A skilled innovation speaker brings fresh perspectives and cutting-edge strategies that challenge conventional thinking, inspiring teams to embrace new ideas and adapt quickly to change, they can offer insights on emerging trends, technological advancements, and creative problem-solving, all of which are vital for maintaining a competitive edge. By fostering a culture of innovation, businesses can equip their leadership teams with the tools needed to drive growth, enhance productivity, and navigate challenges in a rapidly changing landscape.
At Great Business Speakers, we understand that an innovative keynote speaker can be instrumental in helping organisations identify opportunities for improvement and growth. We take the time to understand your organisation’s unique needs—whether it’s fostering creativity, building resilience, or improving leadership skills – and only work with leading innovators who possess the expertise to tailor their message to specific team dynamics, leadership goals, or industry challenges, making their impact long-lasting. We will help you find the right match – an innovative leader that can inspire action, boost employee engagement, and cultivate an environment that encourages continuous learning and progress.
Discover our Innovation Speakers below, or contact the team at Great Business Speakers to enquire or book. +44 1753 439 289
Named by The Observer as “one of the world’s leading thinkers”, and by Vogue as “one of the world’s most inspiring women”, economist Professor Noreena Hertz is a board member, senior advisor, bestselling author, and keynote speaker.
Noreena, a global economist whose work intersects the nexus of economics, politics, society, and technology, is a pioneering and renowned thinker on AI, community building, decision-making, and the post-millennial generation. She is also an advisor to some of the world’s largest organisations on strategy and transformation.
She sits on the boards of Nasdaq-listed companies Mattel and Warner Music Group and also the board of the HR Tech Company, Workhuman. She has served on Citigroup’s Politics and Economics Global Advisory Board, the Inclusive Capitalism Taskforce’s Advisory Group, and RWE’s Digital Transformation Board. Her thinking served as the inspiration for Bono’s Product (Red).
Jamil Qureshi is one of today’s foremost practitioners of performance-enhancing psychology, and is an expert in high-performing teams.
He has enjoyed working with a rich diversity of the most talented business and sports people and teams in the world, helping six individuals reach World Number 1 in their chosen industry.
He has worked with golfers, footballers, Formula 1 drivers, and cricketers, as well as businesses in over 24 countries worldwide.
Ranked among the most influential figures in British sport in 2009 by GQ Magazine, Jamil was voted in the top 100 coaches in the world by The Daily Mirror in 2023.
Jamil is also a globally recognised speaker on all aspects of the psychology of performance, psychology of leadership, leadership attitudes, improving people, cultural change techniques, and team performance.
Jim Steele is the founder of Holistic Performance Lab. A disruptor, thought leader, and catalyst for transformational behavioural change, Jim’s expertise is highly sought after by global organisations.
Jim’s focus and expertise lies in the interaction between productivity and sustainability, for business leaders, executives, and next-generation teams. Through highly engaging talks and events, he helps individuals and organisations to cultivate thriving, resilient workforces.
His approach is based on achieving three things: make you and your teams better, smarter, and stronger together.
Brand specialist Sarah Brason invites audiences to do the one thing most people avoid: turn and face it. Whether it’s challenge, change, fear, or truth, her keynote of the same name is a rallying cry for courage over comfort.
Known for her quiet strength and piercing clarity, Sarah doesn’t offer hype or surface-level motivation. She offers something deeper – a moment of shift. With emotional precision, warmth, and wit, she helps audiences see what’s really holding them back and what’s possible when they stop running and start facing forward.
She brings a fresh voice to the stage, unafraid to sit with discomfort, and skills at guiding others through it. Her talks stay with you long after the applause, sparking reflection, realignment, and bold new steps.
Mark Pollock is an explorer, researcher, and prominent keynote speaker. Everything he does is about inspiring leaders and their teams to build resilience, optimise performance, and collaborate with others so they can achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Not letting his blindness get in the way, Mark became an adventure athlete competing in ultra-endurance races across deserts, mountains, and the polar ice caps – in fact, he became the first blind person to race to the South Pole. He also won silver and bronze medals for rowing at the Commonwealth Games.
