The Leading Speakers Bureau

Digital Entrepreneur, Founder of SB.TV &the Face of the Google Chrome Advert

Jamal Edwards founded SB.TV at the age of 15, with little idea or vision of what the future held. His raw and unique venture relied on friends rapping to camera, and soon began to attract increasingly major names in the world of urban music, eventually becoming a lauded music and lifestyle media platform with global reach, which launched the career of international superstar Ed Sheeran.

“I was impressed by his confidence the first time I met him… I saw first hand how keen young people were to look to him for inspiration.” Sir Richard Branson (as told to Time Magazine)

[expand title=”In detail”] His UK online urban music channel has grown fast and strong, boasting a subscriber base of over 640,000 with over 340 million views and has featured interviews with an impressive and uniquely high-level catalogue of guests, including politicians David Cameron and Ed Milliband, as well as major international artists such as Nicki Minaj and Jessie J In 2011 Jamal became the face of the Google Chrome ad which was the second most popular YouTube ad that year. “The web is what you make of it” series of ads received more than 750,000 views in six days. Jamal is a patron for The Prince’s Trust and Access to Music and is committed to using his success to inspire young entrepreneurs and all young people.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Having gone from creating his own YouTube channel to curating stages at Bestival and Wireless, from filming on British housing estates to recording interviews from 10 Downing Street to the Bermuda Triangle, internet entrepreneur and self-made media mogul Jamal can now boast an expanding business portfolio and a solid reputation that sees him inspiring a new wave of digital entrepreneurialism.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Jamal Edwards is a business sensation, and an innovative and exciting speaker. He has a confident style, a very likeable and open character and he’s relaxed speaking to wide ranging audiences.
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Futurist, Visionary Entrepreneur & Bestselling Author

Federico Pistono is a social entrepreneur, computer scientist, award-winning journalist, author, scientific educator, activist and public speaker. He is Founder and CEO of Konoz, a website where one can learn anything for free and support their favorite YouTube creators. In addition, he is a member of the Science Advisory Board of TEDxBologna, Founder and Honorary President of the Association Sustainable Society, Founder of TEDxVerona, Founder of Axelera and Founder of The Zeitgeist Movement Italy with activists in more than 100 countries.

“A visionary entrepreneur who thinks big”

[expand title=”In detail”] He holds a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Verona and graduated from Singularity University, California. His research has been utilised by major economic institutions, universities and think tanks, such as the Society for Human Resource Management in collaboration with The Economist Intelligence Unit and the Future of Jobs Summit in California. Fortune 500 companies and universities around the world often invite him to lecture on exponential technologies and he was interviewed by leading international newspapers, TV and radio stations.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Federico analyses the society of tomorrow and aims to face humanity’s grand challenges by leveraging exponentially growing technologies. His experience and insider knowledge make him perfect to advise decision makers around the world on how to adapt in order to stay relevant.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Federico has an outstanding ability to connect future thinking with his range of speaking topics. He is an excellent speaker who combines passion with a strong scientific background.[/expand]

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Solo Round the World Yachtswoman

Dee Caffari is arguably one of the most inspirational sports women. On three occasions, Dee has sailed into the record books. In 2006, she became the first woman to circumnavigate the world solo against the prevailing winds and currents. In recognition of her first world record, Dee was awarded an MBE. In 2012, she lead the only all female crew taking part in Sailing Arabia – established by Oman Sail, the first international sailing regatta joining together the nations of the Gulf to race competitively around the region.

“The first woman to sail solo non-stop around the world in both directions”

[expand title=”In detail”] A former schoolteacher, Dee Caffari’s life changed dramatically when she dared to follow her dream and her love of the sea and become a skipper. In no less than five years, Dee had proven her skills and talents and risen to the top of a very male-dominated profession. As the only female to sail solo, Dee added to her achievements in 2009 by claiming the overall crewed monohull Round Britain and Ireland Speed Record. In 2009, she was awarded ‘The Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration’ at the ‘Sportswoman of the Year Awards’ and in 2011 was appointed by the Royal Navy as an Honorary Commander in recognition of her service to the sea and Britain’s maritime.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]The contrast of leading and motivating in the classroom and on a crewed yacht has enabled Dee to formulate a unique and insightful take on the world of leadership and people management. Dee speaks from experience of staying motivated when things get tough, achieving high performance, self-belief and succeeding against the odds.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Dee has the enviable quality of being able to connect with her audiences at all levels. Gregarious, courageous but also candid about the challenges she has faced, Dee delivers powerful messages in an entertaining way and her talks engage those with no yachting background whatsoever.[/expand]

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Neuroscientist, Presenter & Consultant

Dr. Jack Lewis is a renowned brain scientist, television presenter, motivational speaker, writer and neuroscience consultant. He has been involved in several television projects including The Tech Show on Discovery Science, a series showcasing the latest developments in science, technology and engineering. Sky One‘s primetime series Body Language Secrets and a 20-part social psychology series for BBC2 called The People Watchers.

