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Keynote Speaker
Justin Hughes
Expert on building high-performance cultures
Popular talks
- High Performance Cultures/Teams
- Leadership
- Risk
- Decision-Making
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Talks
Popular talks by Justin Hughes
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High Performance Cultures/Teams
Highly engaging introduction to the key drivers of high-performance cultures based on 20y+ entrepreneurial and corporate experience, preceded by 12y as a fighter pilot and Executive Officer of the Red Arrows (250 displays). Takeaways: – Hire on attitude AND skill, but if you had to choose… – Communicate not just…
Highly engaging introduction to the key drivers of high-performance cultures based on 20y+ entrepreneurial and corporate experience, preceded by 12y as a fighter pilot and Executive Officer of the Red Arrows (250 displays).
Takeaways:
– Hire on attitude AND skill, but if you had to choose…
– Communicate not just what, but why
– Know what ball you can’t afford to drop
– Build an environment where people have the REAL conversations -
Leadership
At its heart, leadership is about exhibiting a set of behaviours such that others choose to follow you of their own free will. If they follow for a different reason, it’s probably seniority (ie they have to – that’s not leadership). It’s bringing people on the journey with you and…
At its heart, leadership is about exhibiting a set of behaviours such that others choose to follow you of their own free will. If they follow for a different reason, it’s probably seniority (ie they have to – that’s not leadership). It’s bringing people on the journey with you and is distinct from working out the journey and the ability to execute.
Takeaways:
– Leadership is primarily a moral and emotional activity
– Managers are inevitably placed in the middle of wanting to be good people leaders but getting measured solely on task delivery
– You will be judged on what you stand for in difficult situations -
Risk
Managing risk at a strategic level is about dealing with ambiguity. To do so, we need to gain a ‘better understanding of reality’ by mitigating cognitive and motivational biases. The most powerful tool to do this is to leverage the cognitive diversity of the team more effectively. Takeaways: – We’re…
Managing risk at a strategic level is about dealing with ambiguity. To do so, we need to gain a ‘better understanding of reality’ by mitigating cognitive and motivational biases. The most powerful tool to do this is to leverage the cognitive diversity of the team more effectively.
Takeaways:
– We’re not as good as applying judgement as we like to think
– However, awareness of subconscious biases and tools to address can help significantly
– The ‘crowd’ is generally wise but only when there is an effective process to extract that collective wisdom -
Decision-Making
Good decision-making under pressure is not genius; it’s largely due to thought and preparation. We need to equip people with the decision-making tools and then empower them (ie not blame them for adverse outcomes) to use them. Takeaways: – Pre-plan responses to predictable situations – Use dynamic rehearsal to prepare…
Good decision-making under pressure is not genius; it’s largely due to thought and preparation. We need to equip people with the decision-making tools and then empower them (ie not blame them for adverse outcomes) to use them.
Takeaways:
– Pre-plan responses to predictable situations
– Use dynamic rehearsal to prepare for semi-predictable situations
– For the completely unpredictable, know what ball you can’t afford to drop -
Resilience
Resilience is not magic or just in some people’s DNA. For sure, some will be more naturally resilient, just like some are more natural leaders. However, everybody’s ability to ride out hard times and perform under pressure can be enhanced through the right mindset and the use of mental models…
Resilience is not magic or just in some people’s DNA. For sure, some will be more naturally resilient, just like some are more natural leaders. However, everybody’s ability to ride out hard times and perform under pressure can be enhanced through the right mindset and the use of mental models and tools.
Takeaways:
– Believe that you will prevail in the long-term, but deal objectively with your short-term reality
– Stress test the assumptions behind your thinking
– Reframe the situation based on more realistic assessment
Biography
About Justin Hughes
Justin is the CEO of biotech/climate startup NetZeroNitrogen. Combining that with turnaround experience as a senior corporate executive, and as a former fighter pilot and Executive Officer of the Red Arrows, Justin has ‘skin in the game’ when it comes to building high-performance cultures. He is a renowned speaker on a range of related topics including leadership, building high-performance teams (inc virtual), decision-making under ambiguity, and performance in high-risk environments. Delivery options include keynotes, facilitation and workshops and he has extensive experience with diverse audiences in the US, Europe, the Middle and Far East, and China.
