Speakers
Breakfasts

We were joined at 87 Barts Close by three brilliant speakers on a panel that delved into the complex world of Artificial Intelligence. Over the hour our panellists de-mystified AI, speaking about AI’s immense promise for enhancing our lives, alongside the apprehension it has generated regarding job security, privacy infringement, and ethical considerations.

We were joined by four fantastic speakers to look ahead at International Women’s Day. With the theme of this year’s event being #InspireInclusion, we were lucky enough to hear from four women who have each blazed a trail in their respective fields: CEO of Channel 4, Alex Mahon; the former Australian Prime Minister and Chair of Kings’ Global Institute of Women’s Leadership, Julia Gillard; one of the leading voices in football, Eniola Aluko MBE; and broadcaster and journalist, Samira Ahmed.

We had another great morning in the JLab at our Speaker Breakfast to celebrate Black History Month. We were privileged to hear from dedicated lawyer and activist Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu and Head of Creative Equity at Channel 4 Naomi Sesay FRSA, who both shared their insightful observations, ranging from the importance of seeing Black History Month as a call to action throughout the year, to what it means to bring your authentic self to work. The event was hosted superbly by award-winning journalist and broadcaster Marverine Cole. A huge thanks to all those who attended in person, joined us on the live stream and obviously to our 3 fantastic speakers, further highlights of each can be viewed on their individual profile pages.

We’ll be taking a look at Creativity and Innovation – from its importance in the modern workplace, how it sits with productivity and mindset, and how it can exist alongside the latest developments in technology. We’ll be joined by three fantastic experts to delve into the subject.

We’ll be taking a look at leadership – ranging from what values are key to strong leadership, how these values can be maintained in times of crisis, and how leaders can thrive under pressure.

We take a timely look at tech – from cybersecurity threats and the risks of AI to our personal exposure to fraudsters – with three revealing JLA speakers.

We will be focusing on the themes of this year’s International Women’s Day with five remarkable panellists.

Ex-Royal Marine Scotty Mills, cult escapee Petra Velzeboer and TV doctor Alex George show how to beat adversity and transform mental health.

With four prominent JLA names we’ll be asking “What the hell is going on? What can we expect of our politicians, and what does it mean for business and the cost of living?”

Michael Gove has served as Secretary of State for Education, Justice, The Environment and ‘Levelling Up.’ When 57 Ministers resigned in protest at Boris Johnson’s leadership, he was the only one to be sacked. He remains one of the Tory party’s ‘big beasts.’

Lord (Kim) Darroch famously resigned as British Ambassador to the US when his diplomatic cable describing Trump as “inept and insecure” was leaked. Before that he served as National Security Advisor during Putin’s annexation of Crimea.

Claer Barrett is Consumer Editor at the Financial Times, and presenter of the Money Clinic podcast. Claer looks at the impact of the markets on business investment as well as personal finance and the effect of inflation on household bills.

After a role as Director of Insight & Innovation at The Royal Foundation (and being hailed one of Management Today’s 35 Women under 35), Natalie Campbell is now Co-CEO of Belu Water.

Former Chief Economist at Spotify Will Page offers his insights in how they were able to disrupt the music industry, and how other businesses can apply these lessons.

The ex-Cabinet Minister and US Presidential advisor join The Economist’s Foreign Editor to assess Putin’s war in Ukraine. What are the likely geopolitical, economic and societal consequences for us all?

The ex-Warner Bros creative head (Jason Bevan) and Viacom sales chief (Cally Beaton) share insights from Harry Potter to South Park. How can we trigger and pursue ideas that make us nervous, remove the obstacles and share the lessons with everybody?

Camilla Cavendish, Meera Syal, Louise Minchin, Katrine Marçal & Mary Ann Sieghart sum up progress on closing the gender gap. What still needs to be done in everything from how we design algorithms to attracting investment & making television?

A wonderful panel of speakers revealed their predictions for 2022 – Will Boris Johnson keep his job? Will we continue to work from home? Will it get any easier to tell true from fake?

Andrew Neil offered his outlook for the New Year on freedoms, the ‘pound in our pockets’ and the occupant of No.10.

The author of Deep Fake Nina Schick told us what’s next in AI, like the ability to make whoever you want convincingly say whatever you wish.

Bruce Daisley who ran Twitter on three continents and hosts the Eat Sleep Work Repeat podcast challenged our preconceptions.

Kadeena Cox has been a world champion in two para-sports, cycling and sprinting. She’s now preparing for next year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Not only that, The Economist’s China Bureau chief David Rennie joined us live from a ski resort near Beijing. And Sir Ivan Rogers, ex-ambassador to the EU, peered into future relations with our nearest neighbours.

We look at the leadership challenge of flexible working, how to re-engage and stand out amid the noise, and the power of being forced to do things differently and investing in ourselves.

We look at innovations spanning space, technology and an emerging global brand. What do they all have in common, what can we learn from them – and what are the myths and pitfalls?

We look at how bias creeps into our culture, from the tech we use to the institutions on which we depend – how to detect it and what we can do about it.

We look at the forces behind ESG and the commercial opportunities it presents – with the co-presenter of FutureProofing, a bestselling Dutch strategist, and a trailblazing green entrepreneur.

Two immensely experienced leaders look at what’s required to meet the new challenges. How do we prepare for external shocks and adapt to change while upholding all-important values?

One in four of us has experienced depression during the pandemic. We look at the signs and the solutions with a leading footballer, an army veteran and a mental health therapist.

We looked at the scale of the cyber threat, what we can do to protect our data and fake news – with a former Facebook exec, a CTO who lived to tell the tale and a hacker turned strategic advisor.

The former Defence and International Trade Secretary joined with US and China specialists to explore the part the UK might play on the post pandemic, post Brexit, post Trump stage.

We examined the practical, public health, ethical and reputational challenges of a return to in-person events – with the ‘Naked Scientist,’ a pioneer in equality and human rights, and the former boss of Lloyd’s of London.

The former boss of Waitrose and a leading AI entrepreneur examine how the combined forces of pandemic and technology are dramatically reshaping the workplace – and work itself.

In an exclusive appearance for JLA the master of mind control discussed how we can all achieve a sense of well-being no matter what the circumstances – and how we can turn anxiety to our advantage.

A Chief Fire Officer joins the ‘Face of Space’ and the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent to share their experience of life and death decisions, problem solving and resilience in the toughest of circumstances.

We heard from three expert speakers on how to deal with the pressures of working in the pandemic.

The American guru Tal Ben-Shahar taught two of Harvard’s most popular courses: Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership. He’s now an entrepreneur and Chief Learning Officer. Tal will be sharing his latest work on Post Traumatic Growth: The Science of Happiness in Difficult Times.

Linda Papadopoulos is both psychologist and broadcaster, offering clear insights and advice. She works with the NHS, government and business on anything from body image to general mental health and wellbeing. Her books include Unfollow: Living Life on Your Own Terms.

After an early career as an entertainer, Paul McKenna turned his mind to hypnotherapy and personal development. He’s since helped people lose weight, overcome insomnia, eliminate stress and increase their confidence – selling more than 10 million books.

Covering everything from Johnson’s prospects in No.10 to Team GB’s chances in Tokyo – via innovations born in the age of Covid. How do JLA speakers’ forecasts match your own hopes and fears???

With four members of his ensemble, the maestro (and self-styled ‘classical music hooligan’) demonstrates how symphony orchestras achieve peak performance.

The boss of Brompton Bicycles, Ogilvy guru and Innocent founder turned VC have shown remarkable resilience during the pandemic. Kate Silverton probed them for inspiration and insight.

The Today anchor (and ex-BBC US editor) linked live to East and West coasts – to Bush’s pioneering tweeter and the foreign policy expert hotly tipped to serve in a Biden administration.

The daughter of the legendary President of South Africa also serves on the board of Nestlé SA and advises on training and development. She shared her extraordinary story and underlined the power and influence of diversity in the workplace.

The More or Less presenter, FT Undercover Economist and hit podcaster shows how to weigh up the numbers we hear every day. The first event ‘live from the JLab’ was chaired by Today programme anchor Mishal Husain.

The endurance swimmer and UN ‘Patron of the Oceans’ persuaded Putin to protect an Antarctic sea the size of Western Europe. His goal is to secure 30% of the world’s oceans – and help us meet our own challenges.

The TED star, bestselling author and entrepreneur shows why we should never rely on predictions. Instead accept that the future is uncertain, address anxieties and remember that long term thinking remains crucial.

The 6-time Olympic gold medallist and serial World Champion cyclist shows how grappling with our emotions and changed circumstances, and being forced to learn new techniques, ultimately helps us grow.

Former Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Speaker John Bercow and Labour advisor Ayesha Hazarika look at politicians’ relationship with the public – and how the PM might lead us through recovery and Brexit to a new future.

The award winning historian, the double Olympic Gold winner and BBC’s much loved parish priest offered perspectives on diversity and the need to deliver real change as the country begins to get back on its feet.

The UK’s most influential ‘performance guru’ and author of Bounce and Black Box Thinking showed how we can emerge from lockdown stronger than before. The key is to address the big and small picture simultaneously.

