Belongs to these categories
Keynote Topics
Before Corona. After Corona.
Worlds apart. Leveraging a Survive/Revive/Thrive mindset, Ian tackles what it takes to be a successful business and leader in the AC environment.
Ian focuses on the fundamental shifts we must all make in our ways of trading, ways of leading and ways of thinking to not just survive but leverage the ultimate disruptor event for the benefit of your company and your career.
This talk is rooted in deep operational experience of leading 3 businesses and 1 school through the 2020/21 events – here Ian really speaks from the heart, with every lesson having been learnt the hard way.
PEGI Rating – 18+…
Remember Nokia? Recall Kodak? Want to be the next Blockbuster or Toys R Us? Ian strikes through to the heart of what business and personal relevance is and shows how losing that relevance can be terminal.
All is not lost though.
In this keynote, Ian Russell will lay out a clear 5 point plan that any business can quickly grasp and execute upon, that will create a step-change in their ongoing relevance to their customers
Objects in the Rear-View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Really Are Business’ obsession with what has happened in the past, and with what their competitors are doing, is fundamentally damaging their chance of success in the future and limiting what they can achieve.
In this keynote, Ian powerfully argues that businesses must change the way they lay out their strategies, re-platform the way they measure success and re-magine what their business can be, if they are to release a new growth path and finally look forward through the windscreen towards the horizon.
Perhaps Ian’s most famous keynote, Fuzzy Logic dispels the myth once and for all that organisations take decisions rationally and logically.
Ian Russell highlights clearly the key reasons why organisations do not take decisions rationally, and the consequences of these failings.
Concluding the keynote, Ian creates a 5 point roadmap that any organisation or individual can employ to reduce the levels of ‘fuzzy logic’ around decisions, and a route forward to create long term success.
Videos
Gallery
Ian Russell is a renowned digital and leadership keynote speaker based in South Africa, celebrated for his transformative insights into modern leadership and the digital revolution. With over three decades of executive experience across multiple industries, Ian has earned a reputation as a forward-thinking leader and thought strategist, whose expertise helps businesses thrive in today’s ever-changing digital landscape. His powerful presentations have captivated audiences globally, from corporate executives to aspiring entrepreneurs, delivering actionable strategies to harness the full potential of digital transformation and leadership excellence.
Known for his dynamic speaking style and compelling content, Ian Russell brings a wealth of knowledge in leadership, digital transformation, and innovation. His ability to distill complex concepts into practical advice makes him an in-demand speaker for conferences, seminars, and corporate events around the world. Whether addressing emerging leaders or established C-suite professionals, Ian inspires action and empowers organizations to lead with confidence in the digital age.
Expertise
Ian Russell’s expertise lies at the intersection of leadership and digital transformation, two critical components for success in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. With a solid foundation in business management and leadership, Ian has spent decades leading large organizations, including in pivotal roles such as Chief Executive Officer of a major telecom company. His experience managing complex operations in global markets has honed his deep understanding of leadership, strategy, and how digital technologies can drive innovation and business performance.
What makes Ian an expert in these topics is his ability to stay ahead of trends in digital innovation and leadership strategies. He is well-versed in the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital tools that are reshaping industries across the globe. His academic background, professional training, and years of executive leadership experience in South Africa and abroad provide the foundation for his ability to guide companies through digital disruption and organizational change.
Experience
Ian’s extensive experience spans over 30 years in top leadership positions across several industries, including technology, telecommunications, and corporate finance. His work as the CEO of a prominent South African telecommunications company gave him firsthand experience leading digital transformation initiatives, ensuring companies stay competitive in an increasingly digitalised marketplace. He has successfully navigated high-stakes corporate environments, overseeing multinational teams and complex projects.
Throughout his career, Ian has been instrumental in developing leadership programs, driving innovation, and mentoring the next generation of business leaders. His hands-on experience leading companies through change management processes—particularly in response to technological disruptions—cements his authority in guiding others to achieve the same success. He regularly consults with global businesses on their digital strategies, helping them develop sustainable, long-term solutions.
Authority
Ian Russell’s authority as a top keynote speaker stems from his successful track record in business leadership and digital strategy. Having led and managed companies through significant digital transformations, he has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to thrive in today’s ever-evolving business landscape. His leadership roles in large organizations have also given him the authority to speak confidently about leadership challenges, how to navigate digital disruption, and the role of technology in shaping the future of work.
