The Leading Speakers Bureau

Internationally Recognised Expert on Creativity and Human Resources

Sir Ken Robinson, PhD is an internationally recognised leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resources. He has worked with governments in Europe, Asia and the USA, with international agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and currently works with many groups and organisations around the world that are designing more creative and holistic approaches in education, culture and business.

“If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original”

[expand title=”In detail”] Sir Ken led a national commission on creativity, education and the economy for the UK Government. ‘All Our Futures: Creativity, Culture and Education’ (The Robinson Report) was published to wide acclaim in 1999. He was the central figure in developing a strategy for creative and economic development as part of the Peace Process in Northern Ireland, working with the ministers for training, education enterprise and culture. He was one of four international advisors to the Singapore Government for its strategy to become the creative hub of South East Asia.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]His vision and expertise is sought by businesses that recognise the urgent need to promote stronger powers of creativity, communication and innovation within their company. Sir Ken also challenges the way we’re educating our children. He champions a radical rethink of our school systems, to cultivate creativity and acknowledge multiple types of intelligence.
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[expand title=”How he presents”]His presentations are designed individually and his style of delivery is unique and inspirational.[/expand]

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Chilean-American Acclaimed Novelist

Isabel Allende is an internationally acclaimed author considered to be part of the Latin American feminist literary awakening. Born in Lima, Peru, she grew up in Chile and travelled around the world as the daughter of a Chilean diplomat. She is best known for her epic and highly autobiographical novel ‘The House of Spirits’, which was later released as a motion picture in 1993.

“A genius” The Los Angeles Times

[expand title=”In detail”] Isabel Allende worked with the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization in Santiago, then later in Brussels, Belgium, and in Europe. For a brief period in Chile, she also had a job translating Romance novels from English to Spanish. Reportedly, the CIA-backed military coup in 1973 “changed everything” for her because “her name meant she was caught up in finding safe passage for those on the wanted lists”. In 2006, she was one of the eight flag bearers at the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. Her novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 51 million copies.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Isabel has lectured, done extensive book tours and has taught literature at several US colleges. In her writing, Allende deals with politics, history, and social institutions in a way that is all but passive. [/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Isabel’s presentations give fascinating insights into how she is guided by a vision of a world in which women have achieved social and economic justice. This vision includes empowerment of women and girls and protection of women and children. [/expand]

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Entrepreneur and Businessman

Doug Richard is a successful entrepreneur, and active angel investor, with over 25 years’ experience in the development and leadership of high technology and software ventures. Doug featured in the first two TV series of Dragons’ Den. In his time he has started, grown and sold 4 companies, run a NASDAQ listed public software company, invested in over 20 startups, invested over US$120Million into high tech companies in the UK as an institutional investor and taught over 10,000 people how to start their own company through his social Enterprise School for Startups.

“Entrepreneurship can be taught and must be learned”

[expand title=”In detail”] Doug was Chairman of the Conservative Party Small Business Task Force, and is non-executive Director of BrightPearl Software Love2scoot. He was President and CEO of Micrografx. Prior to that he also founded and subsequently sold two other companies: Visual Software and ITAL Computers. In 2006 he was the first American to receive The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion; in 2007 he became a fellow of the RSA. In 2009 Doug received an Honorary Doctorate of the University of Essex for his contribution to entrepreneurship education. In 2010 he was awarded Enterprise Educator of the Year. From 2010 he has been a guest lecturer on Entrepreneurship at Cambridge University. Doug holds a BA in Psychology from University of California at Berkeley and a Juris Doctor at the school of Law, University of California at Los Angeles[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Doug has always been a champion for startups and small businesses and is dedicated to helping many entrepre¬neurs to start better, more profitable businesses. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An outstanding storyteller, Doug’s speeches are a combination of excellent humour, raconteur timing and invaluable business insights which make him a highly sought after speaker.[/expand]

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Author of ‘Grown Up Digital’ and Co-author of ‘Wikinomics’

Don Tapscott is a thought leader on the strategic value and impact of information technology. He has authored or co-authored thirteen widely read books on technology and business. His book, ‘Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything’ is an international bestseller, has appeared on the New York Times and BusinessWeek bestseller lists, and has been translated into 19 languages. The Washington Technology Report called him one of the most influential media authorities since Marshall McLuhan.

In 2009 Thinkers 50, the global ranking of management gurus, placed him among the list of most influential thinkers.