In 2010, a fall from a second story window nearly killed him. Breaking his back, and damaging his spinal cord to the extent that he became paralysed, Mark is now on a new expedition, this time exploring the intersection where humans and technology collide to cure paralysis in our lifetime.
Jo Fairley is a serial entrepreneur, best known for co-founding the luxury chocolate brand Green & Black’s. Leaving school with just six O Levels, Jo became the UK’s youngest-ever magazine editor at Look Now.
Today, Jo continues to make influential contributions to Green & Black’s, as well as to the wider industry. She has founded several businesses across industries, but always themed around the senses.
Jo is a highly sought-after speaker, sharing her experiences, invaluable expertise, and advice for fellow entrepreneurs. Jo was once awarded the World Aware Award for her influential entrepreneurship, a testament to her dedication to ensuring all she works on is environmentally friendly.
Reuben Christian is an uplifting, award-winning edutainer, speaker, podcast host, coach, presenter, moderator, facilitator, and host, with over 20 years of experience. His contagious energy has enlivened conferences, festivals, and events around the world.
Reuben is the founder of Dream Rehab, a live show that harnesses the power of community for individual and collective growth. Focussed on helping people achieve their goals. Reuben hosts for companies, communities, and events, helping people overcoming barriers, and align purpose to inspire action and success.
He is the co-host of the What Is This Behaviour? podcast – interviewing South Asian trailblazers – which reaches 16 million travellers on British Airways flights. Reuben also served as a senior mentor for Samsung Not a School, an innovative alternative education initiative inspiring the next generation of forward thinkers.
Reuben can count names such as Aviva, Barbican, Samsung, the BBC, Red Bull, Virgin Media, the Old Vic, Deutsche Bank, and Wilderness Festival among his corporate credits.
A thriving workplace isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about communication, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Reuben trains teams in the soft skills that drive engagement, innovation, and collaboration. His corporate training sessions aren’t about passive learning; they’re about real conversations, practical exercises, and tangible takeaways that create lasting change.
Sedge Beswick is an entrepreneur, business founder, consultant, advisor, and speaker, helping brands and people grow without losing their edge. Sedge has built a career at the intersection of brand, culture, and real life.
Sedge Beswick has built her career by challenging convention, pushing boundaries, and breaking new ground. From pioneering social at ASOS to growing SEEN Connects into a £24 million global agency, she knows how to scale businesses and grow audiences.
Whether it’s start-ups or global giants, Sedge brings a no-nonsense, sharp approach to navigating the chaos of scaling in today’s world. She’s a go-to expert on marketing, influence, and brand-building, backing up her opinions with experience, no buzzwords.
She is regularly featured on BBC News, Sky, and The Financial Times, is a two-time author, lecturer, and has led workshops for No. 10 Downing Street and Google.
Pete Cohen is a performance coach, TV presenter and expert, author, and popular motivational keynote speaker.
He has over 30 years of experience in helping individuals and organisations to reach their full potential.
His methodology offers a practical toolkit for sustainable and intentional return-on-investment, equipping his audiences with strategies, motivation, and opportunities to grow needed to achieve their ideal future selves, and to enhance their overall wellbeing.
Over the years, he has published 20 books that have been translated into a number of languages worldwide.
His team includes Professor Ray Sylvester from the Kelley School of Business at Indianapolis University; together they have created some pioneering work on the power of intention.
Contact Great British Speakers today to book motivational business speaker Pete Cohen for your next event.
Amit Bhalla is a transformational strategist, coach, and inspirational speaker.
With over 20 years of coaching, M&A, and strategy experience, his unique approach focuses on activating businesses, individuals, and teams to fully operate from their authentic selves. His focus is always on bespoke and tailored services, reflecting the differences between businesses and individuals and the patterns they face in life and in business.
