European Speakers

The Sweeney Agency will help you find the perfect European Speaker for your event by providing you with all the information you need to make the right decision. We take into account your conference or event objectives, audience dynamics and expected outcomes and provide you with professional speaker bios, video clips, topic outlines, and independent perspectives on the best European Business and Motivational Speakers available. Working closely with the speaker you choose, we will ensure he or she delivers a customized presentation that informs, inspires and entertains.

    Book Your Next Great Speaker in 5 Easy Steps Speaker

     About

    Did last year's speaker knock your socks off? Not sure where to go next? Let our team of experienced professionals help you find your next great speaker. 

    Here's a quick guide to help you get started:

    Find A Theme

    Decide on a theme or topic for your event.

    Going through a period of transition? Looking to shake up your creative? Building trust within your teams? We have great speakers on all of those topics.

    Having trouble? Check out our IDEA GENERATOR for inspiration.

    Get in Touch

    Get in touch with your Event Date & Theme.

    We will ask you some key questions to find the perfect speaker for your live or virtual event.

    We pride ourselves on our personal touch. We are small team of dedicated professionals with over 20 years experience. When you call us, you speak to us directly... and quickly.

     

     

    Shortlist

    By now, we have a great idea of what you are looking for and will send you a shortlist of exceptional speakers.

    Each speaker will be vetted with YOUR event in mind, along with our personal thoughts on how that speaker can inspire your attendees.

    Let's talk

    Futurist Keynote Speaker Mike Walsh at The Sweeney Agency Speakers Bureau

    From the shortlist, you've narrowed it down to two great speakers. Let's discuss your needs to help make the final decision.

    With over 20 years experience, you can trust us to provide all of the information you need to choose the right speaker.

    We work with you to find the best format for your presentation, including live streams, Q&A sessions and even follow up programs to ensure maximum engagement for your key stakeholders.

    The Details

    We will facilitate a call with your leadership team & our speaker to do a deep dive into your business to make sure their presentation really hits home.

    As trusted experts, you can rest easy knowing our experience will guide you every step of the way.

    get in touch

    Get in touch to book your next great speaker.

    Dr. Antonia Colibasanu Speaker

    Dr. Antonia Colibasanu

    Distinguished Scholar & Speaker on Geopolitics

     About

    Antonia Colibasanu is Senior Geopolitical Analyst at Geopolitical Futures and Senior Fellow for Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. She has published several works on geopolitics and geoeconomics, including "Geopolitics, Geoeconomics and Borderlands: A Study of a Changing Eurasia and Its Implications for Europe" and "Contemporary Geopolitics and Geoeconomics". She is also lecturer on international relations at the Romanian National University of Political Studies and Public Administration. She is a senior expert associate with the Romanian New Strategy Center think tank and a member of the Scientific Council of Real Elcano Institute.

    Prior to Geopolitical Futures, Dr. Colibasanu spent more than 10 years with Stratfor in various positions, including as partner for Europe and vice president for international marketing. Prior to joining Stratfor in 2006, Dr. Colibasanu held a variety of roles with the World Trade Center Association in Bucharest. Dr. Colibasanu holds a master’s degree in International Project Management, and she is an alumna of the International Institute on Politics and Economics at Georgetown University. Her doctorate is in International Business and Economics from Bucharest’s Academy of Economic Studies, and her thesis focused on country-level risk analysis and investment decision-making processes by transnational companies.

    Conference Plans Changed? Speaker

    Conference Plans Changed?

    How to Plan a Great Virtual Event

     About

    Click Here to Receive Your Customized List of Speaker Ideas

    Virtual Events can:

    1. Reach a wider audience
    2. Offer a great experience at a much lower cost
    3. Create long term impact with recorded elements that allow for content to be watched over a period of time
    4. Have an increased impact over time, as viewers re-watch, discuss and connect over social media and other channels

    And, most importantly: offer the ability for inspiring and impactful presentations to connect in a one-on-one way, directly to the attendee.

    WHO is your audience?

    Who are your virtual event attendees? Are they across a specific group within your organization, or are you serving clients across a wide range of levels? Determining who you are speaking to will help you determine a format for your event that will captivate your audience.

    WHAT is your key message?

    Are you focusing on change? Innovation? Leadership?

    Creating a single focus or mission will allow you to hone in on the type of speaker(s) you need to engage your audience and help event producers to format the event into a dynamic program that balances inspiration with information and audience interaction.

    WHAT type of event suits your audience?

    • Virtual Conference
    • Webinar
    • Hybrid Event

    Virtual event technology has come a long way over the last few months, offering a huge range of different options from pre-recorded webinars, to multi-day virtual conferences, to hybrid events with some attendees in the audience while the event is live streamed.

