Rene Carayol Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerRene Carayol

Globally Recognised Inclusive Leadership Keynote Speaker

René speaks, coaches and mentors with the authority and confidence of the leader who has seen and experienced it all before. René draws much from his own unique experiences as former Managing Director at IPC Magazines, serving on a variety of boards such as Pepsi and IPC Media, and even... Read More

Biography

René speaks, coaches and mentors with the authority and confidence of the leader who has seen and experienced it all before. René draws much from his own unique experiences as former Managing Director at IPC Magazines, serving on a variety of boards such as Pepsi and IPC Media, and even leading the largest management buyout in European history.

René has acquired a reputation for providing first-hand advice and support for a series of successful CEOs in the Fortune 500, FTSE 100 and all around the world. Many may claim to have worked at the ‘sharp end’ with CEOs, but in actual fact very few have. He has worked closely with Jim Yong Kim (President, The World Bank), Antony Jenkins (CEO, Barclays Bank), Mario Greco (CEO, Generali) and Maria Ramos (CEO, Absa Bank). Hardly any can match his sustained track record of success.

From sitting in the boardrooms to coaching world leaders, René’s extensive experience in business has provided him with case studies and stories from the frontline. There are exciting adventures, emotional anecdotes, and enough C-suite drama to excite any audience. René delivers learning wrapped up as unforgettable stories told by a master storyteller. You will want to hear them again and again.

René specialises in delivering performances that show precisely how contemporary leaders can electrify a crowd through a passionate and authentic connection. He demonstrates just how captivating an emotionally intelligent approach can be. He is never about theory – it is all about actions and behaviours that we can adopt that will make us more powerful when we come together. Everyone remembers how his sessions made them feel. René is an accomplished visiting professor at Cass Business School. His critically acclaimed latest book, ‘Spike – What are you great at?’, enables all of us to unleash our inherent strengths and realise our true potential. As René says, “If you accept your limitations, you go beyond them”.

“That was such a fantastic talk – one of the best I have ever attended. I can’t wait to continue talking and to be able to do that face to face. You’ve lifted our spirits with an impact that will last way beyond today.” Polly Cochrane, Country Manager, WarnerMedia UK & Ireland
“A short note to say THANK YOU for a great session this morning. Your passion and energy for the topic really shone through and your authenticity through the story telling really added to the whole experience.” Director, People Development & Diversity Group HR / Executive HR, E:ON
“Amazing is all I can say, thank you so much!! We have received bucket loads of comments stating how amazing you were. Truly tremendous and exceptional.” Marisa Fourie, Business and Investment, Solutions, Glacier
“René has made a significant and tangible difference to how we build and align our top teams, and pushed us to lead a lot more and manage a little less” Sean McGrath, Vice President of HR, The World Bank
“It was emotional and life changing discussion for us all and it was an honour to meet Rene! … This is just the beginning.” Lillie Harris– Global Specialist Lead, EMEA Microsoft Azure
“A very insightful delivery that is life transforming. You cannot remain the same after being exposed to these concepts that René talks about. A true leader himself, René shares time tested values and principles that delivers results. I have been impacted for life!” Bethel Yeboah - Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Coca-Cola
“The power, the energy, the esprit you bring to the people is extraordinary and fantastic!” Petra Reinold - Human Resources, Voestalpine AG
“Still basking in the glory of Kuala Lumpur. What a success that was. Nearly everyone said it's the best offsite they've ever been on" Standard Chartered Bank
“He is one of the most inspiring speakers and coach’s I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.” Unite Students
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my team. I couldn’t have achieved these outstanding results without your support and guidance along the way”. Barclays Europe
“I don’t know how to thank you enough. The grateful messages and emails are flooding in along the lines of, “that was such a fantastic talk – one of the best I have ever attended” Warner Media UK
“I wanted to thank you for a fantastic session. You promised storytelling and emotion and you certainly delivered!” Credit Suisse
“A big thank you for your priceless inspiration and motivation to our fabulous team over the past three days. You have left a phenomenal impression on me personally”. Bank ABC
“René’s wise counsel and experience has been transformational. Working intimately with René over the years has had a tremendous impact both on me and The World Bank” The World Bank

Popular Talks by Rene Carayol

  • Inclusive Leadership
    To get the very best decisions, strategy and solutions, teams need to cover all bases, and that means they must be diverse and then inclusive. Sports teams have figured this out long ago. They have specialists with differing strengths from diverse backgrounds who come together in a dynamic fashion to...
  • Manage a little less and lead a little more

    In recent times, a good enough management team, a good enough strategy, and a good enough brand, were good enough. This is no longer the case. The blunt instrument of Management alone just doesn’t cut it anymore. It is the time for Leadership, and Inspired Leadership at that.

  • Culture is more powerful than strategy

    René will share his extensive experience and exposure to some of the worlds’ leading corporate cultures, telling his inspiring stories with his deft sense of humour whilst challenging everyone in the auditorium to think again about culture.

  • Collaboration is the new leadership
    “Nothing is best done alone anymore” – no one leader can make all the tough calls on their own anymore. In today’s unforgiving markets, every leader requires the support of a diverse and high-performing team. Building a collaborative and collegiate culture demands a new approach to leadership and a change...
  • Strength based leadership - SPIKE
    Spike will assist you in making the most honest assessment of your true (few) outstanding inherent strengths (Spikes). Spike is the most straightforward and perhaps radical approach to: building self-esteem and confidence identifying roles, jobs and careers that are right for you building truly inclusive high-performing teams ensuring no one...