The Leading Speakers Bureau

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”

[expand title=”In detail”] Between 1967 and 1979 he was associate professor of sociology at the School for Advanced Studies in Social Sciences at the University of Paris. In 1979 he was appointed Professor of City and Regional Planning and of Sociology at the University of California, Berkeley. He has lectured in over 300 academic institutions in 46 countries and is the author of 22 academic books and editor or co-author of 21 additional books, as well as over 100 articles in academic journals. He has been knighted for scientific merit by the Governments of France (Order of Arts and Letters), Finland (Order of the Lion of Finland), Chile (Order of Gabriela Mistral), Portugal (Order of Santiago da Espada), and Catalonia (Cross of Saint George).[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]A pro-bono advisor to the governments of Chile, Portugal, Spain, Mexico, Ecuador, Nicaragua, China, Brazil, Russia, Finland, and South Africa, Manuel Castells is the most influential urban theorist of our time and has revolutionized modern thought on the processes of advanced capitalism and the generation of inequality. His forward thinking views reflect the panoramic breadth of his knowledge, the clarity of his approach, and the scholarly rigor and intellectual depth of his theoretical methods. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Manuel is a brilliant speaker who brings great depth to his immaculately researched presentations in which he skillfully demonstrates his analytical prowess.[/expand]
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Marvin Bower Professor of Leadership Development, Harvard Business School

Rakesh Khurana teaches a doctoral seminar on Management and Markets as well as The Board of Directors and Corporate Governance in the Harvard MBA program. Rakesh’s current research grows out of the same interests in the social context of business leadership and the allocation of leadership positions that motivated his research on the CEO labor market.

“Expert in Leadership Development”

[expand title=”In detail”] Rakesh’s research uses a sociological perspective to focus on the processes by which elites and leaders are selected and developed. He has written extensively about the CEO labor market with a particular interest on the factors that lead to vacancies in the CEO position, the factors that affect the choice of successor; the role of market intermediaries such as executive search firms in CEO search and the consequences of CEO succession and selection decisions for subsequent firm performance and strategic choices.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Rakesh offers businesses his knowledge of how to help improve their CEO succession, governance, and executive development practices. In 2009 Thinkers 50, the global ranking of management gurus, placed him among the list of most influential thinkers. He shares key leadership skills that delegates will be able to take away and put into practice.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Rakesh Khurana provides fascinating researched insights into leadership and other issues with great clarity and charisma in his tailored presentations.[/expand]
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Professor of Organisational Behaviour at the London Business School

Rob Goffee is Professor of Organisational Behaviour at the London Business School, where he teaches on the world renowned Senior Executive Programme. An internationally respected teacher and facilitator, Rob is also the Faculty Director for Executive Education at London Business School. He has taught executives from some of the world’s leading companies, including Unilever, Nestlé and Sonae. He also consults to the boards of a number of FTSE 100 companies.

“A recognised authority on organizational transformation”

[expand title=”In detail”] Rob is a frequent contributor to newspapers and magazines and has appeared as a guest on many radio and television programs on business issues. In addition, he consults with a number of large corporations on organisational change, corporate culture, board governance, and management development.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Together with Gareth Jones, Rob founded CMA, a consultancy focused on organisations where creativity is a source of competitive strength. They offer substantive analysis, vivid examples, and pragmatic solutions to managers and executives who wish to explore the company’s ‘character’ and turn that into the foundation for long-term, sustainable success. In 2009 and 2007 Thinkers 50, the global ranking of management gurus, placed him among the list of most influential thinkers.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Presenting on his own or with Gareth Jones, Rob’s presentations are highly thought provoking and filled with extremely useful advice for any organisations wrestling with a cultural problem.[/expand]
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World’s Leading Historian of the Global Economy

Niall Ferguson is widely acknowledged as the world’s leading historian of the global economy. He is a prolific commentator on contemporary politics and economics and a regular contributor to television and radio on both sides of the Atlantic. He is also a contributing editor for the Financial Times. In 2010 Niall takes up the chair in History and International Affairs at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

“the most talented British historian of his generation”

