Dr James Bannerman is the only person in the world with a PhD in Lateral Thinking. More specifically, his PhD research involved him interviewing a rich variety of leading experts on business creativity and innovation including Tony Buzan (the inventor of Mind Maps), John Adair (the first ever Professor of... Read more
Dr James Bannerman is the only person in the world with a PhD in Lateral Thinking.
More specifically, his PhD research involved him interviewing a rich variety of leading experts on business creativity and innovation including Tony Buzan (the inventor of Mind Maps), John Adair (the first ever Professor of Leadership) and the ‘Father’ of Lateral Thinking himself: Edward de Bono.
This is significant because evidence suggests that effective ‘Lateral Thinking’ skills are going to become increasingly important between now and 2030 if we want to survive and thrive, in business and beyond.
Added to this, James is also the best-selling author of 2 books on the amazing power of creative thinking – i.e. Genius! and Business Genius! (both published by Pearson) – which highlight how we all have ‘genius moments’ from time-to-time, and with the help of ‘deceptively simple’ mindtools and inspirational techniques we can start to prosper from more.
What tends to appeal to the organisers of international corporate events and conferences, however – who are looking for speakers who can stimulate new ideas and new solutions – is not so much James’s PhD (or his award-winning lectures on MBA programmes at business schools like WBS), but the benefits and added value his extensive real business experience and creative skills can bring to such engagements too.
Since 2000, for example, Dr James Bannerman has worked with the leaders, managers and teams of over 300 different companies across the globe (from Aston Martin to British Airways, Disney to DLA Piper and Duracell, and The European Space Agency to Roche, Schroders and SingTel) combining creativity with psychology to help them think differently and achieve higher-level performance. Also, prior to this, James was a platinum-selling singer-songwriter (BMG) and freelance cartoonist (e.g. Punch), who trained in clinical psychotherapy and began his creative journey with a Masters degree in English Literature at Edinburgh University.
Dr James Bannerman’s style of delivery = Entertaining, Interactive, Thought-Invoking and Business-Relevant.
You can book James Bannerman through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with James's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
James Bannerman'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 James tailored to your event.
James Bannerman speaks on Business & Management, Facilitators & Moderators, Innovation & Creativity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with James to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book James Bannerman for events worldwide, subject to James's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether James Bannerman is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
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 James can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief James Bannerman 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 James can offer.
James Bannerman delivers keynotes in English. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
James Bannerman's areas of expertise include Business & Management, Facilitators & Moderators, Innovation & Creativity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation. To get a clear sense of James'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.
James Bannerman 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, Facilitators & Moderators, Innovation & Creativity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation is relevant. Details of James'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.
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 James Bannerman is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with James Bannerman, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check James's current availability for your dates.