Jack Ismail Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerJack Ismail

Partnership Director at Specsavers

Jack Ismail currently serves as the Partnership Director at Specsavers, the world’s largest privately owned optical retailer, operating in 11 countries. Specsavers has been a pillar of the industry for over four decades, with a strong market presence in all their operating countries, including their recent expansion into Canada. With... Read more

Biography

Jack Ismail currently serves as the Partnership Director at Specsavers, the world’s largest privately owned optical retailer, operating in 11 countries. Specsavers has been a pillar of the industry for over four decades, with a strong market presence in all their operating countries, including their recent expansion into Canada.

With a commitment to providing vision and hearing care to 41 million customers worldwide, Specsavers distinguishes itself by a unique model where each of its 2300+ businesses is locally owned and operated through 5000 joint venture partnerships. This localised approach is the bedrock of Specsavers’ success, as it allows individual business owners to infuse their distinct leadership style into each location. Jack Ismail’s pivotal role as Partnership Director revolves around creating cohesion and enthusiasm across the organization.

In a setting where business partners aren’t employees, he plays a central role in achieving alignment towards a common purpose. Jack draws from his extensive experience working with senior leadership to elucidate how Specsavers attains remarkable results and garners commitment throughout its network. These leadership skills, relevant to both the public and private sectors, are at the core of Jack’s message. His presentations are characterized by humour and energy, as he shares insights into how cultivating a ‘growth mindset’ culture at Specsavers, emphasizing continuous learning, performance, and the pursuit of excellence has driven success.

Jack Ismail customizes his presentations to cater to each client’s specific needs, aligning his talks with the client’s priorities and key messages. Drawing from his extensive background, which includes prominent brands like Marks & Spencer, B&Q, Home Retail Group, and Dominos. A charismatic and influential speaker, Jack entertains and inspires audiences, leaving a lasting impact. His talks are not just about leadership but also about the profound impact of collaboration, partnership, and innovation in the corporate world.

"Charismatic, engaging and thought provoking - Jack can really connect with an audience & help them believe anything is possible. Highly recommend you take the opportunity to hear him speak - you will be hooked!" Holly Hurkett - Head of Talent & L&D- BUPA Dental Care
"A high energy and inspirational speakers who knows how to captivate an audience." Paul Griffin - Operations Director - PureGym
"Jack is so easy to connect with, even when he’s speaking on a stage in a room full of people it still feels personal and full of warmth. He’s led big teams, so his stories are full of real, lived experiences, which brings credibility and humility to Jack’s talks." Becky Craig - Head of Global Learning & Development, Costa Coffee
"Jack is a powerful speaker, able to really engage with his audience in an authentic way. I would highly recommend him!" Tiffany Wilcox - Chief Technology & Transformation Officer - Marie Curie
"I have worked with countless business leaders and top politicians, but Jack is one of a kind. A natural stage presence, funny on script and even funnier off the cuff, and a creative force to be reckoned with. A magnetic speaker and host." Josh Williams - Deputy Director, Labour Together
"Jack has that knack of flexing his speaker style to the job in hand. He has energy, passion, humour, provocation, thoughtfulness all rolled into one. Jack commands the stage with his warmth and stories." Gill Palfrey Hill - Global Talent, OE & People Experience Director - Costa Coffee

Popular Talks by Jack Ismail

  • Unleash Peak Performance with a 'Growth Mindset'
    Jack starts with one of those funny, iconic ads that made Specsavers famous. He then challenges the audience consider how they would launch a new retail brand to the high street and grow that brand from one store to a chain of over 2000. In doing so they need to...