The Leading Speakers Bureau

Andes Aeroplane Crash Survivor

Nando Parrado is one of the survivors of the dramatic aeroplane crash on October 13, 1972 when a plane carrying a Uruguayan old boys rugby team over the Andes lost its bearings in bad weather and crashed in the remote mountains. Despite spending 74 days on a glacier at 18000 ft, without suitable clothing, training, equipment or supplies and against all odds Nando walked out of the mountains to raise the alarm to save his stranded companions

“It is better to decide and make a mistake, that not to decide. There is always time to turn back”
Nando Parrado

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Nando now lives in Montevideo, Uruguay and has rebuilt his life to become a very successful businessman. He is the owner of a cable television channel, he produces six television programmes and he also runs family businesses in the United States and Europe[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Nando talks candidly about his experiences in the Andes and how it has affected him. He offers audiences a very close and personal account of the events after the crash and explains how camaraderie and relationships are the keys to survival.[/expand]
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Thought Leader in Innovation, Business Design

John Kao is known as an authority on the intersecting subjects of corporate innovation and transformation, digital media, design strategy, and the future of business. He has made a career out of helping organizations go from “getting” the importance of innovation to “getting innovation done.” In addition to his other accomplishments, John is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, private investor, Tony-nominated producer, and business pioneer

“The world’s leading expert on business creativity” Klause Schwab, Founder, World Economic Forum

[expand title=”In detail”] For 14 years, he taught at Harvard Business School where he developed courses, lectures and executive seminars. He was also a visiting professor at the MIT Media Lab. From 1997-2001, he was founder and CEO of The Idea Factory, known for its innovation advisory work. He is on the boards of Lion Digital Pictures, NeoSpine, Inc., and is an honorary Vice President of Arts & Business, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Art. John has collaborated with a variety of world renowned designers and his unique approach to innovation is strongly influenced by the disciplines of design.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Dubbed a “serial innovator” and “Mr. Creativity” by The Economist, John’s experience in the design field is multifaceted and he takes up the challenge of reinventing the relationship between design and business. He expertly frames the challenge faced by organisations and offers immensely practical advice on how they can regain our place as innovation leaders.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]John’s tailored speeches are famous for entertaining audiences and for their practical and original frameworks for action. John has also been known to illustrate the fundamentals of innovation (of “jamming,” in his words) by playing jazz piano in a way that provides musical examples of the innovation process at work.[/expand]
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Former Formula 1 World Champion

Damon Hill is a British former racing driver from England. He was the 1996 Formula One World Champion and is the son of the late double Formula One world champion Graham Hill, and is the only son of a world champion to win the title. He retired from the sport at the end of the 1999 season, after 122 race starts. In 2006, Damon Hill became president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, succeeding Jackie Stewart.

“A living F1 legend”

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Global Marketing Expert

René Jäggi is the former CEO of Adidas International and Chairman of H.T.M. (Head– Tyrolia-Mares-Penn) the international sports group. He is also the former Chairman of the Board of Head N.V and he was CEO of the LOC Venue office during the football world cup in 2006 in Germany. He is currently on the board of several international companies and Chairman of Flora Eco Power AG in Munich, a public bio energy company. In May 2007 he was appointed as a new member of the Board of Directors of Hong Kong Based Artificial Life, Inc. a provider of award-winning mobile 3G technology and applications.

René Jäggi is a recognised corporate marketing expert

[expand title=”In detail”] In addition to his corporate work Mr Jäggi is also the former President of the Executive Board of the Kaiserslautern Football Club and former President of Football Club Basel.
He was also Chairman of the advisory board of Romika GmbH, the sports shoe manufacturer as well as holding prior management positions in marketing and sales at battery giant Duracel and Reynolds the tobacco giant. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Drawing upon his considerable expertise both in the corporate sector and the world of professional sports, Mr Jäggi carefully explains his marketing strategies. He offers audiences great insights into how he managed to turn around numerous companies to create brand leaders around the globe.[/expand]
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Former CEO of Burger King

Barry Gibbons earned the title of ‘Turnaround Champ’ from Fortune Magazine thanks to his phenomenal success in boosting Burger King’s fortunes. Within a year of taking on the role, Burger King was opening two new restaurants a day around the world. Having retired from big business, he is now a successful author, speaker and is co-founder of the UK publishing business Infinite Ideas.

Believing that managing isn’t enough he debates what it really takes to be distinct in your leadership, product development, service delivery and customer relationships

[expand title=”In detail”] During Barry’s 5 years as the US-based Chairman/CEO of Burger King he received international acclaim. He has since co-founded and invested in a variety of ventures including a branded food service business, a magazine-CD publishing company, speciality coffee bars and a Latin theme restaurant that opened in Disneyland. He was also Executive in Residence at the University of Miami School of Business and is a regular on the BBC’s Bottom Line business broadcast.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Barry has made over 250 speeches to blue-chip corporate audiences on four continents. His aim is to show audiences – internal and external – how to stay ahead in fast changing and unpredictable markets.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]With his Anglo-Irish charm he shows how to lead (not manage), and how to energize people who work for you, with you and above you. He illustrates how, in a world of virtually unsatisfiable customers, to develop a connection with them that is beyond satisfaction, exploring ‘intuitive marketing’. Above all, he offers ideas on how to bring it all together to get distinction and excellence in all that you do. Wit and energy are in plentiful supply from this refreshingly alternative thinker and business leader.[/expand]
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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]
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Former CEO of Starbucks

Orin C. Smith was President and Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks Corporation from 2000 to 2005. He joined Starbucks as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 1990, became President and Chief Operating Officer in 1994, and became a director of Starbucks in 1996. Mr. Smith has been a Director of The Walt Disney Company since 2006 and he has been a Director of Nike Inc. since September 20, 2004 and serves as a Member of its Audit Committee.

