The Leading Speakers Bureau

Renowned Conductor

Itay Talgam is a prominent and internationally renowned Israeli orchestral conductor. He is also a speaker and workshop leader who believes that, in the orchestra as in the work place, music has the power to create community and reinforce shared values. Music embodies knowledge and innovation, individual effort and collective achievement, and offers a work-environment that is full of opportunities for excellence and self-actualization – same as any. successful business.

“After a decade-long conducting career in his native Israel, Itay has reinvented himself as a conductor of people in business”

[expand title=”In detail”] Itay Talgam received his Artist Diploma in conducting from the Jerusalem Rubin Academy and studied General Philosophy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, winning his degree “Cum Laude”. His International Conductor’s Debut took place in 1987, when he was chosen by Leonard Bernstein to perform in a special concert with the Orchestre de Paris. Since that highly successful performance, Talgam conducted many orchestras in Europe – being the first Israeli conductor to perform with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra and with the Leipzig Opera house. He also performed in the United States, and, naturally, conducted and recorded many times with all of Israel’s major orchestras, including the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Israeli Opera, Jerusalem Symphony, and the Israel Chamber Orchestra.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Itay Talgam finds metaphors for organizational behaviour – and models for inspired leadership – within the workings of the symphony orchestra. Imagining music as a model for all spheres of human creativity, from the classroom to the boardroom, he has created the Maestro Program of seminars and keynote speeches that aim to help everyday people develop a musician’s sense of collaboration, and a conductor’s sense of leadership. He expertly transfers his knowledge to corporations that need to manage creativity and innovation in the company.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Using a range of innovative techniques, Itay’s energetic and thought-provoking speeches challenge standard thinking and offer participants a fresh perspective on a range of organizational issues and work styles.[/expand]
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Chairman of the board and CEO of Conservation International

Peter A. Seligmann is one of today’s most dynamic leaders in the global conservation movement, where he has brought innovation and action to the forefront of biodiversity protection for more than 25 years. In 1987, he co-founded Conservation International, and as Chairman and CEO he has positioned CI at the cutting edge of conservation, creating lasting solutions to biodiversity and sustainable development challenges.

[expand title=”In detail”] Seligmann holds a masters degree from Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Science and an honorary Doctorate in Science from Michigan State University. In 2001, he was awarded the Order of the Golden Ark from the Netherlands. Seligmann serves on the board of the Wild Salmon Center in Portland, Oregon, and the Mayor’s Environmental Council in Washington, D.C. He also serves on several corporate boards, as well as on the advisory councils of the Jackson Hole Land Trust, Ecotrust and other not-for-profit organizations, including the Japanese Keidanren’s Nature Conservation Fund. In 2000, President Clinton named him a member of the Enterprise for the Americas Board.

Seligmann’s work has been featured by ABC’s “Nightline,” CNN and Fortune Magazine. A strong advocate of building partnerships, Seligmann has forged groundbreaking joint projects between the environmental community and other sectors, including government and industry. In 1998, CI established the Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, and in 2001, the Center for Environmental Leadership in Business. In 2000, CI launched the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund in collaboration with the World Bank and the MacArthur Foundation.

Under Seligmann’s leadership, CI has pioneered conservation tools that are economically sound, scientifically based and culturally sensitive. He has guided CI to become a major international conservation leader, with field offices in more than 30 countries, and major influences in science and business. [/expand]
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Hostages Negotiator, Leadership Speaker, Humanitarian and Author

Terry Waite has led a remarkable life as a diplomat and a humanitarian. A world-renowned agent of peace, he is a testament to the power and resilience of the human spirit. Long devoted to humanitarian causes, inter-cultural relations, and conflict resolution, Waite garnered international recognition in the 1980s when, serving as a special envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury, he successfully negotiated the release of hostages in Iran and Libya.

‘He touched our hearts, our minds, our souls’ Augustana College

[expand title=”In detail”] In 1987, while negotiating the release of hostages in Beirut, Waite was himself taken hostage. In captivity for 1,763 days (four years of which were in solitary confinement), he was chained to a wall, often left in darkness, beaten and subjected to mock executions. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his lectures, Waite gives audiences a perspective of world affairs founded on open communication, cooperation and a deep understanding of diverse cultures.
There has been a particular interest in the lectures he has delivered relating his experiences as a negotiator and hostage to the pressures faced by executives and managers.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Stress, loneliness and negotiating under acute pressure are but some of the issues with which he has unique experience, and his ability to communicate clearly and with a good humour has placed him in constant demand as a speaker not only to the business community, but also to professionals in social work, education, medicine, and religious groups.[/expand]
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Founder of dm-drugstores, Entrepreneur of the Year 2008

Götz Werner is one of the most outstanding managers in the German retail industry. He is founder, shareholder and board member of the dm-drugstore and was the CEO for 35 years. The company has shops in 11 European countries and the company philosophy has a holistic approach. He is considered a humanist and an anthroposophist and was named “Waldorf-Discounter” by Manager Magazine.

