The Leading Speakers Bureau

Leading Entrepreneur and Activist

Chris Ward is an author, activist, cyclist and coffee geek. With an espresso and laptop to hand, the extra productivity and creativity he is able to generate by not being ‘trapped at the office’ has resulted in him not only working with some of the world’s most successful brands (BBC to Facebook), causes (Comic Relief to London 2012 legacy) & individuals (Lewis Hamilton to Desmond Tutu) but achieving it in less than 40 hours a week.

“The boss who works from coffee shops” BBC

[expand title=”In detail”] Chris Ward left school with one Art qualification but built and sold two successful commercial marketing agencies – Beatwax & Firstmovies, before becoming Creative Director at Comic Relief, Director on the legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and legacy board member for the 2012 Olympics. He is currently Chairman of Blue Dot World, working with the likes of ITV, One Direction, Coldplay, BBC & The Nelson Mandela Foundation to engage millions of people in good causes. From founding and selling companies for multi-millions to cycling the whole of the 100th Le Tour de France route, Chris inspires a movement of people and businesses that are both thriving at work AND doing more of what makes them happy![/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Chris shows how to be a business manager in this new landscape, through the productivity and not the presence of the staff, and how to motivate, inspire and energise. He explains how everyone can achieve literally 50% more productivity and creativity. Getting flexible, remote working right saves companies time and money while increasing the overall happiness of employees.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Chris’ passion, commitment and energy enable him to inform and stimulate audiences of all levels. He connects with them on an emotional level and brings to life the determination to change lives. [/expand]

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Business Transformer, Speaker & Author

Ralph Ardill, Bsc(Hons), Msc, is one of the world’s leading authorities on brand transformation and has consulted to some of the world’s leading brands, including Carlsberg, Ford, Ericsson, Coca-Cola, Hiscox, Sky and CBRE. He is an accomplished writer, speaker and consultant and in 1995 wrote one of the seminal books on Experiential Branding – simply entitled ‘Experience’ and was author of a master-class on Experience Design for the UK Design Council.

“Ralph gave a ground-breaking speech at our 3 Conference in Zurich. I have yet to met a more inspiring, captivating and modest speaker. Without doubt Ralph is one of the world’s leading authorities on brand experience.“
Dr. Urs Seiler, Smartville

[expand title=”In detail”] Following spells as a Business Analyst for Laura Ashley, a Brand Manager for CBS Records and devising global Corporate Identity programmes for Enterprise IG Ralph then spent over a decade as Marketing and Strategic Planning Director of Imagination where he was the inspiration and driving force behind Imagination’s Brand Experience offer and where he personally led the development of the world-class Guinness Storehouse brand centre in Dublin. Since 2006 Ralph has been working as an independent consultant harnessing everything he’s learned from what he calls a “25 year apprenticeship” [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]With his unconventional wisdom, Ralph skilfully shows audiences how to successfully plan, create and subsequently offer customers a complete “brand experience”. Ralph’s aim is to help clients deliver accelerated and coherent brand-led, design-inspired transformation and growth across the total experience – inside and out – of their businesses.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Ralph is a passionate speaker and his thought-provoking presentations are delivered in a highly engaging, pragmatic and often provocative style that de-bunks the ‘myths’ and cuts-to-the-chase of how to make real change and collaboration happen in business.[/expand]

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Communications Consultant, Presentation Coach & Keynote Speaker

Mark Jeffries is a former stockbroker who has become a much sought-after executive coach, keynote speaker and leading event moderator and MC across USA, Canada and Europe. He is a consultant to some of the world’s largest corporations, organizations and professional service firms. As a leader in the field of Strategic Communication and Soft Skills, Mark’s advice is widely sought in the corporate world as well as on TV and Radio. He is a regular contributor on NBC’s Today Show, CNBC, BBC News, Sky News and Fox Business.

