The Leading Speakers Bureau

Photographer, Documentary Filmmaker, Diver andAuthor

Doug Allan is a freelance wildlife and documentary cameraman who films both topside and underwater. He has been captivating audiences across the UK with his sell-out tours, sharing his extraordinary filming challenges and successes.

“An Award-Winning Natural History Photographer”

[expand title=”In detail”] Doug’s photographic awards include seven Emmys, four BAFTAs and five Wildscreen Pandas. He spent seven years in Antarctica as a research diver, marine biologist, base commander and photographer for the British Antarctic Survey, receiving both the Polar Medal and the Fuchs Medal for his science and support work. In 1984 he changed direction to full time filming.In his 30 year filming career, he’s been involved with more than 65 films, freelancing for the BBC, Discovery, National Geographic and others. He was principal cameraman on many prestigious award-winning series includingOperation Iceberg, Frozen Planet, Ocean Giants, Human PlanetandLife, Planet Earth.Doug has twice won the underwater category in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Dough shares with audiences worldwide his experiences while film making and the craft of nature photography. Doug’s legendary expertise in Polar Regions and other extreme environments make him a charismatic guest speaker at educational institutions, corporate events and on expedition cruise trips.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Doug customiseshis presentations so they are suitable for any audience of any age. All are lavishly illustrated with slides that he has taken during his travels. [/expand]

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Physicist, Mathematician& Technologist

Conrad Wolfram is Strategic Director and European co-founder/CEO of the Wolfram group of companies. Described as the “Computation Company” and uniquely operating at the intersection of computation, data and knowledge.

“Playing the wrong game badly is hardly smart. Let’s lead in rewriting the rulebook and succeed at the right game.”

[expand title=”In detail”] The Wolfram Group is driving innovation across data science, modelling and maths through technology and solutions, including Wolfram|One and Mathematica software, the Wolfram|Alpha knowledge engine (powering knowledge answers for Apple’s Siri), Enterprise Private Cloud computation hub and the Wolfram Language. Conrad is also widely known for his thought leadership in reforming education using modern technology. He founded computerbasedmath.org to fundamentally rethink and rebuild the mainstream maths education curriculum, introduce computational thinking and combine with coding now computers can be assumed. The resulting major change is now a worldwide force in re-engineering STEM.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]For more than 20 years, Conrad’s business and technical leadership has been central to the rise, spread and democratization of high-level computation particularly through the use of automation and interactivity. He is also the world’s leading advocate for a fundamental shift of math education to be computer-based, laying out the rationale and roadmap in his widely acknowledged 2010 TED and founding computerbasedmath.org to drive implementation of the change. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Conrad regularly appears in the media and is an accomplished speaker. He delivers interactive and thought-inspiring presentations to explain his radical ideas to audiences the world over.[/expand]

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Multi Award Winning Young Entrepreneur

Ben Towers is a young entrepreneur who started his own web design company at the age of 11. He has grown and developed his businesses to cover branding and a thriving social media consultancy. Widely acclaimed by the British business community, he’s been named NatWest Entrepreneur of the Year.

“One of the UK’s most exciting entrepreneurs”
Sir Richard Branson

[expand title=”In detail”] At only 18 years old Ben runs a successful marketing agency (Towers Design) working with leading brands all over the world to engage them with the next generation via social media and effective campaigns. He was named by The Times at the top of their Super Teen Power List in the world. Ben adopts a somewhat different view of business as most may believe. He lives to the statement, “running a business is all about enjoying yourself and solving a problem.Following Ben’s success, he has been invited to share his story as a keynote speaker at some of the world’s largest conferences, appear on radio shows all around the globe and star in numerous TV shows (most notably BBC Breakfast and CBBC show Pocket Money Pitch).[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his conferences, Ben offers his invaluable insightson the social media landscape going into what’s new, what’s fading from popularity, and who’s using what platform. He uses his extensive network, experience and creativity to consult in businesses of all sizes helping them appeal to millennials and also work on the technical side of the business to ensure it is as innovative and current as possible.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Ben shares his inspirational story in a captivating and enjoyable way. He isa powerful and influential teenager with an amazing story to share and following this is highly sought after.[/expand]

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Biologist, Writer and Broadcaster

Aarathi Prasad is a science writer and broadcaster, and has presented and written for programmes including Is It Better to Be Mixed Race?, the Health and Biology episodes of Brave New World and the 4thought filmShould We Raise Children in Mixed Marriages?on Channel 4, and The Quest for Virgin Birth on BBC Radio 4.

