Biography
Rebecca D. Costa is an American sociobiologist and futurist. She is the preeminent global expert on the subject of "fast adaptation" and recipient of the prestigious Edward O. Wilson Biodiversity Technology Award. Her career spans four decades of working with founders, executives and leading venture capitalists in Silicon Valley. Costa's work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, The Guardian, and other leading publications. She presently hosts the popular news podcast, The Costa Report, along with 12 world renowned subject experts and also serves on the Advisory Committee for the Lifeboat Foundation along with futurist Ray Kurzweil and Nobel Laureates Daniel Kahneman, Eric S. Maskin, Richard J. Roberts and Wole Soyinka. Costa was the founder and CEO of one of the largest technology marketing firms in California, where she developed an extensive track record of launching game-changing technologies. Her clients included industry innovators such as Hewlett-Packard, Apple Computer, Oracle, Siebel Systems, General Electric, 3M and others. She has been on the forefront of technological and scientific innovation, assisting venture capitalists and large corporations to identify, fund and launch disruptive new trends. Retiring at the zenith of her career in Silicon Valley, Costa spent six years researching and writing the international bestseller The Watchman's Rattle: A Radical New Theory of Collapse. Her follow-on book, titled On the Verge was introduced in 2017 to critical acclaim, shooting to the top of Amazon's #1 New Business Releases. The success of The Watchman's Rattle led to a popular weekly radio program called The Costa Report which was syndicated throughout the United States by the Genesis Communications Network until 2018. In 2020, The Costa Report radio program was converted to a subscription-only in-depth news podcast. A global thinker in the mold of Alvin Toffler, Jared Diamond, Ray Kurzweil and Thomas Friedman, Costa attributes her ability to see the "big picture" to her cross-cultural education and upbringing. Raised in Tokyo, Japan, and Vientiane, Laos, during the Vietnam conflict, Costa brings a unique global perspective to the everyday challenges of work and life. Rebecca Costa is an alumnus of the University of California at Santa Barbara and currently resides in Astoria, Oregon.
Speech Topics
WHAT'S COMING: Shocking new technologies and scientific breakthroughs on the horizon, destined to disrupt and improve business as usual (videos, real world applications, timeframes).
MINIMIZING RISK: How to separate good failure from bad: strategies to minimize risk exposure associated with innovation, including cannibalizing existing business.
INNOVATION PROCESSES: Distinguishing 'moonshot' from 'market-driven' innovations and how to develop clear processes and resources for each.
CASE STUDIES: What do the world's most innovative companies do differently – does that make sense for us?
FUTURE READINESS: Steps organizations must take to shift from a reactive (after-the-fact) culture to a 'predaptive' (before-the-fact) forward-facing culture which can quickly and efficiently absorb disruption.
BARRIERS TO CHANGE: Understanding and overcoming 'institutional resistance' to change.
Videos
Testimonials
""Rebecca hit the mark! She helped us gain new perspectives on how we can better deal with the growing complexity businesses face today.""
""After being in the industry for almost 40 years, I attend a lot of presentations. Normally I attend, I listen and leave and nothing changes. Your presentation was different. It really made me stop and think about our business in a different light.""
""We had more feedback from your seminar than from any of our previous sessions. Thank you for kicking some doors in.""
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Rebecca Costa's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Rebecca Costa's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Rebecca Costa for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Rebecca Costa's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Rebecca Costa through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Rebecca Costa

Roy Firestone
Critically acclaimed as a performer, monologist, humorist, musician and impressionist, Roy Firestone is one of the nation’s most sought after live corporate performers, keynote speakers and lecturers. Firestone has performed in more than two thousand venues spanning two decades. He recently shared the stage with performers Josh Groban, Reba McEntire, David Foster, Forrest Whitaker and Jon Bon Jovi.
Fee Range: $25,000–$32,000
Travels From: CA

Robert B. Tucker
Robert B. Tucker is a renowned global futurist and innovation keynote speaker with a client list that includes over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies. President and founder of Innovation Resource Consulting Group, Tucker is an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of innovation, Tucker’s highly interactive presentations lead audiences on a guided tour inside the world’s most creative companies. Through stories and examples, Tucker shows leaders how to tap into the mindset, skill set and toolset to embrace change, discover opportunity and avoid obsolescence. Known for his in-depth customization, Tucker provides today’s leaders with practical strategies, cutting edge insights, and inspiration to take action once back at the office.
Fee Range: $9,000–$20,000
Travels From: CA
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