Gregory M. Walton

One of the great psychologists of our time.—Carol Dweck, multi-million copy bestselling author of Mindset

Gregory M. Walton is the Michael Forman University Fellow and Professor of Psychology at Stanford University. His research focuses on the psychological processes that contribute to social problems, and how “wise interventions” that target these processes can mitigate these problems and help people flourish.

He is the author of Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Adam Grant describes as “an eye-opening look at how we have more power to improve our lives than we realize.” In it, Greg reveals the big, often unstated questions that we face in life, and how simple interventions can help us shift our perspectives (and the perspectives of the people we lead). “Left unaddressed, these questions drive us to spiral down,” he says. “They make us pull back from the goals we care most about. They exacerbate conflict and mistrust. But when we see these questions clearly, when we understand how contexts place specific questions on the table, we can develop answers that help us spiral up.”

In talks, he draws on his book to offer vivid storytelling and actionable steps that anyone can take to bring out the best in those around them. A few simple words can build trust and achievement in the people you lead. Even a few minutes to reflect before a confrontation can deepen intimacy among couples. Simple messages in school can improve students’ lives a decade later.

Greg has received awards from numerous associations, including the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Education Research Association, and the Society for Experimental Social Psychology. His research has been supported by the Institute for Education Sciences, the National Institute of Health, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and many more. It has also been covered across the press, including in The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times.