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Keynote SpeakerNeri Karra Sillaman

Bestselling Author, Thinkers50 Radar Award Winner, Entrepreneurship Expert at Oxford Said Business School, 3x TEDx Speaker

Dr Neri Karra Sillaman is an immigrant entrepreneur, Oxford academic, sought-after speaker, prominent business consultant and award-winning author, who was recently nominated for the Thinkers50 Radar Award for the best new management thinker of 2025. She is the founder of the Neri Karra leather goods firm that works in partnership... Read more

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Watch Neri Karra Sillaman in action

  • What keeps you alive? The guide to never giving up | Neri Karra | TEDxBournemouthUniversity

  • A Five-Step Recovery Program for “Sustainable” Fashion | Neri Karra Sillaman | TEDxBoston

  • Fry In Your Own Oil: Solving Fashion’s Sustainability Problem | Neri Karra Sillaman | TEDxBoston

  • Sustainable fashion: Thinkers50 Radar 2024 featuring Neri Karra Sillaman

  • Neri Karra Sillaman: From Refugee to Fashion Revolutionary | The Provocateurs: Episode 23

Popular Talks by Neri Karra Sillaman

  • Business and Life Lessons from Immigrant Entrepreneurs

    First- and second-generation immigrants make up only 27% of the US population, but they have founded 46% of the companies on the Fortune 500 list, and 80% of billion-dollar startups have immigrants as founders or senior leaders. This inspiring talk asks what lessons we can all learn from that success…

  • The Myths and Realities of Business Longevity

    For decades, aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build businesses that last have been taught myths based on the experiences of once-successful companies that actually failed in the long term. This iconoclastic talk exposes those harmful myths and argues for a new definition of business longevity focused not on the money you…

  • The Real Meaning of Resilience

    Traditionally, we are taught that resilience is an individual quality, epitomised by those single-minded individuals who “go it alone” to deliver their own vision. But this insightful talk explores the reality of resilience and how it must be rooted in community connections, collective strength and a willingness to adapt to…

  • The Secret of Entrepreneurial Success – Reading Cultural Change

    Drawing on Neri’s academic and hands-on expertise in the glamorous world of the fashion industry, this entertaining talk highlights the lessons that all entrepreneurs can learn from the careers of iconic figures such as Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, whose businesses were built on the most crucial…

  • “Fry in Your Own Oil” – Why Sustainability Is the Key to a Brighter Future

    Inspired by Neri’s own journey and her grandfather’s homespun wisdom, this thought-provoking talk shows how doing the right thing and prioritising sustainability over chasing quick profits is the key to long-term success in business and life.

Biography

Dr Neri Karra Sillaman is an immigrant entrepreneur, Oxford academic, sought-after speaker, prominent business consultant and award-winning author, who was recently nominated for the Thinkers50 Radar Award for the best new management thinker of 2025. She is the founder of the Neri Karra leather goods firm that works in partnership with several major Italian fashion brands, and is recognised as a leading voice on business sustainability and longevity.

Born into a persecuted Turkish ethnic minority in communist Bulgaria, Neri was forced to flee her home country with just a few days’ notice. At just 11 years of age, she and her family initially settled in a refugee camp in Istanbul, eventually going on to start up their own fashion business. Twenty-five years later, Neri Karra is a multimillion-dollar, B Corps certified, global luxury brand that sells in 14 territories around the world.

Neri’s latest critically acclaimed book, Pioneers: 8 Principles of Business Longevity from Immigrant Entrepreneurs, explores the inspiring stories of the immigrants who created some of the world’s top companies and asks what lessons we can all learn from their disproportionate success in the business world. It was named by FT Readers as one of the best books of 2025.

Drawing on personal experience and extensive research, Pioneers highlights how immigrants’ commitment to building cross-cultural bridges, creating communities, championing sustainability and generating positive social change leads to long-lasting impact on business. Pioneers was named as one of the best business books of the year by the Next Big Idea Club and Thinkers50, and led to Neri being nominated as the Best Author at the 2025 Women’s Business Awards.

