The Leading Speakers Bureau

Technology Entrepreneur & Founder of Scramblr

Jane Young is a technology entrepreneur and founder of Scramblr, a platform that enables creative teams to set up their own online studios. Prior to this she founded London-based boutique digital agency Kanbee, delivering online and film projects. Jane is also a blogger at resonanceblog.com. Jane is a social business consultant, taking organisations on a journey from fragmented or non-existent social media presence and fear of losing control, to long-term commitment to a clear social strategy that looks beyond social media, to becoming a social business.

“One of the World’s First ‘Social Business Engineers’.”

[expand title=”In detail”] Jane has worked with brands like Dixons, Currys, PC World, Vodafone, Wildfire Word of Mouth, Grey and P&G – redefining what it means to do business in the 21st century, embarking on a journey of infrastructure, culture and process change, to cope with the always-on, real-time demands of today’s social customer.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Jane has a fresh and powerful vision of the future of communications. She helps her audience see past the jargon, hype and worms’ eye view of social media tools, to a bigger picture of how to drive growth in the 21st century; looking at how we can solve age-old business problems using new knowledge and capabilities.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Jane embraces challenge and presents in an optimistic and energetic style that engages her audiences.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Technology, Urbanization and Education Advisor

Ayesha Khanna is an education, technology and urbanization expert with over 15 years of experience in product and service innovation and human capital development. She is Chairman of Technology Quotient, a company that operates technology platforms to train skills and facilitate job creation. She is also the Founding CEO of The Academy, an innovative enrichment hub. Previously, she co-founded the Hybrid Reality Institute, a research and advisory group that analysed emerging technologies and their social, economic and political implications.

“A leading expert on our intelligent future”

[expand title=”In detail”] Ayesha advises companies and governments on smart city related strategies and investments, most recently focusing on education and innovation hubs. Her clients among others have been: JP Morgan, AIG, DTCC and Bank of America. She has a BA in Economics from Harvard University, an MS in Operations Research from Columbia University and is completing her PhD at the London School of Economics. She directed the Future Cities Group at the London School of Economics and has been a Faculty Advisor at Singularity University. [/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Ayesha’s vast expertise on the intersection of technology, business and education helps audiences understand what is to come in the future. She shares with audiences how technologies disrupt and transform society, business and government.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Ayesha sees the world with a different set of eyes and she is very practical in putting new ideas into practice. Her unique background and experience allow her to engage her audience. [/expand]

Continue Reading »

Global Thought Leader

Rachel Botsman is regarded as the global thought leader on the power of collaboration and sharing through digital technologies to transform the way we live, work, bank and consume. Rachel is designing the first-ever MBA course on the collaborative economy that she will teach at Oxford University Said School of Business in 2015. She is an associate editor for WIRED UK and has a monthly tech trends column in the Australian Financial Review.

“The global thought leader on the collaborative economy”

[expand title=”In detail”] Rachel’s writings and research have featured in the Harvard Business Review, The Economist, CNN, New York Times, The Guardian, The Financial Times, and other publications. E magazine subsequently named Collaborative Consumption one of the ’10 Ideas that Will Change the World’. Rachel was previously a founding partner in the Collaborative Fund, an early stage investor in disruptive ventures, and a former director at President Clinton’s Foundation. Rachel received her BFA (Honors) from the University of Oxford, and undertook her postgraduate studies at Harvard University.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Rachel believes that enduring ideas that can be widely used by people across industries should be grounded in clear frameworks that make complex theories simple. She has spoken to and advised a diverse range of companies on the power of the collaborative economy as lens to view challenges and unlock new opportunities in the world.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Rachel is a dynamic, humorous and thought-provoking speaker who is popular at events all over the world.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Entrepreneur & CEO of Love Home Swap

Debbie Wosskow is an entrepreneur, investor and sharing economy expert. CEO of leading peer-to-peer travel club, Love Home Swap, Debbie is also the founder of the influential Collaborative Consumption Europe networkand led the UK government’s recent review of the Sharing Economy.