[expand title=”In detail”] Don Tapscott holds a B.Sc. in Psychology and Statistics, an M.Ed. specializing in Research Methodology, and two Doctor of Laws (Hon) granted from the University of Alberta and from Trent University. He served as founder and chairman of the international think tank New Paradigm before its acquisition by nGenera. He is Chairman of nGenera Insight and an Adjunct Professor of Management at the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. He is interviewed and quoted widely in the broadcast media including CNN, NBC, CBS and the BBC and is a Fellow of the World Economic Forum. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Don Tapscott consistently identifies and explains the next business imperatives and defines the business models and strategies that the new imperatives require. He explores how the first generation to grow up with the net is redefining today’s workplace, marketplace, schools, family and government – how they learn and work and what power and influence they hold. This is an indispensable message for all organizations that seek to turn the NetGen’s talents and worldview to competitive advantage.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An enthralling, brilliant and inspiring orator, Don is often described by customers as the most effective speaker they have ever had.[/expand]

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Adventurer, Author, Entrepreneur & TV Presenter

Debra Searle is a hugely popular motivational speaker and conference facilitator. The media worldwide went crazy for the story of the 5ft 5″ young lady who carried on rowing the Atlantic solo when her husband, a 6 ft 5″ experienced oarsman, left the boat after developing an uncontrollable fear of the ocean. Yet, she dared to believe and 111 days later she rowed into Port St Charles, Barbados, to a rapturous welcome. She set out in January 2010 to compete in the Ladies Cup of the 2010 Rally Monte Carlo Historique.

“Britain’s latest sporting heroine” – The Times

[expand title=”In detail”] Debra Searle has achieved more than most people would dream of achieving in a lifetime: a first class honours degree, medals at World Championship level with the Great Britain Dragon Boat Team, entrepreneurial success with the launch of her online art consultancy ‘The Well Hung Art Company’, had her first book published, successfully rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean and has received an MBE from the Queen. Her ease in front of the camera, drive and enthusiasm has led to a number of presenting opportunities. She has recently completed work for BBC Grandstand, CBBC Education, was the subject of a documentary for BBC Extreme Lives and presented a 1-hour ITV documentary on the Southampton Boat Show.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Debra’s overwhelming ‘positivity’ and ‘go for it’ attitude are contagious, while her modesty is endearing. Often very emotive, she shares her highs and lows, personal battles and victories, to help illustrate in a very human way what we are all capable of. Since completing her Atlantic crossing she has charmed audiences with her highly articulate, open and emotional accounts of her exploits and particularly the departure of her husband. She sets herself apart from other speakers with her level of commitment to each project.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]In her presentations Debra powerfully illustrates her ideas with slides and stunning video footage and leaves her audience in no doubt of their own ability to achieve the extraordinary. She is entertaining, articulate, attractive, adaptable and totally inspirational.[/expand]

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Internationally Renowned Architect

Daniel Libeskind is an international figure in architectural practice and urban design. He is well known for introducing a new critical discourse into architecture and for his multidisciplinary approach. His practice extends from building major cultural and commercial institutions – including museums and concert halls – to convention centres, universities, housing, hotels, shopping centres and residential work. He also designs opera sets and maintains an object design studio. In June 2014 he led the Town Hall discussions at the New Cities Summit in Dallas, USA.

“One of the most sought-after architects in the world.”
Time Magazine

[expand title=”In detail”] In 1989, Daniel won the competition for the Jewish Museum Berlin, which opened to the public in 2001. He also built additions to museums in London, Toronto, San Francisco, and Denver as well as the creation of a number of other cultural institutions. He rocketed to fame in 2003 after receiving a commission to create the master plan for the reconstruction of the World Trade Centre which had been destroyed in terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

He has taught and lectured at many universities worldwide. Two of his buildings won RIBA Awards in 2004, the London Metropolitan University Graduate Centre and the Imperial War Museum North. Also in 2004, he was appointed the first Cultural Ambassador for Architecture by the U.S. Department of State.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”] A highly experienced and professional architect Daniel draws on his experiences to motivate and inspire audiences.

He offers insights into the world of art and creativity and reveals the secrets of his remarkable success. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A relaxed and confident presenter Daniel educates audiences with his presentations which are filled with a wealth of innovative and relevant business ideas. One of the world’s most distinguished and exciting architectures he is in great demand at various events throughout the world.[/expand]

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Specialist in Postponing Human Aging

Aubrey de Grey is a leading biomedical gerontologist and chair of the Methuselah Foundation, based in Cambridge, UK. In 2005, Dr de Grey’s work at Cambridge centered upon a detailed plan called Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS) which was aimed at preventing age-related physical and cognitive decline.