The Professor of Particle Physics makes sense of the wonders of science on TV. For JLA+ Brian explained how science not only looks for solutions and excites our imagination, it’s also the key to future job creation and growth.

The bestselling futurist and virologist, the ‘Young Money’ blogger and the nation’s Queen of Shops offer their outlook on the next steps for us all – as citizens, business people, consumers and investors big and small.

The co-host of BBC’s FutureProofing, a presidential economic advisor and drone maker, and the author of A World Without Work debate how to adapt to life shaped by Covid-19, AI and mountains of debt.

The pandemic makes innovation essential for all of us. In a special hour-long presentation from Florida, Duncan (former head of innovation & creativity, Disney) shares his experience to help us think differently and imagine our way to “business as unusual!”

Duncan streamed from the US.

After 30 years with the BBC Fiona is one of the most respected figures in television. Alongside news duties she is the first female presenter of Question Time, and the first to engage with panellists by live stream.

Due to the Covid-19 virus Fiona streamed from home.

This February Eddie ran 29 marathons in 28 countries in 29 days. She claims it gets easier after the first 10. For the latest in the series of JLA+ Live Briefings, one of the world’s most driven performers explained her motivation.

Due to the Covid-19 virus Eddie streamed from home.

George served as Chancellor alongside David Cameron for six years in the wake of the global financial crash. As the world adjusts to even greater shockwaves he assessed the likely impact and the tough decisions facing Johnson and Sunak.

Due to the Covid-19 virus George streamed from home.

13 years ago Robert was the first to draw attention to Northern Rock’s insolvency and the crisis at RBS. He’s since made films on austerity, Brexit and China. As pandemic strikes, he now sets out the challenge of restoring both fairness and prosperity.

The bestseller, hit podcaster, FT columnist, Oxford Fellow and host of More or Less is a compelling storyteller – as in 50 Things That Made The Modern Economy. Tim explores the lessons of the pandemic for industry sectors, organisations and individuals.

Due to the Covid-19 virus Tim streamed from home.

William Hague served as Party Leader, Commons Leader and Foreign Secretary – contending with war in Libya, crisis in the Ukraine, terrorist threats and relations with Europe. He now weighs up the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak on government policy and global shifts.

Due to the Covid-19 virus William streamed from home.

This  JLA Breakfast looked at some of the greatest challenges facing business and society. How is our personal data being used to shape politics and public debate? How have particular biases led to flawed thinking, unintended consequences, and even hazardous decisions? And how will society cope as people live and work for longer? We were joined by three bestselling authors and thought-leaders, Caroline Criado Perez, Camilla Cavendish, and Jamie Bartlett, to tackle some of the big issues that affect us all.

Caroline Criado Perez is a campaigner and author of the multiple award-winning Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. The book provides a fascinating insight into the biases everyone holds, and the unexpected problems they bring, from poor decision-making to fatal healthcare choices. Whilst data reveals important flaws in everything from the design of phones to misdiagnosing heart conditions, it also highlights that biases affect everyone, in every area, but now we’re aware, we must work hard to overcome them.

Jamie Bartlett is the author of The People vs Tech, the acclaimed look at the use of personal data to both covertly monitor and also manipulate groups. From the Cambridge Analytica scandal to authoritarian regimes’ advances in surveillance, he uncovers how personal data is collected and the power governments, campaigners and tech companies now battle over. His previous books, Radicals and The Dark Net, examine other aspects of online communities, fringe groups and the darker side of humanity. His hugely popular BBC podcast The Missing Cryptoqueen has gripped millions and revealed a new world of crime and deceit.

Camilla Cavendish is a writer and former policy director. After working at The Times and McKinsey, she headed up David Cameron’s policy unit where amongst other achievements she made the so-called ‘sugar tax’ a reality. Leaving Downing Street, but remaining involved in both politics and journalism, Camilla took her experience in social and health policy and looked at the effects of an ageing population in her book Extra Time. From businesses focused on extending life and making it more comfortable to the huge implications for employers and governments, she considers the costs, benefits and opportunities of increased longevity.

This JLA Breakfast looked at some of the lessons in leadership, teamwork and human endeavour from astronaut and science communicator Tim Peake. With stories from his life, training, and his time in space, Tim gave an incredible insight into the decision-making and pressures, as well as some of the lighter side of life on the ISS and why space and science give us reasons for hope.

Tim Peake served as a military helicopter pilot, operating on the frontline before then undertaking humanitarian missions, training other pilots, and working as a test pilot. He joined over 9,000 other hopefuls in the European Space Agency’s astronaut selection process. After a gruelling training period that took in leadership skills, learning Russian and living underwater for 12 days, he spent six months on the International Space Station. As well as being a part of the team that maintained and monitored the ISS, his mission also focused on not just the scientific work of the Space Station but on communicating it to the public back on earth.

Tim was introduced and interviewed by Kevin Fong, emergency medic, engineer, physicist, writer and broadcaster. Specialising in risk, decision-making and innovation, Kevin trained with Nasa and advised the administration on the effects of extreme environments on the human body. He’s a part of UCL’s Emergency Response and Major Incident Planning Teams and a doctor flying with the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance. On TV and radio he’s presented programmes covering everything from surgery to arctic exploration and recently hosted the BBC’s hit podcast 13 Minutes to the Moon.

Days before the general election, this JLA Breakfast looked at the future for our politics with one of the key figures in recent times: former Commons Speaker John Bercow. Well known for reforming aspects of Parliament, he also shared insights on delivering change in the face of numerous obstacles.

John Bercow served as the 157th Speaker of the House of Commons. During a decade in the Speaker’s Chair he presided over Brexit debates and brought about a host of changes. On one level he dispensed with the traditional dress of knee breeches and silk stockings. More significantly he increased the use of ‘Urgent Questions’ requiring Ministers to make 685 statements on pressing issues, extended the time for PMQs, and replaced the Lords’ shooting range with a nursery.

John was introduced and interviewed by Steve Richards, political journalist and broadcaster, author of The Prime Ministers and The Rise of the Outsiders, and host of the stage show Rock N Roll Politics. As well as questioning John, Steve also delivered his own look at events on the election trail.

The next JLA Breakfast will look at the big issues affecting business and business leaders, from dealing with and leading change, to technological, political and social disruption and building a robust organisation. To reflect on their experiences and insights in all of these areas and more, we’ll be joined by former Lloyd’s of London CEO Inga Beale, former Channel 4 CEO David Abraham, and RocketSpace General Manager and former diplomat Priya Guha

This free event will take place at 1 Wimpole Street, W1 on Wednesday 30^th October.

Click the Request Tickets button below and submit your details, and the details (name and email address) of any guests, to book your place.

Inga Beale led the 300-year-old insurance institution Lloyd’s of London. As CEO she faced complex business challenges, and attempted to make a traditional, unique business fit for the 21^st century. She pushed the company into new global markets, worked to embrace digital platforms, and changed the culture and attitudes towards diversity within Lloyd’s and the wider insurance industry.

David Abraham was in charge of Channel 4 during a period of unprecedented change and disruption, culturally, politically and technologically. During his tenure the broadcaster dealt with the rise of streaming and increasing scrutiny on their impartiality, he led the decision to drop many long-standing, popular programmes, grow the Film4 production arm, and move into sports broadcasting including their acclaimed Paralympic sports coverage.

Priya Guha is the Ecosystem GM for RocketSpace, a California-based startup incubator, and is an Advisor to venture capital firm Merian Ventures. Taking an unorthodox route in to the tech sector, Priya was a diplomat, stationed in Spain and India, before being appointed British Consul General to San Francisco. The role gave her unique access to the workings of Silicon Valley behemoths as well as startups, witnessing how their leaders operated and developed strategy. She now focuses on the intersection of innovation, the tech sector, and government.

Please join us from 8.30am. Speakers will be on stage at 9am until around 10.15am.

This JLA Speakers event looked at how the best performers in the sporting world operate and what organisations and individuals can learn from them.  The teamwork, planning and psychology that go into elite level performance with one of Britain’s most successful Olympians, and a manager that has taken an F1 team to World Championship success.

The speakers:

Sir Chris Hoy MBE – six-time Olympic gold medallist and an eleven-time World Champion, Chris is one of most successful British sportspeople of all time. His combination of humility and determination has made him an influential figure inside and outside his sport. Alongside the huge amount of hard work required to be the best, he credits the pioneering psychological work done by the British cycling team with giving him the edge in a sport where winning and losing comes down to the smallest of margins. Since leaving the velodrome Chris has driven in GT and Le Mans series motorsport alongside work in broadcasting and business.

Christian Horner OBE  – Team Principal of the Red Bull Racing F1 team, Christian was appointed head of the team at their inception. Seen as the disruptive challenger to the established big players of F1, Red Bull took on the likes of McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes with far fewer resources and experience to call upon. Christian developed a culture of innovation and collaboration that drew the best talent on and off the track to the team. In a role he describes as ‘CEO during the week and team coach at weekends’, he looks at every aspects of this unique sport, from how to ship millions of pounds worth of cutting edge equipment around the world to the teamwork required to get a car across the finish line to how data is collected and analysed in new ways

The evening was hosted by Louise Minchin, BBC Breakfast presenter and recent member of the British triathlon team, an experience she’s documented in her book, Dare to Tri.

