Leadership & Teamwork Speaker, Bestselling Author of Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life,’ & Fortune 500 advisor to Google & Spotify
James Kerr’s Biography:
James Kerr is a globally recognised author, leadership thinker and cultural strategist best known for his bestselling book ‘Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life’. Through his exploration of one of the world’s most successful sporting organisations, he uncovered powerful lessons on leadership, accountability, teamwork and high performance that have resonated with audiences far beyond sport. His work has influenced executives, athletes, military leaders and organisations around the world, making him one of the most sought-after keynote speakers on culture, leadership and sustained excellence.
James developed his understanding of leadership and human performance through a career that combines journalism, research, consultancy and organisational development. In 2006, he co-founded brand and team-building consultancies that worked with high-profile corporations seeking to strengthen culture and performance. A defining moment came when he was granted unprecedented access to the New Zealand All Blacks camp, allowing him to study the team’s organisational psychology and the principles that underpin their success, including the now-famous philosophy of “sweep the sheds”. The insights gathered during this period formed the basis of ‘Legacy’, published in 2013. He later adapted many of these sports psychology methodologies for the corporate world, advising Fortune 500 technology companies, including Google and Spotify. His expertise subsequently expanded into elite sport, consulting with Formula One teams and Premier League football managers on leadership, culture and performance.
The impact of James’s work has been recognised internationally through the enduring success of ‘Legacy’, which became a global bestseller and established him as a leading authority on high-performing cultures. The publication’s influence led to a special 10th-anniversary edition, reflecting its continued relevance to business leaders and teams worldwide. His research and frameworks have attracted attention across leadership forums, conferences and executive development programmes, where he is regularly invited to share practical strategies for building resilient and successful organisations. His experience working with elite performers, from professional sport to military environments, gives audiences direct access to lessons proven at the highest levels.
Why Hire James Kerr?
Beyond ‘Legacy’, James has continued to expand his body of work with the publication of ‘Where the Earth Meets the Sky’ and ‘Spearhead’. He has also advised organisations operating in some of the most demanding environments, including UK Special Forces, Formula One teams and top flight football management. What makes James particularly compelling as a keynote speaker is his ability to translate complex ideas about culture, leadership and performance into memorable stories and actionable insights. Drawing on real world experience with world class teams and global businesses, he equips audiences with practical tools to create stronger cultures, develop better leaders and achieve lasting success.
James Kerr’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define James Kerr’s remarkable career:
- 2024 – Published ‘Where the Earth Meets the Sky’
- 2024 – Published ‘Spearhead’
- 2023 – Published the 10th Anniversary Edition of his global best-seller, Legacy
- 2018 – Expanded his cultural advisory frameworks to consult directly for Formula One teams and European Premier League football managers.
- 2015 – Successfully adapted his sports psychology methodologies into corporate structures for Fortune 500 tech giants, including Google and Spotify
- 2013 – Published his leadership book, ‘Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life’
- 2010 – Granted access to the New Zealand All Blacks camp to research their organisational psychology and “sweep the sheds” mantra
- 2006 – Co-founded brand and team-building consultancies for high-profile corporations
- Consulted for UK Special Forces, F1 teams, and Premier League football managers
Videos
James Kerr’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“It went very well thanks – the group were very engaged and James was very generous with his time and answered all their questions.” – Jill, KPMG
“The session was great, the team were all really engaged, and it resonated with not just the sales team but others that attended too.” – Zoe, Personal Group
“The event went great thank you. James’ talk was very interesting, he had lots of stories of the All Blacks to share which really worked with the audience.” – Eleanor, Equals Money
“It was great to meet James and have him at our event – a particular thanks for his flexibility as I know we were quite last minute with the request and the books in particular, so really appreciated that. Someone said James was the most memorable part of the event, saying he was ‘very engaging and inspirational, with learnings that could be applied to all of our roles’, and several more people called out the ‘external speakers’ overall as their highlight.” – Fiona, Lloyds Banking
“James was great! Honestly, the lowest maintenance talent I have ever worked with and so engaging, everyone loved his session!” – Izzie, We Love This Ltd
“James and Sean were an absolute pleasure to work with. They were truly inspiring and thought-provoking. Both were so humble and simultaneously impressive. Our team truly loved the session.” – Katie, Senior Associate – HR & Internal Communications, Carne
“James Kerr was absolutely fantastic as our guest speaker – our leaders had brilliant feedback on the day saying: I was blown away by James Kerr and how we cannot just succeed as a team but our personal contribution and where and how you leave the jersey – so relatable!” – Louise, Divisional Communications and Engagement Lead, Capita
“The session itself was good thanks, please pass on our thanks again to him for such an engaging and inspiring session. From the feedback we’ve received since the event, the group certainly found the session thought-provoking and valuable” – Ingrid, KPMG
Speaking Topics
James Kerr’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Sports Psychology
- Leadership & Teamwork
- Organisational Structure
- Workplace Wellbeing
- Personal Development
- Communication & Trust
- Workplace Diversity
- Change Management
How Much Does James Kerr Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire James Kerr?
James Kerr’s speaking fees typically reflect her 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.