Graham Thornton

Speaking

I speak on topics where I've done the work, not just read the research.

Primary Topics

1. AI in Talent Acquisition

  • Why Most AI Strategies Are Just Shopping Lists
  • The Workslop Problem: Confusing Activity with Progress
  • What Talent Leaders Get Wrong About AI Implementation

Target audience: TA leaders, HR tech conferences, CHROs
Format: Keynote (45min), workshop (90min), panel discussions

Note: Due to my current employment at Talivity, speaking engagements on AI and TA topics are subject to approval and typically represent thought leadership perspectives, not consulting pitches.

2. Building in Public

  • What Building a Running Brand Teaches You About Focus
  • Real Metrics from Launching Syndicate Running (Late Nights and Weekends)
  • Why I Share Revenue Numbers and Failed Experiments

Target audience: Founder communities, DTC events, maker and builder audiences
Format: Fireside chat (30-45min), workshop (60min)

Context: Currently building Syndicate Running (Pacific Northwest running apparel) late nights and weekends while employed full-time. I share actual metrics, failed experiments, and technical decisions. Not a success story yet, a real-time learning journey.

3. Running and Business

  • Pacing Over Talent: What Marathon Training Teaches About Sustainable Growth
  • The First 2 Minutes: Overcoming Initiation Friction (Mochary Method)
  • Vertical Training: Uphill Treadmill Methodology for Distance Runners

Target audience: Endurance athlete communities, business and health crossover events
Format: Keynote (30-45min), workshop (60min)

Context: 43-year-old masters runner targeting 2:39 Boston Marathon. Training 60-70 miles per week using structured periodization and vertical training. Not motivational fluff, actual methodology.

What to Expect

  • No corporate fluff. I challenge consensus and ask uncomfortable questions.
  • Prepared. I don't wing it.
  • Audience-first. I tailor content to your event, not generic slides.

Not a Fit

  • Generic "future of work" panels where everyone agrees
  • Events that want safe, validated takes
  • Unprepared moderators or poorly-structured panels

Booking

Email: grahamdthornton@gmail.com

I read every email. Include:

  • Event name and date
  • Audience size and composition
  • Topic you're interested in
  • Format (keynote, panel, workshop)

Podcast-friendly. I host The Changing State of TA, so I know how to show up prepared.