External Speakers

We are proud to work with an array of world-class speakers. Should you require an external speaker for your event we will recommend the most appropriate speaker to support the message you are communicating. Following a discussion with you, your speaker will be very well briefed to ensure their message is 'seamlessly dovetailed' into your event. Among our portfolio of speakers are:

• From the world of academia - Adrian Furnham

  

  Adrian is a mould-breaking academic, a leading consultant on organisational behaviour, writer, raconteur and broadcaster. He is a Professor of Psychology at University College London and is a founder director of Applied Behavioural Research Associates (ABRA) a management consultancy specialising in performance appraisal, personnel and corporate assessment.

  Adrian has written more than 650 scientific papers and 55 books including Culture Shock, The Economist Mind, The Myths of Management and The Psychology of Behaviour at Work. A recent publication is The Hopeless, Hapless and Helpless Manager.

  Adrian is a Fellow of the British Psychology Society and is cited as the most productive European Psychologist of the 1990's. He writes a regular column in The Financial Times, The Sunday Times and is a regular contributor to BBC radio and television.

  His witty insights into human behaviour provide an excellent foil for the seriousness of his subject. Contact Adrian at adrian.furnham@8ack.com

• From the world of academia and business - Joe DiVanna

  

  Joe's insight on twenty-first century business centres on the premise that in order to be competitive, all businesses must have a strong value proposition that is memorable, credible, demonstrable and actionable. Questioning why the vast majority of strategies fail to deliver value, Joe DiVanna, a former CSC-Index member, will challenge audiences with questions such as: is technology an asset or a liability? Do banks add value? Do we really need managers? Which processes are necessary and which are just fluff?

  Described by The Economist as a "polymath", and by his clients as “brilliant and fresh”, Joe DiVanna is the Managing Director of Maris Strategies Limited, a financial services, global business and innovation think-tank providing research and advisory services. DiVanna researches the nature, behaviour and value propositions of business. Using historical parallels, he inspires people to develop deeper interest in the study of history, commerce and technology as a means to put today's business challenges into a greater competitive global context. Author of bestsellers The Future of Retail Banking and Redefining Financial Services. Contact Joe at joe.divanna@8ack.com

• From the world of business - Mike Southon

  

  Mike co-founded, helped build and sold The Instruction Set, a UNIX and Open Systems consultancy, in the 80s. In the 90s he worked with 17 start-ups, two of which, Micromuse and RiverSoft subsequently went public.

  In 2002 he and Chris West wrote 'The Beermat Entrepreneur', the UK's best-selling business title.

  Mike acts as mentor and coach to CEOs of large and small companies and delivers keynote speeches for some of the largest organisations in the world.

  Famous for his high-energy platform skills, his talks and workshops help companies gain the entrepreneurial mindset and solve any business problem!

  He also helps entrepreneurs though The Prince's Trust, Business Links, and as Chairman of Beermat Ecademy, the UK's premier networking group for entrepreneurs and start-ups.

  He has made frequent appearances on television and radio, most recently BBC Breakfast News and LBC.

  Mike is a visiting lecturer at many business schools, including Cass Business School, London Business School, Ashridge Management College, and London South Bank University. Contact Mike at mike.southon@8ack.com

• From the world of sport and business - Humphrey Walters

  

  Humphrey has been developing high performing teams and leaders for the last 30 years and specialises in developing winning teams and leaders within complex and competitive environments. He works with teams, which range from the England rugby team, premier division football teams, schools, major corporations, government departments, Industry and professional bodies.

  In 1996/97 he completed the BT global challenge, dubbed "The World's Toughest Round the World Yacht Race", aboard Ocean Rover to further his studies in leadership and teamwork in a hostile environment. He uses this event to explain vividly what created successful Individual and team performance among the 14 yachts that took part.

  He has written extensively about high performing teams and leaders and is the co-author of the book "Global Challenge", which has sold over 25,000 copies. It has become standard reading in many organisations, who are interested in leadership, teamwork and creating an inspirational environment. Contact Humphrey at humphrey.walters@8ack.com

• From the world of sport - Derek Redmond

  

  Derek is one of Britain's greatest ever 400m athletes, hence Derek is able to bring a unique perspective to what it takes to set goals, overcome obstacles and succeed.

  A career that brought gold medals at World, European and Commonwealth levels and also saw more than its fair share of bad luck and heartache, most famously during the Barcelona Olympics when his hamstring snapped during the semi finals. Derek, a medal favourite, struggled to his feet and hobbled the remaining 250 metres in a scene that has become one of the most enduring in modern Olympic history.

  Derek has drawn on his vast experience as an international sportsman to provide a fascinating and inspirational platform for his motivational speeches. Not only does he offer unique insights into famous sporting moments, but also an uplifting approach to what it took to defy odds and succeed both as an individual and as a team. Contact Derek at derek.redmond@8ack.com

• From the world of business - Chris Corbin

  

  Chris is the Managing Director of Ashfield Healthcare Ltd. In an industry dominated by large organisations his leadership has resulted in Ashfield's phenomenal growth. He holds a strong belief that people are its most important resource and implements strategies to reward success and motivate his staff.

  Chris began his career as a medical representative and, during 20 years working for pharmaceutical companies he gained extensive experience in sales and management.

  In 1997 he started his own business, Ashfield Healthcare, supplying contract sales teams and nurse advisors to the pharmaceutical industry. Ashfield is now one of the leading contract service organisations in the UK with a turnover of £47 million and has successful divisions in the Republic of Ireland and the USA. Contact Chris at chris.corbin@8ack.com