The Leading Speakers Bureau

Fashion Stylist & TV Presenter

Gok Wan is a fashion stylist who has been in the industry for the best part of a decade. The 31-year-old combines a passion and flair for fashion with his early drama school foundations. Having dressed countless celebrities and fashion pages, he is now turning his attention to the nation with the new Channel 4 fashion series How To Look Good Naked. Career highlights to date have been working with one of his idols, Bryan Ferry, for Millionaire Magazine, and styling Blondie and Erasure.

“I never dreamt as a child that the people I danced around my bedroom singing to and tried to emulate style-wise, I’d one day get to tell what to wear!”

[expand title=”In detail”] Gok studied at London’s prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama, but his love of fashion and beauty led him to follow a career firstly in hair and makeup and then in fashion styling. Several years later, and now with his own team of assistants, Gok has worked for some of the world’s leading photographers, including Arthur Elgort, Terry O’Neill and John Swannell.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Amongst Gok Wan’s many facets, he also offers demonstrations of how to make a complete transformation, using his own team of stylists and make-up artists. Using willing volunteers, he also looks at the range of body shapes and shows how each should dress for maximum effect.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Gok is an incredibly flamboyant and energetic character who charms and inspires a variety of audiences. His stylish presence brings a sparkle to events making them a memorable occasion.[/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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TEDGlobal Fellow & Renowned Journalist, Expert on Health & Social Welfare Issues in the Arab World

Shereen El Feki is a highly accomplished healthcare journalist and writer who also serves on the UN’s Global Commission on HIV and the Law. While she has worked in regional media, as a presenter with the Al Jazeera Network, and continues to write on health and social issues in the Arab world, her passion lies in the many projects in which she is involved which aim to better understand, and surmount, the social challenges facing Arabs, particularly young people.

“I would urge a combination of both patience and pragmatism, because there are no quick returns in social entrepreneurship in the Arab region.”

[expand title=”In detail”] Half-Egyptian, half-Welsh, Shereen El Feki was brought up in Canada. With a Ph.D in molecular immunology from the University of Cambridge she started her professional life in medical science and later worked as Healthcare Correspondent at The Economist magazine. She was a presenter for the Al Jazeera English channel (2006 – 2008), specialising in global health. She is also an international editor of MIT Technology Review and Middle East advisor to the Global Fund to Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and an expert consultant to PharmaFutures 3, an initiative looking at novel business models for the pharmaceutical sector in the developing world.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Shereen El Feki is full of fresh ideas on how to develop the field of health and science reporting in the Middle East, with a special focus on HIV/AIDS. She is experienced in the field and with deeper thinking beyond day-to-day journalism. A practitioner of open-door policy, she has vast experience in areas such as biomedical research, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, international public health and development. Acknowledging that AIDS exists in this part of the world is not a sign of threat or weakness, Shereen explains that it is an amazing opportunity to take action and show our strength.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]At the forefront of groundbreaking investigative journalism, Shereen El Feki has travelled the world to see how the balance of power is shifting in politics, business and society and she has a contagious enthusiasm and passion when speaking.[/expand]

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Writer, Activist, Lecturer, Poet & Photographer

Nimah Nawwab is a writer, photographer, activist and lecturer and is considered a trailblazing poet. She is currently working on several book projects, as well as two anthology projects revolving around women and youth. She is the first Saudi Arabian female poet to be published in the US

“Nimah is a cultural ambassadress”

[expand title=”In detail”] In 2006, Nimah received the nomination for Young Global Leader of the Young Global Leaders Forum, an affiliate of the WEF. She has been a poetry judge and facilitator of poetry sessions and workshops in several countries. Nimah’s widely read academic articles have been translated from English into a variety of languages. She has been interviewed by various television and radio outlets such as BBC World Update and BBC World Today. In 2005, Nimah became the first writer and poet, male or female, to hold a public book signing at a major bookstore in Saudi Arabia, an occasion covered by the international media. Through her involvement with the WEF she has joined new leading executives from 50 countries to address global issues.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Nimah seeks to build bridges of understanding, develop compassion and a basic respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. She draws on her 15 years of experience in PR, writing and lecturing to work with institutes to address matters of concern, as well as highlight the vital importance of outreach and social and community service.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Nimah is a passionate, expressive and talented speaker who delivers an inspiring presentation either as a keynote speaker or facilitator. [/expand]

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Best-selling Novelist

Catherine Lim is a Singapore Chinese writer, she has written a number of short-story collections and novels written in English, published in the US, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and other countries. Since 1992 Dr Lim has been a regular speaker on cruise ships worldwide, in particular for Cunard and Silver Sea Cruise Lines. She has appeared on Radio in the UK and talks at international seminars.

