The Leading Speakers Bureau

LVMH Senior Executive Vice President

Pierre Godé is adviser to the chief executive, Bernard Arnault, of LVMH and Dior, the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate. He has served as Member of the Board of Directors and Advisor to the Chairman of Christian Dior SA, Member of the Company’s Nominating and Compensation Committee, Chief Executive Officer of Arnault Group and the Chairman of the Corporate of Compensation and Benefits Committee.

“Pierre Godé is at the heart of today’s luxury industry”

[expand title=”In detail”] Pierre Godé began his career as a Lawyer admitted to the Lille bar (avocat au barreau de Lille) and has taught at the Lille and Nice University law faculties. He has served as Advisor to the Chairman of Groupe Arnault since 1986. He also holds several other mandates, including Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of Financiere Agache SA and Raspail Investissements SA, Chairman of Financiere Jean Goujon SAS and Groupe Arnault SAS, and Member of the Board of Directors of Christian Dior Couture SA, Societe Civile du Cheval Blanc, LVMH Moet Hennessy-Louis Vuitton Inc. and Sofidiv UK Ltd., Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of LVMH Moet Hennessy-Louis Vuitton SA, and Manager of Redeg SARL.
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[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations, Pierre Godé explains to audiences the importance of knowing what consumers are buying and what people want. He offers insights into his hands-on style and marketing prowess, while he places focus on experience and low-key leadership. Decision makers from all fields will benefit from his privileged position in the global marketplace, offering audiences a behind the scenes look at the inner workings of the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate.
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[expand title=”How he presents”]An experienced speaker, Pierre Godé’s presentations have been described as “captivating, entertaining and invaluable”. He is a sought-after speaker at events around the world.[/expand]

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Educational Reformer & Inspirational Figure, Founder of Dancing Classrooms

Pierre Dulaine is an acclaimed dancer and educator born in Jaffa, Palestine. He is the creator of the Dulaine Method of teaching dance, an educational pedagogy that puts an emphasis on respect, discipline, collaboration & social development. Using The Dulaine Method, he created Dancing Classrooms, a Social & Emotional Development Arts in Education Program for children that uses ballroom dance as a vehicle to change the lives of students, their families and even teachers. Using a combination of verbal and physical language, he has the ability to impart life skills that are often overlooked by traditional education.

“Dancer & Teacher extraordinaire” – New York Times

[expand title=”In detail”] An accomplished competition and show dancer, Pierre came to New York in 1972, soon met dance partner Yvonne Marceau, becoming 4-time Show Dance Champions of the world. In 1994, Pierre founded Dancing Classrooms, a non-profit social entrepreneurial endeavour. The success of the program in schools across New York City was parlayed into a documentary, Mad Hot Ballroom, which was followed up with the widespread theatrical release of Take The Lead featuring Antonio Banderas playing the role of Pierre. Since then, the program has been adopted in 31 cities in five countries around the world. Most recently, Pierre has worked with Israeli Palestinian and Israeli Jewish children, the result is a new documentary, Dancing In Jaffa.
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[expand title=”What he offers you”]Through his many experiences Pierre has a range of topics about which he can impart valuable lessons, from Leadership, to Education and even Conflict Resolution. Pierre has a step by step approach and amazing anecdotes that stimulate audiences and leaves them inspired to take action. His experience easily translates to valuable lessons that any organization can use to navigate the obstacles that make them less effective.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Multilingual by birth, Pierre’s highly personalised, interactive presentations are truly unique and engage audiences around the world. His message is simple – the transferable skills of social development are the linchpin of cooperative positive interactions amongst groups. His ability to overcome amazing challenges to gain consensus by being human make his presentations not only unique, but unforgettable.[/expand]

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Founder and President of the Lean Enterprise Institute

Dr James P. Womack is the Founder and President of the Lean Enterprise Institute SM, a non-profit educational and research organisation chartered in 1997 to advance a set of ideas known as lean production and lean thinking. At the Institute James is conducting a series of research activities to create a tool kit for decision makers of methods for implementing lean thinking in a wide range of industries. The Institute also sponsors a series of educational meetings through the year and helps people to apply lean thinking in entirely new applications such as health care, construction, and distribution.

