The Leading Speakers Bureau

Social Networking Expert & Former Nokia ES EMEA Channel Marketing Manager

Erik Jan Koedijk (EJ) is an expert on channel sales and marketing, especially in combination with the integration of social media and CRM. He is also an experienced branding expert and a recognised leader in the field of building strategic networks. Erik was Country Manager in The Netherlands for Nokia, General Manager Benelux for Surfcontrol/Websense and EMEA Channel Marketing Manager at Nokia’s enterprise division. EJ is a managing partner at Into Marketing working with partners around the globe.

“Doing business nowadays is all about building communities.”

[expand title=”In detail”] In the last 10 years EJ has built and managed local and European sales, marketing and channel teams for large companies and start-up networking organizations, with a specific focus on the internet and mobile communications. One of EJ’s expertise is Social CRM & networking and how to integrate these new areas into the current “go to market” of any organisation. EJ often arranges brainstorm and workshop sessions with senior managers about social CRM, Channel marketing plans and partner accreditation. Community building, web 2.0 and mobility eco system building are often included during these brainstorms & workshops.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]During his presentations he explains how today’s successful businesses need to adapt to new technologies & possibilities and shows how to implement new successful marketing strategies. He also explains how to tap into individual strengths, combining and connecting those strengths at the right moment, at the right place, with the right technology to empower individuals and organisations alike. EJ has developed strategic channel sales and marketing plans to open new channels to deliver sales growth and above all transform strategy into action and to turn the individual into action.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]EJ is energetic and highly motivated and has become a business professional who unfailingly combines a keen eye for sales with a solid knowledge of technology and internet advances. His feel for and interest in innovation, social media and virtual media has made him a popular figure in visionary brainstorming sessions, workshops and presentations.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Authority on the Future of Management/IT, Professor of Forecasting

James Woudhuysen is one of Europe’s best-known independent speakers and writers on the future. James helps clients master new trends in society and innovation, so as to implement major shifts in corporate strategy and innovation. He frequently broadcasts about the future of the workplace on Radio 4’s You and Yours, and writes for spiked (London) and Novo (Frankfurt). He is also on the editorial board of the Journal of Consumer Behaviour.

In 1996 staff at Phillips nominated James as ‘Motivator of the Year’

[expand title=”In detail”] A physics graduate and author of several books, James is Professor of Forecasting and Innovation at De Montfort University, Leicester. In the 1980s he co-directed Britain’s first major study into the future of e-commerce (‘teleshopping’ in those days). He then moved to the Henley Centre, Britain’s best-known think-tank on EU markets, where he built up the firm’s forecasting on the broader future of IT and proposed, in 1992, that the Internet be delivered over TV. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]He offers a highly visual, very witty, but deadly serious alternative to myths about the future of work, consumers and IT. An inspirational opponent of politically correct trends in management and beyond, he spells out what to do and how to do it in controversial but deeply insightful style.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]James is a master at explaining ‘The Big Picture’ in a way that convincingly suggests ‘What To Do Next’. Reinforced by brilliant visuals, he first makes complex issues simple and then makes them sizzle.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Expert in Virtual Reality and Computer Engineering

Michael Zyda is Director of the USC GamePipe Laboratory, and a Professor of Engineering Practice in the USC Department of Computer Science. At USC, he created the ‘Batchelor of Science’ (BA) in Computer Science (Games) and ‘Master of Science’ (MS) in Computer Science (Game Development) cross-disciplinary degree programs and doubled the incoming undergraduate enrolment of the Computer Science Department. He was the Founding Director of The MOVES Institute, located at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California and a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at NPS as well.

“Michael Zyda opens up the world of virtual reality and 3 dimensional networks”

[expand title=”In detail”] From 1986 until the formation of the MOVES Institute, he was the Director of the NPSNET Research Group. His research interests include computer graphics, large-scale, networked 3D virtual environments, modelling human and organisational behaviour, interactive computer-generated story, video production, and entertainment games. He holds a lifetime appointment as a National Associate of the National Academies, an appointment made by the Council of the National Academy of Sciences in November 2003. He is a member of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Professor Zyda is a pioneer in the fields of computer graphics, networked virtual environments, modelling and simulation, and defence entertainment collaboration. Drawing upon his considerable expertise, Michael offers great insights into the future of computer applications and decision makers from all fields are able to benefit from his highly informative presentations.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Professor of Strategic and International Management at LBS

Costas Markides is Professor of Strategic and International Management at London Business School. A native of Cyprus, he received his BA (Distinction) and MA in Economics from Boston University and his MBA and DBA from the Harvard Business School. Prior to joining London Business School he has worked as an Associate with the Cyprus Development Bank and as a Research Associate at the Harvard Business School. In 2009 and 2007 Thinkers 50, the global ranking of management gurus, placed him among the list of most influential thinkers.

