Steven Kotler is a New York Times-bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and pioneer in the field of applied performance neuroscience. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Flow Research Collective, his work centers on ultimate human performance, translating scientific research on flow states, creativity, and altered consciousness into practical methodologies for exceptional achievement. His writings have earned three Pulitzer Prize nominations and have been translated into over 80 languages.
Kotler's authority is rooted in his extensive publishing and research. His books, including Stealing Fire, The Art of Impossible, and The Rise of Superman, are considered foundational texts in performance neuroscience and are credited with influencing the modern psychedelic renaissance. His training programs, which apply peer-reviewed research on flow and intuition, have reached individuals in 156 countries and over 28 industries, advising elite teams such as U.S. Navy Seals, Olympic athletes, and executives at Google and Microsoft.
As a serial entrepreneur, Kotler has founded or helped launch 16 different companies, including several media and tech "firsts," such as Buzznet and Transcape. His current venture, the Flow Research Collective, was named "one of the fastest-growing companies in America" by Forbes in 2021, showcasing the commercial validation of his research. He shares his insights globally through lectures and his top-ten Apple iTunes science podcast, Flow Radio.
Kotler is known for his dedication to radical self-experimentation—from flying a MiG-17 to exploring time perception—to test his theories on altered states, providing him with a unique, visceral perspective on high-risk performance. As a speaker, he leverages this blend of scientific rigor and extreme experience to deliver a compelling and actionable message that inspires audiences to overcome perceived limitations, drive innovation, and master the mechanics of peak human potential.
