The Leading Speakers Bureau

Marine Explorer, Environmentalist, Educator & Film Producer

Jean-Michel Cousteau has for more than four decades used his vast experiences to communicate to people of all nations and generations his love and concern for our water planet. Honouring his heritage, he founded Ocean Futures Society in 1999 to carry on this pioneering work. He has served as a spokesman on water issues at the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, the 3rd World Water Forum in Kyoto, and the Dialogues on Water for Life and Security in Barcelona.

Dedicated to educating young people, documenting stories of change and hope, and lending his reputation and support to energize alliances for positive change

[expand title=”In detail”] Jean-Michel Cousteau spent much of his life with his family exploring the world’s oceans aboard Calypso and Alcyone. He has produced over 75 films, received the Emmy, the Peabody Award, the 7 d’Or, and the Cable Ace Award. Recognized as a voice for the ocean who communicates to a new generation, Jean-Michel appeared in a DVD special feature for Finding Nemo (Exploring the Reef with Jean-Michel Cousteau.) and in Coral Reef Adventure. In addition, he produced and appeared in a DVD special feature, Case of the Sponge Bob, for Paramount Pictures’ SpongeBob SquarePants: The Movie. He also was a presenter and consultant for Sharks 3-D, an IMAX feature film.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]As Executive Vice President of The Cousteau Society for nearly 20 years, and now as Founder and President of Ocean Futures Society, Jean-Michel travels the globe, meeting with leaders and policymakers at the grassroots level and at the highest echelons of government and business. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Jean-Michel Cousteau provides a wealth of stories and knowledge from his adventurous life. Using his experiences designing artificial floating islands, schools, and environmentally responsible ocean-oriented resorts, Cousteau explains how his formal education in architecture provided him with the theories he has applied to the environment of the water as an oceanographer. Taking audiences on a tour of his childhood dreams of underwater cities to the reality of his accomplished career as an architect, Cousteau’s “Great Ocean Adventure” inspires the imaginations and dreams of all who witness it.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Celebrity Chef and TV Personality

Jamie Oliver, the Naked Chef, was named the most influential person in the UK hospitality industry when he topped the inaugural CatererSearch 100 in 2005. He has also written columns for The Times newspaper, GQ, Marie Claire and Delicious magazines. In 2003, he was appointed an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. His television programmes include The Naked Chef, Jamie’s Kitchen, Jamie’s Kitchen Australia, Jamie’s School Dinners, Jamie’s Great Italian Escape and Jamie’s Ministry of Food (2008).

The first man on the GH cover since King George V in 1937

[expand title=”In detail”] Jamie grew up surrounded by good food: his parents ran the Cricketers pub in Essex and, from the age of eight, he started cooking and helping the chefs. The first series that featured Jamie’s cooking was the Naked Chef, an overnight success, attracting the kind of audience that wouldn’t normally watch food programmes. The book that accompanied the series became a bestseller and the young chef, always fully clothed, was catapulted into the limelight. Wanting to create something positive using his wealth and fame, Jamie conceived and established the Fifteen charity restaurant where he trained 15 disadvantaged young people to work in the hospitality industry. Following the success of the original restaurant in London, more Fifteens have opened around the globe. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]A great proponent of fresh organic foods, Jamie believes it’s crucial to get people excited about cooking good food again and to pass it on to as many friends, colleagues and family as possible. Having been the public face of the Sainsbury’s supermarket chain in the UK since 1998, appearing on television and radio advertisements and in-store promotional material he is known both in the UK and internationally, having starred as one of the judges in the 2008 US series The Big Give hosted by Oprah Winfrey on ABC among other appearances.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Jamie’s natural charisma, charm and down-to-earth style in front of live audiences make him a highly sought-after personality at any event, wowing all generations of food lovers with his fresh, no-nonsense cooking style and his inspiring recipes.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

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]

Continue Reading »

Former Creative Director at Apple

Ken Segall is a creative director with a successful career in technology marketing, branding, product naming and strategy. For 12 years he was Creative Director at Apple and worked closely with Steve Jobs. He revolutionised Apple with his ‘Think Different’ campaign and added to the world’s vocabulary that powerful little ‘i’ which stands unabashedly before thousands of Apple products.

