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René Carayol MBE is one of the world’s most respected voices on inclusive leadership, business transformation, and corporate culture. As a Black British executive coach, broadcaster, and best-selling author, René brings a deeply personal perspective to leadership—one shaped by decades of experience navigating senior roles in some of the most powerful boardrooms, often as the only person of colour at the table. His story is one of breakthrough and transformation, using his own lived reality to challenge inequality and empower others to lead with purpose, compassion, and authenticity.
René began his career in the 1980s and swiftly rose through the ranks to hold major leadership positions in blue-chip organisations. He served as Systems Director at PepsiCo, and was later appointed Board Director and then Managing Director at IPC Media (now Time Inc. UK), where he helped lead Europe’s largest Management Buyout (MBO). These achievements made him the first Black board director at both companies—an extraordinary feat that underlines his pioneering impact on British corporate culture. In recognition of his contributions to business and diversity, René was awarded an MBE in 2004.
René’s voice and vision have earned him a place alongside world leaders, having advised the likes of Sir Richard Branson, Nelson Mandela, David Cameron, and Tony Blair. As the Founder & CEO of Everyone. and The Inspired Leaders Network, René champions inclusive practices and high-performance culture. His best-selling books, including Corporate Voodoo and SPIKE: What Are You Great At?, have become essential reading for leaders across sectors. His thought leadership also extends into academia as a Visiting Professor at Cass Business School, and he was named a LinkedIn Top Voice for his influence in modern leadership.
René is an electrifying keynote speaker who connects deeply with audiences through storytelling, insight, and real-world relevance. Whether delivering a speech on “Inclusive Leadership – Everybody In, Nobody Out” or “Culture is More Powerful Than Strategy”, he leaves his audiences not only inspired but equipped to act. René’s goal is always the same: to unlock the leadership potential in everyone, especially those historically excluded. With clients ranging from Google to the World Bank Group, René continues to drive transformational change in the world’s most influential organisations.
René Carayol is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:
“A very insightful delivery that is life-transforming. You cannot remain the same after being exposed to these concepts that René talks about. A true leader himself, René shares time-tested values and principles that deliver results. I have been impacted for life!”
“René Carayol really wowed the audience.”
“Still basking in the glory of Kuala Lumpur. What a success that was. Nearly everyone said it’s the best offsite they’ve ever been on.”
“I don’t know how to thank you enough. The grateful messages and emails are flooding in along the lines of ‘that was such a fantastic talk – one of the best I have ever attended’.”
“René’s wise counsel and experience has been transformational. Working intimately with René over the years has had a tremendous impact both on me and The World Bank.”
“A short note to say THANK YOU for a great session this morning. Your passion and energy for the topic really shone through and your authenticity through the story-telling really added to the whole experience.”
“I wanted to thank you for a fantastic session. You promised storytelling and emotion and you certainly delivered.”
“He is one of the most inspiring speakers and coaches I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.”
“A big thank you for your priceless inspiration and motivation to our fabulous team over the past three days. You have left a phenomenal impression on me personally.”
“That was such a fantastic talk – one of the best I have ever attended. I can’t wait to continue talking and to be able to do that face-to-face. You’ve lifted our spirits with an impact that will last way beyond today.”
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and the team, I couldn’t have achieved these outstanding results without your support and guidance along the way.”
The BAME Speakers Agency has been one of the UK’s leading bureaus for Black, Asian and minority ethnic speakers since 2020. We supply speakers for corporate and public events across the world, and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars.
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