“A well renowned scientist”

[expand title=”In detail”] Aarathi has a PhD in molecular genetics from Imperial College London, and subsequently worked on a Cancer Research UK-funded post-doctoral project using chemical genetics to identify early therapeutic targets in cancers.She was a recipient of the Wellcome Trust Mentoring Award for Emerging Talent, and has been a science advisor to the British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. She has written for publications including the Guardian and Telegraph newspapers, Prospect and Wired magazines, and Euroscientist, and she has judged the Science and Natural History category in the Royal Television Society’s Programme Awards. [/expand]

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In her presentations, Aarathi shares her insights on how human beings are in control of their destiny. She wants us to drop our prejudices about sex, sexual difference, reproduction and foetuses and look to a future where anyone, regardless of age or sex, can become pregnant.
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[expand title=”How she presents”]A breath of fresh air, Aarathi explains hervivid, personal and panoramic journey through the health and beliefs of one fifth of humanity.[/expand]

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Italian entrepreneur, founder of Eataly

Oscar Farinetti, is the founder of Eataly, the largest Italian marketplace in the world, comprising a variety of restaurants, food and beverage counters, bakery, retail items, and a cooking school. Oscar’s aim is to make high quality Italian foods available to everyone, at fair prices and in an environment where people can shop, taste and learn. At the moment Eataly controls 28 megastores in many countries among which United States, Japan, UAE, Italy, Turkey and Brazil, Germany, France. In 2014 Eataly opened its big 5,000 sam store in Piazza XXV Aprile in Milan. its turnover reaches 400 million euro.

The New York Times describes as “a megastore that combines elements of a bustling European open market, a Whole-Foods-style supermarket, a high-end food court and a New Age learning center”.

[expand title=”In detail”] Farinetti was born in 1954. In 1967 his father founded a small supermarket called UniEuro. A few years later Oscar became actively involved in the business. 1978 he was appointed board member and then CEO and Chairman until 2003. In that year he decided to sell UniEuro to Dixon Retail for £ 230 million in order to focus on the new enterprise Eataly.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Farinetti’s disruptive model has received significant media attention. His methods have been covered by publications including Forbes, The New York Times, The Atlantic and The Chicago Culture.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Oscar’s communicative style, simple and direct, has made him increasingly popular, becoming a point of reference, not only in the business world: his lessons of courage propose an approach to life based on honesty, and tenacity but also on the astuteness, meant as the ability to seize the best opportunities.[/expand]

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Football Coach & Former International Player

Ruud Gullit is a Dutch football coach and former player. Ruud is currently an analyst for the Eredivisie on Tien TV and on Sky Sports for UEFA Champions League games. In 2006 Gullit hosted a chat show on Dutch TV interviewing, amongst others, Nelson Mandela. He also appeared as a pundit for ITV during the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

“One of the most internationally recognized footballers of the last decade”

[expand title=”In detail”] Ruud became the world’s most expensive player in 1987 when he moved from PSV Eindhoven to Milan for a then record £6.5 million. He ended his career as a professional football player with Chelsea FC where he stayed on to manage the London club. Ruud has also managed clubs such as Newcastle United FC and Feyenoord Rotterdam. Ruud is one of the most successful footballers in recent history, both as a player and a manager. Ruud has raised money for various charities participating in ambassador duties for UNICEF.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]With his distinct looks, Ruud draws on the lessons learned on the pitch demonstrating to audiences the importance of teamwork and leadership both in business and in our personal lives. With his sound knowledge of these subjects he can adapt his presentations to suit any corporate event.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Ruud is an experienced speaker and media personality whose inspiring presentations are always well received and highly enjoyable. Ruud is equally at home whether speaking, presenting awards or hosting an event.[/expand]

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Expert on Business Opportunities in China

Dr Xisu Wang worked with the first western companies to establish businesses in China, including EDS, Unilever and Caradon Electric, which has provided him with rare insights into the new and unique challenges involved in forming Sino-US joint ventures. Now based in Beijing and still consulting to foreign companies doing business in China, Xisu provides insightful commentary on socio-economic and geo-political issues in China.