[expand title=”In detail”] Dr. Womack received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Chicago in 1970, a master’s degree in transportation systems from Harvard in 1975, and a Ph.D. in political science from MIT in 1982 (for a dissertation on comparative industrial policy in the U.S., Germany, and Japan). During the period 1975-1991, Dr. Womack was a full-time research scientist at MIT directing a series of comparative studies of world manufacturing practices. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]The intellectual basis for the Institute is described in a series of volumes and articles co-authored by Dr. Womack over the past twenty years. The most widely known of these are The Machine That Changed the World, Lean Thinking, From Lean Production to the Lean Enterprise, Beyond Toyota: How to Root Out Waste and Pursue Perfection.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]James’ presentations are a mechanism for lean practitioners to discuss and solve problems and focus on how to implement lean thinking with the emphasis on change management and getting things done. An experienced speaker James is able to show executives how to sustain growth within their industry and increase the all important bottom line.[/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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Former England Rugby Union Player

Matt Dawson MBE is best known as a member of the World Cup winning 2003 England Rugby Union squad. With 77 caps under his belt, he is England’s most capped scrum half, captaining the side 9 times. Matt is a regular guest presenter on Five Live and has hosted a series of shows discussing a wide range of sports such as rugby and tennis. In 2011 he toured the UK with A Question of Sport Live as Team Captain which was a great success and Matt continues to appear on BBC1 on the much loved TV show A Question of Sport.

“Matt Dawson is an institution in the world of rugby.”

[expand title=”In detail”] Regarded as one of the more outspoken players, Matt is a favourite with the BBC’s rugby coverage and has had substantial experience in written journalism. In 2006 he took part in the BBC’s Celebrity Masterchef and won. Since then, Matt has further pursued his love for food by filming three new food based shows in 2011; Monster Munchies and Matt and Allegra’s Big Farm both for UK TV’s The Good Food channel and also Tesco’s The Real Food Family Cook Off for Channel 5. He has also used his creativity and knowledge by partnering the food brand Tulip to develop a range of fuller flavoured sausages, with more delicious additions in the pipeline for 2012. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Matt enjoys presenting the lessons he has learned from rugby and his other own life experiences, especially his competitive interests, and relates them to individual approaches, physical and mental training as well as development of career and personal life. Matt develops relevant presentations in his own style, equally effective at large team building exercises at a sales conference to strategic retreats and change management sessions. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A truly inspiring speaker, Matt tailors his presentations for different team and corporate scenarios, working with clients to achieve the goals and objectives of strategy meetings, seminars and conferences. [/expand]

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Leadership Expert and Author

Simon Sinek is described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect”. The author is best known for discovering and popularising his theory of the “Golden Circle,” a naturally occurring pattern grounded in the biology of human decision making and motivation. He leads the movement to inspire people to do the things that inspire them. He writes, consults and speaks all over the world about the power of Why – the purpose that drives every one of us.

“I try to find, celebrate and teach leaders how to build platforms that will inspire others”

[expand title=”In detail”] A trained ethnographer, Simon has a curiosity for why people and organisations do the things they do. Fascinated by the leaders and companies that make the greatest impact in the world, he has discovered some remarkable patterns of how they think, act and communicate. Simon is a member of the RAND Corporation; one of the most highly regarded Think Tanks in the world and teaches Strategic Communication at Columbia University. He frequently writes for The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek amongst others. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Simon shares his unconventional and innovative views on business and leadership. He shares the remarkable patterns of some unique leaders with his audiences in order to inspire positive and effective actions in organisations. His thoughts have attracted international attention and have earned him invitations to meet with business leaders and organisations around the globe. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]His real-live stories and out of the box thinking make Simon Sinek a highly sought after speaker at conferences worldwide. [/expand]

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Secretary-General of UNCTAD(The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development)

In September 2005 Supachai Panitchpakdi took office as the Secretary-General of UNCTAD. In this position he works closely with member Governments to promote the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy. UNCTAD has progressively evolved into an authoritative knowledge-based institution whose work aims to help shape current policy debates and thinking on sustainable development around the globe.

Leading authority on developing new markets and globally renowned economist

[expand title=”In detail”] Dr Panitchpakdi has served as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand. In 2000 he received the prestigious Nikkei Asia Prize for his achievements in national growth and the Royal Decoration of “Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant” . He has been actively involved in international trade throughout his career and in 2002 he was appointed director general of the World Trade Organization.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Dr Panitchpakdi carefully explains in his seminars the importance of international co-operation through sub-regional, regional and global frameworks. He shows audiences how to successfully conduct inter-national trade negotiations and how to develop new markets. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A balanced and informative speaker, Dr Panitchpakdi’s presentations are filled with hard facts and real life examples presented in a clear and precise way.[/expand]

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Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Service Management at the Harvard Business School

Professor Frances Frei is the Senior Associate Dean, Director of Faculty Planning and Recruiting and UPS Foundation Professor of Service Management at Harvard Business School. Her research investigates how organisations can more effectively design service excellence and has been published in top-tier journals such as Management Science and Harvard Business Review. She serves on the boards of advisors of several private companies.