“A leading neuroscientist and business consultant”

[expand title=”In detail”] Jack received a First Class B.Sc. degree in Neuroscience from the University of Nottingham and earned his Neurobiology Ph.D. from the University of London. His post-doctoral research at the Max Planck Institute in Tuebingen was published in the renowned Journal of Neuroscience in 2010. Jack provides neuroscience consultancy services to TV, PR, Marketing, Planning and Advertising firms and has designed a Brain Gym in Central London, where he tested the brain power of the public, offering advice on how to improve memory and decision making strategies.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Jack brings the latest neuroscience research to the attention of a wide audience in a compelling way. He explains the ways to optimise the brain functionality using memory tricks, techniques for boosting creativity, minimising and harnessing stress. He also promotes science and technology across the world by getting his audiences excited about new scientific breakthroughs. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Jack’s presentations are customised to each client and his messages are powerful and effective, delivered in an easily understandable and professional style.[/expand]

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Scientist & Astronaut

Helen Sharman OBE PhD is a British scientist and astronaut. Helen became the first Briton in space in 1991 when she launched on a Soyuz spacecraft to spend 8 days orbiting the Earth, most of that time on the Mir Space Station. Following her space flight, Helen became a science communicator and corporate speaker, winning prizes for radio and television programmes and giving inspirational talks around the world. She currently manages the facilities and technical support for Science, Engineering and Computing at Kingston University, London.

“We should push forward not only our own individual boundaries, but also the boundaries of what humans believe is possible”

[expand title=”In detail”] Helen worked in Research & Development as an engineer for GEC before moving to Mars Confectionery, where she became a Research Technologist working on chocolate and ice cream. Helen was one of two Britons selected for astronaut training out of almost 13,000 other applicants. The programme, named Project Juno, was a co-operative arrangement between the Soviet Union and a British company set up to manage the Mission. During the launch, she carried out her share of spacecraft operations. Once in space, her tasks included medical, agricultural and chemical experiments, materials’ testing, Earth observation work and operating an amateur radio link with British school students. Fitted in with this were media interviews and a telephone conversation with President Gorbachev. [/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Helen speaks on a variety of subjects which relate to her career, training and experiences as an astronaut and her management experience. Coping with risk was a daily activity and teamwork was a vital element in the success of the Mission. Helen’s talks take her audience on a journey into space, describing the seemingly endless training and preparation, the launch, how weightlessness feels, what it is like living and working in space, the team work and team spirit, and adjusting to life back on Earth afterwards.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Helen’s effervescent enthusiasm and inspirational speeches capture the imagination of audiences all over the world. Some people have changed their whole lives after listening to Helen. [/expand]

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Double World Champion in Free Diving & World Champion in Under Ice Free-diving

Christian Redl is known worldwide as one of the most successful in the spectacular extreme sport of freediving. He is today considered one of the best divers under ice, with his three world records. His increasing number of world records are spectacular; whether on ice or through caves. The mental component plays an increasingly important role in all of his work. In 2011, he again pushed the boundaries by achieving the deepest freedive (61m) under ice, becoming the new World Champion in under ice free-diving.

“Christian Redl lasts up to eight minutes on one breath of air”

[expand title=”In detail”] The Austrian Christian Redl holds several world records for Diving under ice in the 100 meters range. He is an excellent freediver, great freediving promoter, and a renowned underwater movie producer. He was the editor / director who put together the Ocean Men TV Documentary and author of many other underwater creations. He organizes a lot of stunts, and performances – such as underwater ice hockey, organising the first World Championship. Before he was a professional athlete, he worked in financial services, first in a bank and later in sales, responsible for fund companies for institutional investors.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his talks, Christian Redl motivates and inspires his audiences to reach for their own goals with discipline and passion and to overcome barriers. Through breathing and relaxation techniques, he shows how improved concentration, increased strength and mental stress can be reduced quickly. His experiences easily translate to the business world.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Christian Redl, a jolly maverick of freediving, is a captivating speaker whose strong message motivates and energizes.[/expand]

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Social Psychologist, Associate Professor Harvard Business School

Amy Cuddy is Associate Professor and Hellman Faculty Fellow in the Negotiation, Organizations & Markets Unit at Harvard Business School. She is a social psychologist and her work has looked at how we perceive and are seen by others. Her research reveals that we can change other people’s perceptions and even our own body chemistry simply by changing body positions. Her recent work also focuses on how we embody and express competence and warmth, linking our body language to our feelings, physiology and behaviour.