    OUR ADVICE

    A COMBINATION of live and pre-recorded elements will allow your virtual event to run smoothly and stay on time.

    Many of our clients are also opting for multi-day virtual conferences with shorter segments spaced over a few days.

    This allows some flexibility for attendees in different time zones and accommodates different teleworking situations for attendees, allowing them to tune in when it is convenient.

    WHERE? It’s all about Tech.

    Virtual meeting technology has exploded over the last few months as teleworking became the norm.

    Consider your needs:

    • Interactive elements like breakout rooms, polls & Q&A
    • Seamless blend of live & pre-recorded elements
    • Ability to replay segments
    • Live tech support

    If you plan for rain, it’s likely the sun will shine…

    Tech isn’t perfect so don’t forget to test, rehearse and have a back up plan ready to go for your virtual event.

    Pro Tip: Think of a virtual presentation like a podcast. Viewers can view the content multiple times and refer back to it.

      WHEN? A Date… or Dates?

    As we have all noticed, our attention spans for meeting in real life versus meeting online are a lot longer.

    When deciding on a date, consider spreading your virtual event out over a few days, with a variety of speakers, interactive elements and information.

    The benefits of a multi-day format:

    • Viewers watch content fresh for a short period every day
    • Allows attendees in different time zones to stay on top of the content
    • Attendees can review & re-engage with content

    Virtual Event Checklist:

    Is your event?

    • Interactive?
    • Informative?
    • Able to be rewatched?

    WHY? Pandemic 2020

    Just because you are online instead of in person, it doesn’t mean you are missing out on connection.

    Using the technology that we have become so accustomed to over the last few months, our keynote speakers have the ability to connect to your viewers one-on-one, in a way that was impossible in live events.

    FIND YOUR WHY…

    What do you want the audience to leave thinking at the end of the presentation?

    Apply this question to all the presentations and segments in your event to create a cohesive, impactful virtual event.

      HOW? Virtual Event Checklist

    To wrap it all up

    • TECH: Find the right tech platform & don’t forget to test drive before your event
    • AGENDA: Use a mix of live and pre-recorded segments, mixed with interactive elements, to ensure a smooth flow of events & audience engagement
    • ANTICIPATION: Build up your event with emails, teasers and sneak peeks into what content will be offered
    • NETWORKING: Create and encourage online chat functions, an event specific hashtag or even a dedicated event page to allow attendees to network virtually. Maximize the networking opportunities offered by your tech platform.
    • EXTEND YOUR IMPACT: A dedicated social media page is a great place for attendees to connect after an event to discuss ideas and implement some of the learnings from the event.

    Offer a password protected, limited time recording of keynote presentations to continue the conversation long after the virtual event has ended.

    Continue the conversation with post-event touch points like emails or questions based on the key presentations.

    To find a GREAT Speaker for your Virtual event, get in touch.

    Get Your Customized List of Speaker Ideas Speaker

     About

    Get Your Customized List of Speaker Ideas

    Simply fill out the form below and we will be in touch with a customized list of ideas for your event.

    It's that simple.

    Miles Hilton-Barber Speaker

    Miles Hilton-Barber

    Blind Adventurer, An Extraordinarily Inspiring, Funny and Compelling Speaker.

     About

    Miles Hilton-Barber is one of the most widely sought-after motivational speakers on the world circuit today, having had the privilege of speaking at over 1,400 corporate events in 74 countries to date.

    Despite losing his sight in his early 20's, his quality of life and level of success was radically transformed at the age of 50, not through sight restoration, but through changing his attitude to his blindness.

    “Potential for growth and ongoing success for individuals, companies and organizations is not primarily dependent on a change in the economy or their circumstances - but a change in the attitude of their management and leadership towards their current circumstances” he says.

    Since the age of 50 Miles has set numerous world records undertaking extreme endurance events across all seven continents of our world in the fields of mountaineering, desert and polar ultra-marathons, power-boat racing, scuba-diving, motor-racing and long distance, aerobatic and supersonic flying amongst other achievements.

    His presentation outlines a radical yet simple set of life principles that will enable companies, individuals and organizations to become more successful today, despite facing unprecedented global change - all of this wrapped up in a fast-moving, colorful and humorous presentation with photos and video clips from his many expeditions and adventures.

    Miles will challenge you to look again at who you are, and inspire you to achieve so much more than you think you can - in both your personal and business life, because "the only limits in your life are those you accept yourself."

    Click Here to Watch Mile's Virtual Presentation

    Kevin Kelly Speaker

    Kevin Kelly

    International Speaker, Best-Selling Author and Creator of the “Xceptional Execution” Methodology

     About

    Kevin Kelly is an internationally acclaimed Speaker, best-selling author and expert on Sales, Leadership, Storytelling and Execution. His focus is on moving organizations, large and small to Do!, to execute, and to move in the direction of their dreams and vision.