“The fundamental knowledge necessary to develop truly effective anti-aging medicine mostly exists”

[expand title=”In detail”] Prior to his work in cellular and molecular biology, de Grey was formally trained as a computer scientist. In 1985 he received a B.A. in Computer Science from Cambridge. In 1995 de Grey turned his attention to the biology of aging. Cambridge granted de Grey a Ph.D. in biology in 2000.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Aubrey talks about the prospects for radically postponing and eventually defeating aging in the next few decades, and the social and personal consequences of this. He has identified what he concludes are the seven areas of the aging process that need to be addressed medically before this can be done. He has been interviewed in recent years in many news sources, including CBS 60 Minutes, BBC, the New York Times, Fortune Magazine, and Popular Science.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Delivering an average of 20-30 invited talks per year at scientific conferences and universities Aubrey’s enlightening presentations are absolutely riveting.[/expand]

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Chairman of Ogilvy and Mather & Digital Marketing Expert

Rory Sutherland is Vice-Chairman at Ogilvy & Mather UK. He is one of marketing’s most original thinkers and influential speakers, a leading light in the advertising industry, and as outspoken as he is creative. He stands at the center of an advertising revolution in brand identities, designing cutting-edge, interactive campaigns that blur the line between ad and entertainment. He has been awarded with the prestigious 25th anniversary IDM Honorary Fellowship.

“He is one of the world’s most sought out advertising geniuses“

[expand title=”In detail”] From unlikely beginnings as a classics teacher to his current job as Vice Chairman of Ogilvy Group, Rory Sutherland has created his own brand of the Cinderella story. He joined Ogilvy & Mather’s planning department in 1988, and became a junior copywriter, working on Microsoft’s account in its pre-Windows days. An early fan of the Internet, he was among the first in the traditional ad world to see the potential in these relatively unknown technologies. An immediate understanding of the possibilities of digital technology and the Internet powered his meteoric rise.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his speeches, Rory provides an alternative perspective on marketing. He looks at the successes, the failures and the outright bizarre from the ad world. He analyses what branding means, what creativity is, and the value of persuasion over compulsion. His professional talent and expertise are undisputed, but it is his vision, tireless energy and legendary flamboyance that carry his reputation far and wide as a champion of direct and digital marketing techniques.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Rory is a persuasive and charismatic speaker who has a tremendous knack for making ideas come to life in an easily digestible way. [/expand]

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American Philanthropist, Co-founder & Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Melinda Gates is a global iconic figure who has devoted her energies since her foundation’s naissance in 1994 to targeting the world’s three biggest killer diseases—AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria—among other scourges. She is a former unit manager for several Microsoft products such as Publisher, Microsoft Bob, Encarta, and Expedia. She retired from the board of Drugstore.com in 2006 to spend more time working for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Melinda was ranked in Forbes magazine list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in 2006, 2007 & 2008

[expand title=”In detail”] Melinda earned a bachelor degree in computer science and economics from Duke University in 1986 and an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business in 1987, and served as a member of Duke University’s board of trustees from 1996 to 2003. After joining Microsoft Corporation in 1987, she distinguished herself in business as a leader in the development of many of Microsoft’s multimedia products. In 1996, Gates retired from her position as Microsoft’s General Manager of Information Products. In 2005, she and her husband, along with musician Bono, were named by Time as Persons of the Year. The Gates couple received the Spanish Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation in 2006 in recognition of their world impact through charitable giving. [/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Melinda’s influence over the world’s largest foundation is enormous. she works with local, national, and international partners to further the foundation’s goal of improving equity in four areas. She shapes and approves foundation strategies, review results, and helps set the overall direction of the organization. A capable and accomplished lady, Melinda Gates was a highly successful product manager at Microsoft and she brings to philanthropy a rare combination of compassion and the business skills she honed at Microsoft.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]A passionate and a shrewd businesswoman and speaker, Melinda Gates achieved amazing success at Microsoft. She plans to do it again with her very own style of philanthropy and offers audiences inspiration, education and hope.[/expand]

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Futurist and Innovation Strategist

Anders Sorman-Nilsson is an Australian-Swedish futurist and innovation strategist who has helped executives and leaders prepare and strategise for foreseeable and unpredictable futures. He is the founder and creative director of the Sydney and Stockholm based strategy think tank Thinque that helps executives and leaders convert disruptive questions into proactive, future strategies. Since founding Thinque in 2005 he has worked with decision makers around the globe.

“Anders takes us on a personal journey exploring the big questions on how to adapt to a cultural change that is sweeping the world.” John Sculley Ex-CEO of Apple

[expand title=”In detail”] Anders is an active member of TEDGlobal, has spoken at TEDx and guest lectured at Universities around the globe. He is a member of the University of Sydney Global Executive MBA cohort and has completed executive education at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. His latest book ‘Digilogue: How to win the digital minds and analogue hearts of tomorrow’s customer’ is hot off the press and is featuring in top end business media like BRW, The Financial Review, Sky News Business, Qantas Magazine and ABC National Radio.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Anders gives fresh insights into global future trends. He analyses how oncoming trends are likely to affect organisations and enables them to act swiftly to position them favourably for the future. Anders’ future thinking provides guidance for businesses, teams and leaders seeking to navigate through a constantly shifting business landscape and successfully enter a new decade of thinking.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Anders’ presentations are highly engaging, informative and entertaining. [/expand]

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