The Leading Speakers Bureau

International Speaker and author of “How the best get better”

Michael Heppell is a world class business speaker, renowned personal development trainer and international best-selling author. He has taken his message of achieving brilliance as your benchmark across the world to hundreds of thousands of people, from individuals to multi-national corporations. His advocates include major corporations, such as: Microsoft, HSBC, Vauxhall, Virgin, among others.

“One of the UK’s leading experts on Customer Service”

[expand title=”In detail”] Michael’s path in to personal development started at the age of 16 when he became involved in youth work as a volunteer. In 1999 he established his own company; Michael Heppell Ltd. Michael has been and is set on a course of personal development study, which has seen him dealing with national and international world leaders in the field. It has taken him from The World Thinking Conference in Singapore to Australia, always researching the latest techniques and ideas. In 2003 Michael’s first book, ‘How to Be Brilliant’ was published and is becoming internationally acclaimed for making the route to Brilliance accessible for all.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Michael uses his vast insights to help companies develop a competitive advantage by focusing attention on the needs of their customers and their people. His many years of practical experience working with those who have their desire to set brilliance as their benchmark, who want to take massive action and are ready to make a change, make his presentations truly unique. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Michael’s inspirational and motivational presentations are delivered in a very energetic way, which literally has the audience on the edge of their seats. He creates a bespoke presentation depending on the needs of any organisation.[/expand]

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BBC Middle East Editor

Jeremy Bowen is a journalist with a vast knowledge and experience of the Middle East. He provides reportage, commentary and analysis on events in the region. He has reported from more than 70 countries, covering conflicts in the Gulf, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Chechnya and Rwanda for almost 30 years. He’s been shot at by tanks, robbed at gunpoint by bandits, and been at the scene of explosions and natural disasters. He has interviewed civilian and military leaders from all over the Middle East and is widely recognised as one of the leading authorities on the region.

“BBC’s long-serving and widely respected Middle East Editor”

[expand title=”In detail”] Previously a special correspondent for BBC News, Jeremy reported on the death of Pope John Paul II from Rome, and covered the devastation caused by the tsunami in Sri Lanka. Prior to that he took a break from conflicts and disasters and was the face of BBC Breakfast at its launch. Jeremy was the first British journalist to interview Muammar Gaddafi after the start of the Libyan civil war. He has received several awards, including the New York Television Festival’s Best News Correspondent and Best Breaking News Report for his coverage of Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Jeremy Bowen provides riveting anecdotes from a life reporting on the front line at some of the most fraught conflicts of the past twenty years. Jeremy has covered hostilities from over 70 countries ranging from El Salvador, Somalia to the West Bank and his current role as the BBC’s Middle East Editor enables him to cast a welcome light onto one of the most complex areas of the world.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Used to the pressure of reporting on live television, Jeremy is a relaxed and confident presenter and is equally at home whether hosting an event or speaking about his own personal experiences.[/expand]

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Television Presenter, Adventurer & Writer

Ben Fogle is a broadcaster, traveller, adventurer and writer. He has rowed the Atlantic Ocean, crossed Antarctica on foot, run across the Sahara and crossed the Empty Quarter on camel. Ben is currently filming his 5th series of New Lives in the Wild/Where the Wildmen Are and Migration for Channel 5. He is also an ambassador for WWF, Medecins Sans Frontier and Tusk, Centrepoint and the Princes Trust, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and patron of The Royal Parks Foundation. He has presented numerous hit programmes on the BBC, ITV and Channel 5 including New Lives in the Wild, Extreme Dreams and Countrywise amongst others.

“A well known media
personality and great motivator”

[expand title=”In detail”] Ben writes for various journals and newspapers including the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, and has a weekly column in the Sunday Telegraph on rural affairs and a monthly environmental column for Sky Magazine and is a regular travel writer for the Independent. His TV appearances include So Graham Norton, Celebrity Ready Steady Cook, The Big Read – Battle of the Books, Restoration, The Kumars at No 42 and Rise.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Ben has vast media experience and his life has been action-packed on assignments that have taken him around the world. In his presentations he speaks about his personal experience and shows how to live differently.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Ben’s presentations are entertaining and inspiring and he is equally at home hosting or giving a motivational speech, adding prestige to any event. [/expand]

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Documentary Producer, Best Selling Author and Satirist

Michael Moore is one of America’s most popular satirists and documentary makers. His documentaries and publications have received numerous prizes and have been translated into 24 languages. Famous for his provocative populist presentations and documentations that are unapologetic attacks on callous business corporations and opportunistic right wing politicians, Michael provides a powerful and entertaining, but thought provoking view on culture and society.