As a keynote speaker, Ian’s ability to articulate these complex issues and provide actionable advice makes him an authority on the subject. His leadership insights are grounded in real-world experience, offering audiences practical strategies that can be implemented immediately to improve leadership effectiveness and embrace digital change. He has also been featured in various industry conferences and leadership summits, cementing his reputation as a trusted voice in both the digital and leadership spheres.
Trustworthiness
Ian Russell is known for his integrity and ability to build trust with his audience. His practical, no-nonsense approach resonates with organizations looking for guidance that is not just theoretical but backed by proven success. Ian’s presentations are transparent, offering a deep dive into real-world challenges and how to overcome them, which instills confidence in his clients and attendees. His reputation for delivering on his promises, whether consulting or speaking engagements, is a testament to his reliability and commitment to excellence.
Additionally, Ian’s credibility is bolstered by the testimonials and feedback from top-level executives and organizations that have benefited from his guidance. His focus on long-term, strategic solutions rather than quick fixes demonstrates his commitment to delivering value and fostering sustainable success for businesses. Event planners and corporate leaders who work with Ian know that they are partnering with someone who not only understands their challenges but offers trustworthy, actionable advice.
Why Event Planners Should Book Ian Russell
Event planners looking for a speaker who can captivate an audience with valuable insights into leadership and digital transformation should consider booking Ian Russell. His ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice ensures that attendees walk away with actionable steps to improve their organizations. Ian’s presentations are not only inspiring but also grounded in his years of hands-on experience leading businesses through digital disruptions and helping them come out stronger on the other side.
Another reason to book Ian is his ability to customize his message to suit the needs of different audiences. Whether speaking to corporate executives, startups, or emerging leaders, Ian tailors his presentations to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing each group. His deep knowledge of the digital space and leadership development means that event planners can count on him to deliver relevant, impactful content that resonates with attendees.
Finally, Ian Russell’s global experience makes him an ideal choice for international conferences and corporate events. He has a broad understanding of different markets, cultures, and business environments, which allows him to connect with diverse audiences. His ability to speak to both South African and international business contexts ensures that his message is universally relevant and applicable.
Why Event Planners Should Use Conference Speakers
When planning an event, partnering with Conference Speakers ensures a seamless experience from start to finish. Conference Speakers specializes in matching the right keynote speaker to the specific needs of an event, ensuring that each event features engaging, knowledgeable, and impactful speakers like Ian Russell. Their deep expertise in the speaker industry means that they know exactly what it takes to make an event successful, and they work closely with event planners to ensure the perfect fit.
Using Conference Speakers also provides access to a wide range of talented speakers, each of whom has been vetted for quality, expertise, and professionalism. This allows event planners to choose from a selection of top-tier speakers with confidence, knowing that each speaker is equipped to deliver an exceptional presentation that will meet and exceed the event’s goals.
Summary and Conclusion
In conclusion, Ian Russell is a distinguished keynote speaker who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in leadership and digital transformation. His extensive executive experience, combined with his deep understanding of technological advancements, positions him as a leading authority in his field. Whether delivering keynote presentations or consulting with businesses, Ian’s practical, no-nonsense approach ensures that his audiences leave with valuable insights and actionable strategies.
For event planners looking for a speaker who can inspire, educate, and empower, Ian Russell is an excellent choice. His ability to connect with diverse audiences, deliver relevant content, and provide practical solutions makes him a highly sought-after keynote speaker. Partnering with Conference Speakers guarantees a successful event experience, with access to top-tier talent and expert support throughout the planning process.
Contact us at Conference Speakers and follow us on Facebook
Author Books | Articles
The Other End Of The Telescope is a high speed gallop through the absurdities and challenges of getting things done in large companies, and the inherent contradictions in leadership and organisational behaviours that prevent businesses from realising their potential and achieving greater success.