The last JLA Breakfast looked at how technology, in particular AI, is changing work, decision-making and the workplace. It examined the myths and realities of automation, singularities, millennials and the gig economy. Reflecting on these vital issues were the founder of a leading AI solutions company, an author, mathematician and broadcaster, and a leader in the business of HR, skills and talent.

The speakers were:

Daniel Hulme – CEO of pioneering AI company Satalia and Director of the Business Analytics course at UCL, Daniel looks at both what AI really is, and its profound implications for all organisations. Beyond concerns about redundancy and a lack of human interaction he asks what technology will do to company structures and everything from annual reviews to strategic decisions.

Hannah Fry – Associate Professor in the Mathematics of Cities at UCL, Hannah is also a regular on TV and radio. Her latest book, Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine considers what AI could be used for in the near future, and how comfortable we will be with it. From healthcare to banking to criminal sentencing, she examines the algorithms that could shape our world.

Kevin Green – one of the UK’s leading authorities on HR, talent strategy, employee engagement and workplace culture. Kevin was a key part of the team that turned around Royal Mail before spending ten years as CEO of the Recruitment & Employment Federation, the recruitment industry’s professional body. He’s worked with organisations from FTSE 100 companies to the NHS and helps organisations prepare for huge changes in talent, skills and leadership in an age of automation.

This JLA breakfast looked at culture and values, and their increasingly important role in driving a company. Today’s successful organisations are those that understand and bring together all of their people, fostering collaboration and openness, and reflecting their values throughout. Reflecting on how the best companies need to understand their people and how that understanding can translate into a competitive advantage was the former UK MD of Nando’s and Operations Director at Five Guys, the former SVP of International Sales at Viacom, and the outgoing Creative Director of Virgin Money.

The speakers will were:

Marcel Khan

In almost 15 years at the top of some of the most distinctive restaurant brands, Marcel has defined how to stay ahead in a notoriously difficult market. At both Nando’s and Five Guys he and his teams were driven to create a culture where everyone felt valued and passionate about what they did. As businesses they marked out where they could compete and focused on being the best in that area, conveying a clear message about what they offered, andm ensuring they consistently delivered on that promise.

Cally Beaton

Starting out in television production, Cally joined ITV as the only woman and the youngest person on the board. At Viacom she was responsible for global sales of programmes on Comedy Central, Paramount, MTV and Nickelodeon. She looks at the creative and the commercial sides of business and what each can learn from the other, as well as how thinking differently inspires change and brings together colleagues from all areas to create a confident, innovative culture.

Tim Arthur

After stints working in theatre, journalism and charity, Tim was appointed Global CEO of Time Out and, faced with the decline of print publishing, made the magazine free and focused on digital and brand extensions. Joining Virgin Money he oversaw a range of concerns from marketing and brand to digital and customer experience. He considers the duty a business has to understand and serve their customer and the role that insight plays in company culture, strategy and innovation.

This breakfast looked at how individuals and teams shape goals, overcome challenges and achieve the apparently impossible. Two celebrated gold medallists, Lewis Hamilton’s racing driver brother and one of the UK’s best loved swimmers demonstrated the need for a clear vision, a plan to get there and the will to see it through.

The Speakers:

Kate & Helen Richardson-Walsh – The 2016 women’s hockey final was one of those rare sporting moments that brought the country together. Viewers were gripped as the game against the defending champions went to penalties. Team captain Kate and penalty-scorer Helen reveal how they created a united, inclusive and winning culture.

Nicolas Hamilton – Born with cerebral palsy, doctors told Nic’s parents that he’d never walk and his eyesight would only get worse. By 17 he had walked away from his wheelchair and followed his dream to drive competitively like Lewis. Refusing to be defined by his condition, Nic explains how he’s become the first disabled athlete to race at the highest level of touring car competition.

Mark Foster – In the pool Mark amassed a total of 47 international freestyle and butterfly titles, setting 8 world records and competing in 5 Olympics. He’s since turned his hand to punditry and presenting (and Strictly). Mark reveals how reluctance to be open about his sexuality affected both his performance and his general wellbeing.

This JLA breakfast looked at how successful organisations need to put people first, and encourage supportive, accountable and engaged leaders. Rarely have issues around culture and accountability been as prominent as they have over the past year and we’ll consider how to build trust and openness, examine mistakes, and deal with people with a commercial airline and former RAF pilot and trainer, and the founder of Facebook’s EMEA Politics and Government division.

The speakers were:

Matt Lindley – Matt worked for Ford implementing management strategy before joining the RAF where he specialised in VIP transport. His time with the Air Force also saw him become one of the first military pilots to come out as gay. Now flying commercial 747s he looks at how the aviation industry views mistakes as a chance to learn rather than scapegoat, and what that culture says about leaders who support their people, and those that dictate to them.

Elizabeth Linder – after joining YouTube and helping their new owners Google understand the nature of user-generated content, Elizabeth witnessed the effect social media was having on political campaigns. Moving to Facebook she helped train business and political leaders around the world in how to use social media effectively. She considers leadership in the digital age, when mistakes are amplified and authenticity is highly prized.

This JLA Speakers Breakfast examined reaching the very top of your field, and the psychological toll that pressure and expectation can bring, with one of the greatest rugby union players of all time, Jonny Wilkinson.

Jonny Wilkinson is known to rugby fans and non-fans alike as the man that won England the World Cup with his dramatic drop goal in the dying moments of the final. He remained a key part of the England team for another eight years, during good times and bad. At the same time his club career also thrived and he established himself as a cornerstone of Toulon’s European Championship side, and possibly the most popular Englishman in France. Today he writes, coaches, and speaks about his personal struggles with stress and is passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues.

This JLA Speakers Breakfast looked at how business will change in the years to come with three different perspectives on innovation, disruption and the future of everything. A millennial CEO, a former Google exec turned fintech investor, and a science and technology broadcaster considered the challenges every sector will face and how business will evolve.

Josh Valman

From competing in Robot Wars to starting his own engineering consultancy at the age of 15, Josh now runs an international company helping businesses to become agile and innovative. He and his company RPD International develop prototypes and new processes that would usually take businesses months or even years to test for clients from Vodafone to Unilever. He considers how businesses need to streamline decision-making, tackle problems collaboratively, and become innovative in every aspect of their operation.

Dan Cobley

Dan was in charge of Google’s UK and Ireland operations, and previously its marketing business in the EMEA regions. Combining his tech experience with his time at Capital One he’s now an investor and advisor in the burgeoning fintech sector. Dan looks at how every aspect of banking, finance and payments are being subjected to disruption and the lessons all businesses can learn from how the sector is having to adapt.

Timandra Harkness

As the co-host of Radio 4’s Futureproofing Timandra examines what the future has in store for everything from food to war to language. She’s made science and technology not just accessible but also entertaining with various live shows, and examined the truth and lies behind big data in her book Big Data: Does size matter? Incorporating everything from AI to biotech, but also the social, the commercial and the historical, Timandra considers what will happen to business, whether it really is unprecedented, and what it might all mean to us as workers and consumers.

This JLA Speakers Breakfast looked at the elements – technical, cultural, and personal – that mark out the world’s most successful teams. A former F1 boss, a key member of the British Cycling team, and a performance expert and director of football all examined the lessons their sports provide for business.

The speakers were:

Nick Fry – Nick was CEO of the Mercedes Petronas Formula 1 team and its previous incarnation BAR for over a decade. During his time in charge the team changed radically on the track and behind the scenes. They went on to beat all comers in both drivers and constructors championships with the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg behind the wheel. Nick joined F1 from the motor business, having led Aston Martin where he moved the company from prestige marque to modern supercar brand, and previously serving at Ford in product development and running their customer service. He considers the parallels in leadership, strategy and teamwork in business and in a sport where innovation is crucial, competition is relentless, and winning is paramount.

Rasmus Ankersen – acclaimed author and expert in high-performance, Rasmus has examined how the world’s best athletes and their coaches operate, and what it is about certain cultures and mindsets that make winners. In his most recent book, Hunger in Paradise, the Director of Football at Brentford FC asks why, whilst most organisations put success at the heart of what they do, they usually fail to plan for or sustain it.

Phil Burt – Phil is the Head Physiotherapist at British Cycling, working with the team over the course of three Olympics, more than almost any other member of the coaching staff. Part of the famed marginal gains group he’s one of the few people to work in all areas of elite performance, training and equipment design. He’s led important developments that have improved times and reduced injury. Phil looks at how a team innovates, creates a winning culture, and engages with talent. He also reflects on the important lessons cycling has learned from recent problems and what others could learn.

This JLA Speakers Breakfast looked at how leaders build trust, share a vision, and create an exceptional culture. Two of the most respected leaders in their fields; one, a former Director General of MI5, the other a former CEO and acclaimed TED speaker, gave their thoughts on the challenges facing all leaders, from newly elected presidents to department managers.