“Communication excellence
leads to increased success, profits and connections”

[expand title=”In detail”] A former economist, Mark regularly appears as an image and communications expert on network TV news, finance and lifestyle programmes. Leading figures in business and politics turn to Mark to ensure that their messages are truly heard and that perceptions are positively controlled. Mark is retained by senior political figures from Congressmen in Washington to MPs in London as a key adviser on Presentation and Soft Skills. His clients include IBM, Ernst & Young, SAS, HP, Zurich Insurance, Gartner, Microsoft, Royal Bank of Canada, Deltek & Bank of America amongst others.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the events he speaks at and facilitates. He offers a valuable tool box of innovative communication ideas designed to give audiences many new approaches to growing relationships with their clients and importantly the bottom line. Mark also helps focus the minds of people and gets them thinking more about their interactions with others both internally and externally. In his strategic executive coaching sessions, Mark specialises in perfecting the content, message and delivery of keynote speeches, major addresses and media appearances. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Sharp and incisive, Mark has an impressive talent for truly capturing, inspiring, challenging and entertaining audiences. You can guarantee a session that will feel absolutely dedicated to your people, targets and objectives. [/expand]

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Som Mittal is the former Chairman and President of NASSCOM, the premier trade body for the IT-BPM Industry in India. He held the position of President, NASSCOM from 2008-13. Under his leadership, the industry crossed the USD 100 billion milestone and significantly expanded its value offerings.Som has worked and influenced governments of various countries in creating synergies and shaping their policies. He engaged with US policymakers convincing them of the competitive edge that Indian IT companies bring to their economy.

“An accomplished expert on technology trends and global business”

[expand title=”In detail”] Having completed his graduation and post-graduation from India’s most prestigious institutes IIT Kanpur and IIM, Ahmedabad, Som held senior corporate leadership roles for over three decades in the IT industry at companies such as Wipro, Digital, Compaq and HP. He has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding dedication to the growth of the global ICT Industry by the World Information Technology and Services Alliance. He is also a Distinguished Alumni from IIT Kanpur. He was also awarded Business Leader of the Year by Rotary International and has been called “unarguably successful” by The Financial Express for his term leading NASSCOM. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Som Mittal advises companies, CEOs, trade bodies and senior business leaders on business, management, government and global policies. He motivates and mentors entrepreneurs to help succeed in growing and managing business ventures. In his presentations, he shares experiences and learnings gained with the next generation executives/entrepreneurs.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Preparing each presentation to ideally match the brief, Som motivates and inspires audiences with his tailored high-content speeches. [/expand]

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Former MD of Gü Chocolate Puds

James Averdieck is the founder and former Managing Director of Gü Chocolate Puds, the fastest growing food company in UK and a brand credited with revolutionising the quality of desserts. He is an entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word. Since indulging the masses in chocolate heaven, James has developed his media interests and acts as a business güru to various companies. After selling Gü he enjoyed a brief stint as a TV presenter on the show Cooks to Market. He has recently cofounded a new company The Coconut Collaborative, selling luxury yoghurt made from the milk of the coconut, free from dairy, soya and gluten.

“A master entrepreneur”

[expand title=”In detail”] James spent 9 years in the Food industry working for Safeway and St Ivel and learnt about Sales and Marketing and running businesses. With St Ivel he moved to Belgium and became a convert to Belgian gastronomy and, as he says, ‘went native on the chocolate front’. It was in Brussels James came up with the idea for a top-notch chocolate pud brand. After a year back in London, James left to pursue his chocolate dream. He pitched his idea to a specialist supplier of handmade patisserie, and Gü was born – with a mission to use superior raw materials to deliver uncompromisingly good products.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]James is a compelling and unique keynote speaker who delivers the message that at the heart of entrepreneurialism lies the idea, the journey, not the exit strategy and not the final sale price. He speaks about true entrepreneurship, how to simplify ideas with an innovative approach, and how to make your dreams achievable. He shares the ups and downs of running a business. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]James’ enormous success lends him credibility combining with his transparency makes a charismatic, intelligent and thoughtful speaker from who important lessons can be learnt. [/expand]

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Business & Financial Expert, Host and Moderator

Carol Roth is a ‘recovering’ investment banker, entrepreneur, investor, speaker, small business advocate and author of the New York Times bestselling book, ‘The Entrepreneur Equation’. Carol’s company currently focuses on monetization and other efforts in the customer loyalty and enthusiast space, working to creating 7-figure brand loyalty programs. She is also a national multi-media personality, currently as an on-air contributor for CNBC and formerly as a radio host for WGN. She also contributes op-eds and columns to a variety of outlets, including a weekly column at Entrepreneur.com.

