The Leading Speakers Bureau

Leadership and Strategy Specialist

Jorge Rufat-Latre is a director at Gary Hamel’s think-tank, focusing on helping clients to create new businesses and industries faster than their competitors. He has participated in culture change programs at a number of Fortune 100 corporations. He works simultaneously both at the organizational team level and on an individual level with tools ranging from large scale interventions to personal coaching sessions. Drawing upon his experiences Jorge offers valuable insight into implementing the best business strategies for a wide range of companies from all fields. His presentations are insightful, educational and highly entertaining.

[expand title=”In detail”] Jorge is both an engineer and systems thinker. First with General Electric and then with McDonnell Douglas, Jorge worked at NASA for eight years, and was involved in the shift from mainframes to distributed systems at Mission Control. He led teams in software development projects, designed and developed automated systems for the detection, diagnostic, and repair of spacecraft malfunctions, as well as astronaut training simulations.
Jorge holds a Masters of Science in Management from the Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon, France. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]He has presented numerous papers at conferences sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the International System Dynamics Society. Jorge was director of the Center for Computer Research of Montreal (CRIM) and a member of the Franco-Canadian Scientific Research Project Selection Committee. He is a commercial pilot with a multiengine rating, is about to become a flight instructor, and never misses a chance to fly himself around.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Jorge is in great demand by decision makers the world over eager to benefit from his considerable expertise, he is able to present in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Former NASA Astronaut

Eugene Cernan is a former NASA astronaut who is well known for being “the last man on the moon”. Captain Cernan left his mark on history with three historic missions in space as the Pilot of Gemini IX, the Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo X and as the Commander of Apollo XVII. He is currently President and CEO of The Cernan Corporation and The Cernan Group, Inc., space-related technology and marketing consulting firms.

“Space is one of the greatest untapped educational resources available to us. “

[expand title=”In detail”] Captain Cernan was a Naval Aviator for 20 years. 13 of these years were dedicated to the involvement with NASA as an astronaut. He also participated in the design, engineering and development testing of spacecraft hardware and systems. Among his numerous honors, Captain Cernan received the 2008 Rotary National Award for Space Achievement and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) Gold Air Medal, one of the most important international awards.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Captain Cernan not only shares the excitement of his experience in the U.S. space program, but also inspires his audience to reach for the stars and to continuously strive for excellence in science, engineering and exploration. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A brilliant communicator and inspirational speaker, Eugene captivates and motivates audiences with his fascinating presentations.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

President of the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, Paris

Claudie Haigneré is a French doctor, politician and former astronaut with the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (1985–1999) and the European Space Agency (1999–2002). Following her career as an astronaut, Claudie entered French politics. She became Minister for European Affairs in Jean-Pierre Raffarin’s Government and Minister Delegate for research and new technologies. She is now President of the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie in Paris.

“The First French Woman in Space and Flight Engineer of the Soyuz Spacecraft”

[expand title=”In detail”] Claudie Haigneré was a back-up crew member for the 1993 Mir Altaïr mission in which her future husband Jean-Pierre Haigneré participated. The asteroid 135268 Haigneré is named in their combined honour. Claudie visited the Mir space station for 16 days in 1996, as part of the Russian-French Cassiopée mission. In 2001, Haigneré became the first European woman to visit the International Space Station, as part of the Andromède mission. She retired from ESA on June 18, 2002. She was made a Cavalier of the Honorary Legion Order, France’s highest award for her contribution to the scientific world and her outstanding abilities as an astronaut.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Claudie Haigneré advises businesses and clients on a wide range of subjects and particularly the advantages and benefits that can be obtained through new technologies.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]An experienced and prolific conference speaker, Claudie tailors her presentations to ideally suit the event and individual audience. [/expand]

Continue Reading »

Author of “The Management Shift” & CEO of Drucker Society, London

Professor Vlatka Hlupic is an award winning international thought leader, with an interdisciplinary educational background and several strands of her career. She is a Professor of Business and Management at the University of Westminster, a former Adjunct Faculty at London Business School and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Drucker Society in London.