[expand title=”In detail”] Niall Ferguson is Professor of History at Harvard University and Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. In 2009 the London School of Economics appointed Niall to chair History and International Affairs. For a documentary series based on his book ‘The Ascent of Money’, Niall received the International Emmy for Best Documentary. He is currently researching the life and times of Henry Kissinger for a new book.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Named as one of the world’s hundred most influential people by Time magazine, Niall believes that money is the cornerstone of human progress but can also be the catalyst for catastrophe for individuals, companies and nations. Through his in-depth analysis and research into historical events as well as current economical and political trends, he offers invaluable advice for leading businesses world wide.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An experienced television and radio presenter, Niall Ferguson is an accomplished and dynamic speaker. His thought-provoking presentations are delivered with the perfect balance of wit and analytical clarity to challenge conventional thinking.[/expand]
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Author and Expert on Leadership and Change Management

Robin Sharma is the author of eight number one international bestsellers including ‘The Greatness Guide’ and one of the world’s top experts on leadership, change management and personal mastery. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Sharma Leadership International Inc., a widely respected leadership development firm that has helped over 4 million people in 50 countries.

“All people have greatness within them – they only need to remember and reclaim it.”

[expand title=”In detail”] Robin is one of the most in-demand speakers in the world, frequently sharing the stage with individuals such as Bill Clinton, Jack Welch, Stephen Covey, Ken Blanchard, Deepak Chopra and Dr. Phil. a former litigation lawyer, holding two law degrees including a Masters of Law, Robin is also a leading executive coach, having worked with billionaires, major CEOs and celebrity entrepreneurs.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Robin’s mission is to help human beings become extraordinary and organizations get to world-class. He explains when individuals begin to think, feel and act like leaders they become part of the solution rather than part of the problem. And when each of us shows leadership behaviour, we elevate our personal lives, our families, our organization, our communities and our world.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An inspirational speaker, Robin tailors his presentations to precisely meet clients’ needs and he always leaves audiences energized and re-invigorated. He is also part of our Top Leadership speakers.[/expand]
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Author and Leading Authority on Innovation, Creativity and Leadership

Nigel Barlow has a reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic business speakers. He is also a strategic coach, consultant and author, working with large organisations in over 20 countries. Nigel is founding director of an international consultancy company and was also a founding director of the Tom Peters Group consulting business in the UK.

The master of applying creative thinking to customer service.

[expand title=”In detail”] Nigel’s skill is to convey a serious message in a highly entertaining and interactive way. His latest book is ‘Re-think: How to think differently’ and in his speeches he helps his audience to “Open their mind to creative re-thinking”. Creative re-thinking can be applied to topics as diverse as Leadership, People Development, Individual and Corporate Innovation, Strategic Development and the Customer Experience.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Nigel Barlow improves organisational focus by stimulating attitudes and developing leadership capabilities. Concentrating on continuous development, he works with organisations around the world as a speaker, coach, mentor and consultant.[/expand]
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IMD Professor & Founding Director of the Evian Group

Prof. Jean-Pierre Lehmann has been Professor of International Political Economy at IMD since 1997. In 1995, he launched the Evian Group, which has developed as a leading global voice on global trade and investment issues and acts as a forum for dialogue and a birth place of ideas. He was also Associate Professor of International Business at INSEAD. He is the author of several books and articles primarily dealing with globalization, modern East Asian history and East Asia and the international political economy.

“Advisor to WTO Director General, Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi”

[expand title=”In detail”] Prof. Lehmann studied in Japan, Switzerland, the United States (Georgetown) and received his doctorate from Oxford. Prior to joining IMD, his academic and business careers encompassed activities in virtually all Asian and Western European countries, as well as North America. He was founding director of the European Institute of Japanese Studies (EIJS) at the Stockholm School of Economics and Professor of East Asian Political Economy and Business. He established and directed the East Asian operations of InterMatrix, a London-based business strategy research and consulting organization (1986-1992). During this time he was concurrently Affiliated Professor of International Business at the London Business School.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Jean-Pierre Lehmann offers vast and highly respected experience in areas including globalization, global governance, trade and development, the role of business in reduction of poverty and inequality and the socio-economic, cultural, and business dynamics of Asia. Acting in various leading capacities in a number of public policy institutes and organizations, as an adviser to governments and corporations, and as a frequent commentator in the international media he is uniquely positioned to provide answers to questions on a variety of current issues.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]World famous thinkers in management, Jean-Pierre Lehmann’s highly sought-after presentations are thought provoking and captivating, enjoyed by audiences worldwide.[/expand]
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Expert on Obama & the U.S., Award – Winning Journalist

Christoph von Marschall is arguably the best German speaking expert on the US president, Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. As bureau chief of the Berlin Tagesspiegel in Washington, he followed Obama’s two year campaign, closely observing the presidential couple even after their entry into the White House. He writes for major internal magazine including Die Zeit, Cicero and the Atlantic Times. Marschall appears frequently as a commentator in the international media.