“Singapore’s greatest story teller”

[expand title=”In detail”] She has a PhD in Applied Linguistics and was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Literature by Murdoch University, Australia. She contributes social and political commentaries to local and foreign newspapers and magazines.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Catherine offers audiences many colourful insights into modern day Singapore. She also offers great insight into the tensions that exist between the old Asian traditions and the newer progressive approach of the young professionals[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]With characteristic verve and wit, Catherine Lim’s presentations are beautifully delivered and captivate audiences from around the globe.[/expand]
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Grammy Award-Winning Singer

Billy Ocean is one of the most successful British singer-songwriters of the past thirty years. He has collected a pile of Gold and Platinum records across the world and hit the number one spot worldwide on pop charts including the USA, Australia, Germany, Holland and the UK. He has recently headed back and released a new album called ‘Here You Are’ and will be playing more live dates round the globe.

“One of the most successful British recording stars of all-time”

[expand title=”In detail”] Performing with local bands and freelancing as a session singer, Billy started to record. After releasing two singles under his real name, he released his first as Billy Ocean, Whose Little Girl Are You? But it was the follow-up that was to propel him to stardom. Love Really Hurts Without You reached number 2, selling 250,000 copies. It was only kept off the top spot by Save All Your Kisses for Me by Brotherhood of Man. More hits followed as Billy also proved himself to be one of the most hardworking artists on the live stage, touring the world to ever growing enthusiastic audiences. In 2010 Billy went back on the road with his and released ‘The Very Best of Billy Ocean’.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Billy’s timeless 80s classics and infectious dance moves seem like they will never lose their appeal. Billy continues to perform live and his cabaret set is a guaranteed floor-filling crowd pleaser.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Billy’s stage presence and spectacular performances add prestige and excitement to any event.[/expand]
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First female UN Police Advisor and Internationally known Social Activist

Dr Kiran Bedi is India’s first and highest female ranking officer who joined the Indian Police Service in 1972. Her expertise includes more than 35 years of creative and reformative policing and prison management. As the first and highest-ranking female officer in the national police force, she earned a reputation for being tough yet innovative on the job. Her latest initiative, Mission Safer India, aims to ensure that police log and address citizen complaints. She brought awareness of public rights to ground level through her reality T.V show: App Ki Kachehri Kiran kay Saath (Your court with Kiran).

“Internationally recognized for her work towards Women Empowerment”

[expand title=”In detail”] Dr Bedi was the First female advisor to UN Police. With decades of wealth of experience, she represented India on International Forums for crime prevention, drug abuse, police and prison reforms and women’s issues. Being one of India’s top cops; she is tough, innovative and committed to social change. She is a Nehru Follower running two NGO’s; Navjyoti and India Vision Foundation to provide Education and Health care to under privileged children. She has won Ramon Magsaysay Award also known as Asian Nobel Prize. Currently she is vanguard of nationwide movement “India against Corruption”.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Dr Bedi shares various strategies that she has personally used to achieve all of her professional goals, inspiring and interacting with audiences. She explains how creating mission statements for our lives can help us to know what we want and what is important to us.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Dr Bedi has a unique presence and aura of energy and awe that fills audiences with excitement and inspiration. Her messages are powerful and revealing, presented in the highest of professional styles.[/expand]
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Turkey’s Most Renowned Harpist, Founding President, Association of the Art of the Harp

Praised by the Washington Post as a “major talent of international caliber”, for Şirin Pancaroğlu, discovering a variety of musical identities for the harp is a central endeavor. Trained as a classical musician, the leading harpist of Turkey is equally active in the realm of Turkish traditional music, improvisation, electronic music, tango and semi-staged performances as she is in mainstream harp repertoire to which she contributes with new works commissioned for her.

[expand title=”In detail”] Recognized for her thorough interpretative skills and multifaceted personality, Şirin Pancaroğlu has been touring with four large collaborative projects since 2010, namely Elişi (Handcraft), Resonating Universes, Harmonies of Istanbul and Cafe Tango. Ever since her return to Istanbul in 2000, she has been in search of her roots, connecting them with sophisticated taste to her worldly ideas, a glimpse of which she promises to share in her concerts. Her work on unearthing the historical Turco-Ottoman harp called the “çeng”, as well traditional and contemporary Turkish music have earned her a unique place in the history of performers in Turkey. Born in 1968 in Ankara, Sirin completed the European part of her education at the Geneva Conservatory and subsequently received a Master’s degree from the Indiana University School of Music in USA.She has been a guest soloist at the Festival Printemps des Arts, Berlioz Festival, the Festival de la Harpe en Avesnois, the Chirens Chamber Music Festival, the Semaines Musicales de Villeveyrac and the Trièves Festival in France; the Imagine New Music Festival, the Millenium Stage, the Ebb and Flow Arts Festival in the USA, the Belgrade Harp Festival, the International Jerusalem Oud Festival, the Rio de Janeiro International Harp Festival, Seduced by the Harps Festival, Edinburgh International Harp Festival, the Festival de la Cuidad de Mexico and at all the major international festivals in Turkey.