“Embracing diversity is not only the right thing to do socially or ethically, it’s good for business.”

[expand title=”In detail”] Prior to joining Starbucks, Mr. Smith spent a total of 14 years with Deloitte & Touche. He serves on the Advisory Board for the University of Washington School of Business, the University of Washington Medicine Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of Conservation International. He was also a Director of Oakley Sunglasses, Watches, Shoes, and Apparel from August 1995 until July 10, 2003. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]As one of America’s most respected and successful corporate leaders, Orin C. Smith offers audiences valuable insights into the strategies which have made him so successful. He carefully explains in great detail the importance of strategic leadership and how to create a global brand[/expand]
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First Woman to Summit Everest from North & South Sides and Leadership speaker

Cathy O Dowd is a winning explorer and raconteur. Not one to submit to adversity, she reached Everest’s peak from the south, despite facing the worst storm in the mountain’s history. She took on the challenge of the treacherous north side two years later, but her attempt ended when she stopped to try and save a dying climber. A year later she returned and succeeded in becoming the first woman to climb Everest from both the north and south sides.

The first woman to conquer both the north and south sides of Everest

[expand title=”In detail”] A former university lecturer with a Masters degree in Media Studies, she grew up in South Africa. Now based in Europe, she remains an active adventurer, from the heights of the Himalaya to the wilderness of the Arctic. In 2003 she attempted a new route up the notorious east face of Everest. [/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Interweaving the literal climbing adventure and the symbolic challenge of peak performance, she evokes your sense of possibility. Spectacular images add to her poignant story, which will rouse you to approach challenges with renewed zeal and increased capabilities. Cathy’s great strength lies in combining her dramatic adventures with a coherent message to business. Her inspirational presentations entertain and motivate while reinforcing key principles of best business practise.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Cathy is a fluent and passionate speaker, combining humour and drama, weaving a spell-binding story out of which she subtly draws her metaphors for achievement. All presentations are dramatically illustrated with photographs from the mountain. She is also part of our Top Women keynote speakers. [/expand]
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Olympic Sprinter and Gold Medallist

Michael Johnson is quite simply one of the greatest athletes on the planet, and one of the best ever. His place in history was sealed at the Atlanta Olympics, during which he won an unprecedented 200 meters and 400 meters sprint double. Winning the double in Atlanta was impressive enough, but it was the nature of the victories, particularly in the 200m, which made Johnson’s name forever.

“Michael Johnson was the most eminent figure in athletics in the
1990’s” Wikepedia

[expand title=”In detail”] From a very young age, Michael always loved running and sport. Always the fastest amongst his friends, he never dreamed he would be a world record holder and Olympic gold medallist. No-one else before or since has come near his time of 19.32 seconds in the 200 meters.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Michael offers audiences an insight into how his competitive nature and love of sport have made him a winner. He shows exactly what it takes to become a champion and how to reach the top.[/expand]
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Former US Assistant Secretary of State and Adjunct Professor at Columbia University

James P. Rubin is currently an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a prominent commentator and lecturer on U.S. foreign policy. From 2000 to 2007, Mr. Rubin lived in London, working as a broadcaster, professor, commentator and communications consultant. Most recently, from 2005 to 2007, he was international news anchor and world affairs commentator for SKY news. Mr. Rubin served under President Clinton as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Chief Spokesman for the State Department from 1997 to 2000.

He shares his insights of how media covers world events and how the public receives news

[expand title=”In detail”] During the 2004 election, Mr. Rubin served as Senior Adviser for National Security for the Kerry/Edwards Campaign. In the 1996 election, Mr. Rubin was Director of Foreign Policy for the Clinton/Gore ’96 Campaign. While in London, Mr. Rubin was a Visiting Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics from 2001-2004, a partner in the Brunswick Group – a financial advisory firm – from 2001 -2004, and in 2002 and 2003 the host of the PBS series Wide Angle, a primetime, weekly international affairs program.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]James is an authority on foreign affairs and will give your audience insight into national security policies and US foreign policy initiatives that impact the world. James provides behind-the-scenes perspectives on his personal experiences during negotiations spanning the globe, from the Middle East and Iraq to Russia and China, in addition to the diplomatic missions which he led to Kosovo. Mr. Rubin is a regular contributor to a number of American and European newspapers, including The Financial Times, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]James is a stimulating speaker with a proven track record and is ideal for addressing international audiences as well as UK-based audiences.[/expand]
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