In addition to her success as an author and entrepreneur, Neri holds a PhD in Management Science from the University of Cambridge. She has taught at many leading educational institutions in Europe, including LSE, Imperial College London, the London College of Fashion, the Royal College of Art and IESEG School of Management. She is currently an Entrepreneurship Expert at Said Business School at the University of Oxford. Her writing has featured in the Harvard Business Review, Newsweek, Fortune and Fast Company, and her views are regularly quoted in such publications as The Financial Times, Bloomberg Business, and Forbes.

Neri has delivered keynotes at many world-leading companies and academic institutions, including Apple and the University of Cambridge. She is a three-time TEDx speaker and regularly addresses conferences and events internationally, on a wide range of subjects, including sustainability, resilience and immigrant entrepreneurship. Her speeches combine moving and inspiring stories with actionable, evidence-based insights into how to build better businesses and live.

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What clients say about Neri Karra Sillaman

“I was fortunate enough to get to know Neri when she spoke on the subject of sustainable luxury at the IBA European Regional Forum’s luxury and fashion conference in Paris last year. Her passion for positive sustainable business without compromising on quality was clear and motivational. The success she has demonstrated in her own business is a testament to her expertise, vision and strategic focus. She understands the challenges facing businesses in this area.” Nicola Broadhurst, Partner Stevens and Bolton LLP
“Neri is very knowledgeable in her field of expertise. She has a passionate personality and an incredible ability to share her know-how with enthusiasm. Her oral skills and ability to convince people are unique.” Nadege Nguyen
“Dr. Karra’s work can guide anyone striving to understand or succeed in the world of fashion.” Renzo Rosso, Founder of Diesel and of OTB Group
“Neri is a fantastic speaker who took place at TEDxBournemouthUniversity. Her talk was very personal and inspiring and it moved the whole audience. She was fantastic to work with in the lead up to the event and contributed to its outstanding success.” Elena Dimitrova, TEDx Organizer
“Neri gave an excellent talk at the most recent Oxford Inspires Conference in the Saïd Business School, and demonstrated her fantastic public speaking skills by easily keeping the attention of her audience. Neri communicated clearly, efficiently and enthusiastically to a mix of students and professionals on a variety of her experiences.” Christopher Williams, Founder of Tiggo Care
“Neri is a standout speaker whose commitment to sustainability is both inspiring and actionable. In an industry long associated with waste, her vision for building sustainable, thriving businesses is refreshing and transformative. A must-hear for anyone looking to align success with purpose.” Davey B., Co-founder of Fortefai

How to book Neri Karra Sillaman as a keynote speaker

How do I book Neri Karra Sillaman for a keynote speech?

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

What are Neri Karra Sillaman's speaking fees?

Neri Karra Sillaman'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 Neri tailored to your event.

What topics does Neri Karra Sillaman speak about?

Neri Karra Sillaman speaks on Business & Management, Change, Entrepreneurial, Leadership & Motivation, Performance. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Neri to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Neri Karra Sillaman available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Neri Karra Sillaman for events worldwide, subject to Neri'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 Neri Karra Sillaman 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 Neri Karra Sillaman 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 Neri Karra Sillaman?

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 Neri can accommodate.

Can Neri Karra Sillaman tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Neri Karra Sillaman 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 Neri can offer.

What languages does Neri Karra Sillaman present in?

Neri Karra Sillaman 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 Neri Karra Sillaman a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Neri Karra Sillaman's areas of expertise include Business & Management, Change, Entrepreneurial, Leadership & Motivation, Performance. To get a clear sense of Neri'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 Neri Karra Sillaman speak at?

Neri Karra Sillaman 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, Change, Entrepreneurial, Leadership & Motivation, Performance is relevant. Details of Neri'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 Neri Karra Sillaman 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 Neri Karra Sillaman is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Neri Karra Sillaman?

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