“A renowned, professional keynote speaker”

[expand title=”In detail”] Vlatka is an activist for humanising management, and an author of a ground-breaking book The Management Shift – How to Harness the Power of People and Transform Your Organization for Sustainable Success, which was listed by Forbes as one of the top eight business books in 2014. She is the winner of the CMI Management Articles of the Year Award 2015 and the winner of the Axiom Business Books Award. She has been nominated for the Thinkers50 Guru Radar and “Ideas to practice” Award, the CMI Management Book of the Year Award and FT & McKinsey Business Book Award. [/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Vlatka is a thought leader on the behavioural nature of business and economics and the economic contribution of management. In her presentations she shares her intellectual insight with a practical understanding of how breakthrough ideas can be implemented. [/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Vlatka Hlupic is a down to earth and compassionate speaker who has a wealth of knowledge on management and business theories and is popular at events all over the world. [/expand]

Continue Reading »

Paralympic Swimmer and Director of 2012 Paralympic Integration

Chris Holmes is Britain’s most successful individual Paralympic swimmer ever winning nine gold medals, six at one Games. Chris is LOCOG’s Director of Paralympic Integration, responsible for the Paralympic Games for 2012. Prior to this he was a commercial lawyer at a leading City practice. He is a member of the board at UK Sport where he is heavily involved in ensuring that the performance pathway for the athletes set to compete at the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 is soundly in place.

“Chris is knowledgeable, approachable and has the ability to enthuse and inspire and instil confidence in the audience” Hilt

[expand title=”In detail”] Chris is a former Disability Rights Commissioner where he served on the board, audit and legal committees for five and a half years. He was also an ambassador to the successful London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid where he was closely involved in securing the top sporting prize for this country. He is a patron of the Youth Sport Trust, the British Paralympic Association and Help for Heroes. Over his sporting career he has won, a string of World and European titles, broke 35 World Records and was awarded the M.B.E. for services to British sport.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Chris’ presentations take his audiences on the journey from loss of sight over night, aged 14, to gold medallist and World record holder, aged 20. Chris has considerable experience of public speaking, communications and engaging with commercial, community, public sector and governmental organisations in the UK and internationally. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Through his ambassadorial role with the London 2012 bid he has worked closely with officials across Whitehall and undertook many influencing engagements with foreign ambassadors from across the World to promote Britain and the bid. He is able to communicate passionately the sporting and business messages from his own life but transcend this and create connections and relevance to whoever his audience may be.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

One of the First Astronauts on the Moon

Brigadier-General Charles M. Duke Jnr. was the 10th man to walk on the Moon, taking his own steps on the Moon serving as lunar module pilot of Apollo 16 in 1972. He is currently owner of Duke Investments and President of Charlie Duke Enterprises and in great demand worldwide as a motivational speaker.

“As capcom for the Apollo 11 mission, his southern drawl became familiar to millions”

[expand title=”In detail”] Charles M. Duke Jnr. flew for the US Air Force before being selected by Nasa in 1966. He was graduated valedictorian from the Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida; received a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Sciences from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Master of Science degree in Aeronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received numerous awards and honors including the NASA Distinguished Service medal, the JSC Certificate of Commendations (1970).[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Sharing his fascinating story about how he felt being the capsule communicator on Apollo 11, and about his experiences on Apollo 16, Charles M. Duke Jnr. encourages and inspires his audience to reach their goals and beyond. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Gifted with the combined abilities of storytelling and challenging others, Charles M. Duke’s speeches are entertaining, informative and sprinkled with humour.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Serial Entrepreneur & Founding Member of Skype

Jonas Kjellberg is a serial entrepreneur and one of the creators of Skype. He is co founder of Gear Up, a framework to help people to transform ideas into a high-potential venture in real time. The academic roots of the Gear Up model can be found in Harvard and Stanford University and the book is already in use at Stanford and in the Stockholm School of Economics MBA program. He is also the CEO of Gourmetli which disrupts the existing food industry by connecting buyers and sellers of locally produced delights and global gourmet specialties.

Born Global – Good Ideas Have No Boundaries

[expand title=”In detail”] Jonas earned an MBA from Uppsala University and an engineering degree from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. He is a lecturer at Stanford University and Stockholm School of Economics where he lectures on entrepreneurship and how to create a winning sales culture. He is also one of the authors of the bestseller book ‘Gear up’ written together with Harvard and Stanford professors. Jonas advises business leaders from a wide range of businesses in developing their sales strategies and in creating a winning sales culture to face new customer demands.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Jonas explains the fundamental understanding for how product, sales and profitability must interact in order to create successful businesses. He analyses what kind of innovative thinking is needed for success and why some good ideas and companies made it while others did not.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]The combination of academic knowledge and real-life experience make Jonas Kjellberg a sought after commentator at conferences around the globe.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Expert on HR and The Future of Work

Perry Timms is known for his energy, passion and insight around the world of people and work, particularly what lies in the future. He is the founder and director of PTHR, he is a Chartered Member of the CIPD, a Visiting Fellow at Sheffield Hallam Business School and also lectures on HRM at UK and international universities. Active on all social media platforms, Perry has advised and helped several companies take their steps into the social media world.

