The Leading Speakers Bureau

Author of ‘When China Rules the World’, Senior Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics IDEAS

Martin Jacques is a writer, columnist, broadcaster and visiting senior fellow at the London School of Economics, IDEAS, a centre for the study of international affairs, diplomacy and grand strategy, and a visiting research fellow at the LSE’s Asia Research Centre. He is a columnist for the Guardian and the New Statesman.

“Culture is the key for understanding China” Martin Jacques


[expand title=”In detail”] Martin Jacques was editor of the highly respected journal Marxism Today from 1977 until its closure in 1991. He was founder of the UK think-tank Demos, has been a columnist for The Times and the Sunday Times and was deputy editor of the Independent. He has made many television programmes for the BBC including writing and presenting Italy on Trial (1993), The Incredible Shrinking Politicians (1993), a two-part series on The End of the Western World (1996) and Proud to be Chinese (1998). He was co-presenter of the Knowledge on Channel Four. He has recently been a visiting professor at Remnin University, Beijing, the International Centre for Chinese Studies, Aichi University and at Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, and was a senior visiting Research Fellow at the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore.
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[expand title=”What he offers you”]Having written extensively for many newspapers and magazines in the UK and elsewhere (he has also been a regular contributor on BBC Newsnight, Channel Four News, Week in Politics, Westminster Programme, Any Questions, Today Programme, The World Tonight et al) and having travelled extensively in East Asia over the past fifteen years, Martin Jacques is a leading authority on Asian who offers deeply considered, influential political commentary on numerous Asian and global issues. His presentations are full of historical understanding and realism and are about more than China.
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[expand title=”How he presents”]The author of one of the best and most serious studies of China, Martin Jacques’ highly sought after presentations open our eyes to matters in Asia, from a unique and studied viewpoint.[/expand]

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Virtual Magician and Techno Illusionist

Adventurer, Scientist, Showman, Dreamer and Hero… there is no one quite like Virtual Magician and High Tech Poet, Marco Tempest. His imaginative combination of computer-generated imagery, video, music and stagecraft with his unique vision of future life is creatively unique and unequalled within the performing arts. For years, Marco’s masterful blend of digital media and magic has enabled audiences to glimpse the future before technology gets there.

“Always out there exploring new frontiers, one step ahead of the rest of us”

[expand title=”In detail”] Marco began performing when he was very young. At the age of 22 he had captured the prestigious New York World Cup of Magic, launching him into international prominence and following that he has been featured in his own theatrical shows and as part of numerous television specials around the world. Marco’s’ award winning TV series The Virtual Magician is currently airing in more than 48 countries. His talent has been recognised with a number of prestigious international awards. He is the winner of the 2009 World Magic Award for Best Contemporary Magic and he has been invited as a visionary presenter to the Seoul Digital Forum and the TEDxTokyo conference.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]No one else combines the incredible technical savvy with the showmanship, the physical skills and the charisma of Marco Tempest. In the business world, leaders from all industries have found Marco’s work to be the perfect way to present their newest products and innovations. His work is also constantly changing: as new technologies envolve, he finds captivating ways of turning those advances into compelling illusions. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Marco Tempest seems to have an uncanny sense of what would be just right for a given situation. Always working to stay just a bit ahead of the curve himself, he has a particularly winning way of taking his audiences with him on his magical excursions into the land of tomorrow. It is always wise to expect the unexpected.[/expand]

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Online Pioneer and Veteran Philanthropist

Larry Brilliant is executive director of google.org, an online pioneer and a veteran philanthropist. A self-described social change “addict”, Larry recently won the prestigious TEDPrize. Board-certified in preventive medicine and public health, he helped lead the successful WHO smallpox-eradication program and later founded the Seva Foundation, an international health non-profit that’s restored sight to more than two million blind people. Larry spends most of his time travelling to remote areas of the globe to evaluate current Google.org initiatives and identify potential opportunities and partnerships.

“If Larry Brilliant’s life were a film, critics would pan the plot as implausible.” WIRED

[expand title=”In detail”] Trained as a doctor, Larry lived in India for 10 years — first at a Himalayan monastery, and later as a diplomat working for the UN. Time and Wired magazines called Larry a “technology visionary.” He received an honorary Doctor of Science from Knox College and has been awarded numerous other honours including “International Public Health Hero” from University of California.
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[expand title=”What he offers you”]Dr. Brilliant has spent his career solving the ills of today and building technologies of the future. In his presentations, he delivers multiple perspectives: those of a physician, a former CEO, a technologist, and now as executive director of Google.org, he’s redefining how we solve the world’s biggest problems.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Energy and dynamism combine effortlessly with his compelling messages. His audiences are left both challenged and enthused.[/expand]

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Internationally Recognised Expert on Creativity and Human Resources

Sir Ken Robinson, PhD is an internationally recognised leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resources. He has worked with governments in Europe, Asia and the USA, with international agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and currently works with many groups and organisations around the world that are designing more creative and holistic approaches in education, culture and business.

