Keynote Topics
Before Corona. After Corona.
Worlds apart. Leveraging a Survive/Revive/Thrive mindset, Ian tackles what it takes to be a successful business and leader in the AC environment.
Ian focuses on the fundamental shifts we must all make in our ways of trading, ways of leading and ways of thinking to not just survive but leverage the ultimate disruptor event for the benefit of your company and your career.
This talk is rooted in deep operational experience of leading 3 businesses and 1 school through the 2020/21 events – here Ian really speaks from the heart, with every lesson having been learnt the hard way.
PEGI Rating – 18+…
Remember Nokia? Recall Kodak? Want to be the next Blockbuster or Toys R Us? Ian strikes through to the heart of what business and personal relevance is and shows how losing that relevance can be terminal.
All is not lost though.
In this keynote, Ian Russell will lay out a clear 5 point plan that any business can quickly grasp and execute upon, that will create a step-change in their ongoing relevance to their customers
Objects in the Rear-View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Really Are Business’ obsession with what has happened in the past, and with what their competitors are doing, is fundamentally damaging their chance of success in the future and limiting what they can achieve.
In this keynote, Ian powerfully argues that businesses must change the way they lay out their strategies, re-platform the way they measure success and re-magine what their business can be, if they are to release a new growth path and finally look forward through the windscreen towards the horizon.
Perhaps Ian’s most famous keynote, Fuzzy Logic dispels the myth once and for all that organisations take decisions rationally and logically.
Ian Russell highlights clearly the key reasons why organisations do not take decisions rationally, and the consequences of these failings.
Concluding the keynote, Ian creates a 5 point roadmap that any organisation or individual can employ to reduce the levels of ‘fuzzy logic’ around decisions, and a route forward to create long term success.
Ian Russell is a business leadership specialist who helps executives convert strategy into measurable results. He focuses on practical frameworks for execution, organisational alignment, and culture change, helping leaders close the gap between intention and impact. Ian’s experience spans advising senior executives and facilitating leadership offsites where he delivers frameworks that leaders can use immediately to improve clarity, priorities, and accountability.
His talks blend evidence-based techniques, case studies, and pragmatic tools for driving organisational performance. Ian’s workshops teach decision frameworks, stakeholder mapping, and metrics to sustain transformation beyond the event. He works with leadership teams to create operating rhythms that improve speed, coordination, and employee engagement. Ian’s approach is direct, practical, and focused on outcomes that matter to business leaders.
Ian Russell is currently an independent, freelance business advisor, speaker, and professional non-executive director. With a career steeped in leadership, innovation, and strategic vision, Ian brings a wealth of experience to the forefront of corporate dialogue. His most recent corporate tenure as CEO of BCX, Africa’s largest technology company, underscores his capability to navigate complex landscapes, drive growth, and inspire change. With a remarkable turnover of $2 billion and a workforce of 10,000, Ian’s leadership at BCX epitomized his commitment to excellence and forward-thinking strategies.
Ian Russell’s journey in the corporate world spans decades, marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a keen eye for innovation. His tenure at BCX exemplifies his ability to lead organizations through transformational phases, leveraging technology as a catalyst for growth and sustainability. With a focus on fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, Ian propelled BCX to the forefront of the technology sector, positioning it as a leader in Africa and beyond.
Prior to his role at BCX, Ian held various executive positions in leading organizations, honing his skills in strategic planning, organizational development, and market expansion. His deep understanding of global markets, coupled with a pragmatic approach to business challenges, has earned him accolades as a visionary leader in the corporate world.
Before Telkom, Ian Russell was at SABMiller and led the migration of the procurement activity from being an in-country South African operation, to a global one based in Switzerland.
Russell spent eight years at Barclays, working across operations, procurement and technology. These included roles running the Barclays African back-office, creating and leading the world’s first ‘smartsourcing’ approach to cost re-engineering, and ending up as Barclays’ Global CIO, a role which led him to Absa.
Ian Russell was also one of the initial architects of the acquisition of Absa by Barclays in 2005, and emigrated to South Africa to help oversee and manage the post merger integration. During his time at Absa, Ian focused mainly on re-engineering the cost base, and led the highly innovative ‘One Absa’ programme.
Ian’s expertise extends beyond the boardroom, as he actively engages with entrepreneurs, startups, and aspiring business leaders, sharing his insights and experiences through speaking engagements and advisory roles. His passion for mentorship and knowledge sharing underscores his commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, empowering them to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape.
As a professional non-executive director, Ian brings a unique perspective to boardroom discussions, drawing from his diverse industry experience and strategic acumen. His ability to ask the right questions, challenge conventional wisdom, and drive consensus makes him a valuable asset to any board seeking to enhance governance and drive sustainable growth.
Ian’s thought leadership extends beyond traditional business domains, encompassing topics such as digital transformation, leadership development, and the future of work. His dynamic speaking style, coupled with real-world examples and actionable insights, resonates with audiences across industries, making him a sought-after speaker at conferences, seminars, and corporate events worldwide.
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A: Yes — frameworks scale from early stage to enterprise.
A: Yes, depending on requirements and his availability.
A: 4–8 weeks for tailored workshops.
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