The Leading Speakers Bureau

Leading Innovator, Director of Game Research & Development, Institute for the Future

Jane McGonigal is a brilliant designer of online mass roleplaying games. She’s also on the forefront of academic research on societal development and computer gaming. She is best known for creating games that inspire global-scale collaboration and collective intelligences. Most recently, she directed the world’s first massively multiplayer forecasting game Superstruct, which brought together more than 7000 future forecasters from 90 countries to tackle real-world problems such as pandemics, food systems, and climate change. The Association of Professional Futurists honoured Superstruct as the “Most Important Futures Work of 2008″.

“The leading innovator in the field of game design for future forecasting and problem solving”
Continue Reading »

Pioneer of “market-based” philanthropy

Jacqueline Novogratz founded and leads Acumen Fund, a nonprofit that takes a businesslike approach to improving the lives of the poor. She’s become a leading voice of the new philanthropy, which emphasizes sustainable bottom-up solutions over traditional top-down aid.

One of the most innovative players shaping philanthropy today, Jacqueline Novogratz is redefining the way problems of poverty can be solved around the world. Drawing on her past experience in banking, microfinance and traditional philanthropy, Novogratz has become a leading proponent for financing entrepreneurs and enterprises that can bring affordable clean water, housing and healthcare to poor people so that they no longer have to depend on the disappointing results and lack of accountability seen in traditional charity and old-fashioned aid.
Continue Reading »

Legendary Former International Pakistan Cricket Captain & Politician

Imran Khan was an inspirational all-rounder for Pakistan for over 20 years. He captained Pakistan in 48 Tests and 139 ODIs (both records for Pakistan). Since retiring, Khan has written opinion pieces on cricket for various British and Asian newspapers and also appears as a cricket commentator on Asian and British sports networks, including BBC Urdu and the Star TV network. He has provided analysis for every cricket World Cup since 1992, which includes providing match summaries for BBC during the 1999 World Cup.

Number 8 on the all-time list of the ESPN Legends of Cricket
Continue Reading »

Advertising Genius, Founder & Creative Chairman of Droga5

David Droga has rewritten the book for contemporary ideas development and is possibly the most successful Australian creative export. David’s own agency launched in New York City in 2006, Droga5, is now the fastest growing independent agency in America. In Australia, Creative magazine named him “Australian Creative Person of the Decade”. To date, he is the single-most awarded creative at the Cannes International Advertising Festival, with over 50 Cannes Lions. He sits on several boards, including the One Club, Magnum and New Museum.

“Guru of the marketing and advertising world”
Continue Reading »

Motivational Speaker and Facilitator

Marc Hogan’s growing reputation as an expert in the fields of communication and sales has led him to become one of the most sought after speakers in the UK. An ex-sales and marketing professional with over 10 years experience, Marc’s S.A.L.E.S. and Inspirational Communication programmes have inspired audiences across the UK to improve their communication and influencing skills. They love his unique approach to personal and business achievement underpinned by his 7 Keys for Success.

“Persuade, empower & perform”
Continue Reading »

Expert on Employment and Workforce Diversity

Amin Rajan is Chief Executive of the Centre for Research in Employment and Technology in Europe (CREATE) – a pan-European network of prominent researchers undertaking high level advisory assignments for the UK government, City institutions, multinational companies and international bodies such as the EU, OECD and ILO. He is also a visiting professor at the Cass Business School, London Guildhall University and at the Centre for Leadership Studies at Exeter University, and also President of the Scientific Committee at Audencia-Nantes, Ecole de Management.

“ Amin’s work has proved so influential that he now provides leadership coaching to top executives and investment specialists”
Continue Reading »

Futurist & Business Consultant

Rohit Talwar is a global futurist, strategist and business consultant. In 2006, the Independent newspaper profiled Rohit as one of the top 10 global trendwatchers. In 2005 he was presented with the award of ‘stickiest guru’ after being voted as best speaker for his presentation on future travel at Asia’s largest travel conference.

“A leading futurist with exceptional foresight”

In detail
Continue Reading »

Nobel Peace Prize Winner 2003, Iranian Lawyer & Human Rights Activist

Shirin Ebadi was the first Iranian and first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Her influence extends far beyond the borders of her country, inspiring hope that Islam, democracy and all human rights can co-exist despite the challenges faced in these turbulent times. Defying government obstacles, she also created and is the leader of one of the first independent, non-governmental human rights organizations in Iran: The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child.

“Shirin Ebadi received the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo for her democracy-building efforts and her work to improve human rights in Iran”
Continue Reading »

Founder of GrameenPhone & Global Leader for Tomorrow

Iqbal Quadir is the Executive Director of the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship. He founded GrameenPhone and Gonofone, profitable ventures which provide universal telecommunications access in Bangladesh. Iqbal’s work has been recognised by leaders and organisations worldwide, with invitations to speak at many forums, including the World Bank, United Nations, World Economic Forum, and Aspen Institute.

“Iqbal has opened the world’s eyes to expanding the use of modern telecommunications technologies in the world’s poorest places”
Continue Reading »

Chair Professor of Communication Technology & Society

Manuel Castells is Professor of Communication and the holder of the Wallis Annenberg Chair in Communication Technology and Society at the Annenberg School for Communication, University of Southern California. He is a Research Professor at the Open University of Catalonia in Barcelona and Professor Emeritus of Sociology and of City and Regional Planning at the University of California, Berkeley. He is currently the co-editor of the International Journal of Communication.

“Governments can no longer govern; they can only negotiate”
Continue Reading »