Vusi Thembekwayo is more than just an acclaimed business mogul and global speaker. He transcends conventional labels to embody a multifaceted persona—a maverick, a leadership genius, a petrol head, a devoted family man, a self-made millionaire, and even a “dragon” in business circles. Vusi’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary, marked by grit, innovation, and […]
Zanele Njapha, known as “The UnLearning Lady,” is a sought-after keynote speaker specializing in innovation, leadership, and business strategy. She empowers organizations and leaders to embrace change and navigate transitions with her dynamic and engaging approach. As a trusted voice in the fields of leadership and business transformation, Zanele helps her audiences move from the […]
Don Packett is a dynamic corporate comedian and event emcee known for his ability to engage, entertain, and enlighten audiences with his witty, high-energy performances. With over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, Don has become a trusted name in corporate events, from large-scale conferences to intimate executive gatherings. His sharp humor, combined […]
Lerato Ditshego is a seasoned business event emcee, facilitator, and sought-after keynote speaker who has made a significant impact on stages across South Africa and beyond. With over a decade of experience in corporate leadership, public speaking, and event hosting, she has cultivated a reputation for her ability to captivate audiences while bringing valuable insights […]
Matsi Modise is a trailblazer in South Africa’s entrepreneurship and business landscape, renowned for her visionary leadership, commitment to entrepreneurial activism, and passion for creating sustainable change. As the Managing Director of SiMODiSA, Matsi leads an industry association with a mission to accelerate entrepreneurship by collaborating with policymakers to enhance the success rate of high-impact, […]
Wendy Mahoney is an internationally recognized leader in business innovation and strategy, with an illustrious career spanning executive roles at some of the most prominent global and African organizations. Her vast experience has established her as a go-to expert for companies seeking to boost profitability through innovative solutions and strategic business insights. Wendy is the […]
Thabo Limema is a distinguished banking professional with over 10 years of experience across local, regional, and international markets. His career, firmly rooted in Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), has seen him rise as a leader and sought-after expert in business strategy and financial solutions. Thabo has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service […]
Veli Ndaba is a renowned leadership mindset speaker and author of the bestselling book The Engineered Mind – to WIN. Known for his profound ability to inspire and transform leaders, Ndaba draws from his unique perspective as an engineer to instill the core principles of disciplined thinking, resilience, and strategic leadership. His practical insights, grounded […]
Juanita Vorster’s journey from entrepreneur to respected business strategist is marked by her ability to adapt, innovate, and lead through complexity. With years of hands-on experience managing her own successful ventures, she understands the challenges businesses face from the inside out. Juanita’s career began with founding and scaling several companies, giving her the foundation for […]
Stafford Masie is a computer scientist and digital innovation expert with over 25 years of experience in the IT industry. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the technology landscape in South Africa and beyond, with a career spanning several key positions in top-tier ICT companies, including Telkom, Dimension Data, Novell, and Google. His […]
No results available
ResetThese remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Conference Speakers.
We are actively working to have our profiles current with Keynote Speech titles, and Summaries.
Some Speakers do not have a set title or summary for their topic lists. Instead they customize for each. Other speakers only do moderated conversations.
If you do not see content here, please contact us.
We also have ample information off line that we can share as some do not want to have visible profiles and as such these are hidden pages. Or in the event we do not have the information, we can contact the speaker to provide and share.
A full-service speaker booking agency is an organization that handles all aspects of speaker engagements, from identifying and recommending speakers based on event objectives, to negotiating contracts, and managing logistics. Agencies like Conference Speakers provide extensive support throughout the process, ensuring that the right speaker is matched to the right event, that all technical and logistical needs are met, and that the event runs smoothly. This includes handling travel arrangements, audio-visual requirements, and any special accommodations the speaker might need. By offering a comprehensive suite of services, a full-service agency allows event planners to focus on their overall event strategy and attendee experience without getting bogged down in the details of speaker management.
Conference Speakers Bureau distinguishes itself through a deep commitment to personalized service and a unique understanding of client and speaker needs. Our approach is built on more than 32 years of industry experience, enabling us to not only anticipate the needs of our clients but also to provide insightful recommendations that enhance event outcomes. We pride ourselves on our:
To find the perfect speaker for your event, you can start by visiting our website or contacting our client service team directly. We will discuss your event’s objectives, theme, audience demographics, and budget. Based on this information, we will provide you with a curated list of speaker recommendations who not only align with your goals but are also known for engaging and captivating audiences. You can also browse through our extensive speaker profiles online, which include detailed bios, speaking topics, and video clips of past engagements to help you make an informed decision.
Conference Speakers caters to a wide range of events, including corporate meetings, conferences, educational workshops, leadership retreats, and public seminars. Our speakers specialize in various topics such as business, technology, health, education, motivation, and more, making us a versatile partner capable of servicing diverse event needs.
Booking a speaker through Conference Speakers is straightforward:
On the day of the event, a dedicated Conference Speakers coordinator can be available to manage the speaker’s schedule, ensure all technical requirements are met, and assist with any last-minute changes. This on-site support is designed to ensure that the speaker’s presentation goes as smoothly as possible, allowing event organizers to focus on their guests and overall event execution.
Conference Speakers manages all travel logistics for speakers, including flights, accommodations, and local transportation. We ensure that travel is efficient and meets the needs of both the speaker and the event, relieving you of the administrative burden and potential complications of managing these details.