor, investor, advisor, interior designer, drummer, and DJ … I’ll split my next mega-million lottery ticket with you. :)

Kind & generous.

Life is too short to deal with assholes. Dr.G treats everyone like he wishes to be treated … with kindness, respect, and a sense of humor.

Turns you into a hero.

Dr.G may not be an A-list celebrity, but he’s certainly an unexpected surprise who will ‘WOW’ your audience. The result? You’ll be considered an instant hero for finding the ‘world’s best kept secret’ amongst a sea of same ‘ole, boring keynote speakers.

Does his homework.

Knowing the needs of your audience and organization is extremely important to achieve good outcomes. Dr.G takes the time to understand your needs and objectives so that he stays on point.

Real-world experience.

Many speakers talk-the-talk and speak in 'theory'. But Dr. G actually walks-the-walk. In most cases, he has walked in the shoes of your audience, and intimately understands the needs and challenges they are experiencing. He draws upon his diverse professional background to share real-life examples throughout his talk.

No hidden agenda.

No one wants to be 'sold to' by a paid speaker. Unlike most other speakers, Dr. G has nothing to sell. His sole focus is to engage the mental senses of your audience and make you happy. That’s it! His success is solely predicate on you willing to refer him to others should he exceed your expectations.

Zero drama.

No outrageous demands. And no diva-like requests like “only green M&Ms”. Instead, Dr. G is professional, accommodating, friendly, and easy to work with at every step in the process.

Natural born storyteller.

As a former slam poet and student of improv, Dr. G views his keynotes not as a sage-on-stage experience, but rather as a memorable performance filled with stories that leave audiences inspired.

Inspiring, funny, & visually engaging.

Nothing bores Dr. G more than a dry speaker with no personality. That's why he ensures his talks are filled with humor that keeps your audience interested and engaged. As a designer, Dr. G despises boring bullet points on a slide and ensures his presentation is visually awe-inspiring.

FAQs

  • Odds are you are reading this because you have been referred to me, seen me speak before, or discovered me via my website. I’m sure, by now, you realize that I speak in front of a diverse range of audience profiles. That said, my messages tend to resonate best with those looking to think differently, make change, and walk away with original ideas never before heard. In advance of the event, I often dig into your core audience’s needs and custom tailor my talk to ensure everyone walks away inspired with actionable tips they can apply immediately.

  • Glad you asked. Take a look at the section above: The top 11 reasons why event planners love working with Dr. G.

  • Given the inspirational and motivational nature of my talk, it is typically best positioned as an opening or closing keynote. Depending on the agenda, it can be modified in length to range between 30-60 mins (excluding Q&A).

    My keynote consists of significant video and audio footage, along with custom fonts that are often best shared directly from my laptop.

    I use an Apple Macbook Pro with a lightning bolt USB port. I often supply my own dongles, if needed.

  • Absolutely! While most of my speaking gigs are typically from direct referrals, I do occasionally work with select speaker bureau agencies. In fact, I am currently listed non-exclusively with over 15 agencies throughout the world.

    I’m delighted to share that I have my own speaker manager, Marissa, who makes the process super easy for all of us. You can email her at marissa@drgautamgulati.com.

  • I love to travel.

    Although I am proudly located in the Washington, DC Metro area, no place is too far. I love adventures and traveling to odd places.

    In fact, I will travel to almost any part of the globe. Of course, you will need to cover my travel and accommodations (business class for cross-country and international flights, economy class for all the rest).

  • Glad you asked. Yes, I do. Simply submit your inquiry and we can discuss what works best for you.

  • I sure do. Since agendas vary from client to client, we can discuss your specific needs and requirements to find a solution that works for everyone.

    I love the intellectual jazz from authentic fireside chats and welcome healthy debates to keep the audience provocatively engaged.

  • Where possible, I help drive awareness of your event with my extended network of followers on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

    Additionally, if requested, I’m often willing to participate in any promotional messaging, webinars, media interviews, book signings, VIP dinners, workshops, etc.

    Just ask.

