The Leading Speakers Bureau

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]
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One of Europe’s Most Acknowledged Futurist

Vito Di Bari is one of Europe’s most acknowledged futurists and the leading futurist in Italy. Mixing Italian strengths of creativity and design with strong scientific analysis, he explains future mega-trends and scenarios of our fast-pace changing world. He is the official Innovation Designer of Expo 2015 Milan’s Candidate City.

“Future is all we have, the rest it’s just spilt milk”

[expand title=”In detail”] Vito Di Bari has been Executive Director at UNESCO’s IMI and is Scientific Director of the International Research Laboratory LabNext, quoted as “Milan’s M.I.T.” by L’Espresso magazine and “the Milan’s think tank” by Wired magazine. He is professor of Design and Management of Innovation at the Polytechnic University of Milan and of Corporate Communication at the Bocconi University, where he also chairs the “Laboratory of Cross Media Communication”. He is a weekly columnist for the Italian newspaper Il Sole 24Ore and TV anchorman for Rai and Mediaset.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Exploring the future of technology applied to everyday life, Vito shows you how our lives will change and why. Connecting recent discoveries in media, nanotech and robotics, he explains how corporations and individuals will change their behaviours and attitudes.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]With a wit and provoking style, Vito hits directly to the hearts of each person. Effective, direct and out-of-the-box, his presentations are impressive.[/expand]
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International Design Manager

Alberto Alessi has been described as the ‘godfather of Italian product design’.

Now Managing Director of Alessi Spa, using his entrepreneurial flair he has successfully explored the frontiers of design and technology. As a result, he has repositioned the company as a design leader partnering world class designers.

Deservedly, his risk management skills are sought by prominent technology and design led organisations around the world.

More and more people are buying objects for intellectual and spiritual nourishment.”
Alberto Alessi

[expand title=”In detail”] In its third generation Alessi took the company helm in 1970 and has radically extended the product offering from the fundamental household and trade fare to include innovative yet practical products.Not surprisingly, he received the MBA Design Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Brooklyn Museum, New York. He also holds a number of honorary titles from various academic institutions.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Exploring the often fine line between opposing forces – like success and failure – he tempts you into a new world of possibilities. Based on the Alessi story he shows you how stretching your approach to embrace the borderline between traditional and avant-garde thinking you can increase your potential.Exploring the often fine line between opposing forces – like success and failure – he tempts you into a new world of possibilities.
Based on the Alessi story he shows you how stretching your approach to embrace the borderline between traditional and avant-garde thinking you can increase your potential.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Stylish by name, nature and profession this distinct personality will lift your spirit.[/expand]
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Practitioner, Scientific Advisor, Technology Intelligence Expert

Prof. Andrea Aparo is a practitioner, scientific advisor and technology intelligence expert.

Having joined Finmeccanica Spa., the major Italian Aerospace and Defence Industrial Group, in 2002 he currently holds the position of Scientific Advisor and Responsible for Technology Intelligence.

From 1999 to 2000, he was Assistant to Professor Ferrante Pierantoni, Board Member of AIPA, the Information Technology Authority of the Italian Prime Minister’s Office.

“A leader in technology”

[expand title=”In detail”] Andrea Aparo holds a Doctorate degree “summa cum laude” in Physics. He started work in experimental physics and then became a researcher at the International Patent Office in Den Haag, Netherlands. In 1995, he founded com.e srl, an Internet company based in Rome. In 1999 he was appointed Director General of the City of Barletta, Italy. Since 1973, Andrea has edited and written science articles and books published by numerous newspapers and magazines. From 1998 to 1999 he was Executive Coordinator at the World Economic Forum in Geneva, Switzerland.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Andrea Aparo offers vast experience in the technological sector and has taught/lectured in high schools, academic institutions, private companies in Italy and abroad. He is in an enviable position of being able to explain to worldwide audiences the far reaching ramifications of new developments of key technologies, showing the complex ways in which they will interact, and explore the economic, political, social and ethical challenges they bring.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Highly engaging and fluid, his style is nonetheless very well punctuated allowing time to absorb his powerful messages. He is a stimulating and engaging speaker whose qualities are endorsed by his international audiences.[/expand]
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Creative Entrepreneur

Lapo Elkann is the grandson of Gianni Agnelli. Together with his brother and sister he is the majority shareholder of the private parent company controlling Fiat Group. In 2007, he launched his own company, Italia Independent which creates unique objects, clothing and accessories. Prior to that he was in charge of Worldwide Brand Promotion for Fiat Group. In 2001, he was Dr. Henry Kissinger’s Personal Assistant.