[expand title=”In detail”] Michael started his career in the 1950’s as journalist and editor of the famous magazine ‘Mother Jones’. In 1989 he produced the Grammy winning documentary ‘Roger and Me’ the most successful documentary ever. Moore’s film shows what happens when General Motors decides to close down its plant in Flint, Michigan. 30,000 people lost their jobs and Flint’s economy was plunged into depression. The film details Moore’s attempt to get an interview with GM head Roger Smith to show him the devastation done to his hometown. In the following years he created and moderated shows like ‘Awful Truth’ and ‘TV Nation’ which have now a cult status and which won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Series in 1995. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]He has been challenging economic and political giants for more than two decades and has emerged as one of America’s freshest and funniest political voices. As host and executive producer of TV Nation, he redefined the TV news magazine for a new generation and created what The Wall Street Journal called “the rarest of species – a television programme both funny and important”.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]‘Bowling for Columbine’, a hard hitting documentary about gun control has won 33 awards, including an Oscar for the best documentary in 2003 and has been called the best documentary of all time. His exceptional book ‘Stupid White Men’ was over one year on the New York Times Bestseller list and was translated into 24 languages with over 3 millions copies worldwide.

With a lively, humorous and satirical style of presentation, Michael is a sought after and effective speaker at corporate events. [/expand]

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British TV News Reporter & Interviewer

Riz Khan currently hosts his own television show on Al Jazeera English. In 1996 he launched his interactive interview show CNN: Q&A with Riz Khan and he has conducted interviews with guests including former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, former US Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela to name a few. He also secured the world exclusive with Pakistan’s General Pervez Musharraf following his coup in 1999. He was a presenter and reporter at the BBC for eight years and was the first mainstream Asian newsreader for their international network.

“A recognised face worldwide following extensive careers with the BBC & CNN prior to joining Al Jazeera”

[expand title=”In detail”] Riz Khan joined the Air Training Corps, graduated with a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Medical Physiology from the University of Wales, and then completed a postgraduate course in Radio Journalism at the University of Portsmouth. He first rose to prominence while working for the BBC and CNN and would later become one of the founding News Presenters on BBC World Service Television News. He hosted the news bulletin that launched BBC World Service Television News in 1991. In 1993, he moved to CNN International, where he became a senior anchor for the network’s global news shows.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Riz Khan has vast media experience interviewing analysts and policy makers. He offers strong presenting and interviewing skills and a world view.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Riz Khan is a highly respected presenter and interviewer who offers a unique window into the lives and activities of the world’s top political and business leaders resulting in a treasure trove of invaluable insights and information.[/expand]

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Acclaimed Political Satirist

Bassem Youssef is an Egyptian satirist, a columnist and a former cardiac surgeon. He hosted the most popular political satire TV show Al-Bernameg, which was the first of its kind political satire show in the Middle East region. Originally an online 5-minute show, Al-Bernameg became the most watched show in the history of Egyptian TV with an average of 40 million viewers every week, in addition to over 2 million subscribers on YouTube and 700 million views on his own channel and other channels.

Named in 2013 one of the “100 most influential people in the world” by Time magazine

[expand title=”In detail”] Al-Bernameg received wide acclaim around the world with coverage in some of the biggest media outlets. The second season, aired on CBC network, was the first live audience show in the Middle East. In June 2014, Bassim announced the termination of the show due to pressure on both the show and the airing channel. Foreign Policy magazine named Bassem one of the 100 Leading Global Thinkers. In 2013 he received the International Press Freedom Award by the Committee to Protect Journalists. Bassem is a spring fellow at the Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Bassem is an accomplished speaker, host and interviewer. His bold, intelligent and humorous critiques of the political situation in the Middle East make him a sought after commentator at prestigious conference around the globe. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Highly charismatic and thought provoking, Bassem Youssef engages audiences with his sharp political analysis and fine humour. [/expand]

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Chief Foreign Affairs Columnist for the Financial Times

Gideon Rachman became chief foreign affairs columnist for the Financial Times in 2006. Currently he writes their blog on international affairs and is also an associate editor. He joined the FT after a 15-year career at The Economist, which included spells as a foreign correspondent in Brussels, Washington and Bangkok. He also edited The Economist’s business and Asia sections.

“Gideon is an elegant and provocative commentator with very wide experience overseas and in the UK”

[expand title=”In detail”] Gideon Rachman obtained a first class honours degree in History from Cambridge University. He started his career with the BBC World Service (1984-1987). He was a visiting fellow and Fulbright scholar, Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University. He later became a reporter for The Sunday Correspondent, stationed in Washington DC. He also wrote the Charlemagne column from Brussels in his role as EU Correspondent. He has also been writing articles for Prospect Magazine and was a contributing editor to The Washington Quarterly from 1996-2006.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Gideon Rachman’s particular interests include American foreign policy, the European Union and globalisation. He has also made regular appearances on TV and radio. He draws on his extensive knowledge to offer audiences fascinating forecasts and insights into the current foreign affairs and economic landscape.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Gideon Rachman’s presentations are insightful and thought provoking. In a light and relaxed way, he conveys complex issues with great clarity.
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Editor-in-Chief of The Economist

Zanny Minton Beddoes is the Editor-in-Chief of The Economist and the first female to hold the position in the prestigious publications 170+ year history. Prior to her current role she was The Economist’s Economic editor. She travelled extensively in Latin America and Eastern Europe, writing editorials and country analyses. She has written extensively about international financial issues, the future of the IMF, economic reforms in emerging economies, the world economy, Latin American and global finance and Central Asia. Ms Minton Beddoes is a regular TV and radio commentator on PBS, NPR, CNN and CNBC.