  • Unlike many speakers, I have nothing to sell you. Nothing annoys me more than being ‘sold to’ by a speaker. What a turn-off. I will NEVER do that.

    My sole focus is to meet the needs of you and your audience members. That’s it! Very simply, I succeed if you succeed. My benefit comes in the form of future speaking referrals.

  • By now, you can probably tell I am not your average speaker. There’s a good reason why event professionals consistently choose me to keynote their events (over 250+ and counting).

    My typical speaking rate is $20,000 USD (commissionable for speaking bureaus)

    However, like most speakers, my rate may vary depending on the ‘ask’, location, pre-work, and time requirements.

    Get in touch and let’s discuss your specific event needs. With some ingenuity, you never know what we can work out.

  • That mere fact that you clicked here I can already tell that I like you. To me, the thing that makes people interesting is not the usual stuff you can find on the interwebs, but rather the unusual stuff that often goes untold or undiscovered.

    So here are some lesser-known facts about me you can use as conversation starters when we speak.

    ✔️ I’m Indian, Canadian, and American. I’m of Indian descent (my parents were born there). I was born in Montreal Canada and grew up in the USA (Washington, DC area). I hold dual citizenship in Canada and the US.

    ✔️ I love listening to and telling stories. I got my first taste of public speaking in 1993 when I got ‘hooked’ having been selected by my class to give the high school graduation speech. But the rebel in me decided to deliver a controversial version of my speech that was not approved by the dean of the school. Let’s just say they weren’t happy about that.

    ✔️ While I have 3 graduate degrees, I attribute most of my success in life to the ‘world of hard knocks’….the learning that comes from first-hand experience, especially the failures.

    ✔️ In high school, my most hated subject was English Literature. Ironically, by the time I reached college, I chose to pursue a dual major in English Lit and Creative Writing, with a concentration in poetry. In fact, I used to sneak away every Wednesday to a dive bar in DC to perform live slam poetry in front of the coolest audience.

    ✔️ I prefer talking to people who are authentic and not afraid to ‘tell it like it is’, even if I might disagree. I hate ‘fake’ people. So be real!

    ✔️ Growing up, I always wanted to be an ‘architect’. In retrospect, I attribute that to my inner desire to create amazing experiences for people. I felt artists truly captured the soul of human experiences.

    ✔️ I started playing the drums at age 10, then picked up the congas and bongos in college under the mentorship of the lead conga player for Miami Sound Machine (remember them?).

    ✔️ My biggest fear and desire combined is to write a book. I’m actively addressing that now as I tackle my first book to be released soon. (hopefully before I die :)

    ✔️ I’ve had many nicknames throughout my life. Some include Dr. G, Batman, G-money, Pampers, Gollum, Got, Gaut, Chewbacca, G-unit, Gianni, Gotham City, and many more. Most recently, I have been called a Health Artist Health Hooligan, Medical Sherpa, and Status Quo Agitator. Curious about the back stories behind them? Just ask me.

    ✔️ I’m an adventure junkie and love the outdoors. I’ve climbed four 14,000 ft mountains in the Rockies, and have white water rafted in some of the most dangerous rapids in the country. While things have certainly slowed down with kids (read as being a responsible parent), I jump on any opportunity to experience a new adventure.

    ✔️ I’m also a music junkie – all genres – but especially Dave Matthews Band. Back in my yesteryears, I actually used to DJ and throw massive parties. In the process, I learned to spin vinyl in dance clubs, mostly house and hip-hop. Still have my heavy crates of 12-inch records. Probably a collectible these days.

    ✔️ I’m currently studying improv because I believe it gives everyone the tools to be a better communicator and performer that allows you to connect with the audience.

    ✔️ Following a rare medical emergency, I was medivac’d out while on a safari within the wilderness of the Masai Mara region of Kenya, Africa. Oh, boy, is this story a doozy with twists and turns could never imagine. Feel free to ask me about it.

Book a Discovery Session  With Dr.G

Talk to Dr. Gulati to see if he’s a good fit for your event or company meeting.
Schedule a free 30-Minute Keynote Inquiry Call.