The Leading Speakers Bureau

Former Group Vice President-Global Product Development, & Chief Technical Officer at Ford Motor Company

Richard Parry-Jones CBE is an automotive engineering leader who worked for the Ford Motor Company for 38 years between 1969 and 2007. He chairs the Welsh Assembly Government Advisory Group for developing policy on Economic Growth, Transport and Energy, and was recently appointed Chair of Automotive Industry Growth Team for the UK Government. He is now working on a variety of projects, having formed an engineering consultancy company with a blue chip client portfolio.

Richard is the engineer once known as Ford’s “secret weapon”

[expand title=”In detail”] Richard Parry-Jones holds a 1st Class Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was responsible for many milestones in the evolution of Ford. He spent nearly ten years as Group Vice-President in charge of R&D for all of Ford and its subsidiary companies worldwide, leading a staff of 30,000 professionals in a network of Product Development centres in 15 countries. In more recent years, he has specialised in the development of environmental technologies and is also renowned for his expertise in driving dynamics and refinement. He was also the Company’s Chief Technical Officer for the last eight years. In 2005 he was awarded a CBE in The Queen’s New Year honours list for services to the automobile industry. He is Pro Chancellor and Visiting Professor in Automotive Engineering at Loughborough University.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Ex-Ford engineering supremo, Richard Parry-Jones’ feel for the customer and technical expertise helped improve all the Ford brands and his drive and determination are an inspiration to engineers throughout the Motor Industry. His insights into his outstanding contributions to the development of new vehicles are truly fascinating and actionable.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Known throughout the industry for his expertise in vehicle development – particularly in the area of driving dynamics and refinement, Richard Parry-Jones is a very composed, clear and fascinating speaker.[/expand]
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Business Strategy Specialist, Economic Forecaster

Professor Sing is an accomplished author as well as an excellent communicator. He is internationally renowned for his vast experience in the economics of Asia and the Pacific Rim, and is highly qualified in the area of business strategy.

After receiving a BBA from the National University of Singapore in 1982, Professor Singh began a distinguished military career with the Singapore Armed Forces. He went on to receive an MBA also from the National University of Singapore in 1989, and PhD from the University of Michigan in 1993.

Apart from his distinguished military career, he has also worked for the Singapore Government in the ministry of Community Development (1995-1997). His business qualifications and experience include, amongst others, Deputy Director of the Graduate School of Business and of the Centre for Management Technology at the National University of Singapore, and member of the Governing council of the Singapore Institute of Management.
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President of Iran 1997 – 2005

Mohammad Khatami is one of the most eminent world leaders of our time. President of Iran from 1997 to 2005, he was chosen by over 20 million Iranians, nearly 70 percent of the vote. He fought for civil rights, tolerance and freedom of expression and favoured a free market economy, foreign investments and established better relations with the West. Today, with his Foundation for Dialogue Among Civilisations, Khatami speaks on the urgent need for dialogue between religions, among countries and across generations.

“One of the most distinguished leaders on cross-cultural understanding and dialogue”

[expand title=”In detail”] Khatami graduated from the University of Tehran and studied theology at Qom and Isfahan. In 1979, he became head of the Hamburg Islamic Center in Germany. In 1980, returning to Iran, he was elected to Parliament and also ran Kayhan, Iran’s leading newspaper. From 1982-1992, he was elected the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance. In 1992 he was appointed advisor to the President. He was elected as President five years later and was re-elected in 2001. Recently Khatami initiated the idea of a “Dialogue Among Civilizations” which has been endorsed by world leaders and the United Nations.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Drawing on his considerable expertise as one of the most distinguished leaders, Mohammad Khatami offers audiences an in depth analysis of the current worldwide political, economic and social horizon. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]His visionary leadership skills and charisma have made Mohammad Khatami one of the most requested political commentators around the globe.[/expand]
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Founder of the HERD Consulting, Award-winning Author & Renowned Expert on Human Behaviour Speaker

Mark Earls is one of the marketing world’s leading authorities on consumer behaviour and behaviour change. Mark has collaborated with large scale organisations like Ogilvy, The Account Planning Group and St. Luke Communications and while he has remained dedicated to finance, his distinctive take on human behaviour has brought about key marketing initiatives leading him to write the hugely influential and groundbreaking book ‘Herd: How to Change Mass Behaviour by Harnessing Our True Nature’.

