Belongs to these categories
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 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.
Background and Expertise:
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.
Reasons to Book Ian Russell:
Event planners seeking to inspire their audience and provoke meaningful dialogue should consider booking Ian Russell for their next event. With a wealth of experience in leading organizations through transformational phases, Ian brings a unique perspective on navigating change and driving innovation in today’s dynamic business environment. His engaging speaking style, coupled with real-world examples and actionable insights, ensures that audiences leave inspired and equipped with the knowledge to tackle complex challenges head-on.
Furthermore, Ian’s ability to tailor his presentations to suit the specific needs and objectives of each event ensures a customized experience that resonates with attendees on a profound level. Whether addressing a large corporate audience or a gathering of industry professionals, Ian has the versatility and expertise to deliver impactful presentations that leave a lasting impression.
Why Book Through Speakers Inc:
Booking Ian Russell through Speakers Inc guarantees a seamless and hassle-free experience for event planners, ensuring that every aspect of the booking process is handled with professionalism and attention to detail. With a reputation for representing top-tier speakers and entertainers, Speakers Inc offers access to a diverse roster of talent, allowing event planners to find the perfect fit for their event.
Furthermore, Speakers Inc’s commitment to customer satisfaction means that event planners can rest assured knowing that their needs and preferences will be prioritized every step of the way. From initial inquiries to post-event follow-up, the team at Speakers Inc is dedicated to ensuring that every event is a resounding success, with Ian Russell’s expertise adding a touch of excellence to any occasion.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Ian Russell stands as a beacon of leadership and innovation in today’s ever-evolving business landscape. From his transformative tenure at BCX to his role as a trusted advisor and speaker, Ian’s impact on the corporate world is profound and far-reaching. Event planners seeking to elevate their next event and inspire their audience should look no further than Ian Russell, a visionary leader with the insights and expertise to drive meaningful change and spark meaningful dialogue.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel
Kurdt Greenwood is a young, dynamic naturalist, conservationist, survival expert, and animal behavior specialist with a passion for wildlife that knows no bounds. From an early age, Kurdt has been captivated by the natural world, particularly the most dangerous and deadly creatures that inhabit it. His enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, leaving audiences both terrified […]
Stafford Masie is a computer scientist who has been involved in the IT industry for more than 25 years. He has been closely involved in such pre-eminent ICT companies as Telkom, Dimension Data, Novell and Google. His passion for technology led to him being appointed to senior executive positions at Novell USA (based in Utah for 7 years) […]
Shelley Walters is a globally recognized expert in sales enablement, a dynamic keynote speaker, and the founder of The Sales Counsel, a boutique Sales Enablement Solutions company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. With over two decades of experience in sales leadership, business development, and training, Shelley has dedicated her career to transforming the way individuals […]
Captain Londy Ngcobo is a distinguished figure in the maritime industry, acclaimed as a Global Ship Navigator and Africa’s First Female Dredge Master. Her unwavering passion for unlocking Africa’s oceanic potential has defined her illustrious career spanning over 13 years. With a robust educational background in Maritime Studies and extensive experience in International Merchant shipping, […]
Maya Fisher-French is a celebrated keynote speaker, author, and financial journalist renowned for her deep insights into personal finance and economic trends. As the face behind South Africa’s leading finance column, Maya on Money, she has spent over two decades demystifying complex financial topics, empowering individuals, and helping organizations navigate the economic landscape with clarity […]
Bryan Habana, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of rugby, is a legendary South African rugby player and one of the most electrifying athletes to grace the sport. Renowned for his blistering speed, strategic gameplay, and unparalleled determination, Habana has etched his name in history as one of the greatest wingers of all […]
Alistair Mokoena is a trailblazing leader and a prominent figure in South Africa’s business and digital transformation landscape. As the Country Director for Google South Africa, he drives innovation and technological progress across industries, empowering businesses to harness the power of digital solutions. A seasoned expert in leadership, strategy, and digital transformation, Alistair is a […]
Sthembiso Phakathi is a distinguished advisor and keynote speaker specializing in organizational transformation. With over two decades of expertise, he has successfully guided organizations through the complexities of business performance, strategic leadership, and transformative growth. Recognized for his ability to inspire and equip leaders with actionable strategies, Sthembiso’s insights resonate deeply in today’s dynamic corporate […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