“One of the leading voices on creativity, innovation and branding”

[expand title=”In detail”] Ken also spent time as agency global Creative Director at Dell, IBM, Intel, BMW and Next Computer. His latest effort was the Ellen DeGeneres campaign for JCPenney that debuted at the Oscars. He consults usually about branding and naming and keeps a watchful eye on technology and marketing — offering insights based on his many years in charge of advertising for some of the most successful and iconic technology companies in the world.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Ken gives interesting insights into what became one of the world’s biggest brands. He recounts his life at Apple and helps companies wishing to leverage the power of simplicity. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]His powerful message makes Ken Segall a sought-after speaker at renowned conferences around the globe.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Author of ‘Hypercompetition’ and professor at Amos Tuck School of Business Administration

Dr. D’Aveni, author of ‘Hypercompetition’ and professor at Amos Tuck School of Business Administration, says the nature of competition has changed for good. One of the most pronounced changes is the disappearance of a long-term sustainable advantage. He defines today’s world of hypercompetition where players hold on to their advantage only temporarily, while creating opportunities for long-term success through a series of short-term advantages.

[expand title=”In detail”] He offers a strategic approach to competition by explaining ways you can win in a hypercompetitive market. He gives you many examples of once stable industries that are being replaced by those in a constant state of flux, competing on many levels at the same time. He shows you how existing competitive models no longer work and why force fitting them into today’s environment is wrong.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]D’Aveni is author of the masterful book, Hypercompetition: Managing the Dynamics of Strategic Manoeuvring which Fortune calls a “modern day analogue to The Art of War”, the ancient Chinese classic that is the bible of many corporate strategists. A consultant to major corporations, including several Fortune 500 firms, he is much sought after for executive education programs on strategy and executive leadership and organisational politics. He is extensively quoted in publications such as The New York Times, Fortune, Business Month and the Los Angeles Times.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Richard D’Aveni is a member of the Bar and a C.P.A,. He earned his B.A cum laude at Cornell University, his M.B.A cum laude at Boston University and his Ph.D in Strategic Management at Columbia University.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Internationally Renowned Authority on Innovation and Strategy

Vijay Govindarajan is an internationally renowned authority on strategy execution, strategic innovation, industry transformation, and global strategy and organization. He is the Earl C. Daum 1924 Professor of International Business at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. He was the first Professor in Residence and Chief Innovation Consultant at General Electric. He has been ranked as number 3 on the Thinkers 50 list of the world’s most influential business thinkers.

“He is widely regarded as one of world’s leading experts on strategy and innovation”

[expand title=”In detail”] In the 1980s, Vijay surveyed hundreds of executives at Fortune 500 corporations about their varied approaches to executing strategy across business units. In the 1990s, he helped companies that were expanding globally achieve the most effective balance of differentiation and integration among country subsidiaries. Since 2000, he has focused on teaching corporations to build breakthrough businesses while simultaneously sustaining excellence in their core business. He writes about innovation and execution on his blog, Harvard Business Review, and Bloomberg BusinessWeek. He has been ranked by Management International Review as one of the Top 20 North American Superstars for research in strategy and organization. One of his papers was recognised as one of the ten most-often cited articles in the entire 40-year history of Academy of Management Journal.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In 2011, 2009 and 2007 Thinkers 50, the global ranking of management gurus, placed him among the list of most influential thinkers. Recognised as one of today’s leading business strategists Vijay Govindarajan helps companies adapt to the global business environment and change the way they look at strategy For 25 years, he has been advancing the field of strategy execution and advising senior executives in all industries on how to modify their organizations to achieve their strategic ambitions.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Warm, articulate and naturally funny Vijay Govindarajan is a highly popular keynote speaker.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Professor of Leadership at INSEAD

Dr Hal Gregersen’s vocation is executive teaching, coaching, consulting and research, centres on leading innovation, change, and globalisation. Dr Gregersen’s forthcoming book, ‘The Innovator’s DNA’ flows from a path-breaking international research project which explores the fundamental question of where disruptive innovations come from and what roles senior executives, managers, and employees play in the creation of highly innovative teams and organisations. The insights on innovation surfaced from interviews with founder entrepreneurs and current CEOs, in-depth case studies of the world’s 25 most innovative companies and The Innovator’s DNA survey assessments of 3500 high performing entrepreneurs, managers, and inventors. He is also exploring how well the Innovator’s DNA skills may also drive social entrepreneur success

“An authority of modern leadership”

[expand title=”In detail”] Before joining INSEAD, Dr Gregersen taught at the London Business School and other highly acclaimed institutions. He has written for various global journals including the Harvard Business Review and his research has been highlighted on CNN and in Across the Board, Business Week, Fortune, Psychology Today, and The Wall Street Journal. Dr Gregersen has received several awards for teaching excellence as well as the Ascendant Scholar Award from the Western Academy of Management for research excellence. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Hal Gregersen expertly communicates his fascination with how leaders in business and society generate provocative ideas with powerful impact. Putting his research on leading innovation, strategic change, and globalisation to practice and steers senior executives through the complexities of modern leadership and delivers a powerful framework for transforming old patterns of action into new strategic direction, emphasizing what matters most – people. His listeners will understand the real dynamics a leader must manage by focusing on people, where the real change must occur.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Hal Gregersen’s powerful presentations are rich in content, and delivered with insightful clarity, precision and intelligent humour.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Primatologist and Anthropologist

Jane Goodall DBE is an internationally recognized authority on the primate world. She has written books for adults and children, contributed to documentaries and serves as a National Geographic explorer-in-residence, a United Nations peace messenger, and the president of Advocates for Animals. For her efforts to observe and preserve all species, she has received honors and accolades from governments, nonprofits, universities, and professional organizations, including a medal from UNESCO and the French Legion of Honor in 2006.