    From the age of six, Kevin was selling in his family retail environment. Upon graduating with a Marketing degree, Kevin consistently broke sales records in each of the companies he worked for culminating in him being continuously head hunted. Finally in 1990 (after being offered a job by an Italian business man who couldn’t speak English) Kevin honoured his entrepreneurial DNA and set up his own company, Advanced Marketing. The company dedicated itself initially to increasing the sales of small and medium businesses in addition to exhaustively researching the area of personal and business potential.

    In 1996, Kevin committed to writing a best-selling book on motivation “How? When You Don’t Know How” - sold 15,000 copies, an unparalleled feat for Ireland, and Kevin learned a very valuable lesson in terms of Doing and execution: knowledge may give you enough reasons not to act - but Do! it anyway and be prepared to end up in a place you recognize and accept as better than your starting point. This book became the foundation on which he built his international speaking career.

    Since then he has written four more books, including the first ever graphic novel which aims to educate the next generation on the key skills of emotional intelligence.

    His most recent book is the critically acclaimed “DO! The Pursuit of Xceptional Execution”, in which he uncovers the success strategies of the leaders of some of the most exciting start-ups on the planet. Tom Peters described it as “the book I would have loved to have written.”

    Staying true to his Irish roots, Kevin is a master storyteller who has worked around the world with Fortune 500 companies and prestigious associations like the Million Dollar Round Table. He has consulted with some of the biggest brands on the planet, including Microsoft, for whom he developed a unique video series for their World Wide Partner Community.

    Kevin’s keynotes consistently deliver an interactive conversation that engages, informs, inspires and empowers attendees with a toolbox of invaluable takeaways.  His consultancy projects are built on delivering results for you. You set the agenda, and Kevin works with you and your team to address your specific challenges and reach your stated goals.

    In 2016, he created the first ever Speaker Summit in Ireland where six of his colleagues from around the globe taught potential and existing speakers the A-Z of the Speaking profession. This was followed with another first in 2017 – the first conference on Storytelling and Sales. Kevin is currently researching his new book on that topic and is also in consultations with VR/AR companies on how to share his knowledge in new ways.

    Terence Mauri Speaker

    Terence Mauri

    Innovation & Disruptive Leadership Speaker

     About

    TERENCE MAURI - Global Authority on the Future of Leadership | AI & Disruption Expert | MIT Entrepreneur Mentor | Thinkers50 Author: 

    Lead What’s Next

    Terence Mauri helps leaders think boldly, act decisively and turn uncertainty into opportunity. The founder of Hack Future Lab, an MIT Entrepreneur Mentor and a five-time bestselling author, he combines provocative insights, compelling stories and practical frameworks that prepare organizations to lead from the future.

    Why Book Terence Mauri?

    Terence does more than explain emerging trends. He challenges leaders to rethink how they make decisions, build trust and create value when the rules are changing.

    Drawing on his experience advising Fortune 500 leaders and billion-dollar startups, Terence translates complex issues—including AI, disruption and the future of work—into clear choices audiences can act on immediately. His energetic presentations create urgency without fear and leave leaders ready to move forward with greater courage and confidence.

    What Makes Terence Different?

    • A powerful combination of global research and practical business experience
    • Fresh thinking on AI, leadership, trust and organizational change
    • Provocative ideas that challenge conventional assumptions
    • Actionable frameworks leaders can use immediately
    • A message that can be customized around the organization’s priorities

    Why Is Terence Right for Your Audience?

    Terence is an excellent choice when leaders need to anticipate what is next while delivering results today. He is particularly effective for leadership conferences, executive meetings, innovation events, client programs and organizations navigating AI or major transformation.

    Book Terence when your audience needs to:

    • Lead confidently through uncertainty and disruption
    • Turn AI from a technology conversation into a leadership opportunity
    • Challenge outdated thinking and accelerate better decisions
    • Build trust, resilience and agility across the organization
    • Translate emerging trends into strategic priorities
    • Find the courage to act before every answer is known

    Audience Takeaways

    Attendees will leave:

    • Better prepared to lead from the future rather than react to it
    • Equipped to identify opportunity within disruption
    • Ready to replace outdated assumptions with future-ready thinking
    • Clearer about where human judgment creates an advantage in an AI-first world
    • Motivated to think boldly, act decisively and play to win

    Keynote Programs

    Lead What’s Next

    Terence shows leaders how to build future readiness, learn at the speed of change and make courageous decisions before certainty arrives. Ideal for organizations navigating transformation, competitive pressure or a major new strategic direction.

    The Human Edge

    In an AI-first world, technology alone is not the advantage—how people lead, decide and build trust is. Terence explores how courage, unlearning and radical trust help organizations unlock the upside of disruption. Ideal for AI, culture, leadership and future-of-work events.

