Meet Olivia (Via) Carpenter, a Gen Z entrepreneur blending her love for baking with a passion for social justice. Founder of Via’s Cookies and a mentor at Cornell University, Via represents a unique fusion of business acumen and commitment to educational empowerment.
Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist, trained social worker, women’s rights advocate and 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Internationally recognised for her leadership in bringing women together across religious divides during Liberia’s civil war, she speaks about peacebuilding, women’s leadership, social change and the power of nonviolent action.
Dr James Hewitt is a human performance scientist, keynote speaker and author who helps leaders and teams perform under pressure, sustain high performance and protect their wellbeing. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in human performance, his work brings together performance science, elite sport and the realities of demanding modern workplaces.
Mary Robinson is a former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, widely recognised for her leadership in climate justice and human rights. She was Ireland’s first female president, and has since built a global career as a lawyer, academic and international advocate. Her keynote presentations explore climate change, gender equality, responsible leadership and global cooperation, offering audiences a clear and human perspective on some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Robert Daverschot is an experienced event moderator, dagvoorzitter and speaker coach known for his calm, engaging presence on stage. With a background in hospitality, event production and TV talk show editing, he helps audiences feel involved and speakers feel at ease. Fluent in Dutch and English, he works with organisations in the Netherlands and abroad, moderating conversations with experts, ministers and business leaders while supporting keynote speakers to deliver stronger presentations.
Rita Clifton CBE is a leading global brand expert, business leader and keynote speaker. A former London CEO and Chairman of Interbrand, she has advised major organisations on brand strategy, reputation and growth, while building an extensive portfolio of chairing and non-executive director roles.
Dame Kelly Holmes is a double Olympic champion, former British Army sergeant and inspirational keynote speaker. Best known for winning Olympic gold in both the 800m and 1500m at Athens 2004, she now shares powerful lessons on peak performance, resilience, mental health and achieving ambitious goals.
Colonel Terry Virts is a former NASA astronaut, International Space Station commander, Space Shuttle pilot and retired United States Air Force colonel. With 213 days in space across two missions, he brings first-hand lessons on leadership, risk and teamwork to corporate audiences. As a keynote speaker, Terry shares an extraordinary perspective shaped by life in orbit and decades of high-pressure decision-making.
Speaker Ideas is proud to recommend Marit Bouwmeester, the most successful female Olympic sailor in history. Drawing on an extraordinary career at the pinnacle of elite sport, she equips organisations with practical strategies for resilience, personal leadership, growth mindset and performing with confidence under pressure.
Kishore Mahbubani is a distinguished diplomat and academic with over five decades in public service and academia. His profound insights on global policy, East-West relations, and diplomacy make him a sought-after keynote speaker for corporate events worldwide.
Julia Hobsbawm OBE
Julia Hobsbawm, recognised for her expertise on the future of work, has influenced many through her writing, speaking, and consulting. Her latest book, “Working Assumptions”, continues to challenge our understanding of workplace dynamics.