Justin brings an unusual combination of a highly engaging delivery style and clear, actionable insights based on first-hand knowledge of the most demanding operating environments. His passion for high performance evolved from his military experience, flying in over 250 displays worldwide on the Red Arrows. Justin’s BETTUR (Better Understanding of Reality) model is based on personal learning of how you plan, execute and adapt in situations characterised by ambiguity, imperfect information, speed of change and pressure to deliver.
Since leaving the RAF, Justin has worked as a strategic adviser on organizational effectiveness to clients including Microsoft, the United Nations and Mercedes Formula 1, and he is a regular contributor to BP’s global Leading in Operations programme. He is the author of The Business of Excellence (Bloomsbury, 2016), has been profiled in the London Standard, Director Magazine, the Daily Telegraph and the Independent, and interviewed for BBC World ‘Talking Business’, BBC Breakfast and GB News.
As a result of some intellectual mid-life crisis, Justin has an MBA from London Business School and an MSt in International Relations from the University of Cambridge (both Distinctions). For the latter, he planned a thesis on pandemics but thought nobody would be interested (in 2017!), and instead analysed the threat posed by cryptocurrency to the financial order; he is currently sitting on a return of 1000%; unfortunately he only bought $30.
Testimonials
What clients say about Justin Hughes
“Justin’s preparation and professionalism in mastering the virtual format was a key factor in the great success of our first online event for senior clients (he even motivated my son to do his maths homework in a pre-call!).”
“Feedback was massively positive and some of the best we’ve had”
“A year on and we still use the language and some of the principles”
“Justin delivered a very pragmatic insight into business excellence with the key take away for the team being the importance of debriefing and learning from what we have done. We have implemented this in every single operational meeting and our first half year performance has been excellent, exceeding our expectations when it comes to the number of patients treated with our medicines and subsequently exceeding our first half year corporate objectives.”
“I am writing to thank you most warmly for your presentation at the recent ASIS UK Winter Seminar. The feedback has been little short of sensational and is still the talking point of the day! You absolutely nailed what we were looking for. Thank you so much for delivering such a thought provoking and interactive session.”
“We have had many leadership interventions before, but Justin was in a class of his own”
“Justin is one of a rare breed of speakers who absolutely engages and captivates an audience, providing clear takeaways to action straight away into positive business results. I am certain that the impact and motivation from Justin was a factor in a record performance this month. An outstanding person with world-class ability to bring excellence to life.”
How to book Justin Hughes
Answers on fees, availability and booking process.
How do I book Justin Hughes for a keynote speech?
You can book Justin Hughes through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Justin's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
What are Justin Hughes's speaking fees?
Justin Hughes'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 Justin tailored to your event.
What topics does Justin Hughes speak about?
Justin Hughes speaks on Intelligence & Security, Leadership, Performance, Strategy, Teamwork. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Justin to align the content with your delegates and goals.
Is Justin Hughes available for international events?
London Speaker Bureau can book Justin Hughes for events worldwide, subject to Justin'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 Justin Hughes 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 Justin Hughes 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 Justin Hughes?
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 Justin can accommodate.
Can Justin Hughes tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?
London Speaker Bureau will brief Justin Hughes 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 Justin can offer.
What languages does Justin Hughes present in?
Justin Hughes 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 Justin Hughes a strong fit as a keynote speaker?
Justin Hughes's areas of expertise include Intelligence & Security, Leadership, Performance, Strategy, Teamwork. To get a clear sense of Justin'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 Justin Hughes speak at?
Justin Hughes can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Intelligence & Security, Leadership, Performance, Strategy, Teamwork is relevant. Details of Justin'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 Justin Hughes 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 Justin Hughes is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
How far in advance should we book Justin Hughes?
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Justin Hughes, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Justin's current availability for your dates.
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