“To be independent means to write your own story everyday”

[expand title=”In detail”] Having previously worked for Ferrari and Maserati in the Marketing Departments, Lapo moved to Fiat Auto S.p.a. in 2003, where he was in charge of the Fiat Europe Operative Marketing. Whilst in charge of Worldwide Brand Promotion for Fiat Group, he succeeded in winning back the attention of long gone younger clients bringing them to perceive Fiat as a “buddy brand” and “love mark”. He was in charge of the launch of Fiat Punto and has been involved in promoting the relaunch of the Iconic Fiat 500 Car. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Lauded in fashion for not only inheriting his grandfather’s great sense of style, Lapo has proven to be a visionary and dynamic entrepreneur creating his own companies. Based on his success with Fiat winning back the attention of the younger generation and the launch of the Fiat Punto he can demonstrate true entre-preneurial spirit and the importance of innovative marketing and branding.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Lapo Elkann is an enigmatic, inspiring and versatile speaker who is highly sought after by clients eager to hear first hand the fascinating secrets of his success.[/expand]
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General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Legal and Government Affairs at Apple

Bruce Sewell is highly successful lawyer who specialises in global business development, international competition and intellectual property. He is currently the General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Legal and Government Affairs at Apple. He was previously Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Intel Corporation where he supervised a team of roughly 600 attorneys and policy professionals located in over 30 countries around the world. He was recently profiled in Fortune and is also a regular contributor for the Wall Street Journal.

“One of the 100 Most Influential Lawyers” California Lawyer magazine and the legal Daily Journal (2006)

[expand title=”In detail”] Mr Sewell joined Intel in 1995 as a senior attorney assigned to counsel various business groups in areas such as antitrust compliance, licensing, and intellectual property. In 2001, he was promoted to vice president and deputy general counsel. In that role he managed Intel’s litigation portfolio, and handled corporate transactions, including M&A activities. He took over as only the third general counsel in Intel’s history in November 2004 and was appointed Senior Vice President in 2005.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Dynamic and focused Bruce Sewell offers audiences valuable insights into the intricate world of corporate responsibility. He also uses his considerable expertise to explain in plain English the legal complexities of intellectual property rights and the ins and outs of international competition issues. He shows organisations how to create and retain wealth in today’s innovation economies.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Mr Sewell enjoys using new media (audio and video) in his engaging presentations and dots the landscape with interesting visual aids.[/expand]
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Author and Internationally Renowned Business, IT Strategist

Peter Keen is a professor, adviser to senior management in business and government organizations, a prolific writer and executive educator. He is regularly ranked as one of the top ten consultants in the world in IT. He is also renowned for his invaluable insights into corporate strategy, international business development and leadership issues. He is currently working closely with companies and universities in Mexico, Singapore, Australia, and the Netherlands.

“One of the top 100 business gurus in the world and thought leaders with impact”

[expand title=”In detail”] Peter has held faculty positions at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford with visiting professorships at Wharton, Duke, The University of Stockholm, Oxford University and the London Business School. He is a Professor at The Technical University of Delft, co-founder of the International Institute for the Advancement of Decision Support at the University of Nebraska and co-founder of the University of Maryland Supply Chain Management Center.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]A major area of his current research and consulting focuses on the opportunities and challenges of mobile technology: building the business models for a new generation of mobile value services, knowledge mobilization as organizational advantage, mobile supply chain management, and the use of mobile for social and economic development.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Authoritative and in depth, Peter is in great demand for his highly informative workshops and keynote lectures in which he provides practical and essential tools for business innovation[/expand]
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Senior Maverick at Wired Magazine

Kevin Kelly a technology visionary who has been reporting on the information technology revolution for the past 20 years. He was the founding Editor of Wired Magazine and is currently their Senior Maverick. In addition he is Editor and Publisher of the Cool Tools website, which gets one million visitors per month and Chairman of the Board of All Species Foundation.