“Carol is one of the only female thought leaders and influencers to generate very strong demographic crossover appeal.”

[expand title=”In detail”] Carol Roth began her career at investment banking firm Montgomery Securities where she rapidly rose internally to become one of the youngest officers of the company by age 25. She also owned her own broker-dealer, Intercap Merchant Partners, which has since been converted into a holding company for her varied business and investment activities.Carol has worked with hundreds of companies, ranging from “solopreneurs” to Fortune 500 businesses, on all aspects of business and financial strategy.Carol is a noted small business advocate and was named a Top 100 Small Business Influencer for 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014 by Small Biz Trends.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]As a speaker and event moderator, Carol has worked with a variety of high profile events and companies Carol Roth makes people think, makes them laugh and makes them money. Business and Financial Expert and Advocate, Carol Roth leverages her deep and broad background as a go-to influencer, adviser, advocate and spokesperson on all things business and finance.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Carol is a highly sought after speaker and presenter for a wide variety of conferences, workshops and training sessions. Carol’s ability to connect with an audience, communicate in a hilarious and straightforward manner and ultimately, ensure that business is NOT boring has made her a favourite with a wide cross section of audiences.

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One of the World’s Leading Style & Retail Experts

Kinvara Balfour has become a leading web expert and an authority on everything from fashion and beauty to food and retail culture, having worked in almost every area of the fashion industry. She has contributed to The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, Vogue, Sunday Times Style, The Observer, ES and Quintessentially magazines. She has sat on the British Fashion Council’s prestigious London Fashion Week selection committee and, for several seasons, compiled much of their official literature.

“Kinvara shares her views on consumer & product trends of the future”

[expand title=”In detail”] After university, Kinvara Balfour worked as Fashion Assistant and then Features Writer at Tatler. Her appointment as Style Editor at the Saturday Telegraph Magazine followed, where she gained a reputation as one of London’s most instinctive style writers. Having won the Lloyd’s Bank Fashion Challenge out of 29,000 entries at 16, she began her career assisting the competition’s judge, Vivienne Westwood, in her design studio. Several years at Tomasz Starzewski followed, alongside a spell as a fashion model. Three years later she was awarded the role of London Editor for daily email phenomenon DailyCandy.com. A cult hit in USA, this was to be DailyCandy’s first international edition, and she launched it to mass acclaim. In addition, she trained as an actress at Central and has written two plays.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Fashion trend hunter, Kinvara Balfour advises today’s culture-conscious brands on what is happening in the world of fashion, beauty and style, both physically, on the catwalk and most famously, on the web. Her topics extend well beyond the field of fashion – she speaks on subjects ranging from youth markets to recognising trend changes and leading brand strengths. Today she hosts trend presentations and consultations around the world. Having consulted some of the largest global retail brands, she offers an edge as sharp as any Samurai sword; her insights translate into profits for clients. [/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Kinvara Balfour is an articulate and informative speaker with an impressive knowledge of what is happening in the world of style, fashion and beauty. Her sense of humour and charming character serve her well, she is an intelligent and very likeable individual with an infectious enthusiasm.[/expand]

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Former Model, Entrepreneur, Campaigner, Activist and Speed Ski World Record Holder

Heather Mills’ many roles have taken her around the world to remote and dangerous places. Her message is simple: never give up. She recounts tales of her varied and interesting life and draws them back to business matters. Heather worked in war-zones as an activist and London as a businesswoman and model until 1993 when, having returned from war-torn Yugoslavia, she was involved in a road accident. She lost her left leg, crushed her pelvis, her lung was punctured and her family were told that she would die. Since that date she has continued to campaign but has also become a global ambassador for high-achieving amputees, winning Gold medals and holding world records in adaptive speed skiing.

