UC Berkeley Faculty, Keynote Speaker, and Author of Becoming a Changemaker.
Hey there! I’m Alex. Come as you are. Together, we’ll build your everyday courage to lead change, from wherever you are.
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Official Bio
Alex Budak is an educator, entrepreneur, speaker, and author who helps people practice everyday courage and turn ordinary moments into meaningful change.
A UC Berkeley faculty member, he holds a triple appointment at the Haas School of Business, School of Public Health, and College of Natural Resources, where his courses teach students and executives to lead with character, connection, and contribution—and have even inspired student tattoos.
His book, Becoming a Changemaker, is being translated into 27 languages. CNBC named it a top-five nonfiction book about work and Inc. named him a top 50 leadership and management expert.
Budak’s change journey began when he co-founded StartSomeGood, which has raised more than $12 million to launch and scale new initiatives in more than 50 countries.
A UCLA and Georgetown graduate, he 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.
Formerly a travel writer, Alex now enjoys the everyday adventures of life with his two young kids—his favorite changemakers. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, he brings the same loyalty to his work, though he admits one lesson came the hard way: never go budget skydiving.
Let’s Create Change Together
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For Organizations
Keynotes, workshops, advising, and executive sessions, trusted by organizations like Accenture, Salesforce, the World Bank, and UNHCR.
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For Readers
Get Becoming a Changemaker, recognized by CNBC as a top nonfiction book about work, for practical tools to lead change from wherever you are.
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For Students & Executives
Explore courses and executive education programs at UC Berkeley, where Alex teaches leadership across its business, health, and climate schools.
Speaking & Podcast Interviews
Recent Speaking Events
Salesforce / Lyft / Intuit / Sony / Rakuten / UNHCR / World Bank / Accenture / MIT / Georgetown / Visa / Morning Brew / Learn more here.
See Alex in action
A short look at Alex introducing his concept of the six types of everyday courage.
Podcast Interviews
Hello Monday / Greg McKeown / Curious Minds at Work / Lead from the Heart / The Unlock Moment / Full playlist (50+) here
Have a Speaking Opportunity or Podcast in mind?
Alex is passionate about and regularly speaks on the topics of leadership, change, fulfillment, purpose, social entrepreneurship and:
Becoming a Changemaker
Everyday Courage
Leadership for this Moment
Change Fitness
Your Human Edge In An AI World
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“There’s no one better than Alex to teach people how to become a transformational leader.”
-Aaron Levie / CEO, Box
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“Professor Budak’s course was life changing. It helped me find my voice and transformed who I am as a person and a leader."
Alicia Wilson / Olympic Athlete, Great Britain & UC Berkeley ‘23
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"Alex's talk garnered some of the brightest engagement and attendance we have ever seen!"
Sarika Saksena / Inclusion & Diversity, Accenture
Contact
I’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s a speaking opportunity, media inquiry, or just sharing ideas, let’s connect and see how we can create something impactful together.