“For many, he’s Britain’s answer to Malcolm Gladwell without the hair”

[expand title=”In detail”] Mark is a Fellow of the RSA and a Business Leader of the UK Marketing Society, a long standing supporter of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and the Market Research Society and a former vice-Chair of the Account Planning Group. He has written for a wide range of publications including WIRED, Contagious, Admap, Market Leader, IJMR, The Observer and Sun newspapers, and is a regular media commentator, having appeared on TV for BBC1 and Sky News and on BBC Radio 4 Today Show and You & Yours and 5Live.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]All-round opinionator, author and consultant on marketing, communication and behaviour change, Mark’s thought-provoking speeches delve into the theory of ‘social learning.’ At the heart of all his work is a passionate interest in how people really do what they do, what contemporary science tells us about this and how this differs from our working assumptions. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An influential thinker and an exceptional speaker, Mark delivers brilliantly inspirational, engaging and entertaining presentations on the science of human behaviour, as though it was just an enjoyable extemporaneous chat with mates.[/expand]
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Highly Acclaimed Film Director, Writer and Producer

Mira Nair is a highly acclaimed film director, writer and producer. From her debut film, the Oscar-nominated Salaam Bombay! to her Amelia Earhart biopic, Amelia, Mira Nair has established herself as one of the most formidable directors working today. Her latest film, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, is a striking commentary on identity, immigration, and terrorism. Away from the camera, Nair has mentored as part of the Rolex Protege Arts Initiative and her company, Mirabai films, established a non-profit, Maisha, in support of screenwriters and directors in East Africa and South Asia.

Mira describes documentary as “a marriage of my interests in the visual arts, theatre, and life as it is lived”

[expand title=”In detail”] Mira was educated at Delhi University and Harvard University. Her first film was Jama Masjid Street Journal which was also her Master’s thesis project. She was appointed as the mentor in film by the prestigious Rolex Protégé Arts Initiative to help guide young artists in critical stages of their development. In 1998, My Own Country was awarded the NAACP award for best fiction feature. Nair returned to the documentary form in 1999 with The Laughing Club of India, which was awarded The Special Jury Prize in the Festival International de Programmes Audiovisuels 2000.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Mira Nair discusses the craft of filmmaking as well as the issues she so passionately explores in her films: the tug of competing worlds felt by millions of immigrants, and ways to bridge the gap between cultures, races and genders. In the process, Nair shows you how film can challenge stereotypes and generational assumptions. [/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Mira Nair is a natural on stage (she began her career in film in front of the camera, not behind), she challenges audiences to think about assumptions, stereotypes, and prejudices, and how these manifest themselves in our relationships. With natural charm and humour she draws her audience into a discussion of the issues explored in her films, as well as the art of filmmaking and the craft of storytelling. [/expand]
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Co-Founder of Zopa and CEO of Green Thing

James Alexander is a highly practical business creator and innovative strategist. He is a co-founder and Board Director of Zopa, the marketplace where people meet to lend and borrow money, which launched in 2005, and until 2007 he was UK CEO. He is also currently a Trustee and CEO of Green Thing, a public service that inspires people to lead a greener life.

“Believe in yourself, trust offers of help from others and realise that even failure is not as bad as you might think it is!”

[expand title=”In detail”] James holds an MBA from INSEAD and a 1st class honours degree from University College, London. Prior to Zopa, James was Strategy Director at Egg, a world leader in digital banking. He joined Egg to create new things – launching Egg’s digital TV and mobile services and the UK’s first and most successful account aggregation service. Before Egg, James worked at LEK Consulting, where he developed the business case for Smile, Co-operative Bank’s Internet bank. On leaving Egg, James was a founder member of the team that identified the major consumer trend of the next 20 years – Freeforming. James is also an adviser to various .com companies.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]James Alexander offers fascinating insights from his vast business experience, having developed not just a profitable internet-based business, but also a new way of borrowing and lending money. He shows what can be done when you take customer insight really seriously, are very focused on a vision / strategy and approach everything with a “can do” attitude. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]James Alexander’s passionate, inspiring and exciting sessions are invaluable sources of actionable information – full of interesting case studies. He is thought provoking and highly creative.[/expand]
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Renowned French Entrepreneur, Founder of Social Software App Seesmic & LeWeb Conference

Loïc Le Meur is a French serial entrepreneur based in San Francisco. He co-founded the highly popular European tech event LeWeb, a platform where new ideas, innovations and visions can be shared. Each year in Paris, LeWeb brings together 3500 web technology business leaders including entrepreneurs, users, developers, investors and journalists from 80 countries all ready to shape the future. LeWeb was also launched in London.

“LeWeb is where revolutionaries gather to plot the future” The Economist

[expand title=”In detail”] Previously Loïc successfully founded and sold several companies including a networking app Seesmic, a web hosting company and a web agency. He also founded one of the first blogging services in Europe called Ublog, He is featured in The Economist as one of “Europe’s Blooming Entrepreneurs”, and is a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum where he helps select the next Tech Pioneers and is also a regular speaker.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]A technology expert and web enthusiast with hands-on expertise, Loïc is ideally qualified to advise organisations on how to use social media to reap the valuable benefits that the internet has to offer. He also explains to audiences how an entrepreneurial spirit is paramount for organisations in order to stay ahead in today’s highly competitive business environment.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A real breath of fresh air, Loïc Le Meur is a very charismatic and engaging speaker. His inspirational and highly informative presentations make him sought-after at conferences around the globe.[/expand]
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Actor, Former Associate Director at the White House Office of Public Engagement

Kal Penn is a rising actor in Hollywood. He is known for his starring roles in House, 24 and, of course, the Harold and Kumar franchise. Penn has stopped his career midstream to work full time in politics. From 2009 to 2011, he was the Associate Director at the White House Office of Public Engagement, where he focused on work related to “don’t ask, don’t tell,” increasing financial aid and bringing Americans back from Iraq.