    Future IQ

    Terence helps audiences turn megatrends into meaningful milestones. Leaders learn how to strengthen strategic courage, team resilience and agility while solving tomorrow’s challenges with new thinking. Ideal for executive audiences, innovation conferences and strategy meetings.

    Why Contact The Sweeney Agency Now?

    The right speaker must do more than talk about the future. They must understand your audience, connect their message to your business priorities and create momentum beyond the event.

    Contact us to:

    • Confirm Terence’s availability and current fee
    • Identify the keynote that best supports your objectives
    • Discuss customization, format and event logistics
    • Receive comparable recommendations if another speaker may be a stronger fit

    Is Terence Right for Your Event?

    Tell us about your audience, the disruption they are facing and what you want them to think, feel or do differently. We will provide an honest assessment of Terence’s fit, confirm availability and fees, and help you move forward with confidence.

    Contact The Sweeney Agency to discuss booking Terence Mauri.

    Hamish McRae Speaker

    Hamish McRae

    Europe’s leading futurist. Speaker on global political economy, commentator for The Independent.

     About

    • Hamish talks about the forces that will change the world over the next generation, and the implications these have for the business world.
    • Audiences leave understanding these forces and how leaders can plan to meet those challenges in his highly customized keynote presentation.
    • Hamish McRae is one of Europe's foremost speakers on global future trends in economics, business and society. He is Associate Editor of The Independent Newspaper in London and Principal Economic Commentator for The Independent and The Independent on Sunday and a columnist for the London Evening Standard best selling author.
    • Past clients include: Bell Microsystems, Deloitte, Fujitsu, Eversheds, TNT, KPMG, The Astana Economic Forum and PwC.

    Hamish McRae is one of Europe's foremost speakers on global future trends in economics, business and society. He is Associate Editor of The Independent Newspaper in London and Principal Economic Commentator for The Independent and The Independent on Sunday and a columnist for the London Evening Standard. He is the author of the acclaimed work on the future, The World in 2020: Power, Culture and Prosperity, which was long-listed for the Business Book of the Year at the FT/Goldman Sachs Awards in New York in 2010. Following its publication he became a sought-after speaker on trends in the economy, technology and business.

    As a speaker, Hamish is in demand around the world for his lucid insights into the forces such as technology, demography, globalisation, natural resources, and government policies shape the economy and influence business strategy. He examines likely future scenarios for business, government and society.

    Hamish's other books include Capital City - London as a Financial Centre, co-authored with Frances Cairncross, and Wake-up Japan, co-authored with Tadashi Nakamae. and What Works: Success in Stressful Times, which was long-listed for the Business Book of the Year at the FT/Goldman Sachs Awards in New York in 2010.

    He is an Adjunct Professor at Trinity College, Dublin, and a Governor of the National Institute for Economic and Social Research as an economic journalist, Hamish McRae was editor of Euromoney and financial editor of The Guardian before moving to The Independent.

    Amongst his awards are the David Watt Prize for outstanding political journalism in 2005, the Business and Finance Journalist of the Year in the 2006 British Press Awards, and Communicator of the Year at the 2007 Business Journalist Awards.

    He is now working on a new book, provisionally entitled The World in 2050, to be published in 2020.

    David McWilliams Speaker

    David McWilliams

    International Economist, Journalist, Author and Broadcaster

     About

    David McWilliams is one of Ireland's leading economic commentators and was the first economist to identify the Irish boom as nothing more than a credit bubble, warning of its collapse and the consequences for the country. His objective is to make economics as widely available and easily understandable on as many platforms as possible. He was made Young Global Leader by the WEF at Davos. His daily financial markets update, www.globalmacro360 is read by tens of thousands of his 96,000 twitter followers.

    He is an economist, writer, journalist, lecturer, broadcaster and documentary maker and has written four bestsellers, presented award-winning documentaries and brought a sell-out, one-man economics stand-up show to Ireland's renowned national theatre, the Abbey. He writes two economics columns a week in the Irish newspapers.

    David's founded the world's only economics and comedy festival www.kilkenomics.com. In 2013, Kilkenomics was described by the Financial Times in the following simple terms; we've been to lots of festivals and conferences, but Kilkenomics may be the best.

    David teaches an online economics course, Economics without and Boundaries and, his series of animated economics videos, Punk Economics has been viewed by 500,000 people.

    Once upon a time he had a real job working as an economist in the Irish Central Bank and later in the financial markets with UBS and Banque Nationale de Paris. He studied economics at Trinity College Dublin and the College of Europe in Bruges.

