James Bannerman – Keynote Speaker

Lateral Thinking, Creativity, Innovation

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Specialist Subjects

Lateral Thinking
Creativity
Performance
Teamwork
Innovation
Leadership
Building Innovation Capabilities

Topics

Language

English

Biography

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.

Recent testimonials

“Challenges presented to the rail industry are traditionally resolved by it applying its engineering and operational excellence. Some however require a far more nuanced approach and the mind of an agile thinker that can offer solutions grounded in reality and pragmatism. James has been able to provide both to the rail industry and its stakeholders, such as the Department of Transport, when it has come to the wickedly complex problem of suicide on Great Britain's Railway.”

Ian Stevens M.B.E., Programme Manager, Suicide Prevention, Network Rail

“James’s session [on Genius Thinking] yesterday was truly inspiring, engaging and definitely left out brains buzzing by the end of the morning. It was a pleasure having him contribute to our away day and we would be grateful if you could pass on how thankful we are that the morning ran so perfectly.”

Andrew Tanner, Design Manager for Sainsbury’s Home and Argos Home

"Having known and worked with James for 20 years I was under no doubt that he would provide inspirational, impactful and meaningful learning for my staff in the creativity and innovation space, in both London and across Europe."

Charlie Walters, Business Partner (L&D), Schroders

“Your presentation on creativity was extremely valuable. The input from outside and the views from other companies (and products) sparked a lot of thinking. It helped create insight and created the credibility that was necessary for our team of "traditional" thinkers to step outside their normal moder of operation [...] There was a great dynamic created from your input!”

Hannes Danzer, CEO of Danzer

"The success of any event which brings together leading businesses is in no small part down to its facilitator. This was evidenced at the recent Beacon South West event, where James Bannerman’s warm and charismatic style of presentation engaged over 50 directors of leading South West businesses in a creative brainstorming programme which delivered over 50 new ideas to ‘grow your business."

Mark Hawkins, MD, Two Four

"Marvellous session. It was absolutely fascinating. Thank you James."

Sharon Ward-McNab, BBC TV Training Course Producer

"This workshop has far exceeded my expectations, in providing creative thinking tools to my team to generate new ideas to really Up Our Services!"

Chan Yim Leng, VP (Consumer Products) SingTel

"You hit the spot with the crowd. The feedback is still coming in, and it is very positive."

Flight Lieutenant Matt Kirk, RAF

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