“The world’s most famous Indian actor”
New York magazine

[expand title=”In detail”] Kal Penn returned to television in 2011 with a role on the hit sitcom How I Met Your Mother. He is also the host of The Big Brain Theory, a competition to find the nation’s brightest engineer, on the Discovery Channel. On the big screen, Penn has starred in various independent films and blockbusters, including two Harold and Kumar movies and Superman Returns. The New York Times called his lead role in Mira Nair’s The Namesake a, “crackling, star-making performance.” Named one of People’s Top 50 Bachelors, Penn has also taught two courses at the University of Pennsylvania, on Asian-Americans in pop culture and on the history of teen movies.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Kal Penn is a passionate advocate for youth involvement in democracy. He gives keynotes and hosts events geared toward educating and empowering youth about the political issues that matter to them. His wide range of experience in different fields gives him a wealth of knowledge on different key issues and his charismatic personality helps him convey those insights to people around the world.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A knowledgeable and wildly entertaining voice on pop culture and current events, Penn engages with his audiences in a very unique way. Combining sharp wit and jokes with informed critique, Penn’s speeches make audiences laugh but also inspire them to get involved and make a difference.[/expand]
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First female UN Police Advisor and Internationally known Social Activist

Dr Kiran Bedi is India’s first and highest female ranking officer who joined the Indian Police Service in 1972. Her expertise includes more than 35 years of creative and reformative policing and prison management. As the first and highest-ranking female officer in the national police force, she earned a reputation for being tough yet innovative on the job. Her latest initiative, Mission Safer India, aims to ensure that police log and address citizen complaints. She brought awareness of public rights to ground level through her reality T.V show: App Ki Kachehri Kiran kay Saath (Your court with Kiran).

“Internationally recognized for her work towards Women Empowerment”

[expand title=”In detail”] Dr Bedi was the First female advisor to UN Police. With decades of wealth of experience, she represented India on International Forums for crime prevention, drug abuse, police and prison reforms and women’s issues. Being one of India’s top cops; she is tough, innovative and committed to social change. She is a Nehru Follower running two NGO’s; Navjyoti and India Vision Foundation to provide Education and Health care to under privileged children. She has won Ramon Magsaysay Award also known as Asian Nobel Prize. Currently she is vanguard of nationwide movement “India against Corruption”.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Dr Bedi shares various strategies that she has personally used to achieve all of her professional goals, inspiring and interacting with audiences. She explains how creating mission statements for our lives can help us to know what we want and what is important to us.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Dr Bedi has a unique presence and aura of energy and awe that fills audiences with excitement and inspiration. Her messages are powerful and revealing, presented in the highest of professional styles.[/expand]
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Former Exec. Chairman of Garlik Ltd, Former CEO & Founder of Egg Plc & First Direct

Mike Harris is the former Executive Chairman of Garlik which won the prestigious BT Flagship Award for innovation in 2008. Mike also mentors SME owners and entrepreneurs interested in developing and funding ideas and accelerating growth. Mike was also Chair of Innovation at Royal Bank of Scotland from 2005 until March 2009, where he supervised the establishment of a group wide innovation programme.

“…an extraordinarily stimulating, creative and entertaining speaker.” MIT Sloan School of Management

[expand title=”In detail”] Between 1991 and 1995 he was Chief Executive of UK telco Mercury Communications where he created a new consumer business which was later sold to NTL (now Virgin Media) for £2.5bn. He was Chairman of the start up mobile operator – One to One which was later sold to T-Mobile for $10bn. In 1995 he moved on to the position of founding CEO of Prudential Banking plc and then the CEO of its successor, Egg – which he took from concept to a billion pound public company in just 2 years. Egg was the first major internet bank in the world and for several years had more internet customers than any other bank. Harris has led companies that consistently stand out from the competition. As founding Chief Executive of First Direct, Harris built a bank with unprecedented levels of customer loyalty.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]With his dynamic, interactive and informative sessions, Mike not only motivates his audiences, he provides them with a wealth of practical approaches, real-life examples and stories as well as hands-on techniques, all of which can be immediately applied to the audiences own personal and professional development. His speeches are designed to generate exceptional results – results well beyond those that could be expected from conventional sources.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]He is a dynamic speaker and he illustrates points from his own experiences and always seeks to be provocative and inspirational whilst using humour to add some fun to the occasion.[/expand]
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