    Dr. Dambisa Moyo Speaker

    Dr. Dambisa Moyo

    Global Economist, Author, Distinguished Scholar, and Investor in the Future

     About

    Baroness Dambisa Moyo is a pre-eminent thinker, who influences key decision-makers in strategic investment and public policy. She is respected for her unique perspectives, her balance of contrarian thinking with measured judgment, and her ability to turn economic insight into investible ideas.

    Dambisa Moyo is a co-principal of Versaca Investments - a family office, focused on growth investing globally. She serves on a number of global corporate boards including: Chevron, Conde Nast, as well as, the Oxford University Endowment investment committee. Her areas of interest are in capital allocation, risk, and ESG matters. She holds a Doctorate in Economics from Oxford, a Masters from Harvard, and is recognized for fresh and innovative ideas as the Author of four (4) New York Times Bestselling Books. Her newest book “How
    Boards Work” was ranked number 5 on the Wall Street Journal best business book list.

    • How Boards Work And How They Can Work Better in a Chaotic World (2021)
    • Edge of Chaos: Why Democracy is Failing to Deliver Economic Growth and How to Fix It (2018)
    • Winner Take All: China’s race for Resources and What it Means for the World (2012)
    • How the West Was Lost: Fifty Years of Economic Folly and the Stark Choices Ahead (2011)
    • Dead Aid: Why Aid is Not Working and How There is a Better Way for Africa (2009)

    Dambisa is an honorary fellow of the Foreign Policy Association, member of the Bretton Woods Committee and member of Trilateral Commission. Dambisa was named to the list of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World; has published in the Financial Times, WSJ, Barrons, Harvard Business Review and has travelled to over 65 countries. In her
    spare time, she runs marathons and practices Pilates.

    Richard Newman Speaker

    Richard Newman

    Best-selling Author, Speaker on Communication and Leadership

     About

    Richard Newman: Founder of BodyTalk | Bestselling Author | Speaker on Communication, Storytelling and Influence

    Why Book Richard Newman?

    Richard combines engaging demonstrations with practical tools for storytelling, body language, voice, and confidence under pressure. His keynotes show audiences how to make their message clearer and more compelling in the conversations that matter.

    Why Is Richard Newman Right for Your Audience?

    Richard is a strong fit for leadership conferences, sales meetings, client-facing teams, and events where people need to present ideas or influence decisions. He is especially valuable when an organization wants its people to communicate complex information with greater confidence and impact.

    Book Richard when your audience needs to:

    • Make presentations and pitches more memorable
    • Explain complex ideas with clarity
    • Use stories to move people toward action
    • Strengthen presence in important conversations
    • Adapt body language and voice to support a message
    • Perform more confidently in high-pressure moments

    Audience Takeaways

    Attendees will leave:

    • Better able to shape a clear, compelling story around an idea
    • More aware of how nonverbal behavior affects a message
    • Equipped with practical ways to improve their speaking presence
    • Ready to prepare for high-stakes meetings and presentations
    • Focused on communicating in a way that helps others listen and respond

    Keynote Programs

    Stories that Win
    Richard shows audiences how to turn ideas and complex information into stories people can follow and remember. He introduces his PRO Story System™ to help attendees communicate with greater clarity and encourage action in meetings, presentations, and conversations. Ideal for leaders, sales teams, and anyone presenting important ideas.

    The Science of Personal Impact
    Richard draws on his research into nonverbal communication to demonstrate how body language and voice affect the way a message is received. Interactive exercises give audiences techniques they can apply to communicate with greater presence and influence. Ideal for leadership and client-facing events.

    Peak Performance Mindset
    Richard explores how to prepare for presentations, pitches, and conversations when the stakes feel high. He shares techniques for managing pressure and staying focused so people can put their communication skills to work when it matters most. Ideal for sales, leadership, and high-performance teams.

    Is Richard Newman Right for Your Event?

    Tell us what your audience needs to communicate more effectively and where the stakes are highest. We can help select Richard’s most relevant program, discuss customization, and confirm his availability and fee.

    Contact The Sweeney Agency 1-866-727-7555 or [email protected] for more information on this speaker.

    Angela Oguntala Speaker

    Angela Oguntala

    Global Authority on Foresight and Innovation

     About

    Named a Future Innovator by the United Nations, Angela Oguntala is a futurist and global authority on foresight and innovation.

    She is a founding partner at Greyspace, a foresight consultancy. Across the globe, she helps organizations understand and innovate for a world in transition. Her clients have included IKEA, Hermès, Philips, Sky, Deloitte, The World Economic Forum, The World Trade Organization, Microsoft, Bayer and Swiss Life.

    Over the past decade, Angela has been asked to speak on a wide range of future-facing topics. She has delivered hundreds of keynotes worldwide on themes including: innovating through uncertainty, emerging technology impacts, purpose driven innovation, leadership & organizational foresight, creativity, sustainability, as well as on specific domains from the future of work to futures of healthcare.