“If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original”

[expand title=”In detail”] Sir Ken led a national commission on creativity, education and the economy for the UK Government. ‘All Our Futures: Creativity, Culture and Education’ (The Robinson Report) was published to wide acclaim in 1999. He was the central figure in developing a strategy for creative and economic development as part of the Peace Process in Northern Ireland, working with the ministers for training, education enterprise and culture. He was one of four international advisors to the Singapore Government for its strategy to become the creative hub of South East Asia.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]His vision and expertise is sought by businesses that recognise the urgent need to promote stronger powers of creativity, communication and innovation within their company. Sir Ken also challenges the way we’re educating our children. He champions a radical rethink of our school systems, to cultivate creativity and acknowledge multiple types of intelligence.
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[expand title=”How he presents”]His presentations are designed individually and his style of delivery is unique and inspirational.[/expand]

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Chilean-American Acclaimed Novelist

Isabel Allende is an internationally acclaimed author considered to be part of the Latin American feminist literary awakening. Born in Lima, Peru, she grew up in Chile and travelled around the world as the daughter of a Chilean diplomat. She is best known for her epic and highly autobiographical novel ‘The House of Spirits’, which was later released as a motion picture in 1993.

“A genius” The Los Angeles Times

[expand title=”In detail”] Isabel Allende worked with the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization in Santiago, then later in Brussels, Belgium, and in Europe. For a brief period in Chile, she also had a job translating Romance novels from English to Spanish. Reportedly, the CIA-backed military coup in 1973 “changed everything” for her because “her name meant she was caught up in finding safe passage for those on the wanted lists”. In 2006, she was one of the eight flag bearers at the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. Her novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 51 million copies.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Isabel has lectured, done extensive book tours and has taught literature at several US colleges. In her writing, Allende deals with politics, history, and social institutions in a way that is all but passive. [/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Isabel’s presentations give fascinating insights into how she is guided by a vision of a world in which women have achieved social and economic justice. This vision includes empowerment of women and girls and protection of women and children. [/expand]

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Entrepreneur and Businessman

Doug Richard is a successful entrepreneur, and active angel investor, with over 25 years’ experience in the development and leadership of high technology and software ventures. Doug featured in the first two TV series of Dragons’ Den. In his time he has started, grown and sold 4 companies, run a NASDAQ listed public software company, invested in over 20 startups, invested over US$120Million into high tech companies in the UK as an institutional investor and taught over 10,000 people how to start their own company through his social Enterprise School for Startups.

“Entrepreneurship can be taught and must be learned”

[expand title=”In detail”] Doug was Chairman of the Conservative Party Small Business Task Force, and is non-executive Director of BrightPearl Software Love2scoot. He was President and CEO of Micrografx. Prior to that he also founded and subsequently sold two other companies: Visual Software and ITAL Computers. In 2006 he was the first American to receive The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion; in 2007 he became a fellow of the RSA. In 2009 Doug received an Honorary Doctorate of the University of Essex for his contribution to entrepreneurship education. In 2010 he was awarded Enterprise Educator of the Year. From 2010 he has been a guest lecturer on Entrepreneurship at Cambridge University. Doug holds a BA in Psychology from University of California at Berkeley and a Juris Doctor at the school of Law, University of California at Los Angeles[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Doug has always been a champion for startups and small businesses and is dedicated to helping many entrepre¬neurs to start better, more profitable businesses. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An outstanding storyteller, Doug’s speeches are a combination of excellent humour, raconteur timing and invaluable business insights which make him a highly sought after speaker.[/expand]

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Author of ‘Grown Up Digital’ and Co-author of ‘Wikinomics’

Don Tapscott is a thought leader on the strategic value and impact of information technology. He has authored or co-authored thirteen widely read books on technology and business. His book, ‘Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything’ is an international bestseller, has appeared on the New York Times and BusinessWeek bestseller lists, and has been translated into 19 languages. The Washington Technology Report called him one of the most influential media authorities since Marshall McLuhan.

In 2009 Thinkers 50, the global ranking of management gurus, placed him among the list of most influential thinkers.

[expand title=”In detail”] Don Tapscott holds a B.Sc. in Psychology and Statistics, an M.Ed. specializing in Research Methodology, and two Doctor of Laws (Hon) granted from the University of Alberta and from Trent University. He served as founder and chairman of the international think tank New Paradigm before its acquisition by nGenera. He is Chairman of nGenera Insight and an Adjunct Professor of Management at the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. He is interviewed and quoted widely in the broadcast media including CNN, NBC, CBS and the BBC and is a Fellow of the World Economic Forum. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Don Tapscott consistently identifies and explains the next business imperatives and defines the business models and strategies that the new imperatives require. He explores how the first generation to grow up with the net is redefining today’s workplace, marketplace, schools, family and government – how they learn and work and what power and influence they hold. This is an indispensable message for all organizations that seek to turn the NetGen’s talents and worldview to competitive advantage.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An enthralling, brilliant and inspiring orator, Don is often described by customers as the most effective speaker they have ever had.[/expand]

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Adventurer, Author, Entrepreneur & TV Presenter

Debra Searle is a hugely popular motivational speaker and conference facilitator. The media worldwide went crazy for the story of the 5ft 5″ young lady who carried on rowing the Atlantic solo when her husband, a 6 ft 5″ experienced oarsman, left the boat after developing an uncontrollable fear of the ocean. Yet, she dared to believe and 111 days later she rowed into Port St Charles, Barbados, to a rapturous welcome. She set out in January 2010 to compete in the Ladies Cup of the 2010 Rally Monte Carlo Historique.