He has spent of 20 years working with CEOs, founders, and high-level executives to help them through the transformative journey to unlock their full potential.
Peter Stojanovic is a leading business and technology thought leader, journalist, panel moderator, and keynote speaker with extensive experience in the field.
He has particular experience interviewing Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 C-level executives as Editor of HotTopics, covering themes across innovation, business strategy, and technology, including AI, within its award-winning industry events.
Peter is recognised as a rising star among executive and board-level leaders, regularly hosting international events, private lunches, and panels to address their main concerns, challenges, and opportunities within their industries.
As a result, Peter enjoys high-quality debates on topics ranging from AI applications and ethics to business transformation, ESG and purpose, the future of work, inside the minds of Gen Z, and cloud computing and cybersecurity measures for the C-suite.
Peter has worked with organisations such as Costa Coffee, Uber, Telefonica, Zoom, Wellcome Trust, Channel 4, IKEA, Generali, Bupa and The Financial Times. He has led virtual and in-person business and technology events at iconic venues such as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Abbey Road Studios.
Oliver Balch is a widely recognised expert on sustainability and the changing role of business in society, having worked in the field for more than two decades.
Driven by the belief that the private sector can – and must – serve as an engine for positive societal change, as a journalist and researcher, he has examined the sustainability debate at close quarters, interviewing thousands of business entrepreneurs, community changemakers, and policy innovators.
Oliver’s PhD from Cambridge University focused on corporate-community relations. In early 2024 Oliver became a Senior Associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership at the University of Cambridge.
Oliver is a popular keynote speaker, bringing his signature mix of solutions-based positivity to his public presentations. Sensitive to the complexity of sustainability, he is an expert at communicating what companies need to know, and how they should act.
John Turner is an expert in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, having recently acquired a Masters-equivalent qualification from Oxford University. Now becoming an Oxonian AI Alumni.
This builds on over ten years of award-winning experience and leadership in driving digital innovation in the travel and tourism sector.
John looks forward to educating and inspiring business leaders on the importance of AI integration, having the exemplary leadership and culture, and understanding the advantages of using AI and LLMs (Large Language Models) whilst preparing for a new normal and its implications.
John Turner is an insightful speaker who provides the WOW factor to his audiences in the area of AI, while also sharing actionable steps they can take away and implement.
Jessica Matthias is the Global Director of Sustainability at Sabre Corporation, a global technology company in the travel sector. With a 17-year track record of transformative ESG initiatives, impactful policy advocacy, and compelling communications, Jessica is a globally recognized leader in sustainable travel. She’s the visionary behind numerous high-profile sustainability campaigns, and her thought leadership consistently shapes the industry’s agenda.
Jessica Matthias is a compelling speaker known for her ability to inspire and engage audiences – with previous engagements at events like the Global Travel & Tourism –resilience & Innovation Summit, The Travel Tech Summit, and the Travalyst Convention.
Jessica Matthias discusses eco-conscious practices, overcoming personal challenges, and building a sustainable future for travel– with her insights into decarbonising industries and empowering the next generation in the ESG landscape being particularly impactful.
Jessica’s personal journey is one of resilience, from being a teenage single mother of a child with severe disabilities to a leading global sustainability expert. This adds a distinctly personal depth to her talks. Her unwavering commitment to sustainability and social equity has made her a prominent voice in the field, sought after for her expertise and inspiring presentations.
For the last year, she has been the Vice Chair of the GBTA Foundation’s Sustainability Leadership Council.
Jessica Matthias’ clients include Arival, Choice Hotels, FairFly, Gett, the United Nations, the Vienna Tourist Board, and Voyage Privé.
Gary Foote is the Chief Information Officer and Director of Sustainability at the Haas Formula 1 Team. In a career that has spanned 20 years, he has been part of numerous Motorsport World Championship-winning teams, winning 6 world titles with drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg, and Jenson Button.