“Xisu Wang’s views on the socio-economic issues and challenges that the Chinese Government faces in satisfying the demands of their vast and diverse population are both insightful and instructive.”

[expand title=”In detail”] He lived his early life under the shadow of the then new Chairman Mao and Communist China. As a young man he realised that China was slowly opening up to the west, he left his position as Associate Professor and Dean of Nanjing University and became the first student from mainland China to complete post graduate studies in America, earning a PhD at Harvard University followed by an MBA at MIT. He returned to China in the late 1980s.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Dr Wang is a personable and knowledgeable individual who speaks with great authority on the evolution and future of China’s place in the world today, from the inside out and the outside in. He provides fascinating insights into working in China and offers organisations invaluable advice and information.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]With meticulous preparation, Dr Wang leaves no stone unturned in his highly informative and engaging presentations which are essential for any company wishing to expand into China.[/expand]

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Journalist

James Chau is a journalist who currently anchors the news for China Central Television. He also presents his own current affairs programme, World Insight, which airs internationally every weekend. James has reported on major stories including the 9/11 attacks, China’s entry to the World Trade Organisation, Hu Jintao’s first White House visit and the bird flu outbreak. Through 2003, he covered SARS and later, filed live reports from Indonesia in the immediate aftermath of the Tsunami.

“A leading voice on international issues and current affairs”

[expand title=”In detail”] After a car accident in 1996 that caused a spinal fracture, James after treatment, finished his exams at City of London School where he was a Bakers Company scholar and started writing for newspapers, magazines and, as he describes, “just about anyone who would read me”. This continued when he became the first ‘Varsity’ News Features Editor at Cambridge University. James was an intern at Vogue and the Sunday Mirror, where his double page feature on the plight of women in Eastern Europe and the Middle East was published at the end of his first week. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]James Chau speaks knowledgably about various aspects of worldwide affairs and current affairs. With a wealth of national and international experience in broadcasting and journalism, James is an excellent communicator.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]James Chau is a charismatic speaker, and his content rich speeches are delivered with authority and an engaging sense of humour.[/expand]

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Director of the National Economic Research Institute

FAN Gang is a Professor of Economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Director of the National Economic Research Institute, China Reform Foundation. He is a highly distinguished economist and an advisor to the Chinese Government and he also works with a number of leading international organisations.

Prof. Gang is renowned as one of China’s leading experts on Chinese economics

[expand title=”In detail”] Prof. Gang is a prolific author and has written over one hundred academic papers on issues connected with the Chinese economy in addition to eight books. Most recently he was invited by Harvard University to be a visiting fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research
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[expand title=”What he offers you”]Prof. Gang shares with his audiences his unique insight into China’s economy and guides decision makers through the intricate processes involved in successfully expanding into the Chinese Market. He also offers a trenchant account of China’s recent performance and an upbeat assessment of its ability to maintain its high growth rate.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]His invaluable presentations are filled with examples and information from his experience in China and he is in great demand as a keynote speaker at leading economic summits the world over.
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Professor of Artificial Intelligence

Raúl Rojas is a Professor of Artificial Intelligence at FreieUniversität Berlin since 1997. Prof. Rojas has been active in the field of Artificial Intelligence since 1986, having been a member of the Prolog Machine team at GMD-First (now FraunhoferGesellschaft).He has published extensively about neural networks, robotics, intelligent systems and the history of computing. Raul received the Technology Transfer Prize 2008 from the Berlin Technology Foundation and the Gold Medal Heberto Castillo from Mexico City for his contributions to robotics.

“A on Artificial Intelligence”

[expand title=”In detail”] Previously, he held professorships at Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, and at the Technical University of Vienna.Raúl Rojas obtained his bachelor and master degrees in Mathematics from the Technical University of Mexico, and attained his master in Economics at the National University of Mexico. He received a PhD in Economics from FU Berlin in 1989, where he also obtained his Habilitation degree in Computer Science in 1994.Rojas is a Member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Professor Rojas offers audiences an in depth vision of the future of autonomous and self-driving cars. With a wealth of information from over 10 years of research and development including a fully working autonomous car he shows us a glimpse of the future and what we can expect to see on the roads in the next 5, 10, 15 and 20 years.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Raul is a passionate and dynamic speaker who provides worldwide audiences with innovative ideas backed up with videos and slides from his current projects.[/expand]

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