This Speakers Breakfast featured two of the country’s most original and creative thinkers looking at how innovation happens and why modern life and work often supress creative thinking.

Tim Harford – Tim is an acclaimed FT columnist, host of Radio 4’s More or Less, and author of six best-selling books, including his latest title Messy – How to be Creative in a Tidy-Minded World. He spoke about how our desire for order and predictability stifles creativity and achievement. He also considered how, in an age of Trump, Brexit and general upheaval, we can learn to live with uncertainty.

Rory Sutherland – Rory is one of the best-known figures in the UK advertising industry. He is the Vice-Chair of Ogilvy & Mather and a much-admired TED speaker. He looks at lessons from the advertising world, why our desire to control uncontrollable things makes us miserable, and why big problems don’t always demand big solutions.

The event was introduced and hosted by writer and innovation consultant Guy Browning.

This JLA Speakers Breakfast looked at the near future of tech, AI and data and how it will impact on every business.

The speakers were:

Jason Bradbury – The Gadget Show presenter calls himself a ‘first generation geek’ having grown up surrounded by tech. He considers what the AI revolution will mean for business as he chats to his own robot on stage.

Tamara Lohan – Tamara co-founded the Mr & Mrs Smith series of boutique hotel guides. The print version evolved into a hugely successful online booking and review site. Now CTO, Tamara leads both brand and technology.

Conor McNicholas – Conor was once editor of the NME. In straitened times he reinvented the magazine online and took it into live events and broadcasting. He now helps businesses use data and tech to engage, take risks and grow.

This JLA Speakers Breakfast debated the big issues that will affect the worlds of business and politics in 2017. From the UK’s economic outlook to conflicts around the world; key general elections to the role of technology in society and commerce, five leaders in their fields discussed how things might play out.

The speakers were:

Tom Fletcher – Tom advised three Prime Minsters on foreign policy before being appointed the UK’s youngest ever ambassador. He sought to change the face of diplomacy using social media. He now teaches and leads a scheme to help 29million children access education with the aid of private enterprise.

Emma Sinclair – Emma is the co-founder and CEO of EnterpriseJungle. After a career in the City she started Target Parking with the aim of improving the service and reputation of car parking and facilities management. Her new company, an SAP Partner, helps organisations match their needs to talent.

Paul Johnson – Paul has been the Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies since 2011. Arguably the most respected body on tax, public finances and the economy, the IFS is widely seen and the definitive independent commentators on government spending and the UK economy.

Mike Rann – Mike served as Premier of South Australia for nine years. In his time he revolutionised the state’s economy and infrastructure, with sustainability at its heart. As well as various roles leading action on global climate change he also served as Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK and as Permanent Representative to the UN World Food Programme and the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation.

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The first in the new season of JLA’s Speakers Breakfasts featured those that have experienced the toughest challenges, kept going, and now recount gripping, inspiring stories.

Martin Elliott – paediatric surgeon and Co-Medical Director of Great Ormond Street; Martin has held lives in his hands and looks at the pressure on both teams and leaders, and examines the importance of taking lessons from outside your field.

Giles Duley – award-winning conflict photographer and campaigner; Giles turned his back on music and fashion photography to work for charities in conflict and disaster zones. Whilst working in Afghanistan he lost both legs and his left arm in an IED explosion. He fought to recover and return to work and now asks others to consider their story, their passion and their goals.

Our Referendum Speakers Breakfast took place on Tuesday 24th May.

It examined what would be the likely impact – in each scenario – on trade, jobs and economic growth. The likely political fallout, both domestically and across the EU. Even if the only real certainty was uncertainty, how could we be prepared?

Lords Digby Jones and Danny Finkelstein, Vicky Pryce and Trevor Phillips debated what happens after the big day – whether the UK voted to remain in or to leave the European Union.

An exceptionally well qualified panel of speakers:

Digby headed the CBI and flies the flag as ambassador for UK Trade & Investment. Danny is Associate Editor of The Times and advisor to George Osborne. Vicky led the Government Economic Service and is now CEBR’s Chief Economic Advisor. Trevor chaired the Equality and Human Rights Commission and now serves as President of the John Lewis Partnership Council.

On the track Seb’s talent and commitment earned eleven world records and two Olympic golds. He has since led the most successful Olympic and Paralympic Games in recent history. After serving as one of many Vice Presidents, Seb is now tasked with turning around the IAAF and restoring the reputation of international athletics. Seb spoke on bringing about change and delivering a vision.

Disruption, Cyber-Security, Privacy….. and its effects.

Our exciting guest speaker was CHRIS HADFIELD, who recently stepped down as Commander of the International Space Station. He is probably best known for his rendition of Bowie’s Space Oddity, and for some weird and wonderful experiments. Chris shared insights on collaboration, human ingenuity and how to avoid being paralysed by fear. Surprise special guest presenter was Dara O’Briain.

Each of our four speakers demonstrated rich experience of Embracing Risk, Dealing With Pressure and Rising To The Challenge…

NICKY MOFFAT, first female Brigadier and Head of Army HR
STUART PEARCE, Ex-England footballer and Under-21 manager
JEREMY BOWEN, BBC Middle East Editor
LEWIS PUGH, arctic swimmer and campaigner

HUW EDWARDS presented a special JLA Speakers Breakfast with the former Foreign Secretary and Conservative Leader, WILLIAM HAGUE. William shared his insights on the geopolitical landscape and the challenges for politicians and business. A master storyteller, hailed by Hillary Clinton as the ‘David Beckham of speakers!’

The immediate future in Business, Tech and Politics with three thoroughly engaging speakers…

ISABEL OAKESHOTT is the ex-Sunday Times’ Political Editor, and author of a keenly anticipated biography of David Cameron. She took us through the deals, challenges and constraints faced by the new Government.

Thanks to a good idea and a great deal of persistence, DALE MURRAY built up a £450m turnover in pre-pay mobile top-ups. She’s now a leading angel investor, and advises large companies on how to emulate entrepreneurs.

ANTHONY LILLEY helped develop the BBC’s interactive platforms. He explores changes in online user behaviour, the challenge within regulated sectors, and what he foresees as ‘the death of digital.’

As a Las Vegas pro, CASPAR BERRY learned all about the difference between calculated risk and reckless gambling. As Head of Security for the Olympics, ANDREW AMERY managed risks from cyber to petty crime and the threat of terrorism.

As a consultant anaesthetist and NASA-trained expert in extreme environments, KEVIN FONG understands the need both to take and to mitigate risks.

The next Speakers Breakfast is on Tuesday 10th March – with a dance legend and an extraordinary mathematician.

CARLOS ACOSTA‘S rise from back street poverty in Havana to Principal Guest Artist at The Royal Ballet with a worldwide reputation makes for one of the most inspiring stories you will ever hear. You might also see him dance!

MARCUS DU SAUTOY, author of the bestselling Music of the Primes, explores everything from the patterns that help us make predictions and the computer codes on which we rely for security to an intriguing theory on why Beckham always chose to wear the ’23’ shirt.

The first Speakers Breakfast season of 2015 began with a celebrated business leader and an extraordinary young entrepreneur.

Inspiration comes in many guises. This event showcased four remarkable stories: surgery in the midst of war and disaster, marginal gains in Formula One, running ultra-marathons ­­despite blindness, and overcoming the horror of brutal attack. 

After heading Google UK, Dan now helps new companies disrupt old industries. He is joined by infographics wizard David McCandless, whose latest book shows that when you visualise complex data you tease out fascinating connections. 

What are the consequences of deflation in Europe? Will the march of UKIP influence Labour and Conservative policy? How coherent is Alliance strategy to defeat Islamic State? What are the macro risks and leadership challenges facing UK Plc?

We explored ‘Identity’ – from corporate reputation to our individual online presence, and what it now means to be British.

The speakers were senior Conservative MP and civil liberties champion DAVID DAVIS; the former Eurostar CEO and BA brand director HAMISH TAYLOR; serial entrepreneur BJ CUNNINGHAM; and LJ RICH, reporter and producer on BBC TV’s flagship technology programme, Click.

Apple’s former Creative Director gave us the ‘i’ in iPad, iPod and iPhone. Together with a key architect behind the Eden Project they show how innovation profits from simplicity and nature’s 3.6bn years of R&D.

The bestselling author and More Or Less host joined the BBC HR Director, de Montfort Professor and ex-HSBC Chief Economist to challenge the assumptions we make about four of the biggest issues of the day.

Our four eminent panellists have served as Chancellor, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, US Editor of The Economist and the head of the biggest brand agency in Europe. They locked horns on the morning after Osborne’s 5th Budget.

The BBC Arts Editor and the creator of Spitting Image, Blackadder, Mr Bean and QI joined the comedy actor and communications consultant to stretch our imagination, tell stories and think like an artist.

The nation held its breath as Clive’s men fulfilled their promise and clinched the Rugby World Cup. He’s sinclce helped British athletes achieve success by instilling attention to detail and self-belief, and combining it with back-room expertise and ruthless decision-making.

