Founder of Inspired Leaders Network & Everyone, Author of ‘SPIKE: What Are You Great At?’ & Non-Executive Director at Computacenter
René Carayol’s Biography:
René Carayol is one of the world’s leading experts on leadership, business transformation and inclusive workplace culture. Renowned for helping organisations unlock high performance, René is hired as a speaker for his ability to combine board-level business insight with practical leadership strategies that inspire lasting change. As the bestselling author of ‘SPIKE: What Are You Great At?’, he has become a trusted authority on leadership development, teamwork and resilience. His speaking engagements draw upon decades of experience advising global businesses, governments and influential leaders, making him a highly respected voice on topics such as leadership, workplace culture, peak performance and digital disruption.
Beginning his career as a Senior IT Manager at Marks & Spencer, René quickly established himself as an innovative business leader. He later joined PepsiCo as Systems Director before moving into publishing, where he became Board Director of IPC Magazines in 1995. In 1999, he was appointed Managing Director of IPC Media, becoming one of the most prominent Black business leaders in Britain. Alongside his corporate leadership roles, René built a successful coaching career, working with figures such as Sir Richard Branson, Nelson Mandela and David Cameron, as well as organisations including Google, Bayer and the World Bank Group. He later founded the Inspired Leaders Network and, in 2021, launched Everyone while also joining Medallia as Executive Vice President of ESG.
René is an acclaimed author whose books include ‘Corporate Voodoo: Business Principles for Mavericks & Magicians’, ‘My Voodoo: A Practical Guide to Unleashing the Magic in You & Your Work’ and the bestselling ‘SPIKE: What Are You Great At?’. In recognition of his impact on British business, he was awarded an MBE in 2004. He has also served as a Visiting Professor at Cass Business School since 2012, is a Non-Executive Director at Computacenter and was recently named a LinkedIn Top Voice. In addition, René is a respected media contributor known for his commentary on leadership and organisational culture.
As a speaker, René is celebrated for delivering powerful, engaging and actionable presentations that challenge audiences to rethink leadership and performance. Combining storytelling with practical business lessons, he helps organisations build stronger cultures, embrace change and unlock the potential within their teams. His experience across global corporations, government and entrepreneurship gives him a unique perspective that resonates with audiences at every level. Whether discussing resilience, teamwork, inclusive leadership or business transformation, René equips audiences with strategies that drive measurable impact and long-term success.
Why Hire René Carayol?
René Carayol is hired as a speaker for his exceptional ability to transform complex leadership and business challenges into practical, inspiring strategies. Drawing upon decades of experience coaching global leaders, leading multinational organisations and advising major brands, René delivers engaging keynote speeches filled with actionable insight. His presentations combine real-world business expertise with powerful storytelling, making him a sought-after authority on leadership, workplace culture, resilience and peak performance. His acclaimed TED-style talk, ‘Extraordinary Times Demand Extraordinary Leadership’, has further strengthened his reputation as a leading voice on navigating change and inspiring teams during periods of uncertainty. Audiences leave his talks motivated to embrace change, strengthen collaboration and unlock greater individual and organisational success in an evolving business landscape.
René Carayol’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define René Carayol’s remarkable career:
- 2024 – Delivered a keynote speech at the World Credit Union Conference, sharing expertise on leadership and organisational performance.
- 2021 – Founded Everyone, serving as Chief Executive to help organisations create more inclusive workplace cultures.
- 2021 – Joined Medallia as Executive Vice President of ESG, supporting businesses with sustainability and culture transformation strategies.
- 2017 – Published the bestselling leadership book ‘SPIKE: What Are You Great At?’.
- 2012 – Appointed Visiting Professor at Cass Business School, contributing expertise on leadership and business transformation.
- 2006 – Founded the Inspired Leaders Network to support leadership development and organisational performance.
- 2004 – Awarded an MBE for services to the business community.
- 2002 – Published ‘My Voodoo: A Practical Guide to Unleashing the Magic in You & Your Work’.
- 2001 – Published ‘Corporate Voodoo: Business Principles for Mavericks & Magicians’.
- 1999 – Appointed Managing Director of IPC Media after previously serving as Board Director of IPC Magazines.
Videos
René Carayol’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“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
“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
“I wanted to thank you for a fantastic session. You promised storytelling and emotion and you certainly delivered.” – Credit Suisse
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and the team, I couldn’t have achieved these outstanding results without your support and guidance along the way.” – Barclays Europe
“He is one of the most inspiring speakers and coaches I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.” – Unite Students
“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
“René Carayol really wowed the audience.” – KPMG
“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.” – 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.” – E:ON
“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 deliver results. I have been impacted for life!” – Coca-Cola
Speaking Topics
René Carayol’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Inclusive Leadership – Everybody In, Nobody Out
- Culture is More Powerful Than Strategy
- Manage a Little Less, Lead a Little More
- Collaboration is the New Leadership
- Strength-Based Leadership – SPIKE
- Business Transformation
- Resilience & Peak Performance
How Much Does René Carayol Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire René Carayol?
René Carayol’s speaking fees typically reflect his exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.