“A renowned authority on the world economy and global financial issues”

[expand title=”In detail”] Ms Minton Beddoes holds an undergraduate degree from Oxford University and a master’s degree from Harvard University.
She joined The Economist in 1994 after spending two years as an economist at the IMF where she worked on macroeconomic adjustment programmes in Africa and the transition economies of Eastern Europe. Before joining the IMF, she worked as an adviser to the Minister of Finance in Poland as part of a small group of experts. She is a trustee of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a member of the Research Advisory Board of the Committee for Economic Development.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]As a prestigious expert on economic and financial topics and being a pioneer in economic journalism, Zanny Minton Beddoes analyses how financial and economic trends will impact businesses and industries. She is in great demand to advise global decision makers from all fields. [/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Ms Minton Beddoes offers extensive experience and unique perspectives that engage and inspire audiences around the globe.[/expand]

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Screenwriters & Creative Advisors

Zachary Sklar, screenwriter (with Oliver Stone) of JFK. Best screenplay nominations: The Oscar, Golden Globes, Writers Guild of America, and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Edward Pomerantz, screenwriter of Caught, based on his novel Into It, Sundance Centerpiece Premiere, released by Sony Pictures Classics and nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards.

“Wallace Stevens, the American poet, tells us “to throw away the lights, the definitions, and say of what

[expand title=”In detail”] For the last fifteen years, Zachary and Edward have teamed up as Creative Advisors and Mentors to professional and aspiring screenwriters at Screenwriting Labs in Mexico and at the Harlem Arts Alliance Dramatic Writing Academy. Zachary served as Creative Advisor and Artistic Director at Sundance Screenwriters’ Labs and at the Equinox Screenwriting Lab in France. His screenplay credits include an adaptation of Mario Vargas Llosa’sFeast Of The Goat, starring Isabella Rossellini. Edward also served as Creative Advisor, Visiting Writer, and Mentor at the Moonstone Screenwriting Labs, the Sundance Lab,the Malaga Film Festival, and theInternational School of Film in Cuba. He was screenplayadvisor on Lucrecia Martel’s La Cienaga, and Martin Salinas’s IguanaStew. He has written episodes for Law & Order and has been therecipient of two Writers Guild Awards.[/expand]

[expand title=”What they offer you”]With Zachary and Edward you’ll see that the creative thinking that goes into writing an original screenplay is the kind of innovative thinking required of all professions–thinking in images as well as words, following your instincts and hunches like a detective or scientist in search of a breakthrough, asking the right questions, playing out alternate scenarios, keeping your audience, the “customer”, engaged, surprised and satisfied.[/expand]

[expand title=”How they present”]Together, with Zachary and Edward, you’ll watch scenes from their movies and then have the opportunity to ask questions, hear from the writers themselves what inspired them, the source of their ideas and imaginations. [/expand]

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Journalist, Cultural Agitator, Author and Founding Editor of Wired Italia

Riccardo Luna is one of Italy’s leading experts on technology. He was the founding editor of one of the most influential technology magazines Wired, Italy where he remained until 2011. He is currently Director of CheFuturo!, President of Wikitalia and one of the initiators of ‘La Republica delle idee’. Italy’s Prime Minister Mateo Renzi has appointed him Digital Champion for Italy at the EU to promote technological innovation and development.

“One of Italy’s most inspiring experts on technology”

[expand title=”In detail”] Passionate about technology, Riccardo was an Innovation Advisory Board’s Coordinator en EXPO 2015 S.p.A. and Stazione Futuro en Italia 150. He was a science and technology columnist for the Condé Nast Group (Wired, Vanity Fair and GQ) and became an international business advisor for development and innovative projects related to Internet and the Digital Revolution. In 2010 he promoted the ‘Internet for Peace’ campaign to promote Internet as the winner of the Novel Prize for Peace. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Riccardo addresses the key elements of technology and innovation and their impact on the way we do business and the way we live. He is also an experienced conference moderator and host.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Renowned for his insightful, inspirational and thought-provoking presentations, Riccardo is a highly sought-after speaker at national and international conferences.[/expand]

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