    Angela leaves audiences with insights, inspiration, and actionable tactics to engage with significant shifts ahead, and to critically question what needs to shift to meet future demands. She is a Salzburg Global Fellow for leaders challenged to shape a better worldand has been featured as an expert on futures thinking on outlets including Sky, TED, and NPR.

    Angela is an American who shares her time between the US (Atlanta, Georgia) and Copenhagen, Denmark.

    John Sanei Speaker

    John Sanei

    Best-selling Author, Futurist & Keynote Speaker with a passion for psychology & technology

     About

    • A co-host of the 2x award-winning business podcast, The Expansive.
    • An author and co-author of 11 books, five of which are best-sellers.
    • Ranked 5th among the World's Top Futurists for 2025, according to Global Gurus research.
    • Faculty at Duke Corporate Education.

    John Sanei has worked with thousands of leaders and organizations across the globe, including Google, Mastercard, NASA, Singularity University, and clients in technology, finance, FMCG, consulting, government, education, and beyond. He is a sought-after futurist and transformation specialist who helps decision-makers navigate uncertainty, especially in an A.I-disrupted world, so they can turn anxiety into confidence, complexity into clarity, and confusion into purposeful action.

    He speaks on topics including futures thinking, organizational transformation, human adaptability, technology integration, resilient leadership, and the evolving relationship between humans and A.I. His sessions are known for being emotionally resonant, commercially relevant, and rich in insights drawn from neuroscience, psychology, and systems strategy.

    Debra Searle Speaker

    Debra Searle

    British Adventurer, Television Presenter, Author and Motivational Speaker

     About

    Debra Searle: Motivational Keynote Speaker on Resilience, Mindset & Change | Solo Atlantic Rower | Entrepreneur | Author

    Choose Your Attitude. Change Your Outcome.

    What happens when the plan falls apart, circumstances change and giving up feels like the easiest option?

    Debra Searle is an entrepreneur, adventurer and inspiring keynote speaker on resilience, mindset, change and overcoming adversity.

    Why Book Debra Searle?

    Debra's story immediately captures an audience—but the real power of her keynote is how easily people can apply its lessons to their own challenges.

    Alone on the Atlantic, Debra couldn't control the weather, the waves or many of the obstacles she encountered. She could control how she responded.

    That distinction became central to her approach to resilience and performance.

    Debra helps audiences understand how their mindset, language and daily choices can influence the way they navigate uncertainty, change and setbacks. Her keynote is inspiring without being simply motivational—it gives people practical ideas they can use long after the event.

    What Makes Debra Searle Different?

    • Extraordinary Atlantic rowing story — a powerful real-world example of resilience
    • Authentic experience with adversity — lessons developed when quitting would have been understandable
    • Practical mindset strategies — turns an incredible adventure into useful workplace lessons
    • Change focused — highly relevant for organizations navigating uncertainty and disruption
    • Personal accountability — emphasizes taking ownership of what you can control
    • Engaging storyteller — combines vulnerability, humor and inspiration
    • Business relevant — connects resilience directly to leadership and performance
    • Broad audience appeal — resonates with leaders, sales teams and employees at every level

    Why Is Debra Right for Your Audience?

    Debra is an outstanding choice when you need your audience to build resilience, take greater ownership and maintain momentum when circumstances become difficult.

    She is particularly effective for leadership conferences, sales kickoffs, corporate meetings, association conferences and organizations experiencing significant change.

    Book Debra when your audience needs to:

    • Build greater resilience during uncertainty
    • Adapt positively when plans change
    • Focus on what they can control
    • Maintain motivation during difficult periods
    • Take greater responsibility for their attitude
    • Recover more quickly from setbacks
    • Keep moving toward long-term goals
    • Approach change with greater confidence

    Audience Takeaways

    Attendees will leave:

    • Understanding how attitude influences their response to challenges
    • Better able to separate what they can control from what they can't
    • Equipped with practical strategies for maintaining resilience
    • More aware of how internal dialogue influences performance
    • Ready to take greater ownership of their response to change
    • Better prepared to maintain momentum when progress feels difficult
    • Inspired to make small choices that create meaningful results

    Debra Searle Keynote Programs

    Choose Your Attitude. You can't always choose what happens to you. You can choose how you respond.

    Drawing from her extraordinary Atlantic journey, Debra demonstrates how consciously choosing your attitude can influence resilience, decision-making and performance.

    She gives audiences practical strategies for managing their mindset when circumstances are difficult, uncertain or outside their control.

    Ideal for: Leadership conferences, corporate meetings, sales kickoffs and organizations navigating uncertainty.

    Resilience: Keep Moving Forward. How do you keep going when the destination feels impossibly far away?