“Heather has made a real difference to families, communities, countries and to our world” Hillary Clinton

[expand title=”In detail”] Heather is an activist charity campaigner, philanthropist and United Nations Association Goodwill Ambassador who campaigned for over 15 years to raise funds and awareness to rid the world of landmines. Her charity work as an Ambassador for the global landmine campaign helped raise over $18.5 million and her team became the largest funder of landmine clearance in the world. Heather has appeared both as a guest and as a presenter and journalist on countless TV shows and channels including Larry King Live, Oprah Winfrey and the BBC.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Activist, campaigner, ambassador, medal-winner, wife and mother – Heather has worked and lived under a number of labels with one core focus: overcoming adversity. With an outstanding perseverance and dogged commitment, Heather’s work and perseverance serve as an inspiration to many. She offers audiences the opportunity to see for themselves the difference one person can make to the quality of lives of thousands of people around the world. She demonstrates the courage required overcoming the odds and how her determination has motivated her over the years.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Heather is a shining example of how a positive attitude can overcome adversity. She has the power and ability to instil enthusiasm and positive thinking into others and her attitude is contagious. Her ability to address a wide range of audiences has taken her as a guest speaker to meetings all around the world.[/expand]

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Authority on East Asia Business Behaviour and Cross Culture Strategist

Stephen Cheng is a specialist in comparative psychology/behaviour of East Asians. His presentation is a must for any corporation with East Asia dealings. An internationally recognised scholar and sought after speaker Stephen Cheng’s expertise assists western entrepreneurs to unlock the mysteries of the East Asian mind and to decipher the “inscrutable”. He covers all aspects of East Asian cultural briefing for business and the psychology of the Chinese, Japanese, Koreans and others in their application of international negotiation and management.

[expand title=”In detail”] Stephen Chen has published a number of journal articles and has presented over 150 papers, workshops and seminars in countries including the United States, Australia, Italy, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan focussing on the cultural, psychological and behavioural patterns of East Asians and their implications.

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[expand title=”What he offers you”]With work experience in a variety of fields Stephen Cheng has four degrees to his name including a doctorate in East Asian Psychology. He has his own consultancy, East Asia Access, and advises international companies on cross cultural strategies and effective psychology for successful trading results in East Asia. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and appears in Who’s Who in Australia and the Pacific Nations and in the International Who’s Who of Professionals.[/expand]

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Managing Director Diligence

Jon Greenaway is a Managing Director at Diligence, the Global Business Intelligence consultancy. He has been part of Diligence’s growth since 2003 and his experience gained in conducting fraud investigations, asset tracing and due diligence has been brought to bear in the founding of the Brussels Office in 2005. Jon supervises a number of due diligence inquiries and leads complex cross-border investigations that have spanned the globe.

“Jon is highly experienced in managing global financial and reputational risks”

[expand title=”In detail”] Jon has extensive prior experience in the field of investigative journalism and with a wide knowledge of the Asian political and business world. From 1997 until 2002 he was based in Asia as a freelance journalist, and has written for such publications as the Irish Times, the Australian Financial Review and the South China Morning Post. His previous work for a non-governmental organisation providing assistance to refugees saw him travel and work across South and East Asia and the Pacific Basin. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Jon offers a new view of an intriguing and rapidly growing industry. He offers a perspective on ‘the Dark Side of Globalisation’ – fraud, political conflict and legal dispute which stem from regulatory gaps in emerging markets, and poor internal controls and situation awareness at corporations working there as well as a look ahead to the emerging trends and opportunities in the world of Risk Management. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Jon offers radical views in his engaging and dynamic presentations; his observations are drawn from his wide experience and give a modern day view on an old industry. [/expand]

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