As the CIO of the Haas Formula One Team, he is responsible for several operational departments spanning IT, Digital, Facilities, Operations, ESG, and Continuity. As the ESG lead, he drives the teams’ carbon reduction initiatives forward, manages their community outreach program, and ensures adherence to their social responsibility agenda.
Gary is an active public speaker who is often engaged in discussions on topics such as data, innovation, a high-performance mindset, team ethos and culture, sustainability and diversity, and digital transformation.
“If you follow conventional thinking, all you’ll ever be is conventional.”
Chris Arnold is a Dr of Business, a former Board Director of Saatchi & Saatchi and DMA, and former chair of both the DMA Agencies Council and the Creative Council. He is also a seasoned entrepreneur having founded a number of creative agencies over the years.
Chris Arnold is also a prominent author, having written a number of business books, including Ethical Marketing and the New Consumer.
He is now a popular keynote speaker and workshop facilitator.
DanRam is a dynamic and inspiring speaker, known for his ability to ignite audiences with his energy and insight.
As a six-time TEDx speaker, successful entrepreneur, and accomplished event MC and moderator, DanRam brings a wealth of experience and passion to every stage. He has a diverse client base that ranges from individual entrepreneurs to national governments, all benefiting from his unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm.
DanRam is a global presence, travelling the world to speak and MC at over 100 events annually. He has hosted conversations with some of the most influential figures of our time, including President Barack Obama, billionaire entrepreneurs Sir Richard Branson and Reid Hoffman and Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg.
His work spans a wide range of venues, from college campuses and parliaments to corporate innovation days for Fortune 500 companies and the world’s largest tech conferences.
DanRam’s credentials, network and passion at the intersection of technology, innovation, and the future have seen him be part of some of the most notable global conferences and events on four continents, from startup, fintech, blockchain, health tech, smart mobility, and smart city sectors.
DanRam’s mission is to inspire others to take action, guided by his personal motto: Start Now, Start Simple. Through his work, he empowers individuals and organizations to create the future they want to live in, one simple step at a time.
Chris Barton is the visionary founder and creator of Shazam, an entrepreneur, inventor, and tech investor.
Chris wanted a way to identify songs anywhere he heard them using a mobile phone. There wasn’t one – so he invented the application called Shazam, a creation that is nothing short of pure magic.
When he first had the idea in 1999, no technology existed to achieve his goal. He was told by professors at MIT and Stanford that it was impossible. He then embarked on a journey to make it possible. This was seven years before the invention of the iPhone and eight years before anyone had heard of an App Store.
Shazam first worked by calling 2580 and holding the mobile phone to the music. The database would recognise the song and send an SMS with the details.
In 2018, Shazam was acquired by Apple for a reported $400 million, making it Apple’s 6th largest acquisition of all-time. Shazam has been downloaded over 2 billion times and is used each month by over 300 million people, making it one of the world’s most popular apps.
Holding 12 patents, Chris Barton has made significant contributions to the tech industry. He is currently involved in a third startup company, Guard, an artificial intelligence system that detects drowning in swimming pools – a never-before accomplished effort. He also advises and invests in early stage companies that are changing the world.
Chris Barton is an inspirational speaker who is full of enthusiasm and energy, as well as valuable insights on innovation, creativity, resilience and adaptability and achieving the impossible. He is a sought-after keynote speaker who has spoken across five continents with a range of organisations and businesses. Past clients include L’Oréal, Accenture, American Express, YMCA, Coca-Cola and Verizon.
Carl Miller is an experienced digital researcher, author, and international keynote speaker, with particular emphasis on how technology is changing society and politics.
He is the co-founded of Demos, the first UK think tank institute dedicated to studying the digital world, and is currently its Research Director. Alongside David Omand and Jamie Bartlett, Carl coined the term “Social Media Intelligence” (SOCMINT).