Ms. Pancaroğlu is also credited for her remarkable efforts to introduce the harp to wider audiences in her native Turkey. Her work as the founder of the Association for the Art of the Harp which she established in 2007 took her into a journey of exploration in the field of non-governmental organizations in Turkey, working with official funds, forming alliances with various other organizations and professionals related to the art and business of music. Şirin Pancaroğlu led a career of academician for six years and has been working with children and adult beginners for many years. She is a published writer of articles on education and musical culture in reviews and newspapers and has been serving on the board of World Harp Congress since 2011.[/expand]
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Leading Authority on Multi-Cultural Issues

Philip Merry is currently director of the Singapore based Philip Merry Consulting Group, specialising in building partnerships across cultures. PMCG is the only consulting firm in the world to represent and combine the work of culture and team gurus Charles Hampden-Turner, Fons Trompenaars and Meredith Belbin.

With 30 years experience in training and consulting (the last 15 years living and working in Asia), Philip shows decision makers the secrets behind building partnerships, developing businesses and increasing prosperity across cultures. He specialises in helping global organisations to develop multi-cultural teams and improve cross-cultural leadership skills.

[expand title=”In detail”] One time London taxi driver, Philip holds a degree from Manchester University and 3 post graduate degrees in Counselling, Social Science and Self Managed Learning. He has extensive experience in professional counselling and group dynamics – his original training was as a family therapist in London where he practiced for 8 years

He has worked in a variety of business environments in the last 30 years including Organisational Development Manager with Reuters Asia, Assistant Director of Management Studies at Roffey Park Management Centre UK, Leadership Training Manager with the Sri Lankan Government, Field Director with the British Volunteer Programme in the Maldives and Training Manager with local government in London.

He is currently a Visiting Fellow at Bristol University and has taught at the East West Centre – University of Hawaii, NTU, NUS and is Lecturer on Strategic Alliances at the Melbourne Institute of Technology MBA. In recent years he has held workshops with Asian, European and US clients from the chemical, telecom, banking, internet, manufacturing, automobile, medical, aeronautic and government sectors.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Philip Merry is highly sought-after as a speaker by corporations eager to tap into his wealth of experience in dealing with the perennial problems of complex cross-cultural issues. His presentations are highly informative and have helped numerous of organisations to achieve world class business performance and long term success.[/expand]
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Mathematician, Philosopher, Lateral Thinker

Prof. Gunter Dueck is a philosopher, mathematician, writer, management expert and lateral thinker. Until 2011 he served at IBM as a Distinguished Engineer and he was Chief Technology Officer at IBM Germany for the most recent years. Currently, he works as a free author and business angel. He is the author of some of the most recognised satirical-philosophical books on humans, management and life. ‘Learn Brain Management – Success and more Efficiency by Zero-Intelligence’ was awarded Management Book of 2006 by Financial Times Germany.

One of the top 100 most influential persons in the IT and Communications Industry in 2011” Computerwoche

[expand title=”In detail”] Prior to joining IBM, Prof. Dueck was a professor for mathematics at the University of Bielefeld. His fields of research include information theory, combinatorics, optimization and management theory. His theory of identification won the 1990 IEEE Prize Paper Award of the IEEE Information Theory Society. He founded the Business Intelligence Services (Data Warehouses, Data Mining) for IBM Central Europe and worked on strategic direction and cultural change for many years. In 2009 and 2010 he led the “Dynamic Infrastructure” and “Cloud Computing” businesses of IBM Germany. Prof. Dueck is an IEEE Fellow and a member of the Göttingen Academy of Sciences. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Prof. Dueck speaks about the issues our society currently faces. He points out the importance of economic reasoning, which takes the human individual into account and teaches us to be moderate in times of feast and remain calm in difficult times. He also advises organisations on how to reap the benefits of the Internet.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]His clear and thought provoking presentations make Prof. Gunter Dueck a highly sought after speaker at national and international conferences.[/expand]
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