    Debra shares the strategies that helped her continue rowing day after day despite isolation, setbacks and constantly changing conditions.

    She connects those lessons to the workplace, helping audiences understand how small actions, clear goals and the right mindset can create momentum during challenging periods.

    Ideal for: Sales teams, high-performance organizations, leadership events and employee conferences.

    Navigating Change. When the conditions change, the original plan may no longer be the right plan.

    Debra uses lessons from the Atlantic to show audiences how to adapt when circumstances shift unexpectedly.

    Rather than wasting energy fighting realities they can't change, people learn how to refocus on what they can influence and continue making progress.

    Ideal for: Organizational transformation, leadership development and companies experiencing significant change.

    Why Book Debra Searle Through The Sweeney Agency?

    Debra Searle has an extraordinary story of resilience, courage and determination—but the real value comes from connecting those experiences directly to the challenges your audience is facing.

    The Sweeney Agency can help you:

    • Confirm Debra Searle's availability and current speaking fee
    • Determine which Debra Searle keynote best fits your audience
    • Discuss customization around your organization's objectives
    • Coordinate format, timing and event logistics
    • Compare Debra with other leading resilience, change and motivational speakers

    Is Debra Searle Right for Your Event?

    Tell us the challenge, change or uncertainty your people are navigating.

    We'll help you determine whether Debra is the right fit, confirm availability and fees, and make the booking process simple.

    Planning a leadership conference, sales kickoff or corporate event? Contact The Sweeney Agency today [email protected] to discuss booking Debra Searle as your keynote speaker.

    Anders Sorman-Nilsson Speaker

    Anders Sorman-Nilsson

    Author of Thinque Funky, Speaks on Future Thinking, Innovation, and Generational Trends

     About

    • Anders talks about how organizations can prepare themselves for a world facing new technologies, disruptive innovation and new customer demands.
    • Audiences leave inspired by fascinating case studies and best practices from smart brands that understand how intelligent technologies can amplify customer service, create compelling customer experiences, remove friction and transform our lives.
    • Anders Sörman-Nilsson (LLB / EMBA) is a global futurist and innovation strategist who helps leaders decode trends, decipher what’s next and turn provocative questions into proactive strategies.
    • Past clients include: Apple, Cisco, Mercedes Benz, Hilton, SAP, Gartner and Macquarie Bank.

    Anders Sörman-Nilsson is a visionary futurist and a global authority at the intersection of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. As the founder of the avant-garde think tank, Thinque, Anders offers data-driven insights and strategic foresight to global brands, helping them navigate the complexities of the modern world.

    With an impressive client roster that includes industry giants such as Apple, Meta, Google, McKinsey, Lego, and Rugby New Zealand Anders is trusted by leaders across four continents to provide guidance on the cutting edge of technology and innovation.

    Holding a Global Executive MBA and an LLB, Anders' unique blend of strategy and entrepreneurial acumen, combined with his forward-thinking approach, makes him a sought-after and awarded Keynote Speaker of the Year. He specializes in decoding complex trends and turning challenging questions into actionable strategies, inspiring audiences to embrace change and future-proof their organizations.

    Anders is the acclaimed author of three pivotal books on digital transformation and innovation: 'Aftershock' (2020), 'Seamless' (2017), and 'Digilogue' (2013). He is a Brand Ambassador for Adobe, and his thought leadership extends to impactful trend reports like "How Artificial Intelligence is Powering Australian Retail," commissioned by Microsoft, and the creation of marketing award-winning tools like the Adobe Creative Intelligence test, and brand collaborations with Meta, ING Bank, Jaguar Land Rover and Zurich.

    A recognized figure in global thought leadership circles, Anders is a member of TEDGlobal and the Entrepreneurs Organization, where he serves as the Leadership Impact Chair for the Sydney Chapter. His nomination to the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders in 2019 underscores his influence and commitment to shaping a sustainable future.

    Anders' insights have been featured in prestigious publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the BBC, establishing him as a leading voice in the realm of futurism. As the host of the 2nd Renaissance Podcast and the Entrepreneurs Organization's Scaling Impact podcast, he continues to explore and share revolutionary ideas that expand minds and inspire a change of heart.

    Engaging Anders Sörman-Nilsson for your next event guarantees an enlightening experience that will leave your audience equipped to sustainably lead in an ever-evolving digital and AI-driven landscape.

    Click Here to Watch Anders' Virtual Presentation

    Robert Swan Speaker

    Robert Swan

    Renowned Polar Explorer & Transformational Leader in Sustainability

     About

    With his presence and integrity, accomplishments and reflections, Robert Swan has an extraordinary ability to inspire and motivate audiences worldwide. Having experienced leadership and team cooperation in some of the world’s most hostile environments, Robert applies the leadership lessons he has learned to inspire bold management practices and effective communication styles. Robert’s talks are thrilling, uplifting and stimulating – all while fostering courage, vision and teamwork. His core themes are inspiration, leadership and future thinking for business, society and the environment.