“An expert on the intricacies of the US election system and on the changing mood of the electorate”

[expand title=”In detail”] Christoph von Marschall holds a Ph.D. in Eastern European History from Freiburg University. His journalistic career began in 1989 at the Süddeutsche Zeitung and he has won several awards: In 2002 he received the German-American Prize for a commentary post related to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 and its consequences for American foreign policy. In 2005 he was honoured with the German-Polish journalism award for a report on Skierbieszów, the birthplace of the Federal President Horst Köhler. In the same year he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland for his contribution to the German-Polish reconciliation.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Christoph von Marschall openly talks about his unique experience following the President-Elect during the 2008 elections. He expertly analyzes how the questions of race, religion and the economic crisis dominate America’s policy. The award winning journalist offers insights into the political landscape of the United States of America and the role of Europe.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]In his highly sought-after presentations, Christoph von Marschall provides his audiences with a vivid and insightful analysis of power relations and the political climate.[/expand]
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Renowned Authority on Customer Centered Growth, Entrepreneur and Award-winning Author

Richard Whiteley is the Principal of The Whiteley Group, dedicated to helping indiviuals and organisations realize and expand their potential by designing and presenting customized, exciting and provocative speeches and workshops. Most recently, he held the position of Vice Chairman of The Forum Corporation, an industry-leading, 700 man-strong, global training and consulting firm. His award-winning best seller, ‘The Customer-Driven Company’, was named one of the top four business books of 1991 by Fortune Magazine. ‘Customer-Centered Growth’, was selected as a Business Week best-seller, and named one of the top five business books by Selling Magazine.

“Increases expectations”

[expand title=”In detail”] Richard has appeared on national and local television and radio, was featured in Flightline, an American Airlines publication, and is a frequent commentator in the business press. He was formerly a columnist for Sales and Marketing Magazine, and has created two video programs, Customer-Driven Quality with Fortune Magazine, and Solving the Leadership Puzzle, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs pro football team. In 1978 Richard founded and later served as president of The Instructional Systems Association, a group of leading national training companies.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Richard’s personal experience in building his own successful companies, ensure that the ideas and principles offered are practical and based on the most pressing and contemporary issues facing business. An entrepreneur and practitioner first, his extensive knowledge of current business challenges and dynamic presentation style have brought him acclaim as a powerful speaker. His presentations are known for their practicality and usefulness because of his first hand company building experience and his work with over 300 organizations and 350,000 executives in 26 countries over the past thirty years. First and foremost Richard considers the audience members to be his primary customers and tailors each presentation to create high impact, take-home value for every participant. [/expand]
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Leading Authority on Leadership

Manfred Kets de Vries is a clinical professor of leadership development; he holds the Raoul de Vitry d’Avaucourt Chair of Leadership Development at INSEAD. He is the Director of INSEAD’s Global Leadership Centre, program director of INSEAD’s top management seminar, and the program “Consulting and Coaching for Change”, and has on five occasions received INSEAD’s distinguished teacher award. He is the author, co-author, or editor of more than twenty books and has published over 200 scientific papers.

“One of the world’s leading thinkers on leadership”

Manfred Kets de Vries 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”] He has also held professorships at McGill University, the École des Hautes Études Commerciales, Montreal, and the Harvard Business School, and has lectured at management institutions around the world. He is a founding member of the International Society for the Psychoanalytic Study of Organizations.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Manfred brings a different view to the much-studied subjects of leadership and the dynamics of individual and organizational change. Bringing to bear his knowledge and experience of economics , management and psychoanalysis he scrutinizes the interface between international management, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy and dynamic psychiatry. [/expand]
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