“One of Europe’s most successful holistic entrepreneurs”

[expand title=”In detail”] From 2003 to 2010 Mr. Werner headed the Interdisciplinary Institute for Entrepreneurship at the University of Karlsruhe. He also founded the “Unternimm die Zukunft” Initiative and is a board member of GLS Bank. In 2010 he donated his shares to a charity organisation. In 2004 Mr. Werner received the Innovation Award for Education, in 2005 he received the Manager Award from the German Association of Entrepreneurs (BDU) and Ernst & Young named him Entrepreneur of the Year 2008. The same year Mr. Werner received the German Federal Cross of Merit and received the German Trade Award in 2010.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Götz Werner explains the importance of sustainability as part of the business culture. He also describes his concepts for the future in which the person is the key for success. He thinks that business, the environment and social issues have to go hand in hand to ensure a sustainable and successful future.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]His success and charisma make Götz Werner a highly sought after speaker at national and international conferences.[/expand]
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Manager of FC Bayern Munich, Entrepreneur

Uli Hoeness is without a doubt a visionary and a leading personality in the world of football. After 239 Bundesliga games and 86 goals he became, at the age of 27, manager of FC Bayern Munich. As a committee member of the DFB for some years now, he is well-known as a major driving force behind the German Bundesliga. He is also a business entrepreneur, as founder and owner of the HOWE delicatessen firm.

In his presentations Uli Hoeness demonstrates the importance of teamwork, leadership and coaching. He shows decision makers how to maximise their potential to achieve outstanding results through inspiration and motivation.

[expand title=”In detail”] As an enthusiastic footballer, Uli began his career in 1970 as a professional player for FC Bayern. As a former national player, winner of both national and international titles including the World Cup in 1974, Uli became manager of FC Bayern in 1979. Currently he is the Deputy Chairman of FC Bayern and responsible for all matters concerning the team players, the junior team and the securing of sponsorship.

Along side his career as a top football manager Uli Hoeness also founded with his business partner, the sausage factory HOWE with its famous speciality: the famous Nürnberger Sausage. These sausages are successfully sold on a world-wide base. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Uli Hoeness is a regular contributor to a number of best-selling magazines and a sought-after talk show guest. Drawing on his experiences both in football and business, Uli is in great demand by organisations eager to benefit from his ability to motivate. [/expand]
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Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership (1993-2007

Sir Stuart Hampson is a highly regarded businessman was chairman of the John Lewis Partnership for 14 years until his retirement in 2007 having joined them after a twelve-year career in the Civil Service. He is currently President of the Employee Ownership Association, leads the Business in the Community Economic Regeneration team and is one of the Prince of Wales’ Ambassadors in this field.

“One of the longest serving and most successful leaders of a blue-chip company”

[expand title=”In detail”] A founding deputy chairman of London First and past President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (2005/06), he is President of the Employee Ownership Association and continues to champion the benefits of employee engagement in business. Sir Stuart chaired the team tackling Economic Renewal in deprived communities, and he is one of the Prince of Wales’s Ambassadors in this area. He has been a member of the Corporate Leaders Group pressing the government for stronger action on climate change. He was made a Knight Bachelor for services to retailing in 1998.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]A popular and likeable businessman, Sir Stuart Hampson presided over a courageous programme of modernisation and all without sacrificing the partnership ethos and principles that were embodied in its 1929 constitution co-ownership and the happiness of its staff. He provides insights into how JLP’s success came from a host of improvements made by 68,000 people who are motivated to deliver outstanding customer service, which translates into profits that feed back to staff.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]At a time of such economic uncertainty Sir Stuart Hampson delivers a positive outlook on how to sustain a beneficial impact in the challenging conditions we all face. His high content presentations are enriched with useful anecdotes and his style of delivery is relaxed but authoritative combined with humour and warmth.[/expand]
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Ex-CEO of Jägermeister and Adviser for Entrepreneurs

Hasso Kaempfe is the ex-CEO of Jägermeister and adviser to entrepreneurs. He started as a speaker for Jägermeister and was then a member of the Board of Directors responsible for marketing, PR, production, human resources and law issues. He currently advises family companies, and is a senior adviser to the Swedish financial investors EQT. He also helps young entrepreneurs to be successful in the brand industry.

