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Keynote SpeakerAde McCormack

Leadership, Disruption, Transformation and Innovation Expert

Ade McCormack is a globally recognised keynote speaker and advisor on how organisations can thrive in an increasingly disruptive and unpredictable world. He is also a former Financial Times columnist and has delivered in over forty countries. With a background spanning over four decades, from software engineering to C-suite advisory,... Read more

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Popular Talks by Ade McCormack

  • The Intelligent Organisation

    How to design organisations that can sense, decide and act in real time:

    • Why traditional organisational models are failing
    • The shift from hierarchy to distributed intelligence
    • Designing for speed, adaptability and resilience
    • Bringing the concept to life through real-world examples and practical insights.
  • Leading in an Unknowable World

    Why leadership must evolve beyond control and certainty:

    • Decision-making under ambiguity
    • Leadership as an organisational ‘nervous system’, not an individual capability
    • Creating organisations that don’t rely on heroic leaders
    • How leaders can inspire confidence and clarity in uncertain times.
  • Rethinking Organisational Design for Disruption

    Why structure, not strategy, is now the limiting factor:

    • The hidden constraints inside traditional organisations
    • Moving from static structures to dynamic systems
    • Aligning people, technology and decision-making
    • Rethinking governance
    • What this means in practice for today’s organisations.
  • AI, Cognition and the Future of the Organisation

    How human and machine intelligence combine to create competitive advantage: AI as part of the organisational ‘nervous system’ Augmenting decision-making at scale – the player closest to the ball… Avoiding the trap of digital transformation as the solution to increasing disruption Making sense of AI in a way that is…

Biography

Ade McCormack is a globally recognised keynote speaker and advisor on how organisations can thrive in an increasingly disruptive and unpredictable world. He is also a former Financial Times columnist and has delivered in over forty countries.

With a background spanning over four decades, from software engineering to C-suite advisory, Ade focuses on one central question:

How do organisations designed for more innocent times survive and thrive in an increasingly disruptive world?

His work explores how organisations can be designed as living systems, capable of sensing change, making better decisions and acting with speed and coherence.

He argues that many investments in leadership, digital transformation and employee experience address symptoms rather than root causes, leaving organisations fundamentally unprepared for disruption.

Audiences gain a compelling and highly relatable understanding of how their organisation can move from an inert, process-driven machine to a real-time, adaptive, innovation-fuelled system capable of thriving in today’s fast-moving and uncertain environment.

Ade has worked with senior leaders across the public and private sectors, helping them rethink leadership, organisational design and the role of technology and people in an age defined by uncertainty.

Ready to invite Ade McCormack to your event?

Tell us about your event, one of our consultants will reach out within 24 hours.

What clients say about Ade McCormack

“We wanted someone who would engage our leadership differently, make them think along new lines, stretch their ideas, perhaps make some uncomfortable but above all consider our future in a new light. Ade did this brilliantly.” VP Finance, Astra Zeneca
“Ade has a fantastic presentation style. I would highly recommend Ade as a motivational speaker and thought leader.” Programme Leader, Oracle
“…Even by video conference, Ade kept the audience captive with lots of note taking and it also provoked a lot of discussion after the event. One of the most compelling keynote speakers that we have had in the MED region.” EMEIA Operations, EY
“Ade recently supported our annual conference with a keynote presentation and participation on a panel discussion. As always Ade delivered a compelling, insightful session which landed exceptionally well with our audience. Thanks Ade” Marketing Director, Manpower
"It was a pleasure working with Ade. He was incredibly warm and lovely to chat to. We had some audio issues with the online streaming in the morning and he was really understanding. Everyone loved his presentation and I’ve had some really nice feedback from customers who attended the event who said they loved his session and found it really interesting/thought provoking. He set the scene for the day perfectly." Bytes: IT Solutions and Services

How to book Ade McCormack as a keynote speaker

How do I book Ade McCormack for a keynote speech?

You can book Ade McCormack through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Ade's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Ade McCormack's speaking fees?

Ade McCormack's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Ade tailored to your event.

What topics does Ade McCormack speak about?

Ade McCormack speaks on Business & Management, Future, Future & Technology, HR, Innovation & Creativity. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Ade to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Ade McCormack available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Ade McCormack for events worldwide, subject to Ade's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Ade McCormack deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Ade McCormack is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Ade McCormack?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Ade can accommodate.

Can Ade McCormack tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Ade McCormack on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Ade can offer.

What languages does Ade McCormack present in?

Ade McCormack delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Ade McCormack a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Ade McCormack's areas of expertise include Business & Management, Future, Future & Technology, HR, Innovation & Creativity. To get a clear sense of Ade's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Ade McCormack speak at?

Ade McCormack can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Business & Management, Future, Future & Technology, HR, Innovation & Creativity is relevant. Details of Ade's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Ade McCormack offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Ade McCormack is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Ade McCormack?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Ade McCormack, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Ade's current availability for your dates.