When she arrived in the US in 1975, Martina had one goal: to be the best women’s tennis player in the world. In the end she secured more tournament wins than any player in history – including 9 Wimbledon singles titles. She describes what it takes to be a champion.

Ran is the first to reach both Poles by foot, and the oldest Briton to conquer Everest. He also completed seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven days. This year he launched The Coldest Journey in Antarctica: “If you’re lucky enough to walk without a crutch, you might as well go for it.”

Chris is the most successful British Olympian of all time, winning his sixth gold medal at London 2012. He also won 11 World Championship titles. Explaining the buzz, he describes how “the euphoria of winning a race by 2/1000ths of a second helps the brain mask the pain.”

The last event of the season features four remarkable achievers who have all challenged the status quo…

When the credit crunch struck, van and minibus dealer Dave Fishwick decided he should start a bank. Experts told him it was impossible, and potentially criminal. He persevered, set up Burnley Savings & Loans and soon found himself star of Channel 4’s Bank of Dave.

Jo Malone left school early to care for her mother on their council estate. After working behind a cosmetics counter she went on to found the global luxury brand that bears her name, staying on as creative director after selling her stake to Estee Lauder.

After senior positions with Prudential and Marks & Spencer, Jean Tomlin became HR Director for London 2012. In a project with no room for failure, she built the team that staged the most successful Games in modern times – and mobilised 200,000 Gamesmakers.

Using his grandmother’s recipes, Fraser Doherty set up SuperJam at 14 and hit the Waitrose shelves at 18. Now, still only 24, he supplies his sugar-free product to 2,000 supermarkets from Russia to Australia. He also hosts SuperJam tea parties for the elderly.

This event will explore how businesses can innovate even in a challenging economic climate – with four eminent speakers who are all in the thick of it…

Greg Nugent took on the challenge of marketing London 2012 – with 60 million stakeholders and the media waiting to pounce on every slip. It was he who turned volunteers into Gamesmakers. Greg outlines the lessons for every business.

Mariana Mazzucato is an economist and holder of the RM Phillips Chair in Science & Technology Policy at the University of Sussex. She is also author of The Entrepreneurial State: debunking private vs. public myths in innovation. Mariana focuses on the relationship between finance, innovation and growth – advising both the Government and the European Commission.

As the only American to win the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, Doug Richard was one of the original TV Dragons. He has since founded The School for Startups, and believes that entrepreneurship can be taught and must be learned.

With a panel brim-full of experts, we will be debating the major trends that are changing the consumer, business and political landscape. In straightened times, with voters protesting and digital challenging the existence of many high streets, how can policy-makers and UK Plc respond?

William Higham started in the music industry, then became a trends forecaster. He considers the implications when 51% of mobile phone users buy things on their device, but only 36% of retailers have a compatible website.

Danny Finkelstein once ran a social policy think tank, aligning himself with modernisers like Cameron, Osborne and Gove. He is now Executive Editor of The Times – responsible for the digital edition and leader columns.

Bill Grimsey served as CEO of Wickes, Focus and Iceland. He has since turned author, looking at what’s next for Britain’s retail industry and offering a counter to those that seek to revive high street shopping.

Linda Davidson developed the first BBC sites and launched E4 before becoming European IT Director for Discovery. She now helps companies to deliver online ROI and to understand ‘hang-outs’, ‘hackathons’ and ‘unified’ communications.

As Head of the No.10 Policy Unit, Schools Minister and Transport Secretary, Lord Andrew Adonis was a key architect of Labour’s public service reforms – including tuition fees, academy schools and HS2. He’s since headed a cross-party think tank to improve the effectiveness of government.

On the morning after George Osborne’s Budget, we will be investigating the state of the world economy and its impact on the UK and Europe with three very distinguished voices…

Todd Buchholz was White House Director of Economic Policy under President Bush. He’s also run a $15bn hedge fund, written about global upheaval in Market Shock, lectured at Harvard and co-produced the hit musical, Jersey Boys.

Lord Mark Malloch-Brown was UN Deputy Secretary General to Kofi Annan. He has also served as Vice Chairman of George Soros’ investment funds and Foreign Office Minister for Africa and Asia. Mark is now Chair (EMEA) of FTI Consulting, advising on macro and enterprise risks in both emerging and ‘frontier’ markets.

Roger Bootle is one of the most influential economists in the UK, and advisor to the House of Commons Treasury Committee. In 2012 his team won the Wolfson Prize (second only to the Nobel), for its study on how a country can best exit the Euro. Roger believes that fiscal union will fail to improve competitiveness – and leave Britain isolated.

As an athlete Seb Coe achieved twelve world records and two Olympic golds. He’s now masterminded the most successful Games in modern times. As The Sunday Times put it in their editorial, “Lord Coe proved a masterful leader of a complex project, fulfilling his role with modesty and dignity.”

Seb now offers his insights into the lessons learned. He highlights the need to build a resilient team from diverse backgrounds, to be seen by everyone to deliver your vision, to communicate pre-emptively and to leave nothing at all to chance: “You don’t become a champion at anything simply by turning up and hoping to get lucky.”

We were be joined by three remarkable leaders… Martin McCourt was CEO of Dyson, leading the firm’s phenomenal expansion while James focused on design and innovation. In his last few years alone, while the country slipped into recession, he oversaw a doubling of turnover and trebling of profits.

Andrew Strauss became only the third England cricket captain in history to win the Ashes both home and away. His original game plan was to achieve world No.1 ranking within five years; working closely with Andy Flower, they reached their goal in half the time.

Will Butler-Adams is helping to lead the push for UK manufacturing. His Brompton Bicycle Company design, produce and distribute 30,000 folding bikes each year from their London factory, with half the parts made onsite. Overseas customers, including the Chinese, account for 70% of sales.

With next year’s conference programme in mind, the emphasis was on Motivation – with Kevin Keegan topping a powerful bill… Mandy Hickson was one of the first female pilots to serve in a front line Tornado GR4 squadron. She spoke about the personal and strategic lessons learned, from how to make decisions in high pressure situations to the need for honest and open briefing. Mark Ormrod was on a routine Marine patrol when he stepped on an Afghan mine. He lost both legs and his right arm. On the brink of despair back in England his ego kicked in, and after 8-hour days in the gym he finally got the better of his new bionic legs. Almost unbelievably, has since run across America. Kevin Keegan is a true British sporting legend. As well as making his mark at Liverpool, Hamburg and Newcastle, he has the distinction of both captaining and managing the England football team.

Our final breakfast in the Summer 2012 series took the form of a debate on our futures, with three highly influential voices…

Rachel Botsman is author of the bestseller What’s Mine Is Yours. Her theory of ‘collaborative consumption’ (which suggests that consumers will increasingly opt for access rather than ownership), is described by TIME as one of the 10 ideas that will change the world. It’s also the basis for a large scale TV project scheduled for 2013. Rachel explored the trends and how they applied to a vast range of industry sectors.

Originally a high-flying investment analyst, Bronwen Maddox joined The Times as US Editor. She is now Editor and CEO of the right-leaning Prospect magazine. She sees her role as explaining City thinking to policymakers, and helping business navigate the geo-political landscape. Bronwen looked at potential outcomes for the Euro, and what happens when our politicians have to make such unpopular decisions that they risk becoming unelectable.

Jane Young is a leading social business strategist. Her work focuses on the cultural, process and infrastructure changes made possible by technology – how to get things done more quickly and more cheaply and pave the way for innovation. Jane drew on Richard Dawkins, Bill Hicks and NASA to show that free-flowing information is key when the pace of change is relentlessly accelerating.

Last October, weeks after becoming the first non-Japanese to head the 92 year-old institution,Michael Woodford discovered and drew his board’s attention to what he believes is a 1.7 billion dollar fraud. He was instantly dismissed. Fearing for his safety he returned to the UK and reported his findings to the SFO. In a remarkable and dramatic tale, the repercussions of which are still rocking Japan just as discussions take place to turn it into a major feature film, Michael explained how an obscure magazine article led to FBI investigations, multiple arrests and serious questions about corporate morality.

We were joined by three well known, highly entertaining and appropriately upbeat Brits for an unashamedly patriotic event…

Ben Fogle sees himself as an ‘accidental adventurer.’ Since Castaway he has led would-be explorers in Extreme Dreams, tracked Prince William in Botswana and lived for a month in Scott’s hut. He’s now set to take part in the Thames flotilla, in the same boat in which he rowed the Atlantic with James Cracknell. Ben embodies the message of his presentation: stay focused, embrace change and never give up.

Richard Madeley is a national institution. After 13 years presenting This Morning, Richard and his wife Judy moved to Channel 4 and established Book Club – which has had a phenomenal effect on the bestseller lists. A thoroughly warm and engaging storyteller, Richard engaged the room with plenty of anecdotes, and truly lifted the spirits.

Paddy O’Connell attracts over two million listeners to his Sunday Radio 4 show, Broadcasting House. A former Wall Street correspondent, he now hosts cultural tours of Britain for wealthy Americans and performs a one-man stage show about Eurovision: My Semi Heaven. Dismissive of the doom-mongers, he trumpeted our natural resourcefulness and offered eight reasons to remain steadfastly optimistic.