“Amy is ranked in the 2015 Thinkers 50 list”

[expand title=”In detail”] Amy holds a PhD in Psychology from Princeton University and a BA in Psychology from the University of Colorado. She was an Assistant Professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. At Harvard, Amy teaches MBA, executive education and doctoral courses on influence & persuasion, leadership and decision making. In 2014, she was named WEF Young Global Leader and Business Insider chose her in 2013 as one of the 50 Women Who Are Changing The World. Her article Connect, Then Lead was one of Harvard Business Review’s ideas that Shaped Management in 2013.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Researching social judgements, emotions, nonverbal behaviours and hormones, Amy explains to audiences the role these variables play in shaping our emotions, intentions and behaviours in business and society. She demonstrates that physical posture not only affects how others see you, but also how you see yourself and shows how to become self-assured in high-pressure moments.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Comprehensive in her vision and clear in her guidance, Amy Cuddy’s presentations are invaluable for business leaders around the world.[/expand]

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Computer Scientist

Noel Sharkey is a Professor of AI and Robotics and Professor of Public Engagement. He has held a number of research and teaching positions in the UK and the USA. Noel has moved freely across academic disciplines, lecturing in departments of engineering, philosophy, psychology, cognitive science, linguistics, artificial intelligence and computer science.

“The UK’s Leading Robotics Expert”

[expand title=”In detail”] He has published over a hundred academic articles and books as well as articles and web chats for BBC web pages and regular magazine articles. Noel is also Editor-in-Chief of the journal Connection Science and an editor of both Robotics and Autonomous Systems and Artificial Intelligence Review. Noel appears regularly on TV and is interviewed regularly on radio, in magazines and newspapers. He was chief judge for every series of Robot Wars throughout the world as well as “techspert” for 4 series of TechnoGames. He has been on lecture tours of India, China, Egypt with Australia and Singapore. Noel currently co-presents Bright Sparks for BBC N. Ireland.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]With unparalleled insights into what the future holds and how new technologies will affect the way we work and develop, Noel Sharkey offers audiences an invaluable sneak preview of what is just around the technology corner.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An outstanding visionary Noel Sharkey’s fascinating hi-tech presentations and demonstrations are universally admired and enjoyed, furthering his reputation as one of the most important contributors to modern-day devices, systems and solutions.[/expand]

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Futurist, Trendwatcher and Strategist

Freija van Duijne is a foresight practitioner. She has ten years’ experience in strategic foresight at various government organisations, including the OECD. Currently she runs her own business, called Future Motions, which specializes in board room strategy consulting, scenario planning and organisational learning. Freija is fascinated about what the future might bring. She is a futurist, trend-watcher and strategist at the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, a think tank in the Netherlands and an expert on future studies in area of food, natural resources, energy, health and governance. Freija is also the President of Dutch Future Society.

“It is not about prediction, but seeing strategic options”

[expand title=”In detail”] Freija’s background is in Human factors psychology. She holds a Masters from Leiden University and a PhD in Industrial design engineering from Delft University. She has been involved in foresight studies since 2006 when she worked at the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. She has received the Reward for exceptional performance at Ministry of Economic Affairs in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and has been selected for the leadership course “Master in Policy Processes” in 2010. [/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Freija’s aim is to encourage people to think about the future and she strongly believes in using foresight for creating a better future. In her presentations, she inspires companies from a wide range of fields and helps them to embrace change. She offers a fresh outlook on trends and future horizons. Thinking about the future makes people see the real questions for todays’ decision makers.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Highly energetic and provocative but with a good sense of humour, Freija’s presentations are individually tailored to be as relevant as possible. [/expand]

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Digital Business Strategist

Joaquim Alvarez is a digital business strategist with a telecommunication engineering background, specialist on software development solutions and telematics communications. He is passionate about technology and its applications to improve the quality of life of people. As the Digital Business Strategist for the Barcelona City Council, Joaquim has been instrumental in helping transform the City of Barcelona into what Fortune Magazine recently called the Most Wired City in the World.

“A thought leader on digital business strategies”

[expand title=”In detail”] One of his primary roles has been the development and operational execution of a self-sustainable mobile ecosystem in Barcelona. This has included defining a mobile relationship model between industry, government and citizens, as well as elevating the mobile industry in the City of Barcelona to the global level. He is the lead on a project entitled Apps4Bcn, a unique public-private partnership that aims to promote the creation and development of innovative initiatives that improve the quality of life of people through mobile technology, and encourage the adoption of these solutions by industry and Government. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Through his presentations, Joaquim uses his expertise to enable business leaders to design and implement digital systems. He is an inspirational leader in transforming traditional business culture into an environment ready to compete intelligently in the e-commerce world.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Joaquim is a highly motivating and articulate speaker. His enlightening presentations are always well received. He not only inspires but also presents his clients with actionable solutions that can be implemented immediately.[/expand]

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