    30 years ago, French ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau gave Robert Swan a 50-year mission to save Antarctica from the realities of climate change. The 2041 Foundation was founded and through perseverance and dedication, Robert has helped inspire the next generation of leaders to take responsibility for their life paths.

    As the founder of the 2041 Foundation, Robert has dedicated his life to the preservation of Antarctica and the planet through promoting renewable energy and sustainability to combat the effects of climate change.

    Robert Swan has been working side-by-side with his son Barney for the past 5 years. On January 15th 2018 at the South Geographic Pole, the baton was passed onto Barney Swan, who, on that day, became the first person in history to journey to the South Pole powered entirely by renewable energy. This incredible feat marked the launch of CLIMATEFORCE, a 7 year campaign to remove 326 million tonnes of CO2 out of the atmosphere through effective solutions and education to encourage personal leadership in our carbon neutral future. CLIMATEFORCE continues to build on the 2041 legacy through action and personal leadership today and in the future.

    This is not only an incredible story about a father and son, it is a legacy story of Robert Swan and the 2041 Foundation and their unstoppable commitment and leadership to preserve this earth for generations to come.

    Rohit Talwar Speaker

    Rohit Talwar

    Leading Global Futurist, Speaker, Author and CEO of Fast Future

     About

    • Rohit talks about how organizations can navigate a rapidly changing reality in his highly customized keynote and helps clients understand the key future factors driving innovation, growth and disruptive change
    • Audiences leave with the key topics and learning takeaways that address how their specific organizatons can address the critical factors of future success.
    • Rohit Talwar is a global futurist, award-winning and thought provoking speaker, strategic advisor, author, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Fast Future.
    • Past clients include: 3M, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, American Express, Barclays, Bayer, BP, Citi, Deloitte, DeutscheBank, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, EE, Emaar, Emirates, Etisalat, and EY.

    Rohit Talwar is a global futurist, award-winning and thought provoking speaker, strategic advisor, author, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Fast Future. He delivers keynote speeches, executive education, consultancy, research, and future-focused leadership mentoring to clients internationally. He helps clients understand the key future factors driving innovation, growth and disruptive change. He works with major corporations, governments, professional services, investors, associations, business schools, and NGOs - to help them anticipate, prepare for and create the future. He has delivered over 1,500 keynote speeches and executive workshops in 70+ countries on six continents.

    Rohit leads Fast Future Publishing - delivering a series of multi-contributor books exploring the emerging future. He is the co-author of Designing Your Future, lead editor and a contributing author for The Future of Business, and editor of Technology vs. Humanity. He is also a co-editor and contributor for the recently published Beyond Genuine Stupidity - Ensuring AI Serves Humanity, and The Future Reinvented - Reimagining Life, Society, and Business. He is also working on two forthcoming books: Unleashing Human Potential - The Future of AI in Business, and 50:50 - Scenarios for the Next 50 Years.

    His new book Aftershocks and Opportunities – Scenarios for a Post-Pandemic Future published on June 1st, 2020 draws on contributions from 25 thought leaders around the world to explore the emerging possibilities and risks and the resulting critical actions required to navigate our way out of the current health crisis and economic disruption.
    Rohit delivers fully researched and completely customised presentations for each keynote, and has the audience spellbound with his story of ending up on Interpol’s most wanted list due to identity theft. He has undertaken a wide range of foresight research studies for clients as diverse as the UK Government, Heathrow Airport, Amadeus, and the European Commission

    Rohit’s primary objective is to support clients in exploring and shaping the emerging future - putting people at the center of the agenda. He helps clients understand the key future factors driving innovation, growth and disruptive change. Rohit highlights the new thinking and business models being enabled by exponential technologies such as AI, blockchain, and hyperconnectivity and uses case studies to demonstrate how firms across sectors are reinventing themselves in the era of smart machines. He then explores the mindset shifts and leadership capabilities required to compete in the emerging future. Finally, he demonstrates how to harness the next waves of innovation to unleash human potential and ensure a very human future for our organisations.

    Rohit has delivered keynote speeches around the world and for clients across the globe. Example clients include 3M, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, American Express, Barclays, Bayer, BP, Citi, Deloitte, DeutscheBank, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, EE, Emaar, Emirates, Etisalat, EY, GE, Generali, IBM, Intel, KPMG, Latham and Watkins, Linklaters, Microsoft, Nokia, Norton Rose Fulbright, Novartis, O2, Orange, PWC, Pepsi, SAP, Sara Lee, Tata, The Singapore Government, The World Government Summit 2016 (UAE), and Twofour54.