We were joined by three experts who brought scientific and mathematical discovery to life in a way that was genuinely inspiring and relevant for any organisation interested in innovation.

After training to be a doctor, Michael Mosley moved into TV to work on Troubleshooter. He has since produced and presented a raft of science programmes. 2012 projects include a look at today’s medical frontiers and why we really don’t need much exercise – along with his regular slot on The One Show. Michael’s presentation explored the economics and the history of innovation.

Kevin Fong is an astrophysicist and anaesthetist. After training with NASA he now works with the UK Science, Technology and Facilities Council, as well as running an intensive care unit and teaching ‘extreme environment physiology.’ He also makes films for BBC’s Horizon strand. Kevin considered lessons from space, and how technology and exploration both solves and creates problems.

In an earlier life Alex Bellos was The Guardian’s man in South America and Pele’s ghost-writer. He’s now often hailed as the person who reclaimed maths from the geeks. In his presentation, as in his book Alex’s Adventures in Numberland, he explained how maths underpins everything we do – and how random behaviour can be strangely predictable.

For the second breakfast of our Spring/Summer season, we debated the future of UK Plc with three high profile business speakers…

Mark Wood is the former CEO of both Axa and Prudential. He now chairs a Lloyds underwriter, a digital marketing firm and the NSPCC, and serves on the board of the RAC. He turned around Axa and cut costs at Prudential UK by 40% (while increasing profits by the same amount). Mark addressed the leadership challenge of transforming a business, and dug beneath the surface of official statistics.

Newsnight’s Economics Editor Paul Mason sums up his agenda as profit, people and planet. A former musician and deputy editor of Computer Weekly, he has also written on the global working classes in Live Working or Die Fighting. He expects protectionist measures towards China, and serious social unrest stretching from the US to Israel and Iran – and explored whether we’ve entered an age of ‘repressionomics.’

PY Gerbeau has taken on numerous corporate rescues – including The Dome. He now heads one of the UK’s largest leisure owners and lectures students in the ‘experience economy’ as a Visiting Professor at LBS and Imperial College. Having decided to settle in Britain because he finds it much more business-friendly than his native France, PY believes every company must be increasingly agile to improve the prospects for growth.

For our final Olympic event we were delighted to showcase two legends and one of the country’s leading sports psychologists…

In his last Games Matthew Pinsent was forced to switch from the pairs to the four-man boat, requiring very different skills. Despite setbacks he famously led the crew to a remarkable victory. Now Sir Matthew and a member of the BBC team, he passed around the medals and explained how agility comes to the fore when events happen outside your control.

Steve Bull has worked with Team GB at three Olympic Games. He’s also the principal leadership coach for English cricket, helping the national side regain the Ashes. Steve explained why coaching is the primary responsibility of every manager in any organisation, creating a mindset that enables the team to thrive under pressure.

Britain’s best known Paralympian, Tanni Grey-Thompson amassed 11 gold medals in 5 consecutive Olympics. She also won the wheelchair race in 6 London Marathons and achieved 34 world records. Now Dame Tanni, Vice Chair of the 2012 Athletes Commission and an active member of the House of Lords, she described how her success came down to planning, teamwork, ambition and sheer determination.

We showcased three high profile speakers offering their perspective on challenges at home and abroad…

As the debate about ‘fairness’ continues on the front pages and in the Occupy movement, the bestselling philosopher AC Grayling considers everyday ethical issues – and how we can be “good citizens of the business community.” He might have also mentioned his New College of the Humanities, which opens later this year charging academically elite students £18,000 a year.

General Sir Mike Jackson was Head of the British Army until 2006. Applying first hand strategic experience to the challenges facing any big organisation, he argued that every leader must be ruthless: “Mark out the objective, work out the resources required to get there and get on with it.” He also offered his view on the instability in Iran and across the Middle East.

Andrew Pierce’s perceptive right-of-centre political journalism is required reading for its insider’s view of parliament. After twenty years on The Times, Andrew was then assistant editor of The Daily Telegraph. He knows everyone in the Westminster village and his ability to ferret out scandal and gossip means that he has a reputation for breaking stories that the great and the good might prefer kept quiet.

We saw three compelling speakers, each offering a timely perspective on getting the best out of your people…

Adrian Gilpin chairs the Institute of Human Development. He equips front line, middle and senior managers to lead their teams through change and uncertainty. His method is based on storytelling – mixing film clips with common sense wisdom and clear analytical insight into what makes us produce peak performance.

Daniel Tammet is a real-life Rainman – one of the world’s top ‘autistic savants’. Although he battled to learn basic skills that others take for granted (like looking someone in the eye), he can speak a dozen languages and recite Pi to 22,514 decimal places. He invites audiences to see through new eyes: “If you’re able to look at the world in a different way, you find solutions and opportunities you would otherwise miss.”

Guy Browning is a bestselling business writer and brand expert – often described as ‘the David Attenborough of the business jungle.’ He’s also one of the funniest speakers on the circuit. Taking his new feature film as the starting point, he shows how we can all use creativity to escape from the usual clichés, break a problem into its constituent parts and apply our own beliefs “to make good things happen.”

Amidst all the talk of economic doom and gloom, we are delighted to invite you to a Christmas Speakers Breakfast with three of the most entertaining characters on the circuit – Gyles Brandreth, Jay Rayner and Gerald Scarfe.

Gyles has played Baron Hardup in Cinderella, represented the good people of Chester and counter-signed the biggest cheque in British history, with Her Majesty The Queen. Arguably the biggest name-dropper in the land, he is also a consummate after dinner speaker and awards host.

Alongside his role as Masterchef judge and One Show regular, Jay is a wonderfully straight talking restaurant critic who enjoys being mistaken for Marco Pierre White. He has a trolley full of stories of dining hell, including examples of comically poor customer service – and he may also offer some invaluable tips for Christmas dinner.

Gerald is the celebrated Sunday Times cartoonist. His often outrageous portraits have made being ‘savaged by Scarfe’ a rite of passage for the big beasts of Westminster. Illustrating his speech with film clips and fantastic artwork, he asks “What exactly is the correct form of address to someone you’ve just depicted as a warthog?”

The morning after George Osborne’s Autumn Statement, we heard from two speakers perfectly placed to assess the current position and the likely impact on both business and the public sector…

As Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling had previously warned an interviewer that “the economic times we’re facing are arguably the worst for 60 years.” He was subsequently widely praised for measures which helped prevent recession spiralling into depression. Alistair’s book, Back From The Brink, has just been published – with the first print run selling out in days.

Until last January Sir Richard Lambert served as Director General of the CBI. He was previously Editor-in-Chief of the Financial Times, and the first non-economist appointed a full-time external member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee. He was also the first person the new Chancellor telephoned when the election result become known.

Three extraordinary speakers peered into the future in three very different ways…

Andrew Neil considered the repercussions of the turbulence in Europe and America, the policy alternatives and their likely impact on business. The captivating Swedish futurist and TED favourite Magnus Lindkvist questioned many of our old assumptions about how our domestic and working lives will change; and Baroness Susan Greenfield explored some of the risks associated with technology and the enormous gains on the horizon in her own field of neuroscience and pharmacology.

This breakfast was the first of two special Olympic-based events, designed to showcase motivational speakers for conference audiences in the run-up to London 2012. What can we learn from the Olympians?

Kelly Holmes is only the second woman in history to claim the 800m and 1500m titles at the same Games. The BBC Sports Personality of the Year and Ambassador for London 2012 persevered for over a decade and overcame injury and illness before achieving her ultimate goal. Kelly outlined the passion, compassion and courage needed to succeed.

At the age of 21 Karen Darke fell from a cliff and became paralysed from the neck down. Determined not to let her condition get the better of her, she set off for the Himalayas and Alaska; next year she represents Team GB in para-cycling. Karen demonstrated how we can achieve all manner of things we considered impossible.

Greg Whyte represented Great Britain in the Modern Pentathlon (comprising swimming, shooting, fencing, running and equestrian disciplines) at two Olympics and ten World Championships. He is now a highly prized coach, and the man behind David Walliams’ long-distance swimming and Eddie Izzard’s 43 marathons in 51 days.

Steve Backley was the first British athlete to ‘medal’ at three consecutive Olympic Games. The four-time European Javelin Champion and winner of three Commonwealth Golds has a background in sports psychology and discussed the three main attributes which are required for success: self-belief, application and motivation.

At a time when technology is changing the way we behave, with brands facing ever stiffer competition, Newsnight’s Gavin Esler introduced three highly accomplished speakers to share their insight into ‘How To Engage With Customers.’

With more than 20 awards to his name, Scott Seaborn is Head of Mobile Technologies at Ogilvy Group UK. Mobile already accounts for 20% of internet use, and Scott explores how each business sector can harness the potential. Complete with music sequencer, his presentation revealed a future of voice search, image recognition and ‘augmented reality.’

