Thomas Curran – Professor of Psychological Science, LSE

Thomas Curran grew up in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, before studying at De Montfort University and the University of Leeds, UK, where he received his PhD in psychology.

He taught at several universities in Australia and the UK before joining the Department of Psychological and Behavioral Science at the London School of Economics as a professor in 2019.

He studies the personality characteristic of perfectionism, how it develops, and how it impacts on mental health.

His TED talk on perfectionism has received more than three million views.

His research has been featured in media ranging from the Harvard Business Review to New Scientist to CNN and he has appeared on numerous television and radio programs. He is the author of The Perfection Trap.

Speaking

Thomas Curran, an influential psychologist, examines perfectionism through both a personal and cultural lens, shedding light on its impact on health, performance, and society more broadly.

His groundbreaking research reveals a concerning trend of young people buckling under the pressure of perfectionistic standards.

He explores how the pressure to be perfect — in our social media feeds, in school, at work — is driving a rise in mental illness, especially among young people. Learn more about the causes of this phenomenon and how we can create a culture that celebrates the joys of imperfection.

As an Associate Professor at the London School of Economics, Curran is renowned internationally for his pioneering work, being a world-leading expert in perfectionism and the first to uncover the rising prevalence of perfectionism among youth in the UK, US, and Canada.

A sought-after speaker, Curran regularly addresses global audiences, including prestigious companies like JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Tapestry, and TED.

He brings the complex topic of perfectionism to life with his engaging and relatable style, making it accessible to diverse audiences.

With a blend of wit and humility, he advocates for recognizing perfectionism as a public health concern, captivating listeners worldwide through his TED talks, podcast appearances, and media feature

Recent client feedback

Amazing speaker. The feedback from Thomas’ talk has been immediately and overwhelmingly positive and it seems to have really made an impact with so many people who watched.
The attendance was brilliant, and the number of questions I was still getting through even right towards the end, showed such an engagement with the subject, not something we can always take for granted with everyone’s busy schedules!

Charlotte Wandowski, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead, JP Morgan Chase

Thomas’ talk was such a joy. Crystal clear structure, a touch of academia felt just right to comfort my never-ending ‘How do you know?’ questions, insightful interpretations, and perhaps above all, remarkable speaking skills – a smooth, steady flow unsupported by intrusive ‘Aha!’ moments or stroboscopic slides. Had a fabulous moment there, thanks!

Jana Fratrič, Hay Group Consultant, Performance Manager and Comenius University Professor