Bradley Hook

Brad Hook is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and innovator in the field of human performance and well-being. As the head of the Resilience Lab at the Resilience Institute and founder of the Values Institute, Brad leads cutting-edge research and develops integrated frameworks that enhance resilience, mental clarity, and personal growth. His work has helped individuals and organizations worldwide enhance resilience and thrive in today’s rapidly changing world.
Brad is the author of several books, including Start With Values (Penguin Random House), and he is a regular contributor to Entrepreneur magazine. With a deep passion for human potential, his writings focus on practical tools and wisdom that foster growth, purpose, and balance in life.
In addition to his literary accomplishments, Brad is the director of the documentary Waves of Freedom and the founder of Surfd Magazine, one of the world’s leading action sports publications. His work blends creativity, performance, and a commitment to helping others unlock their fullest potential.
Brad is also the host of two highly regarded podcasts, The Brad Hook Podcast and The Resilience Podcast, where he engages with thought leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, and change agents. Through these conversations, Brad uncovers transformative insights and actionable strategies that elevate the human experience.
Whether through his books, podcasts, or public speaking engagements, Brad’s mission is to inspire meaningful change and provide practical pathways for personal and professional success.
Genre:
- Adult Fiction
- Adult Non-Fiction
- Business Writing
- Feature Articles
- Fiction
- Health
- Lifestyle
- Mind Body Spirit
Skills:
- Novelist
- Print Media Writing (magazines/newspapers)
- Public Speaking
- Workshops (adults)
Branch:
Bay of Plenty
Location:
Mount Maunganui
Publications:

Surfing Life Waves
We are surrounded by waves: from light, sound, electrical and micro waves through to the quantum waves that underpin our reality. Amidst all this wave activity it’s easy to draw a comparison between the physical waves we know so well and the experiential waves − or opportunities − that colour our existence. Waves of opportunity for happiness, success, love, failure, adventure and a spectrum of enriching experiences swirl constantly around us.
The approach of the surfer − arguably the world’s foremost experts in waves − provides a metaphor for embracing your life waves with passion, commitment, detachment, flow and fun.
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Lilly Loves Surfing: Wave of the Day
Dive into the delightful world of Lilly, a spirited young girl with a passion for surfing! Join Lilly on her exciting adventures as she rides the waves, discovering the magic of the ocean and the joy of surfing. Through colorful illustrations and heartwarming storytelling, this enchanting children's book captures the essence of friendship, courage, and the pure thrill of catching the perfect wave. Lilly's love for surfing will inspire young readers to embrace their passions and celebrate the wonders of the sea. Get ready for a splash of fun and a tidal wave of smiles with Lilly's surfing escapades!
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Resilience Mastery: 11 keys to upgrade human performance
The Resilience Institute surveyed over 20,000 people to understand what drives resilience in individuals and groups across the world. 11 key factors were identified. These range from the obvious – focus, purpose, optimism, assertiveness and bounce – to the less expected – sleep quality, vitality, presence, decisiveness, values alignment and fulfilment.
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A resilient person breaks down life’s challenges into achievable tasks, prepares biology and environment, then works with focus and determination. Things go wrong for them as for any of us, but they rely on their ability to bounce, recalibrate and recover. They engage with their whole being: physical, emotional and cognitive, dynamically playing to their strengths and working to mitigate risk areas.
Brought to you by Bradley Hook, a renowned resilience speaker, Resilience Mastery examines each of the 11 key factors, weaving together inspiring stories from people who have achieved success in their fields.

Start With Values: How to Build a Life with Meaning and Purpose
Embark on a journey of self-discovery—and lead a life of purpose—with practical tools and thought-experiments that reveal how collective and personal values shape our lives.
Buy now: Values Institute, Penguin NZ, Penguin Global, Amazon
In this powerfully insightful book, author Brad Hook, founder of the Values Institute, brings his years of experience as an executive coach, mentor, and researcher to unpack the extraordinary impact of values in our lives and helps set you on a journey to live with authenticity, courage and passion.
Three distinct sections guide you toward understanding your core values and their impact on your decision-making, purpose and daily habits:
- Discovering Your Values: Tools, lists and thought-experiments to help you find your core values and comprehend how they drive their actions and shape their purpose
- Living Your Values: Delves into how well-being can cultivate resilience, supporting values-aligned action even under stress
- Sharing Your Values: Emphasizes the communal aspect of values, fosters you to connect and use your values within a community
With its blend of theory and practice, the book equips readers with the understanding and tools they need to live a more fulfilling, values-aligned life. It is not just a book but a companion for anyone seeking to enhance their well-being, resilience, and relationships by starting with values.