Rita Clifton is President of the Market Research Society and chair of the consultancy that assembles the Best Global Brands list. She defines a brand as an organising idea to set a company apart from the competition. ‘If you don’t have trust, you can’t have a brand.’ Rita spoke about reputation, internal brand management and digital branding – a world where mistakes are never laid to rest.

As Global Brand Director at Green & Black’s, Mark Palmer repositioned the organic chocolate bars as a more mainstream product and saw turnover rise ten fold – even before the sale to Cadbury. He advocates investing in brand rather than machinery, and being very clear about who you’re targeting.

This season of Speakers Breakfasts culminated in a major debate on the impact of the current global geo-political shifts on British business – with four compelling heavyweight speakers…

Professor Jeremy Black has written over eighty books, many on eighteenth century politics and international relations. Alongside appointments in the UK, he is Senior Fellow at the Centre for the Study of America & the West at the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia – making him exceptionally well placed to provide a historical backdrop to today’s power struggles.

Pippa Malmgren taught in Beijing, served on Bush’s National Economic Council and became deputy head of global strategy at UBS before launching her own asset management firm. She now advises fund managers on the impacts of national and world politics. Pippa offers a complete overview with a focus on the US, China and the Middle East – and introduces us to the ‘BRACSS.’

After spells as a Bank of England economist and head of George Osborne’s staff, Matthew Hancock has now entered Parliament himself and serves on the committee scrutinising public spending. He offers an insider’s view of Coalition policy, and an outlook on the next twelve months. How will the Government react to the pressures at home and abroad?

Martin Vander Weyer was originally an investment banker in London, Brussels and the Far East. Now Business Editor of The Spectator, he agrees that a shift of resources away from a bloated public sector will bear fruit. But he also believes there are many who should examine their consciences. Amidst all the changes, Martin wonders what’s become of our moral compass.

Tim Harford – FT columnist, Radio 4 presenter and author of the million-selling Undercover Economist is credited with making numbers cool. This breakfast saw the launch of his new book: Adapt – ‘Why Success Always Starts With Failure.’

With customary down-to-earth brilliance, Tim used the science of behavioural economics to explain how complex and far-reaching problems from counter-insurgency to financial turmoil might be solved. And with particular resonance for anyone focusing on innovation, he demonstrated why learning from your mistakes can often be the hardest advice to take.Tim

One of our speakers today brought The Apprentice to British screens, another frequently appears on its sister show – and the third has been responsible for some of the biggest TV formats in the globe. They are all hugely engaging communicators, with a great deal of hard experience that applies across all business sectors.

Ellis Watson has run Mirror Group Newspapers, served on the board of one of the world’s biggest public transport operators – and headed up Simon Cowell’s joint venture with Sony. He also sold Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? to over 100 territories. With characteristic wit and wisdom, Ellis shows how to inspire passion and how to move from mission statements to true company culture.

Lorraine Heggessey was the first female Controller of BBC1. With a £300m programme budget she launched Spooks and Strictly, and re-invented Dr Who – changing the entire feel of the network. Then as CEO of Talkback Thames she scored huge success with X-Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and The Apprentice. Lorraine talks about managing talent (in all its forms) and delivering change.

Armed with a practical idea, limited contacts but plenty of drive, Michelle Mone progressed from a lowly job at a brewery to creating and marketing the cleavage-enhancing Ultimo bra. Now controlling a big share of the market, enjoying a high media profile and powering ahead in her other business ventures, Michelle talks about pushing the boundaries and staying hungry.

One of the driving passions of JLA is to introduce new speakers to the circuit – especially those who’ve ‘been there and done it.’ This breakfast delivered an opportunity to preview two newcomers with real experience to share…

In just one month with Kent, Ed Smith scored six centuries. He went on to captain the MCC and play for England, before retiring from cricket to write Times leaders and the weekly MindGames column in the Telegraph. As in his book What Sport Tells Us About Life, Ed revealed the psychology of sport and what it can teach us about strategy, performance and leadership.

A full-time hospital doctor, Ed Coats was selected from hundreds of applicants to accompany James Cracknell and Ben Fogle on their race to the South Pole. With no previous polar experience the trio skied 16 hours a day and achieved second place – thanks partly to Ed’s mediation skills. Ed looked at individual and collective responsibility, and how to form efficient and effective bonds.

The first event of 2011 was designed to catch up on the latest thinking in digital, and help position a strategy for what is fundamentally changing the way we live, work and play. There were three fabulous speakers…

Josh Spear is one of the youngest and most influential marketing strategists in the world. Based in New York, he and his team advise corporations on how to grapple with the behaviour and expectations of digital consumers – like helping Ford pre-sell 10,000 Fiestas through 100 online ‘activists.’ Josh looks at digital as a business accelerator, how to use it to build lasting relationships – and how it’s now being used to mobilise collective action and ‘make stuff happen.’

David Rowan edits the technology magazine WIRED UK – covering online brands, gadgets and the culture that surrounds them. He explores how the internet is disrupting virtually every sector and why ‘social commerce’ is killing traditional marketing. He also reveals the 10 trends that will change your market in the next decade – and what you should do now to protect yourself.

Alex Hunter helped Virgin America off the ground – by masterminding the grass roots campaign that persuaded Congress to reverse its original decision against certification. He then took over Virgin Group’s entire internet strategy. Now mentoring start-ups, Alex examines online brand loyalty and how to create relationships more quickly than your rivals.

Unsurprisingly our theme was ‘The Outlook For 2011’ – with the Economics Editor of the Sunday Times, the head of Oxford University’s 21st Century School (and former VP of the World Bank) and the last Chairman of the Inland Revenue.
A little background on the speakers…

In his Sunday Tmes column, David Smith was one of the first to predict a V-shaped recovery though he was careful to say it will take time to become discernible to business and the public. He has since published The Age of Instability.

During his term at the World Bank, Ian Goldin was responsible for the relationship with the UK and Europe. He had previously served as CEO of the Development Bank of South Africa (and advisor to Nelson Mandela), and Programme Director for the OECD in Paris.

Before transforming the Revenue, Sir Nicholas Montagu played a leading role in several controversial issues – like rail privatisation and public service reform. His solutions for a public sector facing unprecedented cuts: outsource non-core activity, find synergies and stop re-inventing the wheel.

If the ‘Out of this World’ title sounds like hype, it isn’t: the guest speakers were the particle physicist and presenter and the head of Virgin Galactic, Brian Cox and Will Whitehorn. Both powerful communicators with a passion for innovation and an ability to light up the imagination of conference delegates.

Will has spent many years at Richard Branson’s right hand, as Virgin Group Brand Development & Corporate Affairs Director. He is now at the helm of a real breakthrough venture: commercial space travel. Will makes the distinction between invention and innovation, and argues that the moment has arrived for business to launch a new Industrial Revolution – this time in space.

Brian divides his time between writing and presenting blockbusters like Wonders of the Solar System, lecturing his students and leading one of the key experiments at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. With staggering images, his corporate presentations show how science has the power to shock and excite. He explains why we need explorers now more than ever, and why scientific research is critical to an economy dependent on new sources of growth.

The final breakfast of the season addressed one of the most critical themes for UK companies, the public sector and the country as a whole – Innovation. Our speakers were Hamish McRae, Wayne Hemingway and Javier Bajer

Aside from his role at The Independent, Hamish made his name as author of The World in 2020. He now turns his attention to success stories from around the globe in a new book, entitled What Works? Amongst other shining and sometimes surprising examples, he outlines the lessons we can draw from mobile telephony in Africa, sports education in Australia and philanthropy in New York.

Since selling Red or Dead, Wayne Hemingway switched from fashion to social housing – helping regenerate both urban and coastal communities. He also launched Roadrunner bikes and Shack Up sheds, but what has really grabbed the public’s imagination is his idea for Pop-up shops. They now provide short-term, low-rent space for a whole new generation of designers and retailers.

Challenging a good deal of received wisdom, eminent psychologist Javier Bajer talked about ‘unlocking a culture of innovation’ – and how change can be achieved in a relatively short period of time.

Just as George Osborne prepared his Emergency Budget, we heard from three very well placed voices on the economy: Justin Urquhart Stewart, Anthony Hilton and Sir John Gieve – former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England.

Justin is co-founder of Seven Investment Management and a frequent media commentator. On the Today Programme he suggested the Euro might be replaced by the ‘Neuro’ (for stronger nations) and a ‘Eurolite’ currency for the rest.

Anthony is the long-serving Financial Editor of the Evening Standard. In his view “we can’t cut our way out of the mess and we can’t tax our way out. The only way is to grow.” (Click here to read a short Q&A with him on our site.)

As well as his role at the BoE and on the Monetary Policy Committee, Sir John has carried out spending reviews for both Labour and Conservative governments – the next task for Osborne’s team at The Treasury. He provided a valuable insight into the practical choices facing the new Coalition.

Tuesday 18th May was a special Speakers Breakfast for JLA as we were joined by a trio of heavyweights: Michael Portillo, David Blunkett and Paddy Ashdown – with Huw Edwards in the chair.