“She describes her deepest calling as helping leaders to remove the “pebbles” that can grow into obstacles to performance”

[expand title=”In detail”] Frances received her PhD in operations and information management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She holds an ME in industrial engineering from Pennsylvania State University, and a BA in mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania. She has published dozens of case studies across a variety of industries, including financial services, government, retail, telecommunications, software and hospitality. These cases include Zipcar, eBay, Southwest Airlines, Tiffany’s, Houston Rockets, Commerce Bank, Progressive Insurance, Orient Express Hotels and Zappos, among others.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Frances advises organisations seeking to create greater value through their service experiences. Her advisory work focuses on helping companies to make strategic choices that allow them to profitably differentiate on service. She is celebrated for her ability to engage audiences and give organisations the insight and tools to dramatically improve performance.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A highly sought-after speaker and advisor, Frances brings a level of wisdom and authenticity to conversations that compels audiences to action. [/expand]

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Former CEO of Dyson

Martin McCourt is the former CEO of Dyson. As CEO of Dyson for 15 years, he led the business from niche vacuum cleaner maker to a global brand with an extensive product line. Having worked closely alongside James Dyson, Martin was named Orange Business Leader of the Year and he is now a Director at Montagu Associates advising them on the manufacturing sector. He is Chairman of three of its portfolio companies: CAP, the market leading automotive intelligence company that provides data related to used car values, CliniSys, a pan-European supplier of IT systems to clinical laboratories and D.O.R.C. a leading provider of innovative instruments and equipment for ophthalmic surgery.

“2010 Orange Business Leader of the Year”

[expand title=”In detail”] Originally working in sales and marketing for brands including Duracell and Mars, Martin was drafted in by James Dyson to expand the company and drive it towards market dominance. Martin was given control of the commercial side of the business leaving James to focus on the design, engineering and innovation aspects. Alongside the marketing and brand side, Martin transferred manufacturing to Asia and expanded into new global markets. On his departure, Dyson turnover had exceeded £1bn and the business was a brand leader around the world, including in the US.
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[expand title=”What he offers you”]Martin demonstrates to audiences the importance of innovation, the role of leadership, and the differences (and similarities) between large and small businesses. He looks at growing a business in challenging times, expanding overseas, and the importance of manufacturing and export to the UK economy.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]His informative and unconventional presentations make Martin McCourt a sought-after commentator at conferences around the globe.[/expand]

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Former CEO of Southwest & Braniff Airlines

Howard Putnam is the former CEO of Southwest and Braniff Airlines and Group VP Marketing for United Airlines. He is the author of “The Winds of Turbulence” on leadership and ethics. Harvard University wrote a case study on his experiences at Braniff, “The Ethics of Bankruptcy” as a model as to how to handle stakeholders in crisis. He has also been an entrepreneur, serving as Chairman of a startup investment company and two small manufacturing and distribution companies.

Howard Putnam will get your organization and you “Up To Speed”

[expand title=”In detail”] Howard entered the airline business for Capital Airlines at age 17. Capital was soon merged into United and Howard held thirteen different positions before being named Group Vice President of Marketing for United Airlines in 1976. In 1978 he became President and CEO of fledgling Southwest Airlines in Dallas, TX. Howard led the visioning process at Southwest as well as further developing the “fun” culture and excellent customer service that South is still known for today. In 1981, Howard was recruited by the board of directors of Braniff International to come aboard as CEO and save and/or restructure the financially failing airline. He was the first airline CEO to successfully take a major carrier into, through and out of chapter 11. Braniff flew again in 1984.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Howard is an accomplished business and motivational speaker as well as an author, consultant, commentator and online mentor. In his presentations he shares his experiences on Leadership, Customer Service, Change, Transformation and Ethics and shows decision makers how to recognise the opportunities and deal with the challenges businesses face today in order to get up to speed. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Howard’s presentations are delivered with self-effacing humor that everyone can relate to. His insights into his successes and experiences are invigorating and thought provoking.[/expand]

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