“One of Germany’s leading brand experts”

[expand title=”In detail”] Dr. Kaempfe started in 1982 as the in-house lawyer and later the chief legal adviser of Tchibo Holding AG. At the same time he was a lawyer for the court of Hamburg. In 1989 he was appointed member of the Board of Directors of Tchibo Frisch Röst Kaffee GmbH in Hamburg. Since 2004 he has been also member of the Board of Directors of Markenverbandes and until 2007 he was also a member of the Board of Directorsof Nord/LB inne.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Dr. Kaempfe’s extensive experience of managing in the most challenging circumstances and his experience in branding and strategies at the highest level make him ideally positioned to inspire today’s business leaders about strategic planning, effective leadership and branding.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A distinguished speaker, Dr. Kaempfe is an excellent communicator, captivating audiences with his experiences and sharing his insight on effective branding and entrepreneurship. His presentations are always peppered with his characteristic humour.[/expand]
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Former President of Goldman Sachs

John Thornton is Professor and Director of Global Leadership at Tsinghua University in Beijing. He is a former President and Co-COO of Goldman Sachs. In 1983, Thornton founded and developed Goldman Sachs’ European mergers and acquisitions business. He served as co-CEO of Goldman Sachs International in London from 1995 to 1996 and was Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asia from 1996 to 1998. Mr Thornton is a director of Intel, Pacific Century Group, Ford Motor Company, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and News Corporation. He is also Chairman of the Board of The Brookings Institution.

“If I can contribute to the way China evolves and how that relates to the outside world and the US, that would be a good thing”

[expand title=”In detail”] Mr Thornton earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard College, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oxford University, and a master’s degree from Yale School of Management. Mr. Thornton joined Goldman Sachs in 1980 in the Mergers Department. He became a partner in 1988 and co-chief executive officer of Goldman Sachs International in 1995. He was named president and co-chief operating officer of Goldman Sachs in 1999.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations John Thornton explains his decision to leave Wall Street and teach the Chinese elite at Tsinghua University in Beijing. He also offers audiences an insider’s view of the future of China and the vast opportunities that Asia presents to companies wishing to expand their international operations.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An accomplished teacher, Mr Thornton’s invigorating presentations are immaculately prepared and tailored to fit individual client’s needs.[/expand]
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Strategy Implementation Specialist & CEO of Bridges Business Consultancy

Robin Speculand is a strategy implementation specialist and the CEO of Bridges Business Consultancy Int., which specialises in making strategy come alive. His work has been featured on media channels such as the BBC Global, the Financial Times and various other TV, radio and business magazines. Based in Asia-Pacific since 1989, Robin has lived and worked in the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, Macau and Hong Kong.

“Robin is a specialist in the implementation of strategies in organisations.”

[expand title=”In detail”] Before founding Bridges, he was Asia Pacific Regional Vice President for Citigroup. He holds an MBA from the National University of Singapore. Robin is the founder and president of Business Roundtable for Innovative Management, a Singapore-based management think tank and a founding member of Asia Speakers Association. He has worked with management teams worldwide.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Robin is a senior advisor to boards and management teams and an internationally renowned keynote speaker and sought-after facilitator. He demonstrates how strategies can be developed to benefit from globalisation.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Robin has gained a reputation as a masterful event facilitator, brilliant raconteur as well as an engaging and knowledgeable keynote speaker. In his tailored and well researched presentations he includes invaluable advice on successfully implementing strategies by “making your strategy come alive and turning it on”. [/expand]
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Human Resource Development Specialist, Mountaineer

Lene Gammelgaard is a psychotherapist and a lawyer. She was the first Scandinavian woman to climb Everest, a success overshadowed by eight team members’ deaths, yet her story of survival and accomplishment is riveting. Cofounder of several drug treatment centres; she also founded a consulting business, focusing on human resource development.

‘We must adjust to life as life will not adjust to us.’
Lene Gammelgaard

[expand title=”In detail”] A writer and therapist, she uses the outdoors as a learning environment for her human resource development studies. Based in Denmark, she also pursues her HR studies as a PhD researcher for the University of Edinburgh.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]A truth seeking person, she reveals how to improve your success rate by looking at the interrelationship between success and failure. Although driven by discovery in a much explored world she shows you the benefits of any discovery being new to you.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]With a balance of passion and realism she animates her adventures and subsequent studies.[/expand]
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