He is a prominent writer, and has contributed to publications such as The Economist, New Scientist, Wired, The Telegraph, The Sunday Times, and The Guardian. He also released the book The Death of the Gods: The New Global Power Grab in 2018.
He is often asked to contribute to television shows, is a proficient researcher, and technological entrepreneur, and now frequently provides keynote talks on how the change in media, politics, crime, and warfare can mean to society.
Ant Morse is a futurist, author, and digital innovation specialist, exploring and deciphering the complex world of new and emerging technologies, assessing how innovations may transform how we live and work and their impacts on our wider society and economic landscapes.
With a career spanning three decades in the tech industry, Ant has been at the vanguard of innovation, leading many transformation projects across public and private sectors. His success in predicting trends, coupled with his expertise in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Spatial Computing, and loT, has earned him recognition as a sought-after thought leader.
Ant’s keynote presentations, based on his book The Future of Us, offer a compelling glimpse into the potential futures that lie ahead. He explores how emerging technologies will likely shape and transform our world, from the ethical dilemmas of advanced Al to the boundless possibilities and likely reality of our collective futures of work.
Ant Morse is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, known for his engaging and accessible presentations. He tailors his insights to align with the needs of diverse audiences, from corporate executives to academic institutions.
Andrew Scott is a globally recognised serial entrepreneur, CEO and expert on leadership, business strategy, marketing and personal development.
He is one of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs and business experts, with an incredibly powerful story that will leave people on the edge of their seats, inspired, and full of hope.
Andrew grew up on the back streets of Belfast during the ‘Troubles’ in Northern Ireland, and at 4 years old, he survived the Abercorn atrocity, when Irish terrorists set off a bomb in a packed city-centre restaurant.
After five years of recovery, both physically and mentally, Andrew left Ireland at 18 to start a new life in London. He vowed to turn his trauma into a purpose to live life at the highest level and help others do the same.
Andrew went on to become a self-made millionaire, entrepreneur, investor, advisor and founder. With unique insights and decades of real-world experience as an entrepreneur, CEO and advisor across multiple industries, Andrew has developed a powerful blueprint for extraordinary success.
Jonny Combe is the President and CEO of PayByPhone, one of the fasted growing mobile payment companies in the world.
His natural entrepreneurial spirit was evident from an early age, when he started a car washing business in his neighbourhood when he was just 14 years old. While studying at the University of Stirling, he had a number of business ventures, including buying and selling used cars.
Before joining PayByPhone, Jonny worked as the General Manager of Digital and Innovation within the BMW group, pioneering their award-winning innovation lab.
The first female controller of BBC 1, Lorraine Heggessey is a trailblazing business leader who has driven success in several high-profile roles across sectors.
Her career in television broadcasting has been directly involved in many of the biggest programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing, and Dr Who.
Lorraine Heggessey is a Fellow of the Royal Television Society, and a regular judge for the RTS and BAFTA.
She has a wide range of experience managing talent, leading change, and championing inclusivity and diversity.
PY Gerbeau is a business leader and transformation expert who has a formidable track record in turning around failing businesses. During his highly diverse career, he has earned a reputation for tackling major corporate challenges and successfully turning around struggling organisations.
His unique approach has always placed customer experience at the forefront while also navigating profit, reputation, regulatory issues, and government involvement. Many of PY’s projects have been high-profile, often under intense public and media scrutiny, with some seemingly destined to fail—but PY consistently proved otherwise.
Currently, PY is the President of the French Ice Hockey Federation and a member of the French Olympic Committee. His most recent achievement was playing a pivotal role in securing the Winter Olympics for France in 2030, a monumental task that was completed in record time and hailed by the international sports media as a “sports miracle.”
Before his corporate career, PY was a professional ice hockey player, representing France in multiple European and World Championships and earning a spot to compete in the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary.
His promising career, however, was tragically cut short due to a severe accident, which left him confined to a wheelchair for 18 months. Despite the devastating setback, this marked the beginning of his remarkable transition from sports to the corporate world.
