Availability dot

Available to book

Innovation speaker & futurist

Jim Carroll

Transform organisations through innovation with Jim Carroll, speaker and futurist. Jim works with Fortune 500 companies to navigate change, drive innovation, and identify emerging trends, delivering actionable insights featured on CNN, CNBC, and BBC.

Trusted by CNN, CNBC, BBC

Jim Carroll, Speaker | World Futurist, Trends & Innovation
Jim Carroll

Jim Carroll

Houston, United States

Typical fee range

$26k–50k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

Get Jim's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Jim

Houston, United States

Starting from

$26k–50k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Jim Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Jim Carroll's biography

At a glance

  • Renowned Futurist and Innovation Expert
  • Keynote Speaker on Change and Innovation
  • Author of The Future Belongs to Those Who Are Fast
Jim Carroll is a futurist, innovation expert, and keynote speaker who has been featured in numerous media outlets, including CNN, CNBC, and the BBC. With over 25 years of experience, he is known for his insightful and entertaining presentations that provide practical advice for navigating change and driving innovation in today's fast-paced business environment. Carroll has given keynote speeches and workshops to organisations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small startups, and is known for his ability to connect with audiences and provide actionable insights that can be applied immediately. He has also authored several books, including The Future Belongs to Those Who Are Fast and What I Learned From Frogs in Texas: Saving Your Skin with Forward Thinking Innovation. Jim's expertise lies in the areas of innovation, trends, and change management, and he is often called upon to provide commentary on these topics for leading media outlets. In addition to his speaking engagements, he also runs a successful consulting practice that helps organisations stay ahead of the curve in today's rapidly changing business landscape.

Jim's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

A New Playbook For The Future Of Work
Futurist Jim Carroll emphasizes that the future is won by how quickly teams learn essential skills. He highlights the urgency of upskilling, as 85% of employers recognize its importance, yet 76% of workers feel unprepared for future roles. Jim offers a practical playbook for CEOs and leaders, focusing on industry-specific strategies to align workforce skills with rapid innovation. Attendees will learn to create an AI-augmented talent architecture and foster a culture of innovation to thrive in tomorrow's landscape.
Decoding Critical Trends To Future-Proof Your Business
Jim Carroll maintains that the greatest risk in today's rapidly changing world is failing to anticipate disruption. This keynote highlights critical megatrends, such as economic volatility and the future of work, that will shape industries over the next decade. Attendees will learn to identify transformative opportunities, mitigate risks, and align their strategies with future realities. Jim's customized insights ensure relevance for sectors like Manufacturing, Retail, and Healthcare, making this session invaluable for strategic planning.
Leadership In The Era Of Acceleration
In this keynote, Jim Carroll discusses how speed is the key competitive advantage in today's market, where many organizations struggle with uncertainty and disruption. He presents a practical playbook for leaders to build agile, resilient teams, offering concrete strategies to foster a culture of bold thinking and precision execution. Attendees will learn how to make faster decisions, lead through ambiguity, and align their teams for high-velocity results, equipping them to architect the future rather than merely manage change.
Harnessing AI For Unprecedented Growth
Jim Carroll emphasizes that artificial intelligence is the most significant business transformation of our time. His keynote offers a clear, actionable roadmap for leaders, moving beyond hype to practical applications of generative AI, machine intelligence, and automation tailored to specific industries. Designed for leadership teams, attendees will learn how to leverage AI to enhance efficiency, innovate products, and gain a competitive edge. With over 30 years of experience, Jim provides a strategic framework to ensure organizations thrive in the era of intelligent systems.
How To Drive Growth In Any Economic Climate
Jim Carroll emphasizes that volatility presents the greatest opportunity for innovation rather than a threat. He provides a strategic guide for leaders aiming to foster creativity and transformation within their organizations. Drawing lessons from companies that thrived during downturns, Jim challenges leaders to embrace transformation and seize market share. Attendees will learn practical applications of creativity to unlock their team's potential and drive innovation, leaving with a framework to turn disruption into growth opportunities.

Why we recommend booking Jim

Jim brings over 25 years of experience in innovation and change management to your team, offering practical, actionable insights that can transform your approach to business. His engaging presentations not only captivate but also equip your organization with the tools needed to navigate today's fast-paced environment. Booking Jim means investing in a future where your team is prepared to lead and innovate with confidence.

Check Jim's availability

Trusted by CNN, CNBC, BBC

Testimonials

Stunning – captivating – challenging! You really got our global franchisees thinking about the fast future — I’m not sure if they will ever view the future in the same way!

Burger King

Evaluations consistently rated your presentation 5 out of 5!

Microsoft

We were extremely pleased with Jim’s presentation… the content was bang-on and would hopefully prompt people to think about the rapidity of change going on in our world!. Jim’s storytelling approach really helps to get his points across! He did a great job!

The Walt Disney Company

Featured Projects

Jim Carroll - Think Big, Start Small, Scale Fast book cover
Jim Carroll - Being Unique book cover
Jim Carroll - Dancing In The Rain book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Jim Carroll for my next event?
Email jim.carroll@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Jim's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

Jim Carroll structures his keynotes around industry-specific playbooks, presenting sector-relevant data — such as workforce preparedness statistics — alongside concrete frameworks for leaders to apply immediately.

What is Jim Carroll's speaking style like?
Jim Carroll structures his keynotes around industry-specific playbooks, presenting sector-relevant data — such as workforce preparedness statistics — alongside concrete frameworks for leaders to apply immediately.

Jim Carroll structures his keynotes around industry-specific playbooks, presenting sector-relevant data — such as workforce preparedness statistics — alongside concrete frameworks for leaders to apply immediately.

What topics does Jim Carroll specialise in?
Jim Carroll speaks on workforce upskilling and AI-augmented talent, megatrend anticipation and business disruption, and agile leadership in conditions of rapid change. He has over 25 years of experience as a futurist and innovation keynote speaker, with appearances on CNN, CNBC, and the BBC, and is the author of The Future Belongs to Those Who Are Fast.

Jim Carroll speaks on workforce upskilling and AI-augmented talent, megatrend anticipation and business disruption, and agile leadership in conditions of rapid change. He has over 25 years of experience as a futurist and innovation keynote speaker, with appearances on CNN, CNBC, and the BBC, and is the author of The Future Belongs to Those Who Are Fast.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a booking?

Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.