“One of the best-known and most highly respected scientists and educators in the world”

[expand title=”In detail”] Dr. Goodall’s involvement in tropical forests and conservation has led her to be actively involved in a number of environmental issues, and to found the Roots & Shoots youth group. She has also endorsed the Forests Now Declaration, calling for new market based mechanisms to protect tropical forests. One of her major contributions to the field of primatology was the discovery of tool-making in chimpanzees.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Dr. Goodall takes the audience on an ecological journey, discussing highlights and low points of her experiences in the jungle. She shows how progress is helping research (DNA analysis) and hurting the environment (clear-cutting). She draws a dozen parallels between primate and human behaviour, making the point that we really aren’t all that different. She also speaks about the messages of hope that form the basis for her educational programme, ‘Roots and Shoots’.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Dr. Goodall lifts the audience to new heights, inspiring them to reach above and beyond through compassion, consumer action, and education.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Record-breaking Adventurer, Corporate Coach & Sustainability Ambassador

Adrian Hayes is a Dubai based adventurer who recently became the fastest person in the world, and only the 15th person ever, to reach the ‘3 Poles’ of the Earth – walking the entire way to the North and South Poles and summiting Mt Everest. A lifetime follower of politics and international affairs, he is also an ambassador and leader on economic, social and environmental sustainability. He is a professional, ICF accredited, corporate team and executive coach, and keynote / motivational speaker.

“I took four years to prepare for this. I did not set out to fail” Adrian Hayes

[expand title=”In detail”] Adrian is a former Gurkha Officer and Special Forces soldier in the British Army, educated at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He has a CV that is full of wide ranging experiences, action and, above all, achievement – from the corporate world, the military, the coaching profession and his adventure/sporting endeavours. He is involved in three children’s charities – his fundraising campaigns, raising over US $100,000 to date. An accomplished all-round sportsman, he is a passionate multi-fitness advocate, winning the “UAE’s Fittest Man” x-training challenges in both 1997 and 2008, the latter competition including the then UK National x-training champion.
[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]One of the few serious adventurers in the world with a senior corporate background, Adrian Hayes occupies a unique position in the world of being a record-breaking, adventurer who also has a senior, solid corporate background. Coupled with his coaching profession, he is therefore able to offer a range of tailor-made seminars and programmes from 20 minute after dinner speeches to 6 month team coaching programmes. For workshops and his Organisation and Relationship Systems (ORSC) programmes, Adrian conversely offers solid lessons, tools and techniques from the Coaching World, in which he has ‘walked the talk’ in his own achievements.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Adrian’s presentations are filled with real corporate applicable lessons backed up with dramatic footage of his daring escapades. Audiences are entertained as they benefit from his high content, inspirational speeches, naturally and powerfully delivered. [/expand]

Continue Reading »

Leading Authority on the Economics of IT

Erik Brynjolfsson is the Schussel Family Professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Director of the MIT Center for Digital Business, Chair of the MIT Sloan Management Review, and the Editor of the Information Systems Network. He has made important contributions to the world of IT Productivity research and his research has been recognized with nine “best paper” awards by fellow academics and five U.S. patents.

“Erik Brynjolfsson provides an important roadmap for future technology innovation ”

[expand title=”In detail”] Erik Brynjolfsson earned his A.B., Magna cum laude, and S.M. in Applied Mathematics and Decision Sciences at Harvard University. He received a Ph.D. in Managerial Economics from the MIT Sloan School of Management and has served on the faculties of MIT, Harvard and Stanford Business School. At MIT, he teaches a class on The Economics of Information: Strategy, Structure and Pricing and hosts a related blog Economics of Information. He currently serves as a director or advisor for several firms and non-profit organizations.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Prof. Brynjolfsson’s research and teaching focuses on how businesses can effectively use information technology (IT) in general and the Internet in particular. His recent research examines intangible assets, information worker productivity, the Long Tail in digital goods, and business process replication. He lectures and consults worldwide on Internet strategy, pricing models and intangible assets to audiences interested in the business and economics of information technology.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]In his concise, valuable presentations, Erik Brynjolfsson skilfully provides a wealth of evidence about the effects of business investments in information technology on companies and the overall economy.[/expand]
Continue Reading »