“A serial entrepreneur”

[expand title=”In detail”] A former management consultant, Debbie launched her first business, marketing and communications consultancy Mantra, at the age of just 25. Building Mantra over a decade, Debbie sold to the Loewy Group. In addition to her role as CEO of Love Home Swap, Debbie is an active angel investor and sits on a number of advisory boards, as well as being a trustee of Hampstead Theatre. Debbie is a regular commentator on travel, collaborative consumption and entrepreneurship on TV and in print. She graduated with an MA in Philosophy and Theology from New College, Oxford University.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Debbie shares with her audiences her research on the social and economic potential of the sharing economy (including property sharing, time and skill sharing, shared transport and personal items) and offers recommendations on how this potential can be reached. She also looks into the risks to consumers, or established businesses outside the sharing economy.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Debbie Wosskow is a charming, professional speaker whose presentations are interactive, entertaining and highly informative.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

UK Prime Minister’s Adviser on the Digital Economy

Baroness Joanna Shields OBE is a leading technology industry executive, entrepreneur and currently serves as UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s Digital Adviser. Baroness Shields has developed and grown some of the world’s best known technology companies including holding the positions of Vice President and Managing Director of Facebook EMEA, President of Peoples Networks at AOL, CEO of Bebo and Managing Director of Google EMEA and Russia. As well as Joanna’s position in government, she is a Non-Executive Director of the London Stock Exchange and Chair of Tech City UK.

“World Leading Expert on Digital Economy”

[expand title=”In detail”] Joanna Shields was ranked number one on the Wired top 100 in 2011 and in February 2013 named to the list of the 100 most powerful women in the UK. In July of the same year Computer weekly named Joanna ‘The Most Influential Woman in UK IT’. She is an Anglo –American who moved over from the Silicon Valley of California to London at the turn of the millennium. Following senior roles within EFI, Real Networks, Google, Bebo, AOL and Facebook, she received the British Interactive Media Association’s Lifetime Achievement award in July 2013.
In 2014 she was appointed OBE for “services to digital industries and voluntary service to young people”.
[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Joanna Shields works across all her roles to promote organisations, skills and causes which improve our lives using technology. This thread unites all of her work across government and business. She firmly believes that technology companies can power economic development and by establishing a new paradigm of international cooperation and collaboration between governments, industry, NGOs and experts and creating an atmosphere of willingness; we can make real change and improve lives.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Joanna Shields sees the world with a different set of eyes and she is very practical in putting new ideas into practice. Her high content tailored presentations are always well received and delivered in her highly professional style. [/expand]

Continue Reading »

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]

Continue Reading »

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.
[/expand]

[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]

Continue Reading »

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.
[/expand]

Continue Reading »

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]

Continue Reading »

Groundbreaking Athlete, Fashion Icon, Design Innovator and Model

A record-breaker at the Paralympic Games in 1996, Aimee Mullins has built a career as a model, actor and advocate for women, sports and the next generation of prosthetics. Aimee was born without fibulae and doctors amputated both her legs. Defying all predictions she became the first woman with a disability to compete in the NCAA and went to set world records in the 100 meter, the 200 meter and the long jump.

“Adversity isn’t an obstacle that we need to get around in order to resume living our life. It’s part of our life”

[expand title=”In detail”] Aimee studied History and Diplomacy at Georgetown University. As a model she graced some of the most respected magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and Rolling Stones. She travelled the world and spoke at renowned conferences where she created a deep interest in body image, fashion advertising and the opportunity of adversity. People Magazine named her “One of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World”. Aimee actively assists numerous non- profit organisations and is a founding member of the leadership board to SPIRE Institute, the world’s largest athletic development center. [/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]In her presentations Aimee reveals what is possible. She shows how we can adapt our mindsets, so that adversity and change are not to be dreaded but welcome as exciting parts of our lives. She also shares her experience of creating the rules to success by explaining some of the critical decisions she faced in her life. [/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Her highly personalised interactive presentations and free ranging question and answer sessions are truly unique and engage audiences around the world. [/expand]

Continue Reading »