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AI keynote speaker & innovation expert

Jim Harris

Transform your AI strategy with Jim Harris, leading artificial intelligence and innovation keynote speaker. Jim equips executives to anticipate technological shifts and implement practical AI solutions, speaking at 60+ international events annually. Named one of North America's top ten speakers and TEC Canada's Speaker of the Year 2024.

Trusted by American Express, Barclays Bank, IBM

Jim Harris, Speaker | AI & Innovation Expert
Jim Harris

Jim Harris

Toronto, Canada

Typical fee range

$26k–50k

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

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Toronto, Canada

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$26k–50k

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+44 203 835 2929

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Jim Harris's biography

At a glance

  • One of North America’s foremost thinkers on AI, GenAI, disruption, and innovation
  • International bestselling author of Blindsided
  • Management consultant working with Fortune 500 companies
Jim Harris is a leading authority on artificial intelligence, generative AI, and business disruption who presents at more than 60 international events annually. Association magazine named him one of North America's top ten speakers, and in 2024, TEC - the largest CEO peer mentoring network in Canada - recognized him as Speaker of the Year for his AI presentations. Jim also leads strategic planning sessions with executive teams. His impressive client list includes American Express, Barclays Bank, IBM, SAP, Munich Re, Walmart, and Zurich Insurance, as well as the UK Cabinet Office and the Top 200 CIOs of India. Jim's book, Blindsided!, has been published in 80 countries and became a number one international bestseller. Soundview Executive Summaries selected it as one of the year's best business books, distributing a summary to 80,000 executives globally. Through his keynotes, Jim helps organizations understand how AI and emerging technologies will reshape their industries and operations. He translates complex technological shifts into practical strategies that executive teams can implement immediately. His approach combines real-world case studies with actionable frameworks that help leaders anticipate market changes before competitors do. Audiences leave Jim's presentations with specific insights on applying AI to their business challenges, understanding which disruptions pose the greatest threats and opportunities, and developing concrete action plans for organizational transformation. His sessions have been described as mind-blowing, riveting, and eye-opening! Book Jim to help your organization move from reactive to proactive in an era of rapid technological change.

Jim's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

The AI Revolution: Our Most Transformative Tech
Jim Harris discusses how AI is reshaping business, government, and society, with productivity increases ranging from 10x to 10,000x. He highlights that AI could generate up to $4.4 trillion annually by 2030 and addresses its impact on various sectors, including healthcare. Attendees will learn practical strategies, actionable tools, and insights on implementing AI to enhance customer satisfaction, reduce costs, and improve organizational efficiency.
Leading In Turbulent Times
Jim Harris discusses the critical need for executives to master Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) in today's fast-paced business environment. He highlights the unprecedented speed of change, illustrated by significant market fluctuations and technological disruptions. Jim emphasizes that leadership strategies must evolve to foster resilience, adaptability, and bold decision-making. Attendees will learn how to navigate VUCA effectively, transforming challenges into opportunities and ensuring their organizations thrive amidst constant change.
How To Unleash Organisational Creativity
In this session, Jim Harris highlights that many companies tap into less than 50% of their employees' skills and motivation. With a significant number of baby boomers retiring, it's crucial for organizations to find innovative ways to engage their employees. Jim teaches attendees strategies to unlock talent, creativity, and collaboration within their teams.
Innovation Essentials For 21st-Century Organizations
Most organizations need to innovate – but no one wants to change! It’s the paradox of our time. A staggering 88% of CEOs say that innovation is essential to growth and profitability, but only 33% are happy with the results that they’re getting. But innovation doesn’t just happen on its own. Jim Harris takes his insights from working with Fortune 500 companies worldwide to explore why innovation is essential for 21st-century organizations.
Future Trends That Are Changing Your Business
Since 1990, Jim Harris has been helping organizations focus on the future. He was honoured to be the closing keynote speaker for the World Future Society conference, which brings together the leading futurists from around the globe. In this session, Jim will customize this presentation for your organization and industry, giving your team the essential insights on future trends that will have people talking, thinking, and acting differently long after your event.

Why we recommend booking Jim

Jim Harris transforms complex AI concepts into actionable strategies that executives can implement right away, helping organizations to stay ahead in today's fast-changing market. As TEC Canada's 2024 Speaker of the Year and bestselling author trusted by Fortune 500 companies, Jim delivers practical frameworks that turn technological disruption into competitive advantage. Book Jim today to move your organization from reactive to proactive.

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Trusted by American Express, Barclays Bank, IBM

Testimonials

Jim’s session was one of the most highly rated and I am certain that we will work with him in the future. What was particularly noteworthy was the accessibility and relevance of his material. Jim’s friendly, open style is critical in encouraging participants to take the material on board and shift their thinking.

Geoff Merchant

Centre for Management & Policy Studies, UK Cabinet Office

In the fast-paced global business environment, the possibility of being blindsided by a competitor or new market entrant is very real, even for businesses that appear most secure. Jim Harris offers real-life examples that will cause the reader to stop, think and question whether he or she is doing everything in his or her power to avoid being blindsided. A must-read for all senior executives.

Clare Hart

President & CEO, Factiva

Having attended countless sessions over the years, I am very selective. I am especially proud that one of the best messages I’ve heard at MPI was delivered by a Canadian – Jim Harris.

Marjorie Hamilton

Past Internal President, Meeting Professionals International

Featured Projects

Jim Harris - Blindsided! book cover
Jim Harris - The Learning Paradox book cover
Jim Harris - Disruption Magazine feature book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Jim Harris for my next event?
Email jim.harris@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.

What is Jim Harris's speaking style like?
Jim Harris structures his sessions around real-world case studies paired with actionable frameworks, translating complex technological shifts — particularly in AI and business disruption — into strategies that executive teams can implement immediately.

What topics does Jim Harris specialise in?
Jim Harris speaks on AI implementation and productivity, leadership in volatile and uncertain environments, and organisational creativity and talent engagement. He was named Speaker of the Year in 2024 by TEC, the largest CEO peer mentoring network in Canada, and his book Blindsided! reached number one on international bestseller lists and was published in 80 countries.

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.