With the General Election outcome decided, the big question was ‘what happens now?” What are the first priorities for the PM? Should we expect more cross-party cooperation? What impact will over 150 new MPs have on the way politics is conducted? And after all the promises about the scale and timing of tax rises and public spending cuts, what’s really in store for business and the public sector?

Portillo and Blunkett have held many of the key Cabinet posts – running Employment, Education, Defence and Work & Pensions. And whilst Blunkett was Home Secretary, Paddy Ashdown served as a UN High Representative – after eleven years as leader of the Liberal Democrats. Between them, they proved there are few speakers better equipped to offer insights into how the new administration will deal with the many and varied challenges looming on the horizon.

Please join us for the next JLA Speakers Breakfast – on Tuesday 11th May at The Lansdowne Club, London. We will be joined by one of the most influential and inspiring digital strategists in the world: the 24-year old New York whiz-kid Josh Spear.
Josh advises household name brands on things like ‘authenticity’ and ‘word-of-mouth.’ His consultancy specialises in creating strategies for deeper, lasting online relationships, and acts as a think tank on the influence of technology on human behaviour. He also runs a blog to pinpoint new trends, with a network of writers across the planet. And for good measure, the World Economic Forum at Davos has named him a ‘Young Global Leader.’

Josh will set out some new ways for organisations to harness the internet. He will give us his insight into what makes certain things catch on, and how to position products and services to capitalise on fast-moving trends. Above all, he will show how to get the attention of the digital generation – just like his good friend, the founder of Facebook.

On Thursday 18th March we were joined by two most inspiring speakers: BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner and the heroic bomb disposal expert, Chris Hunter. As the Army’s most senior counter-terrorist bomb disposal specialist in Iraq, Chris took his life in his hands on a daily basis. He became so effective at defusing the crude but deadly devices that both Sunni and Shi’a militias put a price on his head. The author of Eight Lives Down explained how to weigh up the threats, control anxiety and rapidly identify and prioritise tasks. He also showed how fear can give you a competitive edge – whether in corporate life or on the battlefield. As the only BBC TV journalist permanently assigned to terrorism, Frank has won universal respect for his coverage of Al-Qaeda. Fluent in Arabic (initially an investment banker at Saudi International Bank), he was shot six times at point blank range whilst filming in Riyadh. He survived devastating injuries and rebuilt his life, determined to continue his work. He has since reported from the front line in Afghanistan.

The current season of Speakers Breakfasts ended on Thursday 10th December with a colourful debate between Ken Livingstone and David Davis MP at 28 Portland Place.

Biding his time before attempting to win back City Hall in 2012, Ken is working on his autobiography, hosting a radio phone-in and supporting constituency Labour parties in their preparations for next year’s campaign. When we asked him recently how the public might regain trust in politicians, he said it would be “by voting for people like me.”

David was Shadow Home Secretary before resigning and re-capturing his seat in 2008, with a resounding 72% share of the vote. He has a background in science, business and the Territorial Army – and served as Europe Minister under John Major – but he’s now firmly positioned as an independently minded backbencher with a particular interest in civil liberties.

Until recently, SIR BRIAN BENDER was Permanent Secretary to Lord Mandelson at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. Brian has overseen BERR’s efforts to help business weather the recession and prepare for recovery. Amongst other themes he will address the challenge for both public and private sectors to achieve more with less, and the leadership lessons learned from managing crisis.

IAN SMITH was head of Oracle UK, Ireland and Israel. As Larry Ellison’s most successful MD, he secured the single biggest deal in Oracle history – for $650m. Amongst other roles, he now serves as President of the Institute of Customer Service. Ian explains how technology should not be used to automate ancient processes but to help re-invent them, and to free individuals to improve the customer experience.

At the age of 17 John Amaechi was an overweight Manchester teenager who had never touched a basketball. With immense determination and a clever strategy he rose to become the first Brit to play at the top level of the American game – despite being described by one commentator as having “little innate physical talent.” He once turned down a $17m transfer offer.

Now back in the UK John has pursued a PhD in psychology, established a foundation to encourage youth activity and community cohesion, and appeared as a mentor in the BBC2’s The Speaker.

Amaechi was joined by the remarkable swimmer Marc Woods. Before losing his leg to cancer, Marc swam in local races but never achieved his full potential. Six months after surgery, he was performing faster with one leg than he ever had with two. He went on to represent Great Britain and collect twelve Paralympic medals – four of them Gold.

Before joining Radio 4’s Today programme Justin Webb secured the only British TV interview with President Obama in The White House. Justin described some of the difficulties facing Obama, what singles him out from previous incumbents and how his incredible self-belief sometimes fails to translate into effectiveness on the ground. The former BBC North America Editor also told the JLA audience how and why he came to fall in love with the USA.

Eve Pollard told stories from her ringside seat as the acknowledged ‘First Lady of Fleet Street.’ She spoke about the crises facing the press, from the debate about charging for web-based news to the danger of losing regional papers – finishing with wonderful tips on how to get your story into the business pages.

This was not about 2012. It was a story of what Seb Coe calls the “hard graft, meticulous planning, small wins and frequent set-backs” that took him to twelve world records and two memorable Olympic golds. “You don’t become a champion by turning up and hoping to get lucky. You spend years facing down everything in training in the hope you’re prepared.” Seb Coe has been through the rough and tumble of business as well as athletics and politics. Speaking from experience – and from the heart – he argued that leaders can be made. The best listen not only to what is being said, but also to what isn’t said; they encourage risk-taking, within limits; they set realistic goals and they stick to the gameplan. And they never say never.

Norman Lamont presided over the withdrawal of sterling from the Exchange Rate Mechanism and what quickly became known as Black Monday. He was later described by the economist Sir Alan Walters as “not only the most effective, but also the bravest Chancellor since the war.” Originally an investment banker, he served in both Thatcher and Major Cabinets – and was also David Cameron’s boss. They continue to have a close relationship.

Norman charts the likely course of the recession, the challenges and pitfalls for Brown and Darling, the next steps for the G20 and the outlook for the UK and Europe. As accomplished after dinner as he is delivering keynote speeches, Norman knows what it’s like to be in the full glare of the tabloid spotlight. He’s also the most recent Chancellor you can book to speak at your events!

As the 2009 series gets underway we hear from Sir Alan’s right hand man and the first ever winner of The Apprentice.

After nearly three years working for Sugar, Tim Campbell now runs a social enterprise trust to encourage unemployed young people to start their own business. He confronts the negative mentality head on, arguing that opportunities always exist for those with confidence, planning and perseverance.

After his PR firm was selected to represent Amstrad, Nick Hewer handled all Alan Sugar’s media for over 20 years, playing a key part in the management structure. He was then lured out of retirement to help with Sugar’s negotiations with the Apprentice producers – and ended up as his onscreen aide.

Nick and Tim will take us behind the scenes and explore what lessons can be learned from the most popular business show on British television.

Tim Harford has sold nearly a million copies of his books The Undercover Economist and The Logic of Life. Behavioural economics is big news, especially at a time like this. Tim will explain that there are ‘good’ and ‘bad’ recessions for consumer spending. Contrasting tabloid stories with the latest research on behaviour, he shows why competitive advantage goes to companies who can target discounts effectively.

Tom Savigar and his team mastermind a group of 2,500 creatives, designers and analysts to keep an eye on consumer trends. They see recession accelerating the shift towards authenticity, community and sobriety – ‘less stuff’. And as online becomes ever more important, Tom also shows how bloggers, collaborative branding and referral culture are all making the internet increasingly female.

Credited as the first to draw the public’s attention to the problems at Northern Rock, BBC Business Editor Robert Peston analyses the causes and effects of the Credit Crunch. What measures does the Chancellor have at his disposal? Should the priority be interest rates or inflation? What will it take for financial institutions to stabilise and restore profits? What is the outlook for UK plc?

Which speakers can help prepare your people for the leadership challenges ahead? Who is best placed to steady nerves and set out the ground rules?

Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller was Director General of MI5 until 2007. She led the Security Service through substantial change in the wake of 9/11 and the growing threat from Al Qaida. In the midst of these pressures, MI5 doubled in size and dramatically altered its approach to the professional development of staff. Eliza talks about leadership under pressure, and building trust.

PY Gerbeau has taken on 12 turnarounds and corporate rescues, including The Dome. He is now at the helm of X-Leisure and Chair of Entrepreneurship at Imperial College. PY explains how the recession will require management to be adaptable, agile, accountable, able to prioritise and to balance risks. It is about protecting your customers, your people, your brand and your business.E

Jack Perkowski, US investment banker turned Beijing business leader and author of Managing the Dragon explains how to navigate the vast new power and understand their two markets for any product. Sir Richard Needham, the former Trade Minister and now International & Commercial Director of Dyson, talks about the opportunities and challenges of doing business in China.

Tim Smit, Founder of the Eden Project, demonstrates his leadership skills and combines business sense with a common sense approach to sustainability. Gabrielle Walker, author of The Hot Topic, explores the scientific, technological, economic and political aspects of climate change. Leo Johnson, a specialist in environmental and social risk management (and brother of Mayor Boris), shows why businesses need ‘future-proofing.’