“Costas Markides is an expert on creating breakthrough strategies with proven results”

Costas Markides has been ranked among the top 50 most influential business thinkers. In 2009 Thinkers 50, the global ranking of management gurus, placed him among the list of most influential thinkers.

[expand title=”In detail”] His work has been has published in a wide range of journals such as the Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, Directors & Boards, Long Range Planning, British Journal of Management, Journal of International Business Studies, Strategic Management Journal and the Academy of Management Journal.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Having taught on many in-company programmes Prof. Markides is without a doubt one of Europe’s most experienced and respected business strategists. His presentations are ideal for decision makers keen to sustain and develop superior competitive performance by implementing and understanding new business strategies.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Costas Markides is a captivating and engaging speaker and he has designed his lectures with just the right blend of humour and useful actionable information. His appearances are consistently well-received making him one of the most sought-after and prized speakers currently available.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Entrepreneur, Model and Media Personality

Caprice became a household name around the world through her modeling and media appearances. Arriving in England from Southern California she became one of the most photographed women in the world appearing on over 300 magazine covers. Following her success as a model she added a variety of television appearances to her media portfolio. Voted GQ Magazine’s Woman of the Year and Maxim’s International Woman of the Year 3 years running she appeared in a documentary for Channel 4 “ Being Caprice “ and featured in many other prime time shows.

Caprice is an Ambassador for the Princes Trust

[expand title=”In detail”] Following her success as a Model and Media Personality Caprice moved into roles on the West End stage and received rave reviews, later she produced her own version of a popular musical in which she also starred. Recently she has become a business entrepreneur developing and financing her own range of lingerie and swimwear which achieved instant success in Debenhams stores, Next and Littlewoods plus many countries around the world. Her future objective is to achieve continuing global success with the By Caprice brand and as she develops further product ranges her determination is to be “ hands on“ in every respect of the business. [/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Caprice has developed a successful business through a close examination of the market for ladies lingerie and swimwear and the success of the business has much to do with her close attention to detail in all departments including design, distribution and finance. Her entrepreneurial attributes have convinced her to avoid licensing arrangements and continue to expand the business and the brand by continuing an innovative and creative approach to product and the efficiency of merchandising and distribution[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Former President of Virgin Galactic

Will Whitehorn was once described as Sir Richard Branson’s “right hand man” and has recently stepped down as President from Virgin Galactic prior to the commercial launch of that unique space project to pursue a portfolio career that includes a number of Directorships most notably with Loewy the UK design and media group. He sits on the Science and Technology Facilities Council, the UK Government funding body for scientific research in the UK and is a non-executive chairman of Next Fifteen Communications Plc.

“Leading expert on Branding and Leadership”

[expand title=”In detail”] Will was talent spotted by Sir Richard Branson in 1987 and joined the Virgin Group where he rose to become Group Corporate Affairs and Brand Development Director. In this role he was the official spokesman for the company and a trusted advisor to Sir Richard. Whilst at Virgin he was responsible for Virgin’s revolutionary approach to PR and building an admired brand. This included major stories such as the battle with BA over flight prices and the Cumbrian rail crash where Virgin was praised for the heroism of the driver. More recently he ran Virgin Galactic the commercial space flight project that has made headlines. His first hand experience of running industrial design projects includes the development of Virgin’s Pendolino and the Virgin Atlantic Flyer.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Sharing his insights into the Virgin story, Will Whitehorn offers a detailed analysis of how the online industry and innovation across all business functions within Virgin has impacted on consumers and brands. In his presentations, he also explains the importance of online industry, PR and innovation and how they can be used to create a competitive edge in business and how future space technology will influence our lives including digital communications. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Will is a natural communicator with a great passion for business and technology who has the ability to inspire his audiences to innovate. [/expand]
Continue Reading »

‘Britain’s most consistently original, outrageous, controversial designer’

Vivienne Westwood has had an insatiable appetite for anarchic outrageousness. She has never lost her power to shock, and her continued innovations make her one of the most talked about fashion designers in the world.

Vivienne Westwood was born Vivienne Isabel Swire in Derbyshire. She moved to London when she was 17. She began designing in 1971, using the shop at 430 Kings Road, London as a showcase for her ideas. With her changing ideas of fashion came the change of not only the name of shop, but the entire decor as well. In 1971, 430 Kings Road was known as “Let it Rock”… 1950’s Rock n Roll clothing sold at a time when “hippies” were still in fashion. In 1972, the name was changed to “Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die”. The shop had clothing for “Rockers” with zips and chains, and Zoot suits. By the mid 70’s, “Sex” was the shop’s new name. With 1976 came punk, followed by “World’s End” and the Pirate Collection.