“The Internet like a mirror. It reflects us rather than reforms us” Kevin Kelly

[expand title=”In detail”] From 1984-1990 he was publisher and editor of the Whole Earth Review, a journal of unorthodox technical news. He co-founded the ongoing Hackers’ Conference, and was involved with the launch of the WELL, a pioneering online service started in 1985. He helped launch Wired in 1993, and served as its Executive Editor until 1999. Kevin Kelly has no college or university degrees; however his writing appears in the New York Times, Esquire, The Economist and other periodicals. Among Kelly’s personal involvements is a campaign to make a full inventory of all living species on earth, an effort also known as the Linnaean enterprise. Earlier in life, he was a photographer in remote parts of Asia (instead of going to college), publishing his photographs in national magazines and recently in the photo art book Asia Grace.[/expand]

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In his content rich and groundbreaking presentations Kevin Kelly encapsulates and demystifies the future of business and economics. He talks in depth about the ways in which new technologies and the Internet are impacting the global economy and the opportunities they are also providing. Organisations around the world are reaping rich rewards by following his visionary and innovative strategies.[/expand]

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Kevin’s cutting edge presentations often bridge the gap between technology and philosophy. Unconventional in his approach, he has the ability to convey fascinating facts and his visions on the world of technology in a unique and highly thought-provoking manner. [/expand]
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One of the Greatest Music Producers of All Time

Tony Visconti has worked with some of the most dynamic and influential names in pop history producing as well as occasionally performing on many of the world’s most respected albums.
With decades of working to the highest levels in this truly innovative field, Tony Visconti is an expert on successful talent management and channeling creativity to produce outstanding results.

“My policy is to interfere as little as possible, but to draw out the best in the artists”

[expand title=”In detail”] Since the late 1960s, Tony has worked with such names as Paul McCartney, Brian Eno, Thin Lizzy, U2, The Boomtown Rats, Manic Street Preachers, Mercury Rev and Morrissey.
He is most celebrated, however, for his remarkable and longstanding working relationships with David Bowie and T.Rex. He has worked with David Bowie on eleven albums to-date.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Tony Visconti shares his invaluable experiences of working with top creative minds in often pressurized conditions to achieve astoundingly innovative results. He offers first hand insights into the creative process and how to get the best from talented individuals and how to stay at the top.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Armed with an abundance of incredible stories and anecdotes and an enthralling presenting style, Tony captures the imaginations of audiences with his highly entertaining and fascinating talks.[/expand]
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Wireless, Internet and e-Business Specialist, European Director of the TED Conferences

Bruno Giussani is a technological innovation specialist and an award-winning blogger who speaks frequently at innovation and technology events. He is currently the European Director of the TED conferences, the producer of TEDGLOBAL (Oxford) and the host of several other gatherings and brainstormings focusing on innovation. Bruno is also a member of the Board of Tinext in Switzerland, a software company he co-founded. Through his consultancy, Giussani Group LLC, he advises private and public organisations.

A futurologist with his feet firmly on the ground.

[expand title=”In detail”] Bruno is a regular commentator on Swiss Public Radio. Previously he was an executive at the World Economic Forum, an Internet columnist for the New York Times and the Director of Innovation at 3G Mobile, a Swiss wireless company. He co-founded two other firms and authored several books on the social impacts of new technologies. He was made a 2004 Knight Fellow at the Department of Communication at Stanford University and is now a member of the Board of the same Fellowship. The intersections of politics, economy, and technological innovation have kept Bruno busy for almost twenty years.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Concentrating on the social impacts of technological innovation and on the emerging socio-political trends, he uses his vast wealth of experience to show you the tangible potential of wireless technology. He also demonstrates how tapping into company information resources and databases remotely, allows organisations to receive information earlier and act on it accordingly.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]You will be engaged by his refreshing approach to wireless and Internet issues, e-business and m-business strategy. He favours a pragmatic, no-hype approach.[/expand]
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