Speaking: Keynotes and Workshops

How it Begins

More often than not, a leader hears about Andy from a colleague, reads one of his books, or finds him on the Speakers Associates website, and calls him about speaking at an event. During the call, Andy asks about the organization and its objectives. His initial focus is to first understand about how the event fits into the way the organization is seeking to meet its most important goals.

In order to ensure the speech is aimed at a lasting impact, Andy will work with the leader to scope out the objectives, measures of success and impact sought. Because there is a range of presentation types – keynotes, workshops, executive team briefings – he will then propose options, which he and the client will typically discuss before settling on an approach. 

Preparation

In preparation, Andy usually wants to speak with some of the organization’s key executives, so he can learn about expectations. He may also talk to representative audience members, and sometimes key customers or suppliers. For workshops sessions, he will also send pre-work aimed at activating the participants’ thinking, and enabling them to benchmark where they currently are in relation to the session’s goals.

What will it be like?

Whichever type of presentation Andy is asked to give, he ensures that it’s:

Pragmatic

“I was extremely impressed at the way you presented to our group” – Iain Wright, KPMG

What use are quality awards, CPD points, ‘Black Belts’ or indeed any kind of qualification unless they contribute to valuable organizational results? It’s so easy for the tail to wag the dog. What does it profit a business if it launches another initiative and creates a backlash of cynicism in return?

Provocative

“Fascinating and illuminating” – John Handley, Senior Director, Lloyds Development Capital (LDC)

There are too many fads, clichés, and just plain wrong ideas about people and performance in organizations. Three examples: there are new things under the sun, you can’t motivate people, and studying companies that went from good to great doesn’t necessarily have any lessons for your business (it may even be positively dangerous).

Authoritative

“Inspiring, yet pragmatic” – Frances Bodington, Chair, Federation of Image Consultants

Andy has a solid and rigorous background which in addition to his work as an advisor to business leaders includes teaching executives and Masters students at Oxford, Warwick and Aston Business Schools. He has published many articles on organizational culture in both trade and scholarly publications, including Forbes.com, and has international consulting experience with leading corporations and professional service firms. His broad and solid background enables him to sort the wheat from the chaff and make sure his audiences get accurate as well as pragmatic messages. His PhD is in computer science, and he was head of the Psychology and Management programme at Aston Business School.

Experienced

“Excellent feedback as usual’” – Louise Teboul, Regional Director (Midlands), Common Purpose

Andy has spoken to a huge range of audience types including: corporate awaydays, trade organizations, Executive Education seminars, public lecture audiences, MBA classes, civil servants, international delegations, professional groups, academic conferences, car workers, even (occasionally and with mixed results!) comedy club crowds.

Entertaining

“A great success with terrific feedback” –Paul Fairburn, Chair, Publicity Association of Central England

People learn and consider new ideas much more easily when they are enjoying themselves. Andy’s audience response is consistently excellent.

Andy's speaking topics

• Start With What You Have: Faster growth by finding organization's Hidden Gold
• Committed Action: Inspire your people to take ownership and get results.
• Get in the Game (for aspiring senior leaders): become strategic and stop sitting on the side-lines

Andy's previous engagements include