“Voted Top 10 in People Management magazine’s HR tweeters and bloggers for 2012 and 2013”

[expand title=”In detail”] His career has journeyed through HR covering technology and business change, learning, talent and OD for over 20 years. Perry started a global learning community of practitioners and is now leading 4 spin-offs into research and innovation, education, digital technology and partnerships. The iPractice is aiming to create alternative models for business and work based on the World Blu freedom at work principles. Perry is a regular writer and blogger for a wide range of organisations and publications such as Glassdor, UKCES and HR Zone and Training Journal. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]With his extensive experience in Business Change and HR, Perry has led business change projects, covered project management, organisation development, business transformation and IT change and has designed and built talent strategies. Also a skilled executive coach specialising in high-potential staff, directors & senior managers, Perry helps national and international organisations on HR, Social Media and the future of work topics.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Enlightening and thought provoking, Perry Timm’s powerful message is well received by audiences at a wide range of events.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Former HR Director at the BBC

Lucy Adams is the best known HR Director in the UK having been on the Board of the BBC during its most turbulent period and acted as its media spokesperson on all people issues. She now advises business leaders and their teams on developing resilience to cope with a disrupted world and is the author of the book to be published next year, ‘Better or Bitter – How to thrive after a setback’.

“Renowned HR Expert”

[expand title=”In detail”] Lucy has led and delivered difficult change in complex organisations for over 15 years. In just two years the BBC had four CEOs, they moved BBC Sport, Children’s TV, Radio 5Live and 2,500 jobs to the North of England, opened the largest multi-media newsroom in Europe, delivered £200m+ of savings and managed numerous crises, most notably the Jimmy Savile scandal. Lucy was at the heart of handling all of these. Prior to the BBC, Lucy was Group HR Director at Serco plc, a multi-national plc delivering large scale government contracts across the world. In 2013 the BBC made the headlines on many occasions including the resignation of its leader after just 54 days. Lucy also found herself on the TV news and in every major newspaper in the UK as she experienced her own personal crisis around the pay-offs to senior BBC Executives.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Lucy’s experiences of delivering difficult change in complex and challenging environments have given her a unique insight into how individuals and teams cope with the pressures of doing business in a disrupted world. Using her personal experiences and the latest research she helps business leaders explore how resilient they are, how they can better anticipate and manage the risks of driving change, build their own agility and resilience and that of their team, cope with the pressures of modern leadership and recover quickly from setbacks. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Lucy always aims to provide her audiences with very practical take-aways and whilst she does include insights from the latest research, her speeches are essentially very earthy and pragmatic, based on years of actually delivering at the top of very large organisations. Her speeches are incredibly honest and filled with real life examples and anecdotes from the BBC and elsewhere.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Expert on the Future of Payments

Ollie Purdue is CEO & Co-founder of Loot Bank, a new start-up in the banking sector which is building the next generation banking services. Loot Bank will help students have more disposable income through better money management. In 2015 Loot Bank, who is a member of Level39, the largest Fintech accelerator, is launching a pre-paid product with a current account launch due in early 2016.

“Ollie gives fresh insights into money management and payment issues”

[expand title=”In detail”] Ollie’s role as Chief Entrepreneurial Officer and Co-founder has led to the entire organisation of the business. Starting as an initial idea he had while at university, he has grown the company to a point where they have successfully closed their first seed-funding round as well as being accepted into two accelerator programmes. The company is now looking forward to the development of the current account which will begin soon. Ollie graduated from the University of West of England in 2014 with a Law degree.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Ollie analyses the future of payments and particularly the issues affecting today’s youth, the unbanked, emerging markets. He also focuses on the issues of privacy and the use of personal data. His presentations are well received by decision makers from a wide range of global businesses. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Ollie brings fresh and different perspectives on what the next 10 years holds for the payment industry. His education, his young age and wide knowledge of technology make him highly sought after at conferences around the globe.
[/expand]

Continue Reading »