John Knell

About John Knell

John Knell is one of the UK’s leading thinkers on the changing face of work and organizations. He is co-founder of Intelligence Agency which works with corporate and public sector clients on issues of leadership, employee engagement and the future of work. Prior to launching Intelligence Agency, John was Director of Research and Advocacy at The Work Foundation, where he played a key role in transforming that organization into an authority on work issues. He has authored numerous reports on work, organizational change, and public policy, and is also a frequent commentator on workplace and public policy issues.

John began his career as an academic at the University of Leeds where he undertook his doctoral research, and he retains strong links with several leading research centres and universities. He is an Associate of Demos and a Fellow of the RSA. His work over several years has included a wide range of corporate clients, including Microsoft, Tesco, Astra Zeneca, Eversheds, Lloyds TSB, Manpower, and Siemens. At the Intelligence Agency, his current clients include Demos, Living Sport, Manchester International Festival, Manchester City Galleries, The RSA, Taylor Vinters, Skillset, and Watershed.

John’s most recent client work has ranged across high level public policy work particularly in the arts and creative economy sphere, strategic reviews and strategy development, thought leadership development, top team facilitation, executive advice and support, and a wide range of public speaking and event facilitation activities.

John is the co-author of The 80 Minute MBA (with Richard Reeves) which has become one of the best-selling business books of all time. His remarkable ability to convey knowledge and insight into the major business issues of the day means that he is in great demand as a speaker both at keynote conference level and for seminars. He acclaimed for his speech-making which is not only packed with insight but delivered with charm, grace and humour. John’s messages help with innovation, breaking the bullshit of business, and changing the face of work and organizations.

You don’t need an MBA to be Master or Mistress of the Universe. If you have a couple of years spare to sit in business school seminar rooms, no problem. If not, we bring to you the Reduced Shakespeare Company of the commercial world – John Knell – who has done the hard work for you. He brings you the very latest MBA “key learnings” in this entertaining, high-energy, high-impact presentation.

Issues to be covered range from communication to finance, and from marketing to strategy. Find out whether charisma is an essential leadership ingredient, how to coach, and why execution is so much more important than strategy. Learn to transform your business in just 80 minutes!