[expand title=”In detail”] The Pirate Collection was shown in March 1981, her first catwalk show at Olympia in London. The following year, in March 1983, Westwood began to show in Paris, the first British Designer to do so since Mary Quant. In Autumn 1984, Westwood was invited to show her collection in Tokyo with Hanae Mori, Calvin Klein, Claude Montana and Gianfranco Ferre at the “Best of Five”.

In 1989 Mr John Fairchild, President of Fairchild Publications and Editor of the fashion bible “Women’s Wear Daily”, rated Westwood one of the best six designers in the world, and the only woman amongst them, in his book “Chic Savages”.

In July 1990, she showed her first complete menswear collection in conjunction with Pitti Uomo in Florence. In January 1991, Vivienne Westwood was chosen to show in Tokyo once again, this time with Christian Lacroix, Isaac Mizrahi and Franco Moschino at The Fashion Summit.

Vivienne Westwood has an OBE for her services to the British Fashion Industry and has just been awarded the Queen’s Award for Export[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Former Creative Director of Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent

Tom Ford was hired by Gucci’s creative director Dawn Mello in 1990 as chief women’s ready-to-wear designer and later appointed design director. When, in 1994, Gucci was acquired by a Bahrain-based investment firm called Investcorp, Tom was promoted to creative director and moved to Milan.

In his first year at the helm, he was credited with putting the glamour back into fashion introducing Halston-style velvet hipsters, skinny satin shirts and car-finish metallic patent boots. In 1995, he brought in French stylist Carine Roitfeld and photographer Mario Testino to create a series of new, modern ad campaigns for the company. By 1999, the house, which had been almost bankrupt when Tom joined, was valued at about $4.3 billion. In 2000, he was named Best International Designer at the first VH1/Vogue Awards in New York.

[expand title=”In detail”] Tom Ford has become arguably the most influential designer of the last decade. Having initially trained as an actor, he studied interior architecture at Parsons School of Design until 1986, and went on to take positions at Perry Ellis and Cathy Hardwick, before joining Gucci in 1990.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Principal Marketer

Al Ries is a leading PR and marketing authority.

Chairman of Ries & Ries, he counts numerous global organisations among his clients.

PR Week named him as one of the 100 most influential public relations people of the 20th Century.

A learned and current authority, he shares his vision through his impressive collection of authoritative publications.

‘Start narrow then expand.’

Al Ries

[expand title=”In detail”] Since co-authoring a notorious series of articles on positioning, with Jack Trout, he has published various industry classics.

Following service in the US Army his marketing career began at General Electric. He progressed to Needham, Louis & Brorby and Martseller before starting his own advertising agency, Ries Cappiello Colwell[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In a brand conscious world, he is supremely placed to advise you on strategies that transform products and services to market leaders.

Ripe for today’s market he reveals why a narrow focus is essential to owning a category in the consumers’ mind and the potential power of your Internet brand.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Cutting Edge Design Expert and Global Authority on Innovation, Sustainability

John Thackara is an internationally acclaimed authority on innovation in a green economy. For Business Week he is “one of the great voices on sustainability”, and the Wall Street Journal has noted his “global reputation as a cutting edge design expert”. The Economic Times of India lauded his “brilliant insights into the internet and sustainability”. John is the author of a widely-read blog at designobserver.com, and of twelve books including In The Bubble: Designing In A Complex World. As director of Doors of Perception, John also organises festivals around the world in which communities imagine a sustainable future — and take practical steps to realise it.

“Innovation starts with a meaningful question”
John Thackara

[expand title=”In detail”] John studied philosophy and trained as a journalist, before working for 10 years as a book and magazine editor. He was the first Director of the Netherlands Design Institute in Amsterdam and was program director of Designs of the Time (the social innovation biennial in England). He is a Fellow of The Young Foundation, the UK’s social enterprise incubator and sits on the advisory boards of the Pixelache Festival in Helsinki, the Pecha Kucha Foundation in Tokyo, and Design Impact in the USA. A Senior Fellow of the Royal College of Art, he is also a member of the UK Parliament’s Standing Commission on Design.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]John’s talks deliver tangible benefits: actionable insights into sustainability and resilience; a shared vision of ‘preferred states’; opportunities for innovation in your organisation; and the impetus to launch high impact projects. He uses inspiring stories to demonstrate how the sustainability challenge is an opportunity for immediate action. “I talk honestly about the severity of the economic and environmental challenges that confront us – but then I re-frame these challenges in such a way that people gain fresh insight into opportunities for innovation that they can exploit”.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Encounters with John Thackara can occur in a variety of formats adapted to suit your unique requirements – from a one hour keynote lecture to more interactive workshops, design clinics and Explorers Clubs.[/expand]
Continue Reading »