“Britain’s latest sporting heroine” – The Times

[expand title=”In detail”] Debra Searle has achieved more than most people would dream of achieving in a lifetime: a first class honours degree, medals at World Championship level with the Great Britain Dragon Boat Team, entrepreneurial success with the launch of her online art consultancy ‘The Well Hung Art Company’, had her first book published, successfully rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean and has received an MBE from the Queen. Her ease in front of the camera, drive and enthusiasm has led to a number of presenting opportunities. She has recently completed work for BBC Grandstand, CBBC Education, was the subject of a documentary for BBC Extreme Lives and presented a 1-hour ITV documentary on the Southampton Boat Show.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Debra’s overwhelming ‘positivity’ and ‘go for it’ attitude are contagious, while her modesty is endearing. Often very emotive, she shares her highs and lows, personal battles and victories, to help illustrate in a very human way what we are all capable of. Since completing her Atlantic crossing she has charmed audiences with her highly articulate, open and emotional accounts of her exploits and particularly the departure of her husband. She sets herself apart from other speakers with her level of commitment to each project.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]In her presentations Debra powerfully illustrates her ideas with slides and stunning video footage and leaves her audience in no doubt of their own ability to achieve the extraordinary. She is entertaining, articulate, attractive, adaptable and totally inspirational.[/expand]

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Internationally Renowned Architect

Daniel Libeskind is an international figure in architectural practice and urban design. He is well known for introducing a new critical discourse into architecture and for his multidisciplinary approach. His practice extends from building major cultural and commercial institutions – including museums and concert halls – to convention centres, universities, housing, hotels, shopping centres and residential work. He also designs opera sets and maintains an object design studio. In June 2014 he led the Town Hall discussions at the New Cities Summit in Dallas, USA.

“One of the most sought-after architects in the world.”
Time Magazine

[expand title=”In detail”] In 1989, Daniel won the competition for the Jewish Museum Berlin, which opened to the public in 2001. He also built additions to museums in London, Toronto, San Francisco, and Denver as well as the creation of a number of other cultural institutions. He rocketed to fame in 2003 after receiving a commission to create the master plan for the reconstruction of the World Trade Centre which had been destroyed in terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

He has taught and lectured at many universities worldwide. Two of his buildings won RIBA Awards in 2004, the London Metropolitan University Graduate Centre and the Imperial War Museum North. Also in 2004, he was appointed the first Cultural Ambassador for Architecture by the U.S. Department of State.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”] A highly experienced and professional architect Daniel draws on his experiences to motivate and inspire audiences.

He offers insights into the world of art and creativity and reveals the secrets of his remarkable success. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A relaxed and confident presenter Daniel educates audiences with his presentations which are filled with a wealth of innovative and relevant business ideas. One of the world’s most distinguished and exciting architectures he is in great demand at various events throughout the world.[/expand]

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Entrepreneur, CEO and MD at iris Middle East

Scott Feasey is CEO and Managing Director at iris ME (formerly Expression FZ LLC), one of the world’s largest independent advertising networks and the pioneers of “Brand Participation”. Iris offers integrated marketing solutions including advertising, corporate identity, promotions, direct marketing and interactive media. The award winning agency has a consistent history of achievement within diverse organisational structures from start-ups, to mid size regional companies to global corporations.

“Today, there are TWO kinds of brands. Participation brands and dying ones”

[expand title=”In detail”] Scott holds a degree in Business and Psychology from the University of Leicester and diplomas from the Institute of Sales Promotion and the Institute of Direct Marketing. He sits on the Advisory Council Board of the American University in Dubai and lectures at other schools. Before setting up his own company, Scott worked for Saatchi & Saatchi as Group Account Director and Marketing Director, responsible for half of the agency’s clients around the globe. He was responsible for new business wins, including initial client brand planning and strategy. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]With a multi-discipline background built up over 18 years at major network agencies in London and the Middle East, Scott has an extensive knowledge and gives important insights into delivering integrated marketing solutions for leading brands. An entrepreneur that set up his own agency, Scott knows what it takes to build a successful and profitable company.
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[expand title=”How he presents”]Scott is a lively and funny speaker who is passionate about brand marketing and being the best at what you do.[/expand]

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