The Leading Speakers Bureau

Leading Expert on Fashion Retail & Brand Communication

Mary is one of the UK’s foremost authorities on retail and brand communication and is credited with turning Harvey Nichols into the modern fashion powerhouse that it is today. Her first book, ‘Windows – the Art of Retail Display’, was published in five languages and quickly became the worldwide authority on the subject. Mary is one of the most respected figures in the fashion industry, acting as a retail consultant to huge brands around the world. She has worked with a huge number of stores including Oasis, Patek Phillipe and Harvey Nichols.

“Inspiration can strike at anytime, anywhere, anyhow”

[expand title=”In detail”] As well as starring in a new BBC television series, Mary also writes a weekly column, reviewing fashion shops across the country. She is founder and creative director of Yellowdoor, one of London’s leading creative communications agencies with publicity, advertising, retail marketing and events and brand strategy divisions.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Mary Portas shares the knowledge she has gained from her years at the leading edge of fashion retailing, giving the ultimate insider’s guide. She regularly travels around the world advising on retail strategy and frequently lectures on the theme of brands and retail.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Mary is globally recognised as a leading authority on the future trends of fashion retail, brand communication and on the development of effective people and culture within organisations. Her presentations are inspirational and highly motivating.[/expand]

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Leading Authority on the Luxury Goods Industry

Marie-France Pochna is a luxury industry watcher and authority on the power of innovation that drives this multi-billion dollar industry. An award winning author, Marie-France has also written biographies on several of the fashion industry’s key players. She teaches an MBA course in luxury brands at ESSEC, the leading French business school in Paris and at the London College of Fashion as well as Cass University.

“Ms. Pochna brings to her subject a reporter’s doggedness and a mechanic’s knack for assembling a whole from parts” New York Times

[expand title=”In detail”] Born and educated in France, Marie-France obtained a law degree from Paris University and became a member of the Paris Bar. She subsequently joined the international law firm, Coudert Brothers, working both in Paris and New York.
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[expand title=”What she offers you”]She has become an acclaimed guest lecturer analysing creative methods that have established the luxury industry as the forerunner of our global consumer culture. Her speeches investigate the power and the prestige of the global luxury industry and its impact on society and the economy.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]An enchanting and eloquent speaker, Marie–France always captivates audiences with her in-depth knowledge and well-informed opinions.[/expand]

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Serial Entrepreneur and Business Consultant

Marc Vidal is a renowned economic analyst who specialise in New Economy. He is the founder and Managing Director of IDODI. A natural born entrepreneur, he is a consultant in the fields of company modernisation and internalisation and was named one of the 10 most influential people on the Internet in Spain. Whilst originally he focused on large companies he now helps start-up-companies to grow and become successful.

“A leading expert in New Economy and Start-Up Companies”

[expand title=”In detail”] He set up his first company in the US, Sit2Sit, a technological tool linked to the management of intelligent communities. He is the Founder of Emprende America, a platform that represents thousands of Latin American technological entrepreneurs and that develops various platforms of social commerce and social shopping in collaboration with Shoponk. Currently he is a consultant of New Economy and Digital Entrepreneurship for the Central American Bank of Economical Integration (BCIE) which depends on the IMF. Marc is a highly respected expert on social media strategies who has lead institutional and business campaigns in various countries. In 2009 he participated in the Superior Program to study new ways of developing businesses and technological communication at Harvard and MIT. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his well researched presentations Marc uses examples of success stories and provides audiences with the necessary tools to confront the challenges companies face in today’s uber competitive markets. He demonstrates using proven strategies that there is potential for business growth even in difficult times.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]With a wealth of research at his fingertips, Marcus’ presentations are filled with a veritable wealth of useful information making him a highly sought-after speaker at conferences worldwide.[/expand]

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Founder and Managing Director of JoJo Maman Bébé

A very successful entrepreneur, Laura Tenison launched JoJo Maman Bébé in 1993. The maternity, baby and nursery retailer is now one of the leading retailers in its sector in the UK. She has organically grown the company from a start-up to its current size of over 240 employees and a turnover of around £17m.

“I am committed to providing 1st class service through honest, ethical trading, integrity and respect for our customers’ point of view”

[expand title=”In detail”] Laura showed entrepreneurial spirit from a young age and started her first company whilst still at school. She was inspired to start a mail order baby product business by a bed ridden mother during a spell in hospital following a car crash. Laura’s has set up a company policy based on strong codes of ethical business practice, both in product manufacturing and buying. Laura has received many awards including Harpers & Queen Entrepreneur of the year 2005, the Welsh Entrepreneur of the Year 2003 and she received an MBE for services to business in the Queen’s 2004 New Year’s Honours List. JoJo Maman Bébé has won numerous awards.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Laura shares the invaluable experience as an entrepreneur and the secrets of her success, insisting that all managers should lead by example. Laura is happy to give her time to inspire others and is often found talking to those who ask her advice when setting up a new business. Audiences are provided with actionable insights into Laura’s proven methods. Her enthusiasm for the product and the brand are the foundation of her tremendous success. [/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Laura is a passionate, honest and fascinating speaker with a strong belief in Customer Service and Ethical Business.
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Pioneering Co-founder of Green & Black’s Organic Chocolate

Jo Fairley is co-founder of the pioneering organic chocolate company Green & Black’s, which has gone from a niche organic and Fairtrade brand to a global chocolate name. Recently, Green & Black’s was voted ‘Coolest Food Brand in the UK’ for the fifth year running, by Coolbrands.

‘If you don’t do it, you’ll never know what would have happened if you had done it.’

[expand title=”In detail”] Formerly Britain’s youngest-ever magazine editor, Jo has translated her skills as a journalist into marketing, PR and brand-building. Through her presentations, Jo now takes audiences through every aspect of growing a business – from the bravery required to taking that first step, through to the practical and emotional aspects of an ‘exit’ strategy – and achieving that all-important (and elusive) work-life balance en route. Jo continues to juggle her work as a journalist and author with being a brand ambassador for Green & Black’s, as well as running an organic bakery and one-stop local food store and an 11-room ‘boutique’ wellbeing centre, in her up-and-coming home town of Hastings.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Jo’s story is fascinating to entrepreneurs, women’s networking groups and to wider business or educational audiences both in the UK and internationally. Her brand-building experience is inspirational to anyone on a ‘business journey’ of their own. [/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Engaging and passionate, Jo never fails to inspire – and is always happy to network with attendees, offering more direct input to individuals.[/expand]

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Marketing Director, SKY Italia, Former Commercial Director Ferrari, & Group Vice President Marketing FILA

Andrea Zappia is Marketing Director, SKY Italia and Vice President Global Marketing at FILA Holding S.p.A., one of the leading companies in the field of footwear and apparel for sports and leisure-wear. He was appointed to this position in 2001 after five years in leading management positions with Ferrari S.p.A.

“A marketing expert”

[expand title=”In detail”] Andrea Zappia commenced his illustrious career with Procter & Gamble Italy in 1988. Five years later he became Marketing Manager for the Health and Beauty/Cosmetics and Fragrances Division, followed by a year as Key Accounts Manager National Chains and Euro Marketing Manager/Strategic Planning for Procter & Gamble ETC (Brussels). In 1996, he moved to Ferrari S.p.A as Director of Sales Ferrari. He became Director of Sales Ferrari and Maserati, when the two companies joined forces in 1997 and at the end of 1998 he advanced further up the corporate ladder as Director of Sales and Marketing Ferrari and Maserati Worldwide. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Andrea’s wealth of experience in respect of customer relationships, marketing mix and the placing and development of products proves invaluable to companies wishing to progress in the commercial industry.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A brilliant and enthusiastic speaker Andrea Zappia reveals the secrets of his phenomenal commercial successes with his audiences.[/expand]

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Multi-award Winning Designer, Fashion Entrepreneur & Businesswoman

Amanda Wakeley OBE launched her signature label in 1990 and over the last two decades she has developed an international reputation for creating stylish, supremely luxurious womenswear and accessories. Scarlett Johansson, Demi Moore, Helen Mirren, Kate Winslet, Kate Beckinsdale and Charlize Theron are amongst her fans. Amanda has also had the honour to dress many members of Royal families, most notably Queen Rania of Jordan and the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

“One of Britain’s best-loved designers”

[expand title=”In detail”] Amanda Wakeley is entirely self-taught and was driven in her desire to make clothes from, she says, the moment she grew tall enough to reach the foot of the sewing machine in her parents’ home. She cut her business teeth whilst working in America for an influential New York designer and retailer but kept up her own designs and soon gained the confidence to launch her own brand. Having started with ready-to-wear fashion, the Amanda Wakeley collection now encompasses bridal gowns and fine jewellery as well as fashion accessories. She opened her flagship store on the Fulham Road in 2009, and her ranges are stocked in Harvey Nichols, throughout the UK and at Harrods in London. The brand is also represented throughout Europe, America and the Middle East.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Amanda Wakeley’s rise to business success has not been without tough challenges and she now uses her considerable talents to help raise both funds and awareness for a number of charitable causes. She is best known for her signature dresses and luxurywear and was a great influence on Princess Diana, when she was developing her working wardrobe in the early 90’s. With a thriving business in the Middle East, Australia, the United States, Singapore and Europe, she provides invaluable insights into current trends and movements in the luxury clothing world.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]A founding co-Chair of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer and fashion industry expert, Amanda Wakeley is an accomplished, confident and highly inspirational speaker. [/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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Humorist, Web Artist, One of the Most Influential Online Entertainers

Ze Frank rose to Internet fame in 2001 with his viral video How to Dance Properly. Over 50 million people have visited his website which has won a Webby and was in Time magazine’s Top 50 websites of 2005. He is now one of the most influential on-line entertainers and helps organisations understand how to create contagious and viral media, how to leverage social media and how to think about creative development in general. He is currently creating a series of video commentaries for Time entitled That Makes Me Think of…

“The internet is not just a technology revolution; it’s a social revolution”

[expand title=”In detail”] At the age of 34, Ze Frank (pronounced “Zay”) seized upon that hot-and-up-and-coming phenomenon known as video-blogging or “Vlogging”. The Show with ZeFrank was a short video programme produced weekdays for one year. He was Artist in Residence at MSN helping them develop strategies for creating and maintaining online community spaces. Ze has worked as a consultant for a number of large organisations on issues surrounding online community building. He has lectured at several universities and art colleges including the New York University and the Royal College of Art in London. Currently he serves on the advisory board of Bazaarvoice.com and Buzzfeed.com. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]As a designer, performer, and consultant, Ze Frank explores the ways that technology shapes the human experience. He brings audiences an experience they will never forget, a truly entertaining and yet insightful look at how technology and creativity intersect, especially in web design, marketing and new forms of media. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]He describes himself as a mastermind of online entertainment and very few speakers so effectively combine style with content, humour with ideas and insight. Ze is also an extremely entertaining and highly accomplished moderator who is able to inject plenty of energy into any event. [/expand]

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Former CEO of Mothercare and LoveFilm

Simon Calver is currently Chairman of award winning online printing giant moo.com. and he is on the board of online pharmacy ChemistDirect. With an entrepreneurial spirit and exemplary success as CEO of some of the UK’s most innovative and preeminent businesses, including pioneering a new way of watching movies with LOVEFilm and turning Mothercare around, Simon Calver’s management style is natural and pragmatic.

“Renowned branding and marketing guru”

[expand title=”In detail”] Simon began his career as a graduate in Unilever and as a strategy consultant at Deloitte. He was a winner of Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 for London and the South East and representing the region in the National finals. He is a Companion of the Chartered Management Institute and is a fellow of the IoD. He regularly speaks across the country on management, leadership and entrepreneurship and was a keynote speaker at the IoD National Congress at the Royal Albert Hall in 2010. Simon has also been International VP of Sales Operations for PepsiCola, based in the US and General Manager and VP of PepsiCola UK where he launched Pepsi Max, Pepsi Blue and development of the Pepsi Music activity. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]From cutting-edge business practice to personal leadership tips to marketing in a digital era, Simon brings the subjects to life and offers real detailed, practical insights. His combination of corporate and entrepreneurial experience is rare and valuable. Acknowledging that every organisation has its own rhythm, Simon shows how to make change happen, how to revolutionise culture and how to disrupt the markets.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Combined with the genuine knowledge and wealth of experience he has amassed, Simon is an impressive, down to earth and accessible speaker